TWO WEEKS LATER...

Max sat at the dog park, watching his friends playing in the distance quietly. Over the course of two weeks, things have been going smoothly. In fact, he and Duke now considered each other brothers. Everyone had gotten used to the giant mutt, including Chloe and Pepe. The only concern everyone had now was where Norman had gone. No one had seen the young guinea pig for awhile. Some speculated that he had managed to find his apartment and decided to stay there. However, Chloe believed that something else was going on.

Just then, an almost inaudible sigh interrupted Max from his thoughts. Turning around, the terrier discovered that the source of the sigh had come from his brother Duke. The big dog was gazing longingly into the distance. Confused, Max asked softly, "Something troubling you Duke? You've been looking like this for a couple of days now."

"Oh, nothing! Nothing's troubling me," Duke exclaimed. A moment later, his voice carried a hint of sadness as he went on, "Except... I'm just wondering how... how Fred is doing right now." His eyes watered slightly at his old owner's name. Biting his lip, Max glanced down at his paws. I wish I could help, he thought, mentally kicking himself. All of the sudden, a lightbulb went off in his head.

"Duke," Max stated, "How would you like to see your owner again?"