02 · Meeting, collection and first days
Three Days & Four Soft Touches
The Scout Report
“Ross did the driving. Barry sat beside me. I thought that was a very sensible division of duties.”
A word from Scout · imagined dialogueThe real story behind this edition
The three days in this comic are counted from Barry’s first meeting with Scout at the kennels. The farm and Joyce’s intervention come before them.
Ross drove the silver Mercedes; Barry sat in the back with Scout. Barry slept downstairs with him that first night. The first morning brought a howl. Later, a gunshot frightened Scout: Barry brought a blanket and roast chicken, then waited beside him until he was ready.
1. Three Days & Four Soft Touches
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The people behind it
Joyce got me to safety. She called Sinead. Sinead messaged Ross. Ross messaged Barry.
Scout: ‘Joyce and Sinead had a plan. Barry and Ross were about to become dog people on a full-time basis.’
Day one · The interview
Scout: ‘Barry crouched down to say hello. Lovely man. We both wondered how he’d get back up.’
Day two · Collected
Ross drove. Barry sat in the back with Scout.
Scout: ‘Ross drove like he had royalty in the back. Barry looked like he’d won me in a raffle.’
That night
Barry slept downstairs so Scout would not be alone.
Scout: ‘He stayed downstairs for me. I kept an eye on him. First nights can be hard on humans.’
Day three · Morning
Awoooo!
Scout: ‘Ross thought he’d collected a collie. Barry was discovering the alarm-clock feature.’
Later
A gunshot frightened Scout. Barry brought chicken and waited beside him, about ninety minutes. The temporary tether was used for immediate safety while Barry fetched food and a blanket; it was not how Scout lived in his new home.
Scout: ‘He waited until I was ready. I decided to keep him. Ross could stay too.’
The events come from Scout’s real story. His thoughts and dialogue are imagined, and some editions contain adult humour. Earlier comics keep their original titles here.
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