Inubu: The Dog Club (犬部！)

[ This is based on a true story, but is fictional. The characters, organizations, names, etc. are fictional and have no relation to the real thing. ]

So, euthanasia is a very big and difficult issue.

That's all for today. If anyone has any questions, please come up to me.

The report on spinal column injuries is due tomorrow,

so don't forget that. Dismiss.

Hanai, we're going to have a report prep session. Wanna come?

Oh, sorry, I can't. I've got a kid waiting.

- What? - Nice. - They're still babies.

You're a father?

Well, yeah.

- Keep it up. - Keep it up.

H-Hey... Excuse, excuse me.

Excuse me. Excuse me...

Sota!

- Did she gave birth? - She did.

- Can I come and take a look later? - Sure.

Yes!

I'm home, Hanako.

Yes, I'm home. Yeah, yeah.

Where's Ayumi? Ayumi.

Ayumi? How'd it go?

You're all doing well. Good.

I'm coming in.

Shh.

Ah, wait, wait...

So cute....

They are trying their best to live.

Yes.

Rumi, too.

Rumi.

She's doing great.

So cute.

Ah! Yoshimi, can I ask you a favor?

What is it?

Can you go to Shibasaki's and borrow some materials?

What? Now?

I need it to write a report for tomorrow.

Why don't you just go yourself? Right?

Because of them...

Leave them to me. I had 10 cats at home.

Right. Sorry.

No, no. It's really great seeing puppies and kittens.

Now, please go.

- I'm counting on you! - Yeah!

What's wrong?

You want this?

Here.

I've got some more.

Here, here...

Here.

Good, good, good...

What are you doing here? What's wrong?

It's okay. It's okay. Hey, hey.

- So... you brought her home? - Yeah.

Is that okay?

Her life or surgical reports are more important.

No, it's...

Hey, you...

I'm almost done.

Okay, okay. Wait.

There we go. There we go.

Sota, you are by far the biggest dog freak

I've ever met in my life.

What, dog freak?

I am respectfully referring to people

who live for their dogs, as "dog freaks".

Oh, and by the way, I'm a "cat freak."

You're a cat freak? I'm a dog freak?

Probably the other freak.

- Sota, I brought the materials! - Oh, thank you!

- Huh? - That's great.

What's wrong with that dog?

See? A freak, right?

That's so true.

Huh? "freak"?

She's got no expression.

- Yeah. - There's scars all over her body.

Where'd you come from?

I'll have to call the animal shelter and the police.

If it's a stray dog, we'll find her a new owner soon, don't worry.

- Have you decided on a name yet? - Name?

Let's see...

Niko.

Because you don't even smile.

I see. It's Niko.

I hope one day you can smile.

Yes.

You'll be alright.

Want some?

- The hell is this... - It's chips.

They gave me a sample.

This is a dog food.

The spring rush of delivery left me with no money.

- It's not so bad, you know. - I don't want it.

I found Niko's owner!

"Surgery Laboratory."

Tsk. So Niko is Amuro's dog

- That means Niko is... - A dog for surgical practice.

Maybe she was intended to be euthanized at the animal shelter...

By practice, you mean they use live dogs, right?

Yes, they cut open the belly of an innocent dog

and take its life.

- You'll understand in four years. - Sota!

Careful of what you say.

I know. It has contributed to the advancement of veterinary medicine.

I know.

But I'm not giving Niko back.

We can't cause any more trouble for Professor Amuro.

What if you can't be a vet?

Can I help you?

This.

You found her?

I'm Akita, fourth year veterinary student, and I'm helping Professor Amuro.

- Where's Professor Amuro? - He's not here.

No, but thank you for saving her. It was my fault she escaped.

She escaped?

I'll pick her up later. Thank you.

Your address is...

Ah... Thank you earlier.

Come in. Keep your shoes on.

Oh, so these are the dogs you guys say you're personally protecting.

Yes.

- Oh, Hanai, it's been a while. - Hello.

I never thought I'd find her here with you.

It's like the dog knows what it's doing.

She thought, "Oh, this person can help me."

But it doesn't work like that.

- This dog is... - I know, sir.

Sota.

Niko.

You gotta go.

Akita, help him.

Yes.

Excuse me, Mr. Hanai.

Okay, come here.

Hey, it's gonna be okay, okay?

Come on...

Come on. Good.

Hanai, thank you for protecting her.

Please excuse us.

Niko...

I'm sorry.

Sota, what is it?

Don't ask any questions. Just come to the apartment.

Huh? What... No...

- No one followed you here, right? - What?

Never mind. Just get in here.

Niko!

Hello...

Sota! Wait... you didn't steal her...

No!

I was on my way home after class,

and Niko was there.

She ran away again.

She wanted to see me.

So what are you gonna do?

This time it's not looking good.

What are you going to do?

They're here.

Is our dog in your care again?

No.

Sota.

Don't.

We have your dog.

Oh, I see.

May I?

Excuse me.

Sota.

Niko.

- Niko. - Niko. Let's go, Niko.

- It's okay, it's okay. - Niko.

Niko.

Niko.

Niko.

Niko.

Sota.

Niko, good girl...

Then I'll take her.

No, wait, Akita.

I'm giving this dog to Hanai.

She's struggled to escape this far. I can't take away that vitality.

We're studying veterinary medicine

to save animals' lives.

Life is good, isn't it?

Well then, take care of her.

This is a special case.

Yes, thank you very much.

You might just change the world of veterinarians.

Bye.

Akita, you're done for today.

Ah, yes.

Niko, you are saved!

This is great, Sota.

Excuse me, the collar...

- No, not good at all! - What?

Niko was saved, but it was a special case.

I don't want one animal to die on my watch.

Then what are you gonna do?

I need help. I could save more if I had help.

- Which is why I'm thinking of starting a club. - A club?