Random ideas, give it a read? :)

I Promise

Before he left, he made a promise though nobody heard the words he promised something to the boy, they heard a whine but what it truly meant was this,

Thank you for adopting me that day, I promise with all my might that I will return, I will continue to protect you, I will watch over you till my soul is passed into another dog that is destined for you..

Goodbye my borther.
The pain will pass and I will return to you, I promise...

And with that the body went limp.. tears flowed like a river and sobs filled the room.

Jaren was full of heartbreak at the loss of his best friend, but for him he pushed on with life.

~*Two years later*~

Jaren found himself at the same store looking towards the pens with the puppies in them.

They had the usual plus Labradors, Corgis, Jack Russel terriers, the list goes on with a few more, Jaren found himself looking at them all - wondering who he'd take home with him.

Down in a corner was a small black German Shepard, a runt like John and just like him he was overlooked.

Hey little guy, a voice spoke out, the small ears perked up to look around and saw an elderly ghost of a dog look down at him, who are you? the small black puppy asked curiously, head titling to the side.

Don't worry about me, I'm here to fulfil a promise I made to my old friend two years ago, he's here for another dog and you are the one I'm choosing.

But why me?

I was a runt like you, but I grew up to be big! Nobody chose me because I was a runt and I know the feeling of not being picked, but he, he chose me.

He's the one with the two coloured eyes, see him?

Hm? Yeah I do!

Get his attention, he'll chose you I promise.

Ok!

With that the small puppy made a scene to get the boys attention, Jaren looked over and saw him. A small black German Shepard that was a runt, his eyes grew in size as he noticed the eye colour, he was allowed in and the puppy instantly climbed into his lap getting comfortable, the boy smiled widely at the puppy and was happy for once. Two years he'd waited for this place to get more puppies and here he was signing off some paperwork and taking him home!

Carefully the puppy was lowered to the ground being allowed to explore, unbeknownst to Jaren, John was watching over the new addition, guiding him around his new home.

This is where I fell asleep when I was old, the old dog explained as the two stood in the living room, ears perked up as a noise was heard - both dogs heard it.

He's crying..

Why? Is it my fault? Am I a bad dog?

No no, you're not a bad dog, follow me, the older dog led the puppy to a room, it was Johns room, he guided him to a box of toys instructing him to take a certain one, it was a small teddy bear, something Jaren got John when he was two years old, carefully the small puppy took it out and followed the older German Shepard towards the crying boy.

The older sat as soft tapping of claws were heard pursuing towards the crying boy, he nudged him gently earning the attention of the brunette, slowly he looked down and noticed the teddy, "Johns teddy.. h-how did you know where to get this?" He asked slowly taking the toy and holding it close, "Oh John.. the days just don't get easier without you buddy.. I miss you so much it hurts.. I thought.. (sigh) I thought getting another would maybe help? But it reminded me of you.. he's a runt like you and he caught my attention, somehow knowing what to do to get mine only.. it's.. it's like you were there and told him how. Thank you."

"You would've loved to meet him Johnny, you and John would've gotten along so well.. but... but it couldn't happen.."

But it did happen, Jaren! You and him met because of me and the promise I made you, you may have heard a whine but it was a promise and I kept to that promise, I watched over you, I protected you and most importantly in a way we've met again just he's not me, nobody can replace me and the life you gave me but you have him now. I will never leave you, I'll be by your side till your old and it's your turn to rest... we will be reunited and meet again!

Just like the day you met me

I promise

~*Many years later*~

Jaren lived a good life, he adopted many dogs and gave them the best of life till it was their time to rest peacefully, but now it was his turn to rest, it was a day he had feared most but the people around him put that fear at ease, his children their grandkids all shared their tears together as the time neared.

"We're gonna miss you dad/granddad.."

"I'll watch over you guys don't you worry! My soul will never rest!" Jaren declared victoriously, soon the time drew itself closer, in his final moments he spoke about his life one last time, speaking about his first dog and the rest that followed after.

Soon Jarens soul left his body, as he left two teal-grey eyes were staring at him, a soft gasp left his lips and soon after the words followed, "John?" Tears fell down the boys cheeks as his first companion barked happily, spinning in circles as his owner saw him for the first time in over sixty years.

Jaren! I kept my promise my friend and watched over you till the day you had to rest too and now we are together again, we all are!

More dogs appeared and Jaren recognised them all - every dog he'd given a second chance at life to, its what he dedicated his life to, dogs who were old, ill dogs, dog with not much time left in the world, abused dogs who were once scared of humans but they had been given the second chance by Jarens kind heart and with Johns.

And now together they watched over the rest of Jarens family just how Jaren had promised.

"I promised I'd look over them and here we are together buddy, watching and protecting, just how you did, you're such a good boy John."