#heres some education on responsible breeding

[harus-simp]

Them as dog breeds (maknae line)

Shen Ricky, Kim Gyuvin, Park Gunwook, Han Yujin

Warning: none

Genre: Fluff

Author's note: Here's the second part, I hope I am being accurate enough tho.

Anyways, I hope you guys like it and sorry for the long wait :D

Hyung line

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What kind of dog breeds would they resemble according to their traits and vibes?

Ricky (Pyrenean mastiff)

♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡

Pyrenean mastiffs are a spanish breed that are used by farmers to guide the herd, so they're quite big dogs (he's also freaking tall so it makes sense)

Although their size is intimidating and gives them a cold appearance they're docile and good natured,really noble, meek and intelligent.

With people they know they are caring and protective when they need to, but without being too clingy or sickly sweet. With people they don't know they seem indifferent but not aggressive (which I think it's oddly accurate for a reason?)

They are also really self-confident and they're also well aware of their own strenght when getting involved in any type of conflict with other dogs. They know their own value and what they are good at (definitely him 💀)

With unknown people they can also come as brave and fierce, specially when protecting someone,so whenever someone else flirts with you or stares he would use his intimidating privilege to scare them off (he a little bit jealous I think 😀)

The most supported theory about their origin is that the fenicians introduced the mastiff breed brought from Syria and India.

For centuries this dog has been used to protect herds from the Pyrenees located on Aragon and Navarre (I'm from here hehe)

They are perfect guardian dogs and if educated correctly they can also save people, they need to be educated because they are quite stubborn dogs and they don't attend to orders immediately

"Those guys are being a bother, let me show them who's boss 😈"

Gyuvin (Alaskan Malamute)

☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆~☆

Alaskan malamutes are in general quite calmed and docile if they are educated well, if not they can become quite destructive and chaotic (which literally fits perfectly with guuvin lol)

They're also a little bit clueless but in general quite obedient and intelligent.

Specially domestic ones are a little bit dramatic and over the top (tik tok do be showing them like that haha)

It's an active and agile breed due to their size and their background (cold zones) but they are indeed really sweet and caring.

They tend to get bored easily and therefore explore the house, turning them into curious dogs that could cause some trouble due to their size 😬

Unlike huskys they are not independent and need constant company and affection, therefore they are also really protective, specially for kids (yeah him treating yujin like a baby is the only evidence I need)

They are too friendly so that makes them terrible guard dogs, they might become friends with the intruder 💀

If you thought that he was playful and clingy wait till you see him with his s/o, gyuvin can't be be separated from your side and he acts really goofy, like a little kid looking for attention

They were created by an Inuit tribe called the mahlemiuts in Alaska to help pulling sleds and to help hunting in extreme climatological weather (cold).

"Y/nnie don't leave me alone!!!! If you come back and there's something broken I will not be responsible for it 😡"

Gunwook (Samoyed)

♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡~♡

The samoyed breed comes originally from Russia and Siberia, so one could think that their temper is cold and not close when in reality they are affective, sensitive and playful (the sensitive part is totally gunwook because on the show he cried a lot and he was really a good team mate 😌)

It is known for being an elegant, dominant and social dog that loves human company and although they are in alert a lot of times they don't posses a strong hunter instinct(I find this funny because I do see him like this, except when they played pranks on him and he fell for all of them 🤡)

They are gentle and pleasant dogs to be around, really intelligent with a bit of independence. When left alone for long periods of time their bark can be quite annoying, but that's just part of their alerting nature (totally agreeing with the intelligent part honestly and the rest as well)

Activity is essential in their lifestyle so they need daily exercise (gunwook is still young so he needs to stay active as well so yeah that kinda fits)

Also they have this thing called the 'sammie smile' that is literally the equivalent for gummy smile but for dogs and is literally the cutest thing ever (gunwook's gummy smile is adorable so it really fits him perfectly here 🥺)

They are really happy when they are assigned with tasks to do, so when gunwook met his s/o he always tried to find a way to be helpful. And if you ask him to do something he'd do it instantly :))

The samoyed are a really ancient breed used by Siberian tribes to pull sleds and guide reindeers. They came to England on the 19th century sometimes as presents from the czar of Russia.

