What Karyn/Athena hadn't realized was that it was a "domino effect". Which meant that Zelda merged with the next closest person, who just at that moment was walking past the house. It was Sarah McMillan. She was walking her dog, which was a poodle.
But Zelda didn't merge with Sarah, because the poodle was closer. Apparently the "merging" effect wasn't exclusive to humans.
One moment it was Sarah's dog Princess, the next it was Zelda. She was naked and crawling along the sidewalk. There was a dog collar around her neck and a leash that was held by Sarah. But more than that, she had the poodle's mind. Her own mind was trapped, forced to think, see, and feel whatever the dog would. Until the three hours were up.
Zelda/Princess continued on her way with her owner Sarah, who didn't think it was strange that her pet was a naked girl.
