#Dog Boarding sydney

[puppyschoolsydney]

Socializing Your Puppy: Why Puppy School is More Than Just Training

Puppy school offers far more than basic obedience training; it provides crucial socialization experiences that shape a well-rounded, confident dog. During the early months of life, puppies are particularly receptive to new experiences, making this the ideal time to introduce them to the world around them. Here’s why puppy school plays a vital role in socialization and why it's an essential part of your pup's development.

1. The Importance of Early Socialization

 Socialization is the process of introducing a puppy to new people, animals, environments, and situations in a controlled, positive way. It’s essential for building a dog’s confidence and teaching them how to respond calmly in various circumstances. A well-socialized puppy is less likely to develop anxiety or aggression later in life, making early socialization experiences critical to their emotional well-being.

 2. Why Puppy School Is the Perfect Setting for Socialization

 Puppy school offers a safe, structured environment where your puppy can interact with other puppies, people, and new experiences under the guidance of a professional. This controlled exposure allows puppies to develop social skills without overwhelming them. Through guided interactions, your puppy learns essential behaviors and builds confidence, which can be difficult to achieve through at-home training alone.

 3. Building Positive Associations with New Experiences

Exposure to new experiences is one of the main goals of puppy school, and it goes beyond simple obedience. Puppies encounter a variety of stimuli, from different sounds and surfaces to diverse people and other animals. This variety helps them adapt to new situations and reduces the likelihood of fear-based reactions. The more positive interactions they have, the more resilient and adaptable they’ll be in the future.

 4. Learning How to Play and Communicate with Other Dogs

Understanding social cues from other dogs is essential for healthy interactions, and puppy school provides ample opportunity for this learning. During supervised play sessions, puppies learn to read each other's body language, interpret boundaries, and respond appropriately. This skill set helps prevent issues with other dogs as they mature, leading to safer, more enjoyable experiences in public spaces like parks and walking paths.

5. Boosting Confidence and Reducing Anxiety

 A structured setting helps puppies confront new situations with support, allowing them to build confidence. Puppy school exercises, like meeting new people or experiencing unusual sounds, help puppies develop coping skills in a safe environment. Regular exposure to new things helps reduce anxiety and stress later on, especially in unpredictable environments or around strangers.

 6. Developing Good Manners and Impulse Control

In puppy school, dogs learn essential commands like “sit,” “stay,” and “leave it,” which are helpful in daily life and provide structure for better behavior. Learning these commands with other puppies around also helps build impulse control, as they must focus and respond to cues despite the distractions of their classmates. This training instills patience and reinforces polite manners that make your dog more manageable and enjoyable to be around.

 7. Strengthening the Bond Between You and Your Puppy

 Attending puppy school together enhances your relationship by building trust and communication. You’ll learn how to guide and support your puppy effectively, while they learn to look to you for cues and reassurance. This strengthens the bond you share, creating a foundation of mutual respect and understanding that will last throughout your dog’s life.

 8. Preparing for Real-Life Situations

Puppy school introduces situations that mimic real-life experiences, like interacting with strangers or encountering various sounds and sights. These exercises help puppies develop the confidence to handle everyday events, from meeting new people on walks to dealing with unexpected noises at home. As a result, they’re better prepared for the experiences they’ll encounter in the world, making them adaptable and resilient.

Tips for Making the Most of Puppy School Socialization

1. Attend Regularly – Consistency is key. Regular attendance helps reinforce lessons and gives your puppy ample opportunity to interact with others.

2. Practice at Home – Reinforce what your puppy learns at school by practicing commands and socialization exercises at home. This repetition helps solidify their learning.

3. Be Patient and Positive – Training and socialization take time, so be patient and celebrate small wins. Puppies pick up on your energy, so staying calm and positive helps them feel secure.

4. Expose to Different Environments  – Once your puppy is comfortable at school, gradually expose them to new places like parks, sidewalks, or pet-friendly stores to further build their confidence.

Conclusion: More than Just Training – A Foundation for Life

Puppy school provides more than basic training; it’s a gateway to a well-adjusted, confident dog. Through structured socialization and exposure to new situations, your puppy learns essential skills for interacting with the world calmly and confidently. By attending puppy school, you’re setting the stage for a lifetime of positive interactions, making your dog a happy, well-mannered companion for years to come.

[gingergofastboatsmojito]

The one

Pic by @trendfilmsetter

Syd said it, not me.

Sydcarmy is now canon, chefs! We can celebrate!

Cheers! 🥂

Check here and see how the sound of her voice in off was synchronized exactly to this very frame and weep 🤌💋

[meazalykov]

a day in my life

sydney lohmann x contentcreatorwife!reader (requested)

summary: you're a content creator who shares her life with her millions of followers

you open your tiktok app, the bright and colorful icon glowing on your phone screen, you yawn as you spend hours editing– or should you say preparing to share another piece of your life with your vast audience of 3 million followers. 

scrolling through your feed, you can't help but feel the warmth of your community surrounding you. every comment under your videos makes you smile, each one a reminder of the positive space you've created. 

viewers quickly praise how pretty and gorgeous you look while also expressing their admiration for the delicious meals you whip up, your hygiene hauls, your skincare and haircare tutorials, grocery shopping vlogs, and more. 

the positivity is intoxicating, and you thank them for contributing such joyful energy to your day.

the sun filters softly through your kitchen window, casting a golden hue over the space. it feels like the perfect day to create something cozy and comforting—a hearty soup, perhaps, or a flavorful stir-fry, something you know your followers will appreciate and be excited to try. 

you set your phone on the countertop, adjusting the camera and tripod until it captures just the right angle of your kitchen and you busy at work. the space is organized yet warm, with hanging herbs in the background, jars of spices lining the shelves, and an array of fresh vegetables waiting for your expert touch. 

as you gather your ingredients, you glance over at your pets lounging nearby in the spacious living room.

your three cats, each with their unique personalities, are nestled in their favorite spots—your tabby is laying on the windowsill soaking up the sunlight, your calico sprawled lazily on the kitchen rug closest to you, and the void kitty perched atop a wooden stool, watching you intently. 

your dog, an affectionate golden retriever, lays by your feet, occasionally looking up at you with big, adoring eyes as if to say, “what’s for dinner, can you drop something please?” 

these little moments bring you joy. you adore taking care of them, and they, in turn, seem to love being a part of your daily influencer journey, often making cameo appearances in your videos.

you begin chopping vegetables as you talk to the camera, the rhythmic sound of the knife against the cutting board a comforting backdrop to your thoughts. 

“what’s your secret to looking so beautiful while cooking?” one comment might ask, while another expresses their desire to make cooking look as fun as you do. 

you know that sharing your passion for cooking, hygiene tips, and pet care not only showcases your lifestyle but also encourages your followers to embrace their own routines with confidence.

between chopping, you take a moment to wash your hands, the cool water refreshing against your skin. you make a point to highlight hygiene in your videos, explaining the importance of cleanliness in every kitchen as you scrub away. 

“keeping things clean not only makes your food better but also should give you peace of mind,” you say, glancing up at the camera with a playful smile and eyebrow wiggle.

that’s what this is about for you—creating an environment that feels secure and inviting, one that resonates with others who might feel the same way.

as you move on to your next ingredient in the video—a bright red bell pepper—you read the comments on your videos. you feel a rush of excitement. you know your followers are eager to engage. 

“what’s your go-to meal for busy weekdays?” someone comments. 

you pause, contemplating. 

“anything that has rice, vegetables, and some kind of protein!” you replied to the comment, explaining one of your favorite dishes.

the chopping and mixing continue in the video,giving some kind of asmr affect while you talked from the voiceover. each time you look at the comments, you see familiar usernames offering support, commenting on something silly that might’ve happened in your video (one of your cats knocking over the flour), and how gorgeous your meals look. 

it’s heartwarming to see names familiar to you—followers who have always been there, cheering you on. they ask questions about your daily routines with the pets, wanting to know how you manage your time, how you balance it all while fulfilling the role of a traditional wife. 

you realize your life might not resonate with many— but they still see themselves in your routines.

“this is my favorite part,” you say in the video with a smile as you hear the timer go off for the food you put in the oven, giving a little twirl in front of the camera. the laughter that fills your kitchen feels contagious as you channel your enthusiasm into the moment. 

every so often, you peek at your pets, which you do in the video. you held up your calico cat, who meows at the camera before you give her a light kiss on the head. you put her down and the clip cuts to you taking the food off of the stove and out of the oven. 

with your pets, you can’t help but share snippets of your pet care routine as well, talking about their feeding times, grooming, and little quirks that make them uniquely lovable. your content is filled with different stuff, which is how you attracted many people to your content. 

