Right in front of me.

"I would like for you to understand something Mr. McKay," Ms. Mevan smiled, moving her hair away from her neck. Samuel came to stand behind her and placed the collar around her neck. "Samuel isn't an Animal. I am."

The collar clicked shut and Ms. Mevan's face and entire body went slack. When her eyes opened next, I believe that I could be mistaken, but I saw no trace of the refined woman I had conversed with only moments ago. Instead I saw admiration, devotion and curiosity. Samuel snapped his fingers and gave a short whistle. Ms. Mevan's head turned over and she yipped at him. Clambering over her couch, she hung onto him and licked all over his face. "Down, girl, down!" he laughed, holding her at bay. Attaching the leash to her collar, he beckoned her off and onto the floor. "C'mon, c'mon, let's go for a short walkies around the room." He ordered.

Barking happily, Ms. Mevan followed along at his heel, crawling on all fours, like the dog she claimed to be, her dress completely uncared for. I watched silently as a **** led his Mistress... or was it a Master leading his Pet, around the perimeter of the room. "Alright, Ms. Mevan, I see your point."

At the sound of my voice, she turned and snarled, baring her teeth at me. I was taken by surprise and half-expected her to bark as well. But Samuel just snapped his fingers again and hissed at her, bringing her to heel. She whimpered and backed down immediately. "I am afraid sir, that she cannot understand you." Samuel said to me, taking his Mistress' seat on the couch opposite me. My eye twitched uncomfortably at the sight of this creature thinking that he was human, let alone one of similar standing. Ms. Mevan must have sensed my unease and growled again.

"I understand that this is difficult for you sir," Samuel smiled, his white teeth breaking through the darkness that was his face, and patted her head. She calmed quickly, climbing onto the couch and resting her head upon his lap. "But another of Madosin's rules, is that all human beings, including Niggers, Chinks, Jappos, Wetbacks, and Whiteys, are all to be as equals here. And if this would change your opinion of me, I was given my freedom by my former Master, long before I left there with Ms. Mevan."

I sat there, mute, for I had no kind words, when Mr. Gottlieb's words returned to me. "So be it... Samuel," I coughed, forcing myself to be cordial. Through furrowed brows, I looked at the pair of them and asked. "How do we return Ms. Mevan to her former self?"

Wordlessly, he reached down and took off her collar. Ms. Mevan closed her eyes and sat up straight. When she opened her eyes, the Dog was gone and the Human returned. "I hope this visit has been enlightening for you, Mr. McKay," she said, fixing her dress, as if it had an errant fold in it.