"You called y/nnie? Do you want me to get you something?😊"

Yujin (Shiba Inu)

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Shiba inus are generally timid and quiet dogs that are perfect guardian dogs due to their secretive nature, they watch over the house and notify of any possible danger.

They are intelligent, docile and completely reliable dogs, strong and bold (have you seen him, he's fucking strong for his age wtf?)

Their loyalty is also admirable (like have you seen the movie Hachiko? I know he is an Akita Inu but they are really similar, the only difference is that Shiba inus are smaller). However, they don't trust easily strangers, resulting on them protecting their own things quite strongly.

Also they are really stubborn so it is crucial to educate them well from a young age (him and gyuvin being playful with each other only proves more my theory hehe)

They are attentive, active and friendly dogs as well that tend to be more on the independent side (I know he's technically an extrovert but he's more on the calmer side so I do see him like that, but without leaving aside his friendships obviously)

When he met his potential s/o he really stuck with you, but not like glue because he's not that clingy. But he makes sure to be by your side when you need it and he really cares for them.

It is one of Japan's most ancient breeds used to hunt on mountains that dates back to the 3rd century b.c

They were about to disappear on the Second World War :((

His name divides in two: "Shiba" meaning small bushes and "inu" meaning dog, which kinda makes sense because they were used for hunting small animals that hided on bushes.

"Shouid we go to that cafe that opened recently?You really should take a break from studying🙁"

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[is-the-owl-video-cute]

How do you justify falconry outside areas where it is traditional by UNESCO definition? It just seems a cultural appropriative hobby by people with some extra money and time, plus leading to some problems like hybrids and escapes. Outside the original ranges, or very specific contexts (like helping in airports, or as part of education programs), it is still an wild animal subjected to a lot of interaction with humans just because someone wanted it, by vanity or whatever. And both the animal and the environment around him are subject to the errors of the individuals in training. Even with permits and such, it seems such a big responsability to be available to people who are not trained biologists, or outside its original cultural and environmental context.

what… culture are you assuming to be appropriated by this? Falconry was and still is practiced all over Afro-Eurasia as it has been for millennia. It has been practiced in the Americas for centuries now.

Do you know what goes into obtaining a falconry permit in the US, anon? It’s not just paying a simple fee. You have to find a master or general level falconer to mentor you, pass a written exam with four sections with an 80% or higher, you have to construct an appropriate mews following state and federal guidelines and that mews must be inspected by the state. For two years the only raptors you may obtain are wild-trapped juveniles which will not impact populations if they escape back into the wild.

At any point, no matter your rank as a falconer, if the state decides you are unsuitable to have the birds they take them without warning. Too many birds? Seized. Unsafe practices? Seized. Neglect? Seized. A game warden can enter a falconer’s property at any time and assess whether the facilities are appropriate and the bird is in good care. If they don’t like it, that bird is seized and a falconry license suspended or lost.

I won’t say “falconry” isn’t a problem in countries where you can just go out and buy a barn owl for less than you’d spend at a dine in restaurant, but in terms of the US where you actually need permits and regulations are there to protect birds I have no issue with falconry. Are there falconers who should lose their permits here? Sure. Same goes for wildlife rehabs and education centers too though. There will always be people who get away with abysmal care. That’s just the sad reality of any animal husbandry.

I can promise you though, your view of falconry as just being practiced by bored wealthy people is rather ignorant. Even in the US there are falconers who hawk to have food for themselves and for their birds, and like it or not, falconry is intertwined with raptor conservation. See a peregrine falcon in the Americas? Thank a falconer. Had it not been for a healthy population of falconry peregrines, we would not have been able to restore their populations. Captive breeding raptors was also pioneered by falconers. So was trapping, used extensively by bird banders at research stations. Raptor nutrition? Feather imping? Telemetry? Proper handling equipment and technique for raptors?That’s all falconers.

I don’t look fondly upon those who go and buy an owl and claim to be a falconer, but there are by and large more good than bad aspects to the sport.