“my cats love to get into everything,” you chuckle, and you can see your viewers relating to those everyday struggles that come with pet families.

“off topic to the video but do you have any favorite fragrance scents?” you read one comment.

you nodded knowingly before typing to reply to that comment. 

“i have a video posted about that coming soon :)” 

you happily respond to some comments, knowing it would be unrealistic to reply to all of the comments you get from thousands of users. you genuinely enjoy helping others and answering their questions—whether it’s about your favorite recipes, store vlogs, or trad wife jokes.

as you dive deeper into the comments on your latest tiktok video, you notice a recurring theme: questions about your “husband.” 

at first, you chuckle to yourself. you can see why people might think that; after all, the shimmering ring on your finger is hard to miss. it’s a beautiful reminder of your commitment—a symbol of love and partnership. 

as you scroll, a sense of mild frustration settles in. many viewers comment on why you never showcase your husband in your videos or joke about him going “off-camera.”

living in munich and posting in perfect english can sometimes create misinterpretations. your followers likely pictured a traditional marriage between a man and a woman, and while a part of you understands the confusion, it feels strange to think that they have constructed an image of your life that doesn’t quite align with reality. 

your heart swells with pride knowing you're part of a loving partnership, but there’s a longing to set the record straight. you’re not married to a husband; you’re married to your beautiful wife, sydney.

sydney, a football player for bayern munich, doesn’t post much about her personal life on social media, opting instead to keep her professional and personal worlds somewhat separate. this could explain why your followers often don’t make the connection between the two of you; to most, she’s just an athlete in the spotlight who just cares about her club and her national team.

she works hard, dedicating herself to her sport, and while she’s known widely for her skills on the field, she doesn’t share the same kind of social media presence as you do. it was always you who took the lead in posting, sharing your daily life and exploring the joys of cooking, cleaning, and caring for each other.

as you set the camera up for another video, the ring glimmering on your finger catches your eye once more. you reflect on the day you exchanged vows with sydney three years ago, a small celebration filled with laughter and love among close friends and family.

it was perfect in its simplicity—just two women, madly in love, promising to navigate life together. while you take care of the cooking and household duties, sydney has her own passion and career, bringing balance to your lives. 

the dynamic you’ve built over the years is one that thrives on mutual support and respect.

picturing sydney’s infectious smile, you can’t help but feel a pang of longing for her to be part of your videos, sharing moments together with your viewers. however, you know she’s more private, focusing on her career and you privately with her friends and acquaintances. 

perhaps it’s time to find a way to bring her into your vibrant world online, to showcase your life together and dispel the assumptions that others have made.

waking up in the morning, the dog was snuggled beside sydney as your calico cat was laying on top of your left leg. the both of you still groggy and half-sleepy. however, sydney didn’t have anything football related so you decided to stay in bed for the bit longer before waking her up. 

later, after making breakfast and filming the sizzling sounds of bacon cooking alongside fluffy scrambled eggs, you brewed a steaming pot of coffee. the warm aroma filled the air as you took a moment to scroll on your latest post’s comments. 

you posted the video the night before and decided to not check the comments until the following morning. 

the reasoning why? you posted your wife for the first time on your page, blowing up the assumptions about you having a, “husband.” 

in the video, your “spend the day with me” vlog, you began to prepare lunch by chopping some bell peppers as sydney’s arms wrap around you from behind. relaxed in that clip of the video, you turned your head to see sydney, her playful grin lighting up your heart. 

“don’t cut yourself!” she teased, but the video couldn’t hear it since you were doing a voiceover. 

syd started planting kisses along your neck, moving from your temple down to your shoulders. it was a spontaneous moment, and you couldn’t help but burst into laughter, knife in hand, with the clip showing the love that was filled in your eyes. 

the unsuspecting viewers were treated to an endearing glimpse into your marriage, the warmth and tenderness so apparent even through the screen.

the comments exploded after you posted the video hours before: 

“is that a woman you were cuddling with?” 

“WOAHHH Y/N IS GAY TOO???” 

while many found joy in your representation, others were filled with disbelief. you could feel the surge of both surprise and excitement—when love is real, it knows no bounds. some expressed their admiration, saying “i love that you’re a lesbian trad wife!” 

the curiosity didn’t stop there. as the day unfolded, you posted another cute video of sydney playing with your golden retriever in the backyard. 

the sun reflected off her hair, illuminating her playful smile as she dribbles a ball with her foot for the eagerly bouncing dog. the clip was heartwarming, showcasing the simple joy the three of you shared—a family moment that anyone could relate to. 

however, it was this clip that sent the comments section into a complete frenzy: 

“IS THAT SYDNEY LOHMANN?” 

“I KNOW I'VE SEEN YOUR WIFE BEFORE WHY DOES SHE LOOK FAMILIAR?” 

“that's me in the background drowning in the pool (i’m jealous).”

while a faction of your followers were well-versed in european football, many, especially those from the united states, didn’t immediately identify the familiar figure. 

soon, the chatter erupted: 

“wait, is she a bayern munich player? i swear ive seen her before?” 

“OMG, I love her!” 

people started connecting the dots, and as they did, a wave of excitement washed over you. sydney was known in germany for her skills on the field, but now more than ever, they’d see her as a loving partner.

while your heart swelled with happiness at the support spiraling around you, you felt a familiar itch to address all the questions and assumptions. 

some of your followers were new, and you wanted to ensure they understood the depth of your relationship with sydney. so you made a decision; it was time to sit down for a more heartfelt conversation about your coming out story and the experiences you both shared navigating your lives together.

the following night, after a long tiring day filled with engagement and a repeat of that joyous exchange of laughter, you set up your camera for a “get unready with me for bed” video.

the lights were dimmed, and the ambiance in your bathroom felt cozy—slippers on your feet, hair pinned back by your pink headband, and your skincare products lined up on the counter cast in soft shadows. 

it was an intimate setting, one where you could be vulnerable and share your truth.

as you began applying your cleansing balm, you took a deep breath.

“hey everyone, it’s Y/N. I thought it would be a great time to address everything that’s been going on. I want to share a little bit about my coming out story and what it means to be married to the incredible woman that is my wife, sydney,” you began, feeling the familiarity of camera anxiety dissipating as you focused on the sincerity of your message.

you continued as you moved through your skincare routine, gently massaging the balm into your skin. 

“you know, coming out isn’t a one-time event. for me, it first began in high school. there were hints that i was gay around the age of 14 but i didn’t accept that until i was 16.. keep in mind, i was terrified, just like many others who start to accept that they’re gay. my school experience was not easy, and I had moments—cruel whispers, bullying, rejection. thankfully, my parents were accepting when i came out and i was able to lean on them for support along with my friends. i also found solace in art and creativity.” 

pausing for a moment, you looked down at your skincare products, lost in thought. 

“but then came moving to munich. it felt like a fresh start. that’s when I met sydney through my mutual friend, klara, who also plays with sydney and oh my goodness, she was captivating! so full of passion and life. she pulled me in with her laughter, and not to be corny or anything– but it felt like the universe conspired for us to find each other. loving her was just so easy; it felt effortless. her loving me felt so easy and loving her felt the same.” 

as your vulnerability unfolded, the likes and comments increased.

 

using a luxurious night cream, you gently applied it to your face while you spoke candidly, reflecting on your marriage. 

“syd and i have been married for three years now. we got eloped before having a ceremony a year later.. i’m not even kidding when i say that every day is filled with joy, support, and a deep respect for one another. it makes me so grateful because i thought my life was over when i first started to suspect that i was gay and catching feelings for women. with my wife, sydney inspires me with her dedication. she is so passionate when she is playing football on her club and national team– the way she pours herself into everything she does.” 

then came the part that had been weighing on your mind. looking directly into the camera, you took another deep breath. 

“I know there are some comments out there that reflect hate, misunderstanding, and a refusal to accept love in its many forms. to those hateful people, I say: disrespectfully, go fuck yourselves.” a smirk graced your lips before you laughed. you are never known for swearing in your videos, usually only swearing with your close peers while in casual conversation. 

“love is love, and if you can’t accept that, you have no place to be following me, a gay woman.”

the enthusiasm of your voice resonated with your audience, and you felt the weight lift. you began to share advice for those struggling with their identities.

