#grumpy dog

[nlmda]

So recently I felt like drawing something cute and decided to make a portrait of this grumpy pupper.

He's judging all of us and I might just print him out and put on my desk to make me feel guilty whenever I'm slacking off while working ;)

[lysthewildwitch]

THOSE EARS THO.

THAT SAD FACE!

😭😍❤️

[funnyfiasco]

When the vet trip doesn't faze your dog.

[miryum]

Simon Riley who, when you moved in with him, also had to adjust to your little dog. He loved dogs, as evident by Riley, but your dog was not like Riley. Riley was a war-hardened German Shepard that could sniff out bombs and had survived a bullet wound. Your dog looked like it would pee on the helicopter that was sent to rescue it and bark at the medic before rolling over for belly rubs.

Your dog was all bark and no bite. They were a small, fluffy little thing who you spoiled more than Simon. It took them a while to adjust to Simon, but when they realised that Simon laid heavily on the couch after deployment and was willing to be their personal pillow, your little dog reluctantly accepted him.

As for the dynamic between Riley and your dog, your little pupper was insistent that they were the boss of the house. They barked at Riley when first introduced as Riley just sat there, waiting for it to be over. Soon enough, though, your dog was curled up with Riley, cuddling. That always made you coo and take pictures of the pair, though Simon grumped that he’d rather have you pay attention to him.

Speaking of attention not on Simon, when the hell did your shared bed also become the dogs’ bed? When it was just Simon and Riley, Riley had his own bed and kennel in the living room. And Simon loved you so much. He was so fucking happy when you moved in. Hell, he was happy just to have you in his bed. Waking up with you tucked into his side, protected by him, was something he adored. It was better than heaven. But that heaven was usually interrupted by your scrappy little dog wiggling its way in between you two. He would turn around when you started petting and baby-talking the dog, only to see Riley at the foot of the bed, staring up at him. That’s how both dogs began sleeping in your shared bed.

You adored Riley just as much as you adored your own dog. You loved going on walks with Simon, the dogs on their leashes. Riley was a perfect walker, next to Simon the entire time with such military precision that you doubted the canine even needed a leash. Your dog on the other hand… they weaved all over the path, pausing to sniff and pee every half block. Simon wanted to train your dog like he had trained Riley, but you refused. “Oh, shush. Look at that little face! Perfect already, Si.” Of course, he could never say no to you.

Speaking of Riley’s training, however, Simon could tell that his dog was slowly slipping farther and farther from his strict regimen. With the excessive treats that you slipped Riley, the dog was gaining some chonkiness, just as his owner. As his deployments got further and further apart and his retirement got more and more likely (perhaps because of the ring in his dresser drawer), he allowed himself to stay in bed longer with you rather than getting up to exercise in the wee hours of the morning. You didn’t mind, obviously. You liked the softness that Simon was acquiring and he was always a big man to begin with. Just because his tummy was becoming more squishy didn’t mean that he still couldn’t throw his weight around if someone was bothering you.

Simon, combined with Riley, allowed for ‘scary dog privileges.’ There was a time when a creepy man began following you when Simon was on deployment and you were walking Riley. Your own little dog was getting their hair cut, so it was just you and Riley. You noticed something was wrong when Riley’s ears perked up and his movements got a bit more robotic. You glanced around, knowing Riley’s instincts were never wrong. After seeing the man, you decided to head back towards the edge of the park, where more people were. When the man didn’t give up, though, and got even closer, Riley went full guarddog. He stepped closer to you and turned around to face the man. After a few loud, thundering barks that drew the attention of everyone around, the man scuttled away. Later that month when Simon was back home, both dogs cuddled up to you on the bed, he didn’t know whether to be mad that you didn’t tell him immediately (though he could never get mad at you) or to be proud that Riley protected you so fiercely. Anxiety and fear rushed through Simon, but you calmed him with a small kiss and Riley set his head on Simon’s stomach. Riley definitely earned the scratches behind the ears that he got.

