(Posting after much arm twisting encouragement)
Title: The Puppy Song
Author: Just_Ruth
Pairing: Jared and Jensen (gen)
Rating: G
Disclaimer: Of course this isn't real, inspired by the picture drawn by dreamlittleyo for thehighwaywoman
Here, Assuming I've gotten the link right
Warnings: Extreme cuteness, spell checked but not grammar nazi'd
Word count: 714
Summary: Jared helps out the Humane Society
****

But dreams are nothing more than wishes
And a wish is just a dream, you wish would come true. . . (Harry Nilsson)


Going to the mall had been the easy part. The main event area was more crowded than usual. Jensen had already slipped on his dark glasses and was clearly getting uncomfortable. It had been about five years since their popular television show had ended and even though they'd gone on to other projects, somehow the two men tended to be recognized more for "Sam" and "Dean" than anything else. A couple of regrettable incidents had left Jensen a little gun-shy about such recognition.

Jared glanced up at the banners and knew this was where the hard part was going to begin.

Jensen followed his gaze and huffed angrily. "Oh, no, you didn't!"

"Yes, I did." Jared calmly cut the line to get into the main area, ignoring the sudden chorus of gasps and squeals that rose behind him to step next to the hostess in front of the camera.

"Hi, folks!" He said cheerfully. "I'm Jared Padalecki and I'm here for about an hour to help out at this Adopt-a-Thon for the Humane Society. As you know, I had until very recently a wonderful pair of rescue dogs. . ." He started walking around the area as he chatted, the camera tracking him. He knew very well Jensen was going to avoid getting on camera and so with a few casual moves he'd herded him into a spot behind a pillar next to the door frame of "Hot Topic" where if he tried to bolt, he'd be spotted.

"You set me up!" Jensen knew how to pitch his voice so it wouldn't be picked up by the microphone.

"But really, don't come down here just because I showed up! Or if you are, please, just consider giving a donation." Jared continued, picking up a black and white puppy. "Getting a pet is a real commitment of time and effort – this little guy? His Mom was a pure-bred Jack Russell terrier and well, they say his father was "Snoopy Come Home." His Mom was abandoned on the streets because the people that bought her only saw that she was cute. They weren't ready to accept the responsibility to get her spayed or take the care that a high-energy breed needs.

"She's here and her pups are here only if you're willing to make a commitment. A small breed like this can live as long as twelve-fifteen years. These aren't toys. These aren't trophies. These are real animals and they deserve kind, loving homes.

"And this shelter makes a commitment as well. They're a no-kill shelter, so they're making sure these abandoned pets have all the food, water and clean places to live and play that they deserve. They do this on a pretty short budget and they depend on donations from folks like you to keep these guys well and happy until they find a home.

"So come on down, we're glad to see you, but come for the right reasons. Come because these dogs and cats need your help. I'm only going to be here about an hour, but I'll be glad to say hello and swap pet stories if you want."

"And break. . ." said the cameraman.

"Mr. Padalecki, I can't thank you enough," began the coordinator.

"I'm just glad to help," Jared grinned, still cuddling the puppy. He turned to where Jensen was trapped. "Isn't he cute?"

"Adorable," Jensen grumped. "Has he got a name?"

"No, but I'd call him Fred."

"Fred? Why Fred?"

"He's got yellow eyes. See?" Jared popped the puppy into Jensen's arms. "Oops, break's over."

"SET me UP!" Jensen sputtered behind him. "Hey! He really does have yellow eyes."

"Hi, folks, Jared Padalecki here at the Adopt-a-Thon for the Humane Society. . ."

". . .kick your ass when we get home. He's not sleeping on the bed. You hear me?"

If only I could have a puppy
I'd call myself so very lucky
Just to have some company,
To share a cup of tea with me
I'd take my puppy everywhere
La-la-la-da-da – I wouldn't care
And we could stay away from crowds
Signs that said "No dogs allowed". . . . (Harry Nilsson)