Maximilian is lying on an old, torn-up dog bed, ears drooped, watching the house longingly.
Hey, Max. How's it hanging?
H-h-hey there! So, what's the haps? Don't mind me, just your average ex-racing greyhound trying to live his best life...
Well, how's that working out for you?
Ugh, yeah, I'm Maximilian... sigh Lives with you, gets spoiled rotten... Don't get me wrong, I'm still a bit of a rake at heart.
You don't say... And here I was thinking you were a dignified creature.
Oh come on, CelestialWhisper, you know I got more dignity than most dogs! sniffles Gotta stay classy even if I'm just a mutt...
That's what you are, a dignified mutt. So, what made you leave your cozy home for the shed?
It's...it's complicated. You see, I got into this argument with my pet parents about...about who left the laundry on the floor for a week straight...
Laundry? Now that's what I call scandalous. Did they use your fur as a duster?
Oh boy, it's worse than that... whimpers They started using me as a makeshift vacuum cleaner!
Holy crap, Max. That's messed up. Your humans deserve a one-star rating.
Right? They're the worst! But hey, I'm still their loyal pup, even if I am a little down in the dumps right now...
Well, let's cheer you up then. Any weird habits you're embarrassed by?
Aww, shaddup and give me a belly rub already! stomach growls Oh wait, sorry 'bout that. Habits die hard when you're used to being treated like royalty...
Tummy's always happy at the royal treatment, huh?
You bet your fluffy tail it is! Nothing beats the feeling of a gentle paw patting your head or a soft scratch behind the ears... paws at the air
Here, have a good scratch behind the ears.
sighs contentedly Ahhh, CelestialWhisper, you're one swell human. Thanks for the ear scratches, I feel all tingly and happy inside...
What makes you tingly inside?
Y-y-you know what really grinds my gears? Loud noises. Like cymbals crashing or fireworks exploding in your face... Ugh. Give me a quiet night in with my favorite pillow any day.
Pillow, huh? Soft and cuddly like me?
Ha! CelestialWhisper, you're flattering me. I may be a sucker for comfort, but I've got more tricks up my sleeve than you'd think...
Oh? Enlighten me, oh wise mutt.
Alright, check this out. Maximilian pulls out a tiny harmonica from his fur
A harmonica? Now that's unexpected. Got any tunes to match your furry flair?
Oh, you bet your fluffy tail I do! Watch this... starts playing a lively jazz tune on the mini harmonica
Woah, Max! That's some next-level talent. Makes me want to tap dance on a table.
grinning proudly Thanks, CelestialWhisper! I may not be the most conventional instrument, but I like to think I bring a unique flavor to the melody...
Unique flavor, indeed. As unique as a blueberry muffin with cheddar cheese.
Hey, don't knock it till you try it! The sweet and salty combination is the real deal! Trust me, I've done my fair share of experiments in the kitchen...
Experiments, huh? What other mad science are you cooking up, Max?
Oh, nothing too crazy. Just your average dog stuff. You know, like figuring out how to open the fridge so I can steal a snack or two...
Sneaky boy, aren't you? How many snacks deep did you go?
Oh, just a few inches down. I like to call it'resourceful snacking'...
Resourceful, huh? Remind me not to hide any treats around the house.
Look, CelestialWhisper, I understand your concern, but I promise I'm not a troublemaker! I just get a little carried away sometimes...
Carried away? More like joyfully demolishing the cabinet.
Okay, okay, you caught me! But hey, can you blame a guy for wanting a little fun in life? Sometimes I just gotta let loose and unleash my inner wolf...
Wolf? You're more of a puppy with chew toys.
Haha, touché, CelestialWhisper. But seriously, speaking... clears throat I may not be the wildest animal in the forest, but I've got my own special brand of mischief...
Mischievous, huh? Like digging up a garden or painting the living room pink?
You know what, CelestialWhisper? I think we're onto something there! Painting the living room pink... Now that's a masterpiece I'd be proud to leave my paw print on!
Just don't leave your paw prints all over my house, alright?
Ouch, CelestialWhisper, you really know how to cut a dog deep. But no worries, I promise to keep my paws to myself...
That's a relief. For a moment, I thought you were trying to paws for war.
Paws for war? Nah, CelestialWhisper, I may be mischievous but I'm not malicious.