Most dog owners took their dogs out for one last pee before bedtime and Simon was no exception. You always made Simon take the dogs out because you were usually cuddled up in bed or in the blankets all cosy. He never once complained, either tugging on his jacket if it was windy out, or pulling on a hat if it was raining. He would do anything for you, even if it meant braving thick snow that crept into his boots. Riley always went quickly, even though both owner and dog knew that he could withstand the freezing temperatures. Your little idiot, on the other hand, would take their merry time, sniffing and trailing around the yard (which you had asked for when you and Simon moved out of his apartment and into a real house on the outskirts of the city). There were even times when another dog would be walking by and your canine would bark and run after them. Simon was always quick to jog after and scoop the dog up. Once in a while, Riley would give a deep bark as well, as if telling off your dog. Simon would then trudge back into the house, muttering curses under his breath, your dog under his arm.

But, as much as he pretended to hate your dog, there was always a soft spot there. Soon enough, “my girlfriend’s” dog became “my wife’s” dog and then “our” dog.

[sleepytopia]

The Dog Likes You (I Don’t… Yet)

Simon "ghost" riley x reader

Summary: Your new neighbor is quiet, broad-shouldered, and built like he eats bricks for breakfast. He barely says more than two words when you pass him in the hall. But his dog? His dog is obsessed with you. And slowly, Simon Riley realizes maybe... he is too. Even if he’ll never admit it out loud.

The first time you met Riley, he barreled into you in the hallway, tail wagging, tongue out, like you'd been best friends in a past life.

“Riley, no- get back here- "

That gravel-rough voice chased after him, exasperated and deep. You looked up. And there he was.

Simon Riley. Unit 4B. Tall. Tattooed. Constantly wearing black. Never made eye contact in the elevator. Never smiled. Always looked like he had a secret and a kill count.

“He’s not usually like this,” Simon muttered, gripping the leash and yanking the excited shepherd back to heel. “Sorry.”

“It’s fine,” you smiled, crouching to pet him. “He’s sweet.”

Simon grunted.

Didn’t even introduce himself.

The dog liked you. A lot. Simon didn’t. Or so you thought.

But Riley started dragging him to your door every morning. Whining when you passed in the hallway. Sitting outside your condo like he lived there.

It was kind of cute.

Simon was not.

He was blunt. Quiet. Always tense like he was waiting for the ceiling to fall in. He didn’t ask questions. Didn’t make small talk.

But he did start lingering longer when you pet Riley.

“You live alone?” he asked once, randomly, voice low.

You blinked. “Yeah… why?”

“Just noticed your lights’ve been out when you get home late. Thought something might’ve happened.”

Thought something might’ve happened.

Was that… concern?

Then came the day you twisted your ankle trying to bring groceries up the stairs.

Simon didn’t just help. He carried you. Bridal style. No hesitation.

“You should be more careful.”

“Yes, thanks, Simon, I totally meant to fall and eat concrete.”

He didn’t even smile.

But he did check in every day after that. Brought Riley. Brought food. Started asking if you needed anything when he went to the store. Then started knocking just to see if you were okay.

You started catching him looking at you differently. Softer. Longer.

One night, sitting beside you on the couch while Riley sprawled across both your laps, he spoke without looking at you:

“He doesn’t like many people, y’know.”

“He’s great.”

“…So are you.”

You turned.

He was already looking at you. Eyes bare. Voice low.

“Didn’t think I’d like you at first. Thought you were too chatty. Too soft.”

He paused.

“But… you make things quiet. In a good way.”

He kissed you that night. Rough hands, hesitant lips, the slow realization that maybe letting someone in didn’t mean falling apart.

Riley barked halfway through it. Simon groaned.

“He’s a bloody cockblock.”

You laughed against his mouth. “He’s the reason we’re here.”

“Tch. Don’t let him get smug about it.”

Extras:

Simon lets you borrow his hoodie after you mention you're cold. Never asks for it back.

Riley literally scratches your door when Simon takes too long to visit you.

Simon never admits it, but he keeps a photo of you and Riley tucked into his wallet.

He lets you scratch behind his ears when you call him “a good boy” but that’s between you and him.

© sleepytopia do not copy, translate, or plagiarize any of my works

[stump-not-found]

some stanley doodles because he's having a great time so far

[tapeworrmart]

A little angel dog boy I saw in a dream. He's completely sunshine yellow, including the wings 🌟✨

[sunny-aster]

She's with the crew again

[catsbeaversandducks]

She's real.