“if you’re in a situation where you feel alone or scared, know that you’re not. find your community, speak your truth, and hold on to the love you deserve. don’t let anyone dim your light. being true to yourself is beautiful, and no one can take that from you.”

as you finished your skincare routine, the sincerity poured through your last words. 

“thank you all for being part of our journey; your support means everything. please continue to uplift love wherever it takes shape, and remember that we are all worthy of love, no matter what form it comes in.” you concluded with a genuine smile, and the warmth you felt radiated through the screen.

the video ended after that and a rush of fulfillment washed over you watching the video—a feeling of peace knowing that you had shared your story authentically and embraced the support from your community. 

the comments section overflowed with love, connections ignited among those who shared similar experiences, and others who were just here to celebrate who you and sydney were.

in the days that followed, your bond with your followers deepened. newfound friendships blossomed, and more importantly, the vocal support poured in from every corner of your online community. 

the journey continued to blossom as you shared snippets of your life with sydney, including her playful moments with your pets, cooking meals together, or even just sharing lazy afternoons on the couch. you came to look forward to posting every video, each one serving as a vibrant reminder of the love you both cherished, and nothing could ever take away that feeling.

masterlist

[sc0tters]

AU List

Thoughts for AUs are: OPEN

All of the au’s below are my current active ones, in these au’s you will find the blurb section which is where you guys are able to have your say in what happens during the overall storyline!

for aus that don't have a masterlist yet, they are tagged below!

AU CALENDAR

the universes!

the wips!

daily au thoughts!

Nico and Margo - Second Chance Gone Right

Sidney and Alessandra - The Girl Next Door

Mat and Maddie - Nursing a Broken Heart

Nico and Bianca - The Mixed Family

Jack and Mila - Young Love

Alex and Spencer - Long Time Coming

Andrei and Annabelle - Little Cowgirl

Trevor and Blair - Lessons In Life

Jack and Kennedy - One of a Kind

Will and Bailey - Baby on Board

John and Maya - Baby Hughes

Luke and Allie - Hookups and Screwups

Jeremy and Adelia - Made Match

Quinn and Rouge - Rookie Compliance

Elias and Gracie - Little Teammate

Leon and Serena - Value of Opinion

Dawson and Emilie - Brothers Old Friend

to be updated:

Phil and Victoria

retired aus

Matt and Sydney - Golden Girl

Luke and Isabel - Captain's Sister

Cole and Parker - Big Reputations

Jesper and Emilia - A Bakers Dozen

Ryan and Ava - Sparks

Nick and Scottie - The Lost Baby

Luca and Aspen - Pretty Boy

Ethan and Astrid - Perfect Fit

Rutger and Emmy - His Girl

Mark and Abigail - Lessons

Nick and Francesca - Bed Buds

Cutter and Lillian - Meant to Be

Jacob and Ivy - Triple Split

Matthew and Lilah - Give a Dog

Juraj and Alana - A Dream in Time

Gabe and Jamie - Teammates In Action

Drew and Erin - It Girl

Seamus and Liana - Unexpected Connections

Matthew and Lilah - Give a Dog

William and Matilda - Star

Mitch and Amelia - His Rookie

The Flyers Throuple - Teammates in Sheets

Cole and Darcy - Match Made

Adam and Sabrina - Write a Song

Sidney and Camille - Homes and Hearts

Steve and Lucie - Long Games

The Umich Throuple - Three's a Match

Nico and Harper - Don't Tell

Elias and Payton - Coaches Daughter

Sidney and Rory - On Ice

Matthew and Billie - Opposing Teammates

Trevor and Daisy - Babies and Buddies

Luke and Blake - Girl Next Door

Quinn and Charlotte - Teammates Sister

Jack and Riley - New Roommate

The Zegras-Hughes Children - Next Gen

Adam and Sophie - Romantic Roomates (because we now have adam and sabrina)

Gavin and Bridget - Besotted Differences

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday!

Ways to Give:

penndragon is raising funds to help fix his LGBT+ family's car; they've recently been dealing with job loss and other unexpected expenses, and while they have found new employment opportunities, they require a running car. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

Anon linked to arlingtonchamberofgay, who lost their job in April and has been unemployed since; they are working towards attaining legal disability status but the process moves slowly, and they've been homeless and couch surfing for several months. They're raising funds for bills, gas money, and a storage unit; you can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

kitweewoos is raising funds to get her car back from repossession before it's auctioned in about three weeks; her partner has been on medical leave which has reduced their household income to hers alone, and her paycheck has been going towards keeping them housed and fed. They're raising money to pay the past due amount and repossession fees to the bank. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

stabbedinthenameofscience linked to a fundraiser for IronAngel Forge in Michigan, the longest continually operating forge in the state (founded in 1884). A neighbor's shed caught on fire and it leapt to the forge building, resulting in a near-complete loss of the building, although the anvil, several of the tools, and even some of the art escaped destruction. The current owner John and his partner Julie are raising money to rebuild the shop in order to continue the tradition and history of the site; you can read more and support the fundraiser here.

wordstreamer's cat Diva needs urgent medical care at a time when they are already in a bad financial situation; they're raising funds for vet bills and future treatment. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information and kitty pictures here.

Recurring Needs:

like-the-midnight-sun linked to a fundraiser for a close friend, Sydney, who is queer, trans, disabled, and currently homeless after leaving an abusive situation; they have a job but are living in their car and need help to keep their dog, Felix, safe during the day while they're at work. They're raising funds to board Felix during the day so that they can keep their job and get back on their feet; you can read more and support the fundraiser here.

chingaderita's partner recently lost their job due to a house fire that also destroyed the house, and his most recent job has not yet paid him; they're raising funds to keep food on the table for a family of nine, to try and get a supply of water to keep clean which is increasingly difficult during a drought, and for medications and bills until they can find new work. You can read more, reblog, and support the fundraiser here.

And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form. If you're new to fundraising, you may want to check out my guide to fundraising here.

[somerandomjewelleryonthefloor]

Gonna start just busting these out lmao.

Some little convos during the monopoly session: ↓

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Solrin: MICH PLEASE- I'll be out here in the streets if you make me pay up rent!

Michael: sorry, rules are rules though.

Solrin: what if I just, sit on your lap for the entire game?

Michael: ... [YES-] no.

Solrin: FUCK.

Morgan: if you were my gf, I wouldn't have done that to you-

*cue Michael looking at Morgan with a death stare, while Morgan just cracks up*

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Caleb: you know I'm feeling pretty good!

Myra: but you shouldn't! You stole MY dog piece!

Sydney: no, it was going to be my piece!

Myra: I own the board.

Sydney: and I'm a house guest.

Caleb: well I already have it, early bird gets the worm I guess!

*cue Sydney & Myra ganging up on him during the entire game*

*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚

Maria: I'm surprised you're still in jail Morgan.

Morgan: I don't really have a choice, I only have 10$ and nobody is landing on any of my property.

Maria: you don't even wanna try double rolling?

Morgan: hell nah.

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Emma: I'm worried I'm gonna go bankrupt! I only have 240$ left!

Solrin: don't worry, since you're my bestie you get 1/2 off of my rent!

Caleb: excuse me?

Solrin: what?

Maria: Solrin, you own an entire lane and each of your properties now have hotels on them...

Solrin: what's the deal?

Myra: you aren't giving us any of this treatment!

Solrin: because YOU GUYS don't deSERVE it!

*cue gasps*

Michael: not even me?!

Solrin: especially you BITC-

─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──*ੈ✩‧₊˚༺☆༻*ੈ✩‧₊˚─── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ──

Michael: "you were found stealing money, give the person next to you 4$."

Aiden: *sitting next to Michael, his hand out*

Michael: ... *currently has 5$ after landing on Solrin's property*

*cue the flipping of the table*

[featherxquill]

The real resolutions were the dogs and cats we met along the way...

So, this time last year, @eunyisadoran asked me if I had any New Year's Resolutions. I said no because I'm lazy and I don't really do that, at which point she asked me whether I'd ever thought of silly, light-hearted resolutions - like she once had a friend who resolved to buy and taste any unfamiliar fruit they came upon in a shop or market. When she said this, I immediately thought of one - how many dogs and cats could I meet in a year?

