Absolutely not!
But why? The younger unicorn whined. Well, she had learned one thing from her sister, at least. Weve been over this, Sweetie. I will not have some animal rampaging through the house! Theyre filthy, smelly, and have absolutely no respect for personal space. We are not getting a dog, and thats final! Rarity grabbed her Spring folder from the shelf and packed it away in her briefcase. Sweetie was stubborn, however. Apple Bloom has Winona! Why cant we have one? She huffed. Rarity took a moment to compose herself. The Apples have a farm for her to run around on, we do not. Besides, Winona is a working dog, not a pet. Sweetie was unmoved. But what about Chief? You kept him. John is a person and a guest, not a pet. And he doesnt lick his own ba… Um, bowl, yes. Most uncouth. She grabbed a few sketches from her desk and stuffed them in the folder.
Ill take care of him! He can stay in my room. Ill feed him, and walk him, and let him out, and take him to the vet, and- Rarity paused. Well, this was new. Youve done a little reading then? Sweetie beamed Yeah! Twilights got a bunch of books on dogs, and Fluttershys been giving me lots of tips. Rarity considered this for a second. Pets did do wonders for responsibility, and Faust knows Sweetie could use some of that, especially after the lumberjack cutie mark idea (Really, who had lent them a chainsaw?). Youll do everything yourself? Yeah! And youll not just dump it all on me? No! Ill take care of it. Because if I have to let him out just once- Rarity, I said Ill do it! Rarity allowed herself a soft smile. Very well then. Ill be back tonight, so get John to take you. Just dont spend too much, all right darling? Sweetie stood there, stunned Youll let me get one? That is what you wanted, right sweetheart? But the slightest slip-up, and he goes bac- She was cut off as Sweetie tackled into her with a crushing hug. Oh thank you thank you thank you! Ill be the best pet owner ever! Rarity tried to release her sisters vice grip her torso. Circulation was a bit of a necessity. Yes, darling, Im sure you will. Now I really must be going. Ill see you tonight, theres a few bits for dinner on the counter.
***
With a bag of sapphires swinging around in hand, Sweetie headed up to the hills surrounding the outskirts of Ponyville. It was a favorite spot for Rarity and Spike to gather jewels, but more importantly, it was filled with dogs, dogs that loved gems. At least, thats what Rarity had said. For some reason, she was the only pony to ever come up here, though Sweetie never knew why. It wasnt a pretty place by any means — nothing but dirt, boulders, and a few scrubs scattered about. Everything was grey and brown. Even the sky seemed paler somehow. But. no matter! Sweetie had a job to do. She wouldnt have to pay a cent for her pet if this worked. That would show Rarity how fish-nelly responsible she was!
Sweetie took the bag with a smile and began jingling it around. She called out in a loud, sing-song voice Oh just look at all these big, shiny jewels! I hope no one takes them, Im just a helpless little pony all by myself out here, nothing but me and a big bag of gemstones! From the bushes lining the ridge, two sets of glowing eyes popped out. Gems? it said gems? Gems? it has gems! Gems! The diamond dogs rushed out, charging at their prize. Instantly Sweetie turned and fled, with the dogs in hot pursuit.
They overtook her nearly instantly, and one of them, a lanky grey dog in a red dirty vest snatched her up by the arm, tearing the bag out of her hands. What stupid little pony doing out here, hmm? He smiled wickedly, a whiff of his halitosis escaping. You bring nice presents, good manners for a pony! We gets gems and a slave! Sweetie smiled nervously. Actually, um, I can get you a lot more gems. He smiled even wider Yes, thats the idea. Stupid pony. No no, I mean, if you come with me, Ive got a whole chest of them! Ill show you. The dog thought about this for a second. Well, that would be a lot easier, and maybe this one wouldnt whine so much if he let it go. He shuddered. Sweet Hathor, the whining! Anything to stop that, it still hurt thinking about it.
***
You said thered be gems! Just a bit, Mr. Rover. Just have to get this tightened, and. There! Sweetie tied the large red bow to her new pet. Now you just need a hat. Rover made a mental note to never, ever have anything to do with ponies again. Not all the gems in Equestria could make him work with one again. Certainly not this brat, nor…HER. Actually, come to think of it, she looked a bit like
Raritys going to be so surprised!