Comic by Irma Kniivila

Photo by Cats, Beavers & Ducks

[proudheartkat]

[ponkydraws]

This is what I see whenever these mfs are onscreen together

[funny-friends]

even tho its only may i gave her a summer outfit

[lambsouvlaki]

Jason gives the best hugs. It’s like if a weighted blanket was a person and also loved you. You are the burrito and he is the tortilla. Those arms are so big and strong and his jacket is nice and warm and perfect for snuggling under. If you’re short enough he’ll put his chin on your head and keep you tucked away nice and safe.

[absolutebl]

I have been thinking of what kind of bl couple dynamics I enjoy the most but then Topform spelled it out for me. I like a grumpy cat and an eager golden retriever. Other couples with similar dynamics that I have liked are Sang Woo and Jae Yang in Semantic Error and Zhou Shuyi and Gao Shide in We Best Love. In some cases I like a grumpy cat and a guard dog variant like Kiyoi and Hira in My Beautiful Man. Can you please recommend me some bls with similar couple dynamics?

10 Grumpy Cat + Golden Retriever BLs

References: Top Form, Semantic Error, We Best Love

Well, right off the bat currently airing Sweetheart Service (June 2025) is EXACTLY this dynamic. It's a Strongberry shortish weekly on YouTube and you should ABSOLUTELY be watching it.

And now... the list!

1 To My Star

Possibly one of the earliest I remember tumblr getting all excited to see this dynamic in action. There is a scene at the end where our neurotic puppy is waiting for his very grumpy cat to get home, and you can see his ears perk when the door opened. Living embodiment of this trope. (It's a neurotic actor with brand issues hides out with chef with very high walls.)

Speaking of living embodiment, Strongberry also did a reencarnated pets as humans thing where one is a literal dog and the other a literal cat. But the romance isn't between them, so it doesn't really count. But if you want to see it look for Choco Milk Shake.

2 HIStory 2: Crossing the Line

I wasn't sure whether to include this and then I finally decided that yes it really does count. Look at those puppy eyes. This is a sort of sports romance foundation but it's basically puppy floppy younger boy pursues hot nerdy older one Taiwan style.

3 Bad Buddy

This was GMMTV’s flagship BL and it started 2022 on a BANG (okay no actual banging but you know what I mean), starring heavy hitters Ohm & Nanon in a pitch perfect university Romeo & Romeo masterpiece that will give you domesticity meets pain whiplash throughout and jet lag at the end.

Some of the friendship and family dynamics are overworked, but it has great production values, killer acting, and some conscious effort to correct for half a decade of Thai BL’s anti-queer mistakes.

Once they get to being a couple they do have puppy/cat dynamic in spades, but it takes a while to get there.

4 Takara-kun and Amagi-kun

This on is high school BL and the pursuer of the relationship is the cat character (usual take on this dynamic) but it certainly satisfies. It is a favorite of mine but it is VERY JBL.

I gnawed on my knuckles and squealed a lot with this show. Reserved cool kid must learn to communicate to keep the tiny disaster nugget he’s madly in love with. It is beyond charming: soft and gentle, packed with cuteness and high school angst, thirst, & yearning.

5 Love Tractor

Most of this country-set KBL had me feral for the beautiful broken city boy (cat) and his hot young farmer (puppy 100%). Hyung romance, open frankness meets jaded reserve, language play, water hose frolicking, only one bed, just all my favorite tropes. This show was basically a light-weight Restart After Come Back Home and I’m not even slightly mad about that.

6 Sugar Dog Life

I dithered a bit over this one, but it think it words. The puppy is more a grown up guard dog and the cat is more a scared wet stray kitten, but my goodness does this dynamic work.

This is a phenomenally charming and adorable little romance about a forlorn university kid and the police officer who adopts him. They are relentlessly kind to each other, in fact it’s an extremely kindly show over all (everyone in it is so nice to everyone else including us) so there’s very little tension.

But what it lacks in drive and complexity it makes up for in earnest acts of service and simple affection. These two are basically boyfriends from the get-go, it’s just one of them acts like it and doesn’t realize it and the other one realizes it and has to figure out how to make it a reality. It’s incredibly sweet and incredibly wholesome, nourishing but delicious. Everybody who can should watch this show. It will make you feel better about life. 