So I set myself some parameters and some goals. Parameters: I had to be meeting said dog or cat for the first time. 'Meet' included physical contact of some kind - a pat, a sniff, etc. Some sort of interaction. Goals: Because it was 2024, I decided that I waned to meet 24 dogs. Then I halved the number to 12 for cats (one per month), because cats are harder to meet (my own cats wouldn't want a bar of me if I wasn't me - they're terrified of strangers). I set up a list in my notes app so I could record each new dog or cat I met, and recorded names and breeds where I could. I also took photos where I could.

In the end, my stats were excellent! In 2024, I met 53 dogs and 17 cats, with my goal helped along by attending a few events on days out with my mum - a local event for me that was called 'Worst in Show' and was kind of like a joke dog show with cute/silly prizes for things like 'waggiest tail' and 'best lookalike dog + owner', and also the Sydney Cat Lovers Festival in August.

Also, yes, I took pictures! Where I could, anyway. I didn't want to be invasive and didn't always want to explain myself, so although it was harder to meet cats than dogs, it was actually easier to get pictures of cats because they're usually on their own (or you're at a cat lovers event where everyone is taking pictures).

But here is a selection of pictures that I took:

First, the cats:

Here are a few from the local boarding place that I booked mine in at twice last year. The resident cat (top left) is called Fluffy:

A few local residents I had the pleasure to meet. The boy top left is called Gavin, which is an objectively awesome person name for a cat, and the bottom two counted as 'meets' because I discovered that my local pet store (who periodically have cats available for adoption) has a cat enclosure with a tiny hole in the bottom right hand side, in which one can fit a finger, In both cases these kittens were very interested:

A couple of pictures I took at the Cat Lover's Festival. I think left is an American Curl, and right a Devon Rex:

Now, doggos! A selection from Worst in Show. I don't have names but I do remember that the Great Dane in top left had been decorated for halloween, and still had the faint outline of a pumpkin on her side:

And here's a few good boys and girls I met out and about. Bottom right is my dad's new companion, Delta, who he adopted mid-year after losing his two old boys:

Anyway, yeah. A++ new year's resolution, do reccommend!

This year, my resolution is to take a photo at each new place I visit (definition of 'place' is nebulous, but I'll try and stick to the spirit of it!)

[solstitios]

yoooo! i'm rocket (she/her) and this is my manic pixie boy... man... pyro? idiot? callum, who is absolutely named after calum hood from 5sos i have a few pages up for him at the moment but this post may be better served regarding initial interesting in plotting! i do prefer d*scord for plotting just an fyi; feel free to like this post and i'll send you a dm to connect! ♡

tw: mentions of domestic/physical/familial abuse, accidental death

yes he DID forget how to speak korean when he got to ansong. yes he spent a week literally not being able to understand/read anything around him (this would be a fun plot for anyone who has a muse who speaks eng!) and i don't know how he did it. but one day he woke up and he could just suddenly understand everything again so he's ok now

is from sydney but doesn't remember that now. there's a picture of the sydney opera house on one of his mementos

came from a household with a very strict father and mother with little backbone; as the older son he was always being pressured to be amazing by his dad and would get hit when he didn't meet his father's standards (and then really started acting out as a result, but we'll get to that)

SUPER IMPORTANT TO KNOW: callum has a sister who is 2 years younger named callie and they were super close and i would love if someone brought her to the rp hello 2nd muse idea for y'all !!!

so once his dad really started laying on the trauma lol, callum began his rebellious era — literally just saying fuck all to his grades at school, hanging out with shitty people, getting involved with things he really shouldn't have

got arrested at 17 the spring before his high school graduation, father knew people in the city to get them to let him off with a smack on the wrist but nearly got his ass beat

father banished him to go live with his uncle in korea for the next decade. had a really hard time adjusting at first because his korean sucked. did some odd jobs, tutored english, wanted to be a cop but he couldn't because he wasn't technically a citizen so he actually started training to willingly enlist in the korean military

this happening while he was visiting aus for his bday: he just turned 27 this august so right before his frontal cortex stopped growing he thought it would be a great idea to set off illegal fireworks while was rly drunk with his friends... yeah ok buddy. ends up, i shit you not, "dumb ways to die" accidentally k*lls himself AND HIS SISTER with the fireworks striking them both. i swear this was more tragic when i was first conceptualizing him but writing this out now it's so stupid fjkdhfjkgf

except now on the bright side, he's dead but gets to be a firefighter! oh the irony

persona

personality wise he's like a pretty cool dude. fun to chill with. really likes fires. is calm and cool and that friend that always knows the right thing to say except he's got a lot of demons in him that keep him in his head a lot but is so frustrated because he can't even figure out what the demons are. loves his job. super into fitness and staying in shape. makes lists for everything. slightly neurotic. really wants to get a dog. left-handed. may come across as hard to read at times. nolan fanboy. good taste in memes but bad tiktok taste. only dresses in black/gray/neutrals outside of his work uniform. surprisingly makes banger charcuterie boards

tl;dr

childhood traumatized man accidentally k*lls himself and his sister

potential plots

someone who goes to the same boxing gym as him and maybe they have beef about something pretty juvenile? LMAO

one of your kitchen appliances catches on fire and you're too scared/embarrassed to call 119 so instead you run down to the third floor and make callum handle it instead

someone to go with him to one of the events posted on the community bulletin!!!

for females: callum meets you for the first time and when he does he gets deja vu. he feels like he's met you before (it's all his subconscious trying to push out his memory of his sister callie)

for males: someone younger he treats like an older brother (again, his subconscious longing for his sister)

[spacecatdraws]

new payday 2 au: all heisters (+ Bain, Locke, Vlad) are mythical creatures. everyone else is still human. the creatures aren’t anthropomorphic, unless that’s part of the beast description. they keep some of their defining features (jacket’s bandages/tape recorder, Dallas’s mustache, jimmy’s cocaine addiction, Hoxton’s scar, etc) . powers involving sight or certain circumstances (basilisk, cockatrice, werewolf) have at least some level of control over them.

Dallas - Manticore

Chains - Naga

Wolf - Werewolf

Hoxton - Firebird

Houston - Basilisk

John Wick - Demon

Dragan - Drekavac

Clover - Banshee

Jacket - Cockatrice (rooster)

Bonnie - Unicorn

Sokol - Harpy (peregrine falcon)

Jiro - Kitsune

Bodhi - Wraith

Jimmy - Kelpie

Sydney - Gorgon (inland taipan snake)

Rust - Mothman

Scarface - Auhizotal

Sangres - Chupacabra

Duke - Gargoyle

Joy - Fae

Hila & Ethan - Succubus & Incubus

Bain - Sphinx

Vlad - Griffin

Locke - Dragon

enjoy. feel free to draw them (I’ll definitely draw my vers.) or put them in shenanigans.

random fun facts:

Dallas purrs involuntarily. He’d rather not.

Chains learned to use his tail as a lockpick.

Wolf immediately turns to face anyone who opens a dog treat bag/jar, even when human.

Hoxton is not allowed to handle the money/loot bags.

Houston organizes/cleans the kitchen every time he uses it. He won’t leave until it’s all neat again. (Bro has the ‘tism)

John Wick has a water bottle full of lighter fluid.

Dragan likes to see how long he can stay awake for at a time. His current record is 4 weeks, 3 days.

Clover doesn’t like screaming, so she just insults people while they’re dying.

Jacket is mute, but can make chicken/reptile noises. He has a special sling for his tape recorder so it’s always in reach.

Bonnie knows one spell: stab

Sokol uses his wings for added mobility and control while playing hockey. He has gotten a few pucks to the wing because of it.

Jiro makes really, really good fried tofu.

Bodhi has his phone background as a ouija board.

Jimmy despises that he can’t do cocaine underwater. It’s the bane of his existence.

Sydney’s snakes act as a hive mind, but is separated from her actual brain, and always responds to whatever’s she’s actually feeling.

Rust is allergic to mothballs.

Scarface likes watching the others cause chaos, but sticks to his own rules.

Sangres can also drink coconut water becuase it can used as an emergency blood transfusion.

Duke is modeled after a hyena.

Joy uses her powers to make sure her gun is always working. She also uses it to make guards fall asleep.

Hila is a night owl, while Ethan is an early bird.

Bain refers to the heists as “riddles”, and completing a heist counts as “solving” the riddle.

Vlad likes sitting on streetlights, specifically to scare pedestrians.

Locke does not hoard money. Rather, his collection is a bundle of grudges he seeks to resolve. Usually through violence.

[thomasshelbydrabbles]

Everything’s a Negotiation (8/?)

