The little pup’s head raised at the somewhat familiar tongue the male was using. He wasn’t stupid, having been trained since he was small. Warily sniffing at the offered hand, the small pup decided that maybe the stranger wouldn’t hurt him. Maybe he could take a break, he had been out for a while and a bit of a petting would be nice. Jumping at the chance, he placed his front paws on the male’s knees and leaned up to lick his face in happiness as his tail wagged back and forth. It seemed as if the dog have forgotten its little ‘mission’ as well as the idea of going home just for the moment.
“Akio! Akio!” of course, it wasn’t the same for his owner. Looking over the fence to see if she might spot the little troublemaker before she would have to return home. Part of her wondered just what is it that could have made the hyperactive dog run off like that, he was usually so well-behaved at home and it worried her immensely. Deciding that thinking too much about it would only cause unnecessary worry, she quickly shoved the train of thought into the back of her mind.
“Honestly, where could you go?“ tongue switching into English out of habit, finding just the tiniest bit of comfort in using the more familiar language. Now if only she could find the little troublemaker, then all her worries would disappear.
Pets were freely given to the beagle, and Hakuba couldn’t begrudge the animal for sneaking a kiss or two. That tail wag was something he’d missed from his own dogs, who were unfortunately still in London. He rubbed his hands over the shoulders and neck of the dog, with spared scratches and rubbings for the ears, and took the collar and tag in his hands. It listed the dog’s name, Akio, but nothing else. Hm.
"Well, love, it looks like you’ve got an owner, but no phone number. I can’t take you inside or Mum will come up with some kind of a scheme to get you home, so…” The detective reached to the tie around his neck and loosened it, then pulled the silk fabric from around his collar.
“I don’t think we have any spare leads, so this will have to do. Try not to bite it too awfully much, please?” He threaded the tie around the collar and tied a secure knot. He’d have used his belt, but it was likely that it wasn’t long enough. Gripping the other end of the tie, he looped it once around his wrist, then stood up straight. It was a short lead, but about regulation size for show, and would have to do.
“Come along, Akio… let’s take a little walk and see if we can’t find your master.” Hakuba once again clicked his tongue, then headed off to leave the grounds and get out onto the neighborhood sidewalk.