[carchaseonacarchase]

carchase christmas fics recommendations ✨

hi there, now i have a blog completely dedicated to carchase i wanted to share the fics i loved reading at christmas, this three fics were written by joe kerr on the site findcarmen.com, i highly recommend TECS rp's and fics to read. please enjoy.

✰ miracles do happen by joe kerr

It all started when she walked into my office. She sashayed in with all the flair and panache one would expect from a lady of her position; not surprising really until I considered that she had entered through the window.

Impressive, not that I would let her know of course.

She was devoid of her usual personal effects, opting instead to don a form fitting evening dress; it was strapless and on closer inspection looked to be made out of the finest silk; its burgundy tones complimented perfectly by the similarly hued stilettos she wore. The ensemble was capped off with a white faux fur shawl, diamond earrings and a matching necklace.

Very impressive indeed. Right, stop staring.

Her crimson lips curled into that infamous smirk of hers and soon parted to let her dulcet tones seduce my oh so weary ears.

"Relax, I'm not here to cause trouble; not this time, not tonight."

I merely raised an eyebrow in response.

And I would believe you, why?

Displaying her unearthly and frankly sometimes disturbing ability to read minds (mainly mine), she answered the question that had been on the tip of my tongue.

🎄🤍 keep reading...

✰ happy thanksgiving by joe kerr

(i know it says "thanksgiving" but it also has the feeling of christmas)

As the thieves tucked into their desert, Kidman turned towards the object of her adulation. “I just realized that you never got to share what you were thankful for, Carmen.” The VILE Leader merely displayed her trademark enigmatic smile as the rest of the table turned curiously toward her. “I guess if I have to pick something, I’d say I’m thankful for ACME.” At first, Kidman laughed heartily, thinking Carmen was telling one of her rare jokes. However, she stopped abruptly after realizing everyone else at the table wasn’t laughing but instead smiling thoughtfully. Perplexed, she turned back to Carmen, waiting for an explanation. “Confused little one? Don’t be. For as long as I’ve played this game, ACME has been a most worthy adversary, and a fairly reliable ally during the more distasteful of times. They have made the game most enjoyable thus far, and for that I am thankful.”

“Ey, they might be stick-in-the-muds but there ain’t no denying those gumshoes are good at what they do.” Vic mused before eating another spoonful of the gelato. “You know,” Joe piped up. “ACME and VILE are really the last of a dying breed. We represent ideals that are almost non-existent in the world today – the honest cop and the honourable thief. We’re two sides of the same coin really.” “Yeah, but we’re the glittery side.” Patty giggled. Carmen raised her glass, halting any further conversation on the topic. “A toast then, to ACME.” “To ACME!” came the unanimous reply.

As the dining room soon erupted into laughter and animated conversations again, Carmen discreetly glanced at the untouched piano and smiled ruefully. Lifting her glass almost imperceptibly, she whispered to no one in particular, “Happy Thanksgiving Chase.”

🎄🤍 keep reading...