Pairing: Modern!Tommy Shelby x OC, Modern!Alfie Solomons x OC

Warnings: series typical violence, language, sexual situations, possessive behavior, consensual public sexual situations

Summary: Mac decides to take the train up north, per Sydney’s suggestion. What she hadn’t expected was company during the ride.

Word Count: 4039

A/N: Let me know if you would like added to the tag list.

Mac considered ordering a taxi to get her to the train station, but still thought her best chance of getting out of town unnoticed by the gangsters of London would be public transport. It wasn’t that she thought they couldn’t find her, but more her belief that they would be less likely to cause a scene on the tube. Leaving town mid-week meant slightly less foot traffic. No matter how many times they’d ridden the tube, Mac still found herself surprised that Zeus truly enjoyed it. There were always a lot of people for him to make friends with, even more smells for him to enjoy, but she had wondered if all of it would be a bit too much. He sat leaning against her legs as they rode the Northern line towards Euston station. A young girl with pigtails glanced up at her.

“Can I pet your doggie?” 

Mac smiled, glanced up at the adult standing with the young girl. “He’s friendly, but it’s your choice.” 

She watched the girl look pleadingly up at the woman. Mac smiled to herself because that’s exactly how Zeus looked at her when he wanted something, and since he always wanted something, it was the main expression on his furry little face. When the woman nodded her okay Mac smiled down at the girl and knelt down next to Zeus. 

“This is Zeus,” she said as she scruffed his muzzle. “He loves to make friends. And if you pet here behind his ears, he’ll be your friend and might even try to lick your face.” 

At Euston station, Mac waved goodbye to the young girl as she and Zeus made their way to the platform. She’d gotten good at navigating with the dog and her small roller bag, but she still had to deal with people knocking into her, grumbling until they saw Zeus. She found an uncrowded section of the station and pulled Zeus over to sit while she pulled up the ticket on her mobile. Walking towards the first-class cars, she couldn’t shake the feeling that someone was watching her. Of course, she figured Tommy had some of his people watching her, but now she wondered if Alfie did, too. Were they to just watch and report, or would one of them try to stop her from boarding the train? Pulling Zeus in a bit closer, she hoped they’d leave her be. No need to start a scene at the train station, but she would. 

“Ticket?”

She smiled as she showed the host her mobile. 

“Pleasure to have you aboard today, Miss Theil. Can I help with your luggage?” 

Mac nodded as she passed off her roller bag. She got Zeus settled into the car before setting up her laptop at a table near the window. 

“Can I get you something to drink before we depart?”

“G&T, please.” 

Just as the server left, Mac felt a wet tongue against her hand. Thinking it was Zeus demanding treats for his good behavior on public transport, she smiled before reaching down to scratch behind his ears. However, the fur beneath her hand did not belong to her dog. 

“Well hello, sir,” she greeted the giant mut standing next to her, tail wagging. “Aren’t you just adorable?” 

“Cyril, you fuckin’ menace come ‘ere.” 

At the sound of Alfie’s voice, both Mac and Cyril looked to see him striding into the car. Adeline frowned as she shook her head. She’d been right that one of them would come find her. Since Alfie was the one on the train, she imagined it wouldn’t be long before whatever minions Tommy had tailing her would report back to him about this most recent development. Would he just show up when she got settled in Lancaster? Or maybe, he’d stew on it. Be waiting for her when she came back to London. Neither option pleased her. 

“Seems the dog isn’t the only one who’s a menace,” Mac said as she stood from her seat. 

Alfie grinned at her. She didn’t want to like the way he looked at her. She did. In fact, she found herself preening a bit under his gaze. The small smile on his face gave a youthful, almost playful air to him. She could almost feel the way his neatly trimmed beard would feel against her skin, the way his plump lips would linger on hers, teasing. Startling her from her daydream, one which, given the knowing look on Alfie’s face she’d been caught in, Zeus came trotting over, tongue hanging out as he moved to sniff at Cyril in greeting. The dogs seemed pleased enough with each other’s company and wandered off to the far side of the car to become the best of dog friends. Mac fought down the urge to call Zeus back to her side. The empty first-class car suddenly felt increasingly small. What was it about these men? Mac found it quite rude that they took up all the oxygen, all the space, as though forcing her to devote her entire focus to them.     

Not that calling Zeus would have helped because Alfie swept her into his arms and captured her lips in a kiss before she’d really even come to terms with him being with her on the train. He was so warm. Like a heated blanket on a cold winter day. His hands spanned most of her back, his large fingers pressed into her, holding her tightly against his chest. She brought her hands up, intending to push him away, but instead, they wrapped around his neck, brushed along the nape of his neck, feeling the smooth, silky texture of his hair beneath her fingers. Since he’d taken all the oxygen with his presence, returning some to her was the least he could do. She sighed as she gave herself over to the feel of him, the way he ignited butterflies in her stomach. He, of course, took advantage of this and dipped his tongue into her mouth, chasing the taste of her. 

The door to the car opened.

Her drink. 

She broke the kiss, his arms stayed wrapped around her, keeping her close to his body. His hands settled on her hips, thumbs stroking along her hip teasingly. A blush bloomed on her cheeks as the host set her drink on the table. She tucked her face against Alfie’s neck, ignoring the way his body shook with silent laughter. Reaching down, she pinched his ass, which caused his whole body to sway forward against hers. The feel of his hard cock had her breath caught in her throat. Through the material of his slacks, through the fabric of her jeans, he still felt…impressive. Long and thick. She groaned as he rolled his hips forward again, teasing her. Testing her. 

Alfie’s hands slid up her body, fingers grazing the side of her neck causing her to shiver. His hands cradled her face, thumbs caressed her jaw as he tilted her face up. 

“What are you doing here, Alfie?”

“Innit obvious, pet? Thought me holding you in me arms and kissin’, yeah, kissin’ your gorgeous face would be a bit obvious, right?” 

Given how her own arms were wrapped around his shoulders, and her lips still tingled from where his beard rubbed against her face when he’d kissed her, then yes, what he came here to do did seem fairly obvious. She still felt as though she’d wake up, find the train gliding along the tracks. Perhaps fan herself a bit, and then go back to her real life. 

“Tell me you didn’t get on a train just to give me a kiss.”

Instead of answering, he lowered his face, connecting their lips again in a kiss that was slow, sensuous - as though he literally had all the time in the world to stand here on a train and kiss her senseless. Again, she fell into it, her body molding to his as her hands moved from his shoulders up to his hair. Her fingers sunk into it. The thick strands wrapped around her fingers as she tugged him closer to her. Her whole body fit in the shadow of his, his broad shoulders made her feel small, delicate. 

This time it was Alfie who pulled back first. His fingers combed through her hair before tucking it behind her ear. 

“My family, we’re bakers. Going back generations, baking bread. Brown bread, white bread…loaves and loaves of it. Now, that’s not all that interesting since many people, yeah, many people can bake bread, but what it does mean, pet, is that I’m good with me hands, right, very good with ‘em.”

As he spoke, Alfie moved around her body. His hands began kneading her shoulders, down her arms, around to the small of her back. A low moan passed her lips as he dug his fingers into her muscles, loosening them even as other parts of her tightened in response. She felt as much as heard his laugh along her spine, his breath warm on her neck. 

“Know you’ve been feeling a bit of stress, a bit of stress these past few weeks, pet. Some of it caused by me and that’s bad, right, bad of me. So I’m here, right, I’m here to apologize for my behavior in your office,” Alfie whispered, his lips teasing along her neck.  

“You always apologize like this?”

He chuckled, low, masculine - the sound had her vibrating. “No, pet. I don’t make it a habit of apologizin’. See, men in my line of work, right, my particular business, can’t be seen apologizin’ for things because it allows people to get ideas, see, stupid fuckin’ ideas about me, about my nature.”

Mac groaned as she arched like a cat under his hands. “And what exactly am I meant to understand about your nature, Alfie?” 

“You, pet? I did not like the way we left things in your office, not a bit. I know it’s mostly my fault because I’m a man accustomed to things going the way I want them, see, and when they don’t, well…” 

Alfie’s hands had moved back up to her shoulders. She could imagine him baking bread, could almost see him stood in the kitchen, apron around his waist, kneading the dough with his big hands. Her shoulders began to relax as he continued to weave a magic spell over her body. 

“If the whole gangs of London thing don’t work out for you, I’d be your first customer at your massage place.”

“You forgive me, pet?”

Mac’s head rolled forward as Alfie’s thumbs dug into her trapezius. It wasn’t fair. She’d agree to anything right now, and…

With a great degree of reluctance, she slowly drew away from his hands, and turned to face him. 

