When the girl reaches her hand out towards the dog its tail begins wagging enthusiastically; however, it stays seated by its owner. Bruno was a German shepherd and he had been meticulously trained to follow commands. They could be a dangerous breed if not trained, their sheer body weight alone could knock a person over. Oz had always been a big dog lover. He’d had an animal by his side his entire life, to be without one would feel like loosing an arm. He smiles widely when the woman enters, she certainly wasn’t the usual type to walk through his doors, but any customer was welcomed. Money didn’t discriminate after all.
“It is indeed, darlin’.” He responds, walking towards her with a pleasant smile. “His name is Bruno, don’t let his appearance fool you, he’s a big softie.” On most nights Oz didn’t bring Bruno down into the main area of the casino as it could be hard to keep an eye on him when dealing with customers. But as the dog had been locked inside all day whilst Oz was out meeting ‘business’ partners, the male had felt they deserved some time out. There was no need for customers to fear the animal, not once had he attacked anyone without an order to.
“You can give him a stroke, he doesn’t bite.”
Oz had never directly spoken to Dory, but he was aware of who she was. Most people in town were, the girl with persistent memory loss after a tragic accident. It was hard to not feel sympathy for her. As the other approaches to rub Bruno, Oz observes her in a manner of mere curiosity. Did she mean to come here or was she lost? Oz may be a swindler, but he wasn’t so low as to deceive a woman with amnesia. His head tilts to the side, that pleasant smile not fading.
“So how can I help you doll? Are you here to roll a few dice? Stack some cards? Or maybe slot machines are more your style? We have it all, just name your game.”
A German shepherd of course, built sturdy just like his human companion. They had this sort of statuesque look to them, like the two had been cast into stone for saving a village. It was the kind of partnering that could intimidate anybody, but not Dory. She just felt an primal need to tell this “puppy” how much she loved him upon the first time meeting. Once given permission her eyes moved from the gentleman’s charming smile to the new recipient of her affection. “Bruno” She repeated. Immediately reaching behind the big attentive ears to give them a scratch. It must be hard to reach back there and give the gentle attention Dory was giving them.
“Hello I’m Dory. You are so squishy and cute. Aren’t you just the sweetest most wonderful doggo to walk this earth? Yes you are.” Leaning down to more of the dog’s level while planting a soft kiss on his forehead to solidify his good-boyness.
What an entirely different world she had entered. It was like nothing she had ever seen before with all the lights and the way the floor moved into so many different places. At her gym there was just a room for swimming and a room for weights. Not much else was needed, but here there was so many possibilities everywhere the eye could see. It was all so overwhelming and strange. The way the man spoke about it too seemed to match the energy of the place. Looking up at him while still keeping close to Bruno she replied “Oh dear, I’m not one to normally bet my seashells on anything. Unless I’m betting on myself. I’m really good at swimming.” She said as if she would go right now and race somebody this instant. “No I think I’m lost actually. I’m kinda glad I did lose my path though. This place is a splash! Did you build it yourself?”