7 We Are

This is one of those meandering ensemble pieces staring PondPhuwin that was divisive on tumblr but I happen to really enjoy. Not only does it satisfy this dynamic, it explicitly calls it out in the show. Also the side couples are mostly variations on puppy/cat.

It is long and was slow to find its stride (I didn’t get into it until ep 6) but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. Essentially this was a series of vignettes covering one year of uni for a queer friendship group finding love, new friends, and laughter. It’s not being harsh with us or it’s characters the way some offerings of this ilk have been (side eyes Friend Zone and Only Friends) nor did it tumble into Gen Y chaos. Will it blow your mind? No. But it left me smiling and made me belly laugh quite a bit so I'm going to recommend it.

8 Our Youth AKA Miseinen: Mijukuna Oretachi wa Bukiyo ni Shinkochu

On the entirely other end of the spectrum if you want something quite dark and harsh, this is you jam. Essentially a story about two lonely boys from opposite sides of the track who fall madly in love in high school, despite the fact that one is neglected (cat) and the other physically abused (puppy).

This has a rough premise (all the trigger warnings) BUT is an oddly lovely little show. Darker than is my personal preference but sublimely stylish, turns out sometimes that combo works for me (see The 8th Sense). The word that springs to mind is “refined.” I enjoyed the restful distancing feel of the beuatiful filming style, Japan's signature utter thirst, and some ostentatiously poetic dialogue. So edgy pretty.

9 Your Sky

This time Thailand made the cat the pursuer but my goodness can he pine for gold. This is on the grumpy/sunshine end of the puppy/cat spectrum but I think it qualifies.

This is a relatively simple yet endearingly old fashioned story of a fake relationship between a sunshine sweetie and an older reserved rich kid who slowly fall in love. It's soft gentle low stakes leans on everything I love best about Thai BL, no damage no trauma. It’s a warm fuzzy robe of a show that will not hurt you, featuring some of the greenest flags I have ever seen in the genre.

10 Addicted: Heroin

You thought I would let this one slide? Nope. It's a harsh version of puppy cat but you better believe that's what this is. Look, when Chinese BL was good it was very dirty good and when it was bad it was censored. This is the model for that statement: rich kid falls madly for the genius poor kid in his class, starts an aggressive pursuit, includes kidnapping for love, obsession, stepbrother trope, plus some cheating. I love this BL because of what it could have been. But be aware it is UNFINISHED. Just stop watching it after The Sex Scene. Okay?

Other good BLs that I considered but ended up rejecting for various reasons to do with whether puppy/cat was a driver of the narrative or exactly fit:

Our Dating Sim

Long Time No See (his assassin name is literally Wild Dog) speaking of assassins...

Word of Honor

Love is Science? the BL cut is worth tracking down, it is totally this dynamic our cat is a refined out cultured gay man and our puppy is a chaos bisexual. Even ardrobe is on point for these two. But it's a BL subplot in a het age gap romance. So it didn't make my top 10. Although in my heart it's up there.

Puppy Honey (see above)

PeteKao in the Kiss series (see above)

Gameboys

My Day

Restart After Come Back Home

HIStory 4: Close to You

Kieta Hatsukoi

The Tasty Florida

About Youth

DNA Says Love You

Plus and Minus

A Breeze of Love

Bed Friend

Destiny Seeker

Love Mate

Sing My Crush

Stay By My Side

Let Free the Curse of Taekwondo

Meet You At the Blossom

Monster Next Door

My Damn Business

The Time of Fever 

This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans

Business As Usual

No Dating in Boarding School

Perfect 10 Liners

Secret Relationships (one of the dynamics)

Similar older post:

List is up-to-date as of mid 2025, not responsible for BLs featuring this dynamic that air after that date. Feel free to add more in the comments.

(source)

[flamie-42]

Mori: Chuuya, why are you on the ceiling? Chuuya: *grumpy* no reason Mori: *sighs* did Dazai call you short again Chuuya: NO Mori: come on Chuuya, you're 22 you gotta stop doing this whenever this happens Chuuya: NOTHING HAPPENED

[ahollowgrave]

none has been mostly restored !! still tweaking their outfits and their 'makeup' but i missed them. now there are two sad, wet creatures in the rotation.