“Why are you here, Alfie?” 

“Work for me.” 

“No.” 

Mac looked around the empty car, brow furrowed. “How is the car this empty? Not that I mind because that would have been quite a show for anyone who might have been in here, and I’m not about giving folks a free show. But it is odd.” 

“Bought the whole car when I found out that you’d purchased a first-class ticket for yourself because I did not want us to be disturbed. We have business to discuss, pet, and I thought it best we be alone for it, yeah?”

“And all the bread-making you did when you walked in?”

Alfie smiled. Damn. She wanted to hate it. But. Just like Tommy that smile was her undoing. Made him seem like a friendly teddy bear. Of course, she knew both he and Tommy would bite, but she’d never been good at learning lessons the easy way. Given how flustered they both made her, she did find it a bit of a miracle that they both continued to be so keen on having her work for them. Certainly, the could go to another firm and find a woman who could refrain from becoming a needy ball of sexual tension. 

“I told you, pet, that was an apology from me to you for my poor manners in your office. My words, right, they upset you that day, and I found myself not liking, right, not liking that my words had upset you.” 

“Now that you’re done apologizing to me, you want me to work for you.” 

“Yes.” 

Mac reached for her G&T and took a long swallow. She grimaced because a lot of the ice had melted, and she hated how watery it had become. Still, she gulped it down like it might be the last drop of gin this side of the Atlantic. 

“Are you and Tommy always like this?” Mac paused, brought a finger to her chin. “Although, I can’t imagine you make out with everyone you want to do business with. Both because I’d feel much less special and because that just seems like a lot of work for you. I’ve explained why it would be a foolish decision to work for either of you. Yet, both of you seem to think you can change my mind by seducing me, and while I’m flattered, and more than a bit overwhelmed, I value my business. As a businessman yourself, I’m sure you can understand my position.” 

“I do understand.” 

“Then what the fuck, Alfie?”

Her tone drew Zeus’ attention, and soon both dogs had trotted over to where they stood nose to nose. She felt Zeus lick her fingers and she reached down to scratch behind his ears. She wanted another drink. Actually, she wanted to sit down in that chair near the window, put in her earbuds and listen to her true crime, guilty pleasure, podcast. 

“Write the contracts in your benefit, pet. You’re clever, and ruthless - I know what you took from Ollie that day,” Alfie said with a wink. “Write them up in such a way that it’s deleterious to either myself or Mister Shelby to betray each other.”

Mac knew her jaw had to be on the ground. He couldn’t possibly have just said that to her.

“What, like bloody primary school? I send you off to the corner when you decided you can’t share the crayons anymore?”

“A bit like that,” Alfie said slowly, his hand stroked his beard. “It is a bit like that, yeah. Because men like me and Thomas Shelby, right, we just can’t help ourselves, pet. And we need, we need someone to provide the boundaries. And in return we make you a wealthy woman, keep you safe.”

She laughed. A great involuntary sound. It had a manic note to it she thought appropriate for the situation, if a bit dramatic. “I swear it’s like you two read the same script. I don’t need money, Alfie. And if it weren’t for you both, I’d not need protecting.” 

“Pet - ”

Mac held a hand up to stop whatever nonsense would come out of his mouth next and took a deep breath. “Okay, let’s pretend for a moment that I’ve gone mad, and I’m entertaining this ridiculous idea of yours. Let’s say I have my team of highly paid, very, very nasty barristers draw up a contract that gives you little worms no room to wriggle, one that makes me the queen of fucking everything you bastards own if you so much as glance at the other’s crayons with ill intent. I do that. I have it drawn up. Everyone signs in blood. Everyone’s happy. Until. Until one of you decides that happy is boring. Men like you, Alfie, men like Tommy - you just get bored, don’t you. Just exactly like bloody toddlers, and when you get bored, you break things. But, now, you’ve got this fancy contract that makes me the last man standing. So instead of breaking toys, you break me instead.” 

She paused. Met his eyes. He had a good poker face. It wasn’t cold and aloof like Tommy. It was just vacant. Like he’d gone somewhere else in his mind. 

“I know how that scenario ends, Alfie.”

“If,” Alfie began slowly. “If there came a time that Thomas and I decided our little agreement, right, our promise to each other, to you, no longer worked for us, right, by the time that happened, Thomas Shelby would be so in love with you that he’d not have you killed, pet. Couldn’t do it.” 

Mac ignored the way her heart beat a bit faster at the thought of Tommy being in love with her. Given how he’d responded when Rodney had shown up to her flat, and the way he’d had Michael escort her immediately to him when all Hank had done was cause her a bit of emotional upset, she could see it. What startled her the most was realizing she could imagine herself loving him back. Veering sharply away from that line of thought, she instead focused on what Alfie didn’t say.

“And you, Mister Solomons? Would you be ‘so in love with me’ that you’d not have me killed?”

The silence hung between them. She couldn’t even be angry about it because she knew. He’d told her that day in her office. Forever wasn’t a promise Alfie Solomons could offer to her. Instead, she got massages and promises of Fabergé Eggs. Perhaps giving the order to see her killed would be difficult for him. Maybe he’d even consider a course of action that didn’t end with her lifeless body in a nice pine box. Yet she knew Alfie. At least, she knew the type. Business would come first. And in the end, when it all went tits up, that’s all she would be…a loose end that needed to be tied up. All in service of business. 

She nodded. “I believe we have reached an impasse, Mister Solomons.” 

“Perhaps not,” Alfie said.

Mac didn’t like the serious tone he used. So many thoughts flashed through her mind. 

“Ollie, small thing that he is, found somethin’ useful. Not that he meant to, no. Hurt his feelings you did that day. He went lookin’ for somethin’ to use against you, but you’re good at your job, Miss Theil, very good at your job, yeah, so he couldn't find anything. Moped around like a child. For days. Like a fuckin’ child. Then, one day, he comes into me office excited as I’ve ever seen him, and he learned something about you, pet, about your family.” 

Mac stiffened. Beside her, Zeus stood, moved to a guard position in front of her. 

“None of that, pet. I’m not here to harm you, no. But your family, an uncle of yours I believe, goes by Hank, and what a fucking stupid name that is, but very Gentile, yes, very fucking Gentile that name, Hank. Well, it appears that he has recently made some business purchases that you might find interesting. Thames Security and Clover have been purchased, and see these names, pet, they seemed familiar. I’d seen them before on that nice list your office sent me the first time you told me no. Both companies were on the top of that list.”

Mac stumbled a bit. Alfie reached out and steadied her, hands warm on her skin. She wanted to push him away, but she didn’t want to fall on her ass, so she leaned into him. Felt his fingers card through her hair. Damn him. Damn them all. Why did it have to feel so good? 

“He doesn’t have the capital for that kind of move,” Mac said as she pulled back. “He’s old money, but he relies on the reputation of that name, of the fucking gentry politics more than any sort of funding. He’s not broke, but those are large companies, strong companies. How the fuck did he get that kind of money?” 

“Before you jump to conclusions because I know my actions might have you thinking foolishness, I didn’t give your uncle, right, I did not give that man any money. Not a bloody pence of my money went to him. Ollie dug up the court documents, right, the documents containing information about his atrocious behavior and the things that he said to you, the fucking words he spoke in a court of law about you. Ollie found those and gave them to me. I read them. Yes, I read them, and you are a good person, pet, a fucking good person for not having him killed for what he said, and for what he did to you, to your family.” 

She couldn’t breathe. Zeus whimpered, nudged her with his nose. When had the walls gotten so close to her? Hadn’t there been windows in this car? Hank’s smug, bloated face hovered in front of her, little grin tugging his thin, mustached lips. Mac squeezed her eyes closed, but Hank only grew larger. There wasn’t enough air in the room. She couldn't feel the tips of her fingers. Couldn’t breathe. 

Warm fingers on her face gently stroking her cheek. A broad hand on her chest. Her own hand pressed against a warm body. She could feel a steady thump, thump, thump beneath her fingers. 

“Breathe with me, pet.” 

She knew the voice. Knew it would keep her safe. She tried to do as he said. Kept her hand against his chest, took a breath in through her nose, released it through her mouth. 

Blinking slowly, she forced her eyes open. Alfie knelt on the ground in front of her, eyes tracking her movements, concern etched into her face. She hated how weak her family made her. The panic attacks started when her uncle first brought the suit against her. They increased as litigation continued. Thankfully, she’d never had one in front of him. It was bad enough that both Tommy and now Alfie had seen her have one. She knew men like them shouldn't have this kind of power over her. As Alfie said, Tommy might grow to love her enough for it not to matter, but Alfie would always be a wild card. 