✰ a very secret santa by joe kerr

“Hey, just wondering, who do you think got the Director? He’s playing right? Must be real stressful having to shop for him.” Sharing a conspiratorial smile, the siblings pulled Nevon aside to educate him. “You don’t have to worry about Chase, Nevon. His secret santa is always the same every year.” “Wait, what? That’s like insane odds. Whoever that person is really ought to go to Vegas, not that I’m advocating gambling or anything.” Ivy laughed knowingly. “Oh, I’m sure she does go there once in awhile.” “She? Oh you mean Renee? Makes sense that his PA would be the one drawing his name. She’d know him best.” Zack shook his head. “No, not Renee. Its someone else, someone who knows him better than anyone of us could. Best person to shop for him really, if you think about it.” Nevon was now officially befuddled. “I don’t understand.” Instead of enlightening him, the siblings opted to converse with each other, wanting to see if Nevon would pick up on their hints. “So you think she’ll show this year?” “Maybe. But it’s more likely that she already came and went. She’s about as much of a party person as Chase is.” “True that.” Nevon watched as the siblings shared another laugh at the apparent inside joke before continuing. “You know, it really is impressive how she always manages to slip in and out each year, especially considering that it’s hostile territory for her.” “True Zack. But she wouldn’t be worthy of her title if she couldn’t pull this off.” “Ivy, is that admiration I hear in your voice?” “Nope. Just giving credit where it is due.” Finally Nevon couldn’t stand it anymore. “Who is she? What are you talking about?” The siblings froze at the loudness of his voice and quickly turned around to apologize to the other guests for the outburst. Before Nevon could protest further, the siblings dragged him to one of the stairwells and addressed him in a hushed tone. “We’re sorry for pulling your strings, Nevon. But I guess now that you’re on of us, you ought to know.” “Know what?” “Uh-uh. You have to swear an oath of silence first.” Nevon was now even more confused. “What my little bro means, is that you have to promise not to mention this to anyone else.” Nevon nodded silently and even raised three fingers in a silent oath. “Ok, Nevon. Before we fill you in on the details, make an educated guess based on what you already heard from us. Final hint, you would think she’d be wearing a red dress.” Nevon went through the clues in his head - knows Director Devineaux better than anyone else...good at slipping in and out of the party...HQ or at least Accolade is ‘hostile territory’ to her...red dress…

🎄🤍 keep reading...

that's all, i hope you have a great reading, all credits to Joe kerr and the users of the findcarmen site, merry christmas ☺️

[samuraisharkie]

that virtualtoybox person literally told me they aren’t reading what I said and then tried to talk to me w about as much in their tags lol. i never understand people that go ‘I’m not reading all of that but you should read what I have to say” bc like. imagine how infuriated ur gonna get when that response is leveled right back at you? and judging by their tags they didn’t read past my very first line. bc they started comparing animals and animal rights to eugenics which is EXACTLY what I was saying is extremely dangerous to do. That’s exactly how people start calling things that happen to animals a ‘Holocaust’ and I’m positive such a statement is made in that book they told me to read. I’m disabled too. I know what I’m talking fucking about too. In the animal section, I for SURE know more than you do! Because if you knew and truly cared about animals and their welfare, you wouldn’t be talking like PETA. Here’s a trick to other disability activists: learn about animal welfare by volunteering on farms and educating yourself on breeders and the industry rather than getting involved in PETA! And another critical trick: NEVER compare animals to people! That’s exactly what the freaks that think any living thing with a deformity that should die are doing. These people would clutch their pearls the moment they hear farms cull undesirable animals bc they can’t afford to keep every single one and have to streamline their breeding and raising to what will help keep the farm running. That doesn’t mean these farmers want to do the same to people, because the animal is NOT a person and doesn’t live like one. Our lives are not even remotely comparable! People like OP are the people that keep a wild bird with an amputated wing alive bc in their mind it would be insinuating all amputees should die if the bird is put down, and next thing the bird is on the Dodo as inspiration porn. Duex Face is an exception to two headed animals, not the rule. Don’t tell me to do my research when you’re spouting talking points from people that have caused more problems for animals as a whole second only to the commercialization of animal industry. Maybe you need some research (field research) instead! They’re going to block me and I’m assuming that’s why I can’t rb the post anymore even if I wanted to (like I said I didn’t want to start a fight so like. I’m not going to be yelling and acting like an asshole. I swore a bit in the tags initially bc I feel very strongly about how animal rights activists have fucked up disability activism by acting like there’s equivalency in our existences, but that’s not targeted. Most was going to respond telling them that if they feel this strongly they need to be reading more about the animal industry rather than relying on people that are in no way experts on animals talking as an authority on them, and using that to tie with their human rights activism as if animals rights and humans rights are even remotely the same in any way. Whatever though at least the tags are there if anyone who cares enough actually reads them and thinks about them. Will most likely just attract militant vegans and ARAs like the op but whatever)

[tenkaneki]

Welcome to my blog everyone!

🦁 ♾️ 🐺

Ten kaneki

DaddyDomAlpha

This is primarily a bd/sm style of blog. Here is a classic Novel 📕 & general Q&A for everyone. However, I would like to start out by saying I appreciate everyone who chooses to follow my life. I understand the value of time and who you are, so you’ll always have my utmost gratitude for everything you do. Asks, comments, messages, follows, and even something as simple as a like.

