Carmen Dog by Carol Emshwiller Read Free Book Online Page A

dumb animals who were not worth consideration, politeness, time, effort, gifts. Of course some soon found out that this was not necessarily the case ... many who were involved with wolves or geese or other species that mate for life got themselves into more trouble than they bargained for.
    At any rate, most seem to be coping silently and, at times, desperately, trying to keep control of the situation in any way they can and, as can be seen from what is happening at the pound, many are involved in quite violent and deadly solutions. To be fair, however, one must admit that a small percentage of the men are trying to help out as best they can, both in bringing reason to chaos and also in bringing a little happiness or, at the very least, some small comforts, to everyone's lives—whether human or animal or half and half—inasmuch as such a thing may be possible.
    A few days of rest and recuperation pass and finally the time comes when the doctor's wife tells them they are to prepare for visitors and that they will soon meet the doctor himself. They are all eager to have the chance, at last, to thank the kind gentleman for saving their lives and perhaps to talk to him about their futures. Each has a plan of her own for the continuation of her life: to one it is to be dropped off in the wilds of Canada near some beaver dam, to another it is to be left near some barn. Phillip isn't sure whether she wants a job in a disco or not. Pooch, of course, will mention opera, but most of all she will ask to be of service in any way she can, regardless of how menial the tasks.
    From the doctor's log:
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    May 14: Windows closed off and quarters stripped of all frills except for the mother sampler and the home is best cushion. Most of Rosemary's contributions removed: newspapers, old magazines and books, plants, radio, lamp shades, curtains, cushions, etc. Also forks and spoons (had already vetoed knives). Had all name tags removed and subjects numbered instead: 101 to 119.
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    May 16: Entered dayroom for the first time with the grant committee. Am sure subjects did not know which one I was. They were all in their cages and wearing the new sterilized blue smocks I had purchased for them. Was told by examiners am sure to get grant money or most of it, and to go ahead and purchase computer and electrical equipment. Said it was already on order. They seemed pleased that no time is being wasted.
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    May 17: Interviewed each subject separately. Refused to answer any of their queries or to speak with them in any but the manner that I myself had outlined. Thought it best to remain entirely scientific. Asked each of them exactly the same questions and made sure to ask them in exactly the same manner. Then took pictures of them naked against a grid, front, side, and back views in order to chart their changes. Some could not stand up quite straight; but whether to write down, “as yet” or “any more” am not sure, but will soon find out. A good deal of nervous giggling went on during this, though a few seemed to find it painful and tried to hide behind their hands or hair or feathers. Many looked as ridiculous as Joshua trees, stiff in their embarrassment, but one or two flaunted themselves before me.
    When dealing with number 107, made sure to have cattle prod handy and that she was handcuffed before being brought in. Rosemary reported that she had no trouble doing this. 107 seemed anxious to please, even asked to be of help on the project in any way she could. She's up to something, of course. Probably can't wait to get her paws on these notes. I assured her that she was going to be of help and simply went on asking the planned questions in the prescribed way. She responded conscientiously enough, though I know her gentleness is an act. She could fool many people, but she doesn't fool me. What's she trying to prove, and why? Am sure she knows more than the others.
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    List of trick questions for the subjects