“Give me a reason for him to keep breathing, pet. This uncle of yours deserves a shallow grave, pet, not worth wasting the work of a proper burial.” 

“He’s not worth it.” 

“Bollocks.” 

Mac laughed. The noise startled her. Now, though she had a problem. Alfie had leverage. And now Hank was making moves that made little sense to her. This all might lead to her needing the protection Tommy and Alfie could offer to her firm. She doubted any respectable lender would front Hank the money, gentry or not. Even more so, she knew the owners of both companies. They had no reason to sell. She sighed. 

“Birmingham New Street.”

She’d not noticed the chime for any of the other stops. In her defense, she’d been highly distracted by a man she figured practiced distracting folks daily. 

“That’s me, pet. You’ve the rest of the ride to yourself. Bought the car out as far as Lancaster, so you’ll not be disturbed. I’ll ‘ave them bring you another drink, right, another one when I get me and Cyril off.” 

She nodded mechanically. 

“Think about my offer. Do your research, right, figure out what that worm of an uncle of yours is doing, yeah, and make a plan. Be clever.” 

“I can’t exactly say thank you and mean it, but I’m glad I know now.” 

Alfie nodded. “Fair enough, pet.” 

He pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek. It didn’t so much feel like a goodbye, which is what she’d expected. Instead, it felt like a placeholder. As though he’d simply pressed pause on their…bread making. 

When the door closed behind him, she fell heavily into the chair. Zeus sat near her feet, his head resting in her lap, eyes staring up at her. She scratched behind his ears.

“I have no idea what we’re going to do, buddy.” 

The door opened again, and she just about expected to see Alfie again, maybe even Tommy. Thankfully, it was just the host carrying a tray with another G&T and a charcuterie board. Just as it was set down on the table near her, her stomach let out a loud growl. She chuckled to herself. Damn the gangsters in her life. Damn them all.

Master List

Tag List: @allie131313​  @highgardenrosexx​   @stevie75​   @polishcrazyone​

[puppyschoolsydney]

The Importance of Socialization for Dogs

Introduction

Dogs are not just pets; they are members of our families, and their well-being is of paramount importance. One crucial aspect of a dog's life that often goes underestimated is socialization. Socialization plays a vital role in a dog's overall health and happiness. In this article, we'll explore the significance of socialization for dogs, why it matters, and how it can positively impact your furry friend's life.

What Is Dog Socialization?

Before delving into its importance, let's clarify what we mean by "dog socialization." Socialization refers to the process of exposing dogs to a variety of people, animals, environments, and experiences during their developmental stages. This helps them become well-adjusted, confident, and comfortable in different situations.

Developmental Stages of Socialization

Puppyhood: The critical window for socialization typically occurs between 3 and 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are more open to new experiences, making it an ideal period to introduce them to various stimuli.

Adolescence: While socialization continues throughout a dog's life, adolescence (around 6 to 18 months) is another essential stage. Here, dogs may become more wary of new experiences, making positive interactions crucial.

Why Socialization Matters

Socialization is not just a luxury; it's a necessity for your dog's well-being. Here's why:

1. Builds Confidence

Exposure to different people, animals, and situations helps dogs build confidence. Dogs that are well-socialized are less likely to be fearful or anxious in unfamiliar environments or around strangers.

Reduces Aggression and Fear

Proper socialization reduces the likelihood of fear-based aggression in dogs. When they are exposed to different people and animals from an early age, they learn to react calmly to new situations rather than defensively.

Promotes Positive Behavior

Well-socialized dogs tend to exhibit better behavior. They are more likely to respond positively to training and are easier to manage in various situations.

Prevents Behavioral Problems

Unsocialized dogs are at a higher risk of developing behavioral problems like separation anxiety, phobias, and aggression. Socialization helps prevent these issues from arising in the first place.

Enhances Safety

A well-socialized dog is safer to be around. They are less likely to pose a threat to people or other animals, reducing the risk of accidents or incidents.

How to Socialize Your Dog

Now that we understand why socialization is vital, let's look at how you can socialize your dog effectively:

Start Early

As mentioned earlier, the critical period for socialization is during puppyhood. Begin exposing your puppy to different people, animals, and environments as soon as they are old enough to venture out.

Gradual Exposure

Take a gradual approach to socialization. Introduce your dog to new experiences in a calm and controlled manner. Start with familiar and non-threatening situations and gradually increase the complexity of the exposures.

Positive Reinforcement

Use positive reinforcement techniques like treats, praise, and play to reward your dog for calm and confident behavior during socialization experiences. This will help them associate new experiences with positive outcomes.

Variety is Key

Expose your dog to a wide range of people, including children, adults, and seniors. Introduce them to other dogs of different sizes and temperaments. Take them to different environments, such as parks, beaches, and urban areas.

Enroll in Puppy Classes

Puppy socialization classes can be highly beneficial. These classes are designed to provide controlled environments for puppies to interact with other puppies and learn valuable social skills.

Consult a Professional

If you're unsure about how to socialize your dog or if you're dealing with a dog that has missed crucial socialization periods, consider seeking guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist.

Common Socialization Challenges

While socialization is crucial, there are some challenges to be aware of:

1. Fear Periods

Dogs may go through fear periods during their developmental stages. During these periods, they may become more fearful or anxious. It's important to be patient and avoid forcing them into situations that make them uncomfortable.

Negative Experiences

One negative experience during socialization can have a lasting impact. Be cautious and avoid situations that could traumatize your dog. Always prioritize their well-being.

Health Considerations

Ensure your dog's vaccinations are up to date before exposing them to other dogs or public places to reduce the risk of disease transmission.

Conclusion

In conclusion, socialization is a fundamental aspect of a dog's life at Puppy Playground that should not be overlooked. It plays a crucial role in building confidence, reducing fear and aggression, promoting positive behavior, preventing behavioral problems, and enhancing safety. By starting early, using positive reinforcement, and exposing your dog to a variety of experiences, you can help them become well-adjusted, happy, and confident companions. Remember that every dog is unique, and socialization should be tailored to their individual needs and comfort levels. With the right approach, you can ensure that your furry friend enjoys a fulfilling and enriching life.

[femboyhunting]

TELL US MORE ABT MIKIE!!!

Ok here are some mikie things

*He likes to get his hair dyed pink but his natural hair is hazelnut brown

*He works out entirely out of spite. Sometimes when he works out he imagines himself breaking Whitney's smug bastard face and that makes it all worth it. Anyway, he's pretty strong and has a nice physique.

*He really does have a dart board up on his wall with a drawing of Bailey taped to it. He drew it but he doesn't really draw much.

*He comes off as really confident and self assured but inside he's mostly made up of self loathing.

*He runs entirely on coffee and spite, caffeine runs through his veins. He's so busy that he'd rather get stuff done than sleep. A lot of times he can't sleep at all because of insomnia. Sometimes he just passes out/falls asleep out of nowhere. Though if he can help it, he only falls asleep somewhere he feels safe.

*Deep down, he feels immense guilty for taking Sydney's purity. He feels like he's put Syd in a more dangerous position out of selfishness and wonders if Syd's life would have been so much better if he'd never met Mikie.

*He's doing surprisingly well in school despite being a bit of a delinquent and he seems to get on fairly well with most of his teachers. Aside from Leighton, who Mikie daydreams of throwing into a volcano. For whatever reason, he tries really hard in school and seems to want his teachers to like him. He's won the science competition in the past though he really doesn't seem the type. He also volunteers at the soup kitchen with River and brings Winter antiques. Both of these crotchety uptight bastards didn't like or trust him At All at first but they've really warmed up to him. As much as they can warm up anyway. He likes them, especially River. River feels safe to Mikie. He thinks Winter is kinda a freak but he likes listening to him talk about the past and he likes that Winter gives him better grades because he brings him stuff he finds.

*When he was just starting out scrambling to get enough money to pay rent, he danced and "took clients" at the brothel pretty much all night. He doesn't have good memories of that. He'd like to forget but that reputation still sticks to him, especially considering it wasn't really very long ago. He was even more exhausted then and disassociating pretty much the whole time. He'd have this empty dead fish expression, that's how you can tell he's only there physically. And that's really how he copes still.

