NINETEEN
The crate wasn't nearly as heavy as expected and Jacob and I lifted it out without an issue.Obie looked spooked but remained flat on his belly while softly growling.
"We're just taking a little trip.You'll like where we're going," I said, hoping to put him at ease with my voice.
For safety, we put a fireproof blanket over the crate.It would block unwelcome sounds and smells and help smother the fire if he decided to burst into flames.
I didn't like that we couldn't see him anymore but
I cringed when we put the crate on the trolley with a loud clang.Obie jolted up and nervously curled back into another ball.He was doing so well though and hadn't set him or us on fire so I counted that as a win.
Jacob secured the cart on the trolley with straps and nodded."That shouldn't go anywhere."
"It's a good thing it's so early, that means we can use the main roads to get Obie to his new home," I said, still waiting for him to comment on how I handled the moving situation yesterday.
He just nodded."Good shout.Do you want to steer or push?"
"I'll push," I said, not quite confident enough to boss my boss around.It was better to let him take the lead so I didn't make another faux-pas.
With that decided, we set in motion.The park was lovely and quiet which was great because it meant less distraction and agitation for Obie.It was such a good sign that he hadn't burst into flames yet, maybe that meant we could accomplish this without causing him too much distress.
We got to a part of the path that was covered in bark chips which I wasn't too excited about but the detour would tack on five or ten more minutes and the park was about to wake up.Maintenance, nurses, security, keepers, canteen staff, they were all about to come in and that always roused the animals.
And we had some loud animals in the park.
Jacob grunted when he pulled the trolley on and I gave it a little extra push.The bark made for uneven rolling and it rattled the crate and the cart together.With every metallic clatter, I worried that Obie was getting more and more agitated.
Hopefully, we could get to the habitat before we wore his patience down.
We managed to make it across the bark chipping which meant it was the last stretch.I could see the habitat from here, it was just down the hill.
"How's our hellhound doing in there?"Jacob asked from the front of the cart.
"He seems nice and relaxed."I lifted the fireproof blanket to have a little peek and two red eyes stared right back at me."He looks nice and snug.I think he likes the small enclosed space."
"I think they made a nice den for him in the habitat," Jacob said, humming as he guided the cart along.
This was all going suspiciously well.I didn't know if Obie had just made a lot of progress or if he was so scared, he couldn't even combust.
We reached the crate and Jacob swiped his badge to gain entry.The gate unlocked with a click and that brought us to the last portion of the move.Carrying Obie's crate into the actual habitat.
"On my count," Jacob said as he released the straps."Three, two, one."
I lifted the crate, worried when I could feel Obie shift his weight which was throwing the balance off.
Shuffling backwards, Jacob kicked some doors open with his foot.One of them slammed and there was more rattling in the cage.Obie was getting agitated which was not a good thing.
"We should hurry," I said, although I was sure Jacob was coming to the same conclusion.
He nodded and opened another door with one hand which almost made the crate slip from my hands.The blanket slipped away and the sudden light made Obie bark.It was an unexpected loud noise that I hadn't heard from him before and not a good one.
"Just a little further, Obie," I said, but it was too late.
He pawed at the bars of the transport crate and his nails scraped down the metal.I could smell the sparks before they landed on his fur where they instantly engulfed him with fire.
Jacob shouted for me to step away when he released his grip, making the crate tip towards the ground.The rational part of my brain knew I should let go but the foolish part of me was too concerned with dropping him on the ground.
I pulled back but I could tell from the way my hands were tingling that I held on for too long.
