Max and Duke stood rigid with fear as they watched the bushes. Gulping, Max tried to sound brave as he barked, "Whoever's there, show yourself! We're not afraid to fight!" His voice cracked though. Nodding his head rapidly, Duke added in, "Snowball, if that's you, I hope you're ready for the thunder and lightning!" But his voice cracked as well.

Just then, the bushes parted to reveal Mel and Buddy, Sweetpea hovering above their heads. "Buddy, I think we're getting close! The scent is getting stronger!" Mel yipped, his face almost touching the ground. His pals had stopped but he continued onwards, unaware that Max and Duke were right there until he bumped into Duke. Lifting his head, his curly tail wagged happily as Mel cried triumphantly, "We found them!"

"Well done... idiot..." Chloe grumbled as she stepped out of the bushes. An elderly basset hound in a wheelchair followed her. Max and Duke gaped in awe, surprised their friends were out here. Their faces turned into horror though when a very familiar hairless cat stepped out. Seeing their reaction, the cat meowed, "Relax, I'm not gonna terrorize you."

"What are you guys doing out here?" Max asked. Leaning towards Chloe, the basset hound mumbled, "Rhonda, I thought he'd be taller." Tilting his head to the side a little, Duke questioned, "Rhonda?"

"Please don't ask," Chloe murmured. However, the basset hound beside her explained, "Oh yeah, this is my girlfriend Rhonda. Name's Pops." Chloe rolled her eyes.

"Girlfriend huh?" Max snickered. Chloe hissed in response. "How'd you guys find us?!" Duke asked, still amazed that their friends were here. Smiling shyly, Buddy answered quietly, "It's a long story."

"You should be thanking her," the cat piped up, pointing towards the sky. Confused, both Max and Duke looked up to see a shadow passing overhead. And then it swooped down at them.