What?

There are many forms of bd/sm themes post or shared on here so it’s not for anyone under 18 🔞. Some range from sfw/cute & others nsfw/might disrupt some. I like what I like, scroll at your own risk.

What you may find:

General BD/SM, Dom/Sub, Slave, DD/LG(Not Age/Baby Play), Pastel & Goth Aesthetics, Humiliations, Adoration, Worship/godplay, Mind Control/Dumbification, Degrading, CNC, 24/7 TPE, Waifu, Hentai, Anal, Body Modification, Pet Play, Breeding, Ethical Poly, Hucow, Free Use, etc.

Hard limits: Scat, Actual Abuse, Needles, Baby Play(To me dd/lg is not the same, think acting like a brat), etc.

What is the 🦁 ♾️ 🐺 ?

Lion 🦁 is named Aurelion. The Wolf 🐺 is Alpha (It’s his name idk why people think I go around calling myself an alpha like I’m hot shit…🙄). They are both cosmic creatures I cultivate into my psyche  as a representation on how my mind works. Think; same side of a coin 🪙, ying yang ☯️ or even (yes I know it’s fitting) my Gemini ♊️ sign. I choose to operate at a 80/20 I have always been an advocate for the belief: “From light comes darkness, and darkness light.”

…

My Why?

This blog is a “darker side” 🐺 version of myself that I just am and do not choose to hide it. People can think what they want about it, however that doesn’t have any effect on me.

I want to be the best version of myself; mind, body and spirit. To let my light and dark side be seen by all. To help everyone I can, to be the difference I wish to see in this world. I believe that which is in my favorite quote: “…as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”

So I want to use this blog and my skills in my life to help grow the community of people who wish for help or want to grow. If I can, I must, so I will! (Yes that’s an original quote 😅)

Asks?

Regarding asks I will answer all the ones I can. If you wish to remind anonymous please do so, if not that is your choice. If you respectfully wish to just send a comment I will answer it with my utmost gratitude. You and your time is important to me and so are all the people who follow me.

#ask alpha #alpha asks #Tenkaneki

Podcast

I do wish to start a bd/sm version of my podcast so I’m open to future collaboration’s and guests. My vision for it is to maybe even have guest on that I help in real time or special invited guests to just talk about educational things for people to listen, learn and grow from. So look for that in the near future and please tell me if you want this quicker (comment, ask, or PM)

General Content

Stuffieland Adventures: a short story series that is did/lg themed in a sense of getting people into their little space. I have many written, never posted and I wanted to also read them aloud. So look for that in the near future and please tell me if you want this quicker (comment, ask, or PM)

Ask Hour: For one of the hours of the day I answer as many asks as I can in rapid succession.

Live Q&A’s or Ask Video Responses: Exactly like what is said I go live and answer anyone’s questions live and in real time. And start doing video response for who maybe put the request for that type of response in the ask. I enjoy problem solving and helping others.

Pictures/w 🥵 Captions: Posting photos with spicy captions, one liners or even play style dialogue. Most of them won’t be my own images unless I specify they are. #not mine #my own work.

Helpful Questionnaires/Surveys/Books: I enjoy reading and writing. So creating helpful things for not just myself but for others. Example; My ideal partner (what to ask and answer for yourself to manifest and find your ideal partner)

Tags

#AurelionAlpha #AskAlpha #ClassicNovel #Definitions #Tenkaneki

Disclaimer!

This is my blog, it’s for me first and foremost. All I am actually doing is posting my life and what I like for everyone to see. If you enjoy this good you can follow me, if you don’t good follow or don’t follow me. That’s who are and in choosing to follow me you’ll get the Raw version of myself. This blog isn’t for people under 18. However I can’t control them viewing it so regardless I’ll still do my best to be a good example to everyone. I may make mistakes, I might say things I would like to have changed based on who I grow into, however I will always be unapologetically myself and I command that level of understanding and respect from everyone who is involved in my life at any capacity. I hold no responsibility for how this blog makes you feel, you are choosing to be here. If you were indirectly hurt by my me or blog you have my apologies. Those are not my intentions and I will always continue to do my best. I hope you’ll all be able to see that in what I do.