When he got enough money for a fake id he graduated to the strip club where he bartends. He likes it better. And he's really surprisingly protective of Darryl. Like jumping over the bar table with a bottle in his fist when a patron gets handsy with him. Darryl might be both older than Mikie and a pretty successful business owner but Mikies the one acting like a protective attack dog whenever he's around.

[emj-lane]

A little About me🤷‍♀️

My name is Emma-Jean Victoria Lane

Most people call me EmJ but some call me Em or Emma...all those things I respond to. I have a hyphenated first name so it's a mouthful lol!

I'm 18 years old and have an identical twin sister, Mazee. Our birthday is Halloween 🎃

Mazee and I were adopted from China when we were 2 months old

We live and were raised in California.

Besides Mazee, I have a sister, Natasha, who is 19. A sister, Morgan, who is 14. my sister, Sydney, is 11. And the youngest is my brother, Hunter, and he's 7. These siblings are my parents biological children.

We have 2 dogs that are golden doodles, Luna and Courage, and we have a cat. Her name is Boo.

I find it weird how friends or dates/boyfriend are sketched out, leary and scared off by the fact that my mom is a psychiatrist. That's her career/ her job but she is a regular person, wife, mother individual outside of her psychiatrist title/career. I promise she's not analyzing or diagnosing you if you aren't her patient in her office or in the hospital

My dad is a teacher at a boarding school for high schoolers gifted in the arts like music, theater, dance, writing, painting etc

Surfing is one of my favorite things/passions/talents. My whole family surfs.

Equal to surfing is my passion for writing.

I started playing soccer in second grade and the rest is history. From then on year after year I played on the soccer team for my elementary school, middle school and high school.

Should have been a mermaid. Love the water and swimming and diving. I was a competitive swimmer and diver from 7th grade and on through the rest of my middle school and high school career

I train and practice karate and kick boxing. In a fist fight I will kick your ass & I love it

My life motto and really driving phrase for my life and personality is "Underestimate me. That'll be fun..."

I'd say I'm very outgoing, friendly and social.

It can get very heated and tension does get very high at home with my older sister, Natasha. She has a diagnosis of ARFID which is avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder. She has a lot of Orthorexia traits and tendencies as well. This has been a battle and an issue for almost 12 years now. Natasha doesn't really want full recovery...she doesn't want to weight restore or be healthy. She wants to maintain where she is...still sick, still disordered, still underweight but not getting worse- just completely maintaining & existing forever as she is. It is really really frustrating and sad. Sometimes I would like to kick her in the mouth, grab her and shake her and scream at her but it would not get through to her. It would not help.

I get self conscious sometimes being out with my family. Because I am Chinese and my parents and siblings, except Mazee, are caucasian American many people don't see us as family. They assume my parents are hosting foreign exchange students or if I am out with my 7 year old brother people assume I am his babysitter or his nanny- these things get said to me and my family and those things make a home in my head . They hide out a lot but still are there, lingering.

I enjoy music and playing music. I play piano, guitar, violin and saxophone. They are more hobbies and escapes although I am told I am talented and gifted in playing instruments I like having it as just something enjoyable, not necessarily something to pursue and train for career/performance/competitive purposes. The same goes for drawing.

My favorite artists and musicians right now are John mayer, Dave matthews band, Green Day, Nirvana, The Smiths, Bruno Mars, Billie Eilish, Yellow card, Lindsay Stirling and switchfoot.

Traveling & hiking is also something I love and something my whole family likes to do. Just being outside. We've been to the grand canyon, Niagara falls, Rocky mountains, smokey mountains, parts of the Appalachian trail/mountains, we've been to Hawaii, the Bahamas, Jamaica, Mexico, Australia, Alaska and Canada. And of course California has some hiking/national parks and nature too so we do a lot here too.

Favorite tv shows: Law and order svu, Criminal minds, Psych, and The Good Doctor

Favorite Movies: The Lord of the rings movies, Harry Potter movies, any of the Jaws movies, The Shallows, Hunger games movies, any X-men movies, Star wars movies, Man on Fire, National Treasure 1 and 2, A Beautiful Mind, I Am Sam, Dead Poet's Society, and Freedom Writers.

That's all. This is already longer than I intended.

[copperbadge]

Radio Free Monday

Good morning everyone, and welcome to Radio Free Monday!

Ways to Give:

Anon linked to a fundraiser for ridne, who needs to raise $2K for emergency dental treatment; ridne has EDS and needs crowns to protect brittle teeth. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

like-the-midnight-sun linked to a fundraiser for a close friend, Sydney, who is queer, trans, disabled, and currently homeless after leaving an abusive situation; they have a job but are living in their car and need help to keep Felix safe during the day while they're at work. They're raising funds to board Felix during the day so that they can keep their job and get back on their feet; you can read more and support the fundraiser here.

Anon linked to a fundraiser by the Coalition for Responsible Home Education, a nonprofit supporting homeschooled children with a focus on laws protecting their rights, which is pulling together support for a young trans man who recently escaped a (very common) abusive home/homeschooling situation and needs resources to get a start in life. You can read more and support the fundraiser here.

gwydion is raising funds to replace a broken fridge; they've solved a semi-recent plumbing issue but still need to replace the fridge and that's never cheap. You can give via paypal here.

Anon linked to a fundraiser for a nephew, Martin, who is raising funds to get a service dog to help him as he lives with a disability; you can read more and support the fundraiser here.

greaseonmymouth linked to small Scottish independent queer horror publisher Haunt Publishing, which is raising funds for a new frontlist title and to reprint two of their anthologies; the kickstarter has ebook, audio, and print options for rewards, including their entire backlist. This is the kind of indy publisher which launches careers in the UK publishing world, so helping them also helps queer authors. You can read more and support the fundraiser here.

Recurring Needs:

rilee16 is raising funds to get out of an abusive home situation, where their roommate has been harassing them and vandalizing their belongings. You can read more, reblog, and find giving information here.

chingaderita's partner recently lost their job due to a house fire that also destroyed the house; they're raising funds to keep food on the table for a family of nine, to try and get a supply of water to keep clean which is increasingly difficult during a drought, and for medications and bills until they can find new work; they also had an emergency this past weekend which ate into their funds. You can read more, reblog, and support the fundraiser here.

And this has been Radio Free Monday! Thank you for your time. You can post items for my attention at the Radio Free Monday submissions form. If you're new to fundraising, you may want to check out my guide to fundraising here.

[australianwomensnews]

A Sydney woman who escaped brutal domestic violence is facing homelessness with her six-week-old baby after spending more than two years in a temporary private rental while on the priority list for social housing.

Sarah, who is using a pseudonym for safety reasons, is living in a two-bedroom flat in unsanitary and unsafe conditions but was recently asked to leave after she fought a 60 per cent rent increase and asked for repairs.

Sarah, who is in her 30s, has been on the social housing list since August 2021 and on the priority list since December that year, needing a home suitable for herself, two dogs, and now a baby. The pregnancy was a surprise and the baby’s father is not her perpetrator but is not involved much.

The most recent figures for NSW social housing had 51,013 people on the general waitlist and 6519 on the priority list.

Sarah received a one-off state government grant of $4350 for victims of family violence to help her with her bond and initial rent. She was paying $400 a fortnight, which was a reduced price based on putting up with some maintenance issues, such as boarded-up windows in the living room, thinking she would only need to stay for three to six months.

More recently, the ceiling in the kitchen collapsed, and broken plaster is directly overhanging the stove. The lack of proper windows also mean higher power bills now she needs to keep the flat warm enough for her baby.

Despite the problems, the landlord recently tried to increase the rent to $640 a fortnight, which would be 97 per cent of her income from Centrelink.

Rose Jackson, NSW Minister for Housing and Homelessness, said the government had “inherited a housing system that is broken after a decade of neglect”.

“This story is not only heartbreaking, but the harsh reality of our housing crisis in NSW,” Jackson said.

“We need to strengthen our housing system across the board to ensure people don’t fall through the cracks and find themselves unable to access shelter.”

The Greens have been lobbying to cap rent increases to be in line with inflation and end no-grounds eviction.

[badbreed1111]

A WOMAN was flying from Melbourne to Brisbane.

Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sydney:

The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes.

Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind.

A man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye Dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her and calling her by name, said. "Kathy, we are in Sydney for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?"

The blind lady replied. "No thanks, but maybe Max would Like to stretch his legs."

Picture this:

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog!

The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered.

They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story...

Have a great day and remember...

THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR.

A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED! 🤣