Rex in Reeboks: A Talking Dog’s Plan

Abigail never wanted a dog. Not this one. Not Rex—the scruffy, stubborn mutt that her late father left her. After the funeral, her sisters took the house and the car. Abigail? She got Rex. Seventy-five pounds of mischief wrapped in fur that smelled like a forgotten gym sock. Her tiny apartment in South Chicago wasn’t exactly “dog-friendly,” but there they were—two misfits thrown together by fate. She sighed, dragging the leash from the hook. “Come on, Rex. Time for a walk.”
“Nope.” Abigail froze. She scanned the room. No one there. The voice came again, gruff and amused. “Nope, I’m not going.” Her mouth went dry. She blinked. “Did you just… talk?” The dog—or whatever he was—tilted his head. “Yes, I talked. And my name isn’t Rex. It’s Alexander. Alexander. Not ‘Alex,’ not ‘Zander.’ Alexander.” Abigail’s heart pounded. She wasn’t crazy. At least, not yet.

Alexander paced, stretching his paws. “Look, I’m not some ordinary dog. Your dad knew me as Rex, but I’m smarter than that. I’m sophisticated. Cultured. And I’m freezing my paws off in this Chicago winter. If I’m going outside, I want shoes. Real shoes.” Abigail rubbed her temples. Talking dog, shoe demands… what next? But underneath her disbelief, a tiny spark of curiosity flickered.

So she did what any rational person would do: she bought him tiny baby Reeboks. Expensive ones. But Alexander rejected those first attempts with theatrical flair. “Too tight, too itchy, too… pathetic.” After some careful sewing, stuffing, and straps, she finally fitted him with sneakers that fit perfectly. Alexander strutted around like he owned the city. “Better,” he said, burping after gobbling down the burgers Abigail brought home. “And by the way, that dry kibble? Torture.”

Abigail narrowed her eyes. “Alright, Alexander, what’s the catch? Why don’t I just call animal control and be done with this?” Alexander’s tail tucked for a moment. “Look, I get it. We’re both hurting. I miss your dad, and you miss him too. But maybe… maybe I can help you. You want more than this cramped apartment and dead-end jobs, right? I know what you want. I’ve been watching.” Abigail scoffed but let him continue. “Tomorrow, go to work. Leave the door unlocked. Let me do my thing.”

The next morning, exhausted from double shifts, Abigail returned to her sofa. Alexander trotted in, mouth full of magazines—hiking, camping, wild trails in the Pacific Northwest. “What’s this?” she asked. “Research,” Alexander said, licking his chops. “You dream about fresh air and mountains, not diner booths and laundry soap.” Weeks passed. Abigail read every page while Alexander planned.

Then one chilly morning, Alexander woke her with a nudge and a leash in his teeth. “Come on,” he said. “We’re going to meet your future.” In the park, Alexander pointed with his paw. “There. Doctor Jason. Blue pants, black shirt, yellow lab. Perfect match.” Abigail raised an eyebrow. “How do you know all this?” “Dogs talk to dogs, Abigail. It’s how I know. I’m not just a talking dog—I’m a matchmaking genius.” She wasn’t sure whether to laugh or scream. Alexander gave her a gentle nudge. “Now, act natural. Or better yet… faint. He’ll notice you more.” “Faint? Seriously?” Before she could refuse, Alexander barked sharply and nudged her knees. Her legs gave out, and she slid onto the snowy grass.

Jason rushed to her side, his concerned eyes locking with hers. “Are you alright?” he asked, steadying her. Abigail managed a weak smile. “I think so.” “Let’s get you warmed up with some coffee,” he said. As they walked away together, Alexander trotted beside them, tail wagging.

Months later, Abigail stood at the window of her new Seattle apartment. Mt. Rainier’s majestic silhouette cut through the morning fog. Jason was in the kitchen, and Alexander lounged on the sunlit patio, next to his new friend Sandy—the yellow lab. “We’re heading out for a hike,” Abigail said. Alexander stretched. “If you bring back a steak, I might forgive you for those first booties.” Abigail laughed, the sound full of hope. She had no idea where this talking dog would take her next—but she was ready for the adventure.