More to write…. ✍️ …Loading

Full disclaimer:

* This blog isn’t for people under 18. However I can’t control them viewing it and take no responsibility for them viewing it. Regardless I’ll still do my best to be a good example to everyone.

*I may edit this post at will.

[sarcasticsciencefictionwriter]

Trick or Treat 🧟‍♀️

Hello tricker or treater, what a lovely costume! Since I recall you liking Gregory, here's a snippet of him from my Ranna WIP for you to enjoy on this Halloween night.

🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬🍭🍫🍬

Gregory Magnus had come from the surface, after all, and who better to further her education?

It wasn't as easy as Ranna had hoped that it would be. Gregory was friendly, but very firm on the fact that he could not teach her without express permission. It was, after all, why he had never simply taught the classes as a whole. Only members of the Senate, the leader of Praxis, and a handful of others needed factual knowledge of the surface.

That, however, did not deter Ranna in the slightest, even when he ushered her out and closed the door behind her.

No, she applied for permission for Gregory to teach her, aided by her uncle. Alaric had probably learned things from Gregory himself, and a request from a budding leader of Praxis boosted by the current couldn't be ignored.

All in all, Ranna felt smug when she turned up at Gregory's door with the written permission from the Senate, along with all the warnings attached to it.

Gregory took the paper, surveyed it, and sighed heavily, leaning on his cane.

"You are a very stubborn one, aren't you, Miss Seneschal?"

"So I've been told."

"Come in, then."

Ranna could accept that he wasn't very happy, though a part of her couldn't fathom why. Surely he should have been happy to be able to share his knowledge freely, when he usually wasn't allowed to. Keeping things like that inside must have been difficult.

Gregory insisted on making Ranna tea before they got started and Ranna accepted, sipping the spicy blend quietly as Gregory went through pleasantries and asked her some questions, mostly about herself.

He smiled at her when she answered and already Ranna was a little confused, because she had never had a teacher or tutor give her that sort of look before. Like they were pleased with her simply for being, instead of expecting her to meet the expectations they never told her.

"You're Kanaan's intended?" he questioned, as if he didn't already know that.

Ranna snorted before she could stop herself.

"Intended is not the word I'd use, Doctor Magnus. I'm hardly marrying him."

"If he accepts you, you are, at the core of it."

Ranna blinked, frowning at this description.

"I beg your pardon?"

"You will be making a commitment to him that will span your entire life. I may not have bonded to a hyperspieces abnormal, Miss Seneschal, but I do understand how it works."

"Mmm."

They continued talking, though Ranna was perhaps slightly annoyed when it seemed that Gregory wasn't going to give her a lesson on what she needed to know about the surface today.

"Do you want this, Ranna?" Gregory asked her, after pouring yet another cup of tea, using her given name for the first time.

"I would not have applied for permission if I didn't."

"No." Gregory stared her down, his friendly old-man demeanor giving way to the doctor. "Do you want what you are heading for?"

Ranna was speechless for a few moments.

"Of course." she said, jutting her chin as she glared at him. "It is my duty."

"Duty does not equal want."

"I want to serve my world. Protect it. The fact that I was bred for it makes it easier to get there."

Gregory's eyebrows lowered for a moment and Ranna suddenly smiled when she realized why.

"Did you not know, Doctor? The direct descendants of the city's founders breed for their bloodlines. To be presented to Kanaan. The original leaders and Senate didn't like the idea of the leader of Praxis being an abnormal, so they actively bred to make certain it wouldn't happen."

Not many actually knew the practices of the principal descendant lines, but not many needed to. Most of Praxis's citizens were content to live their lives with others holding the responsibility of the city, and were appeased by abnormals being allowed nearly every other position within their government if they qualified.

"Is that what you want, Ranna? To be bred?" Gregory held her gaze.

Ranna fumbled with her teacup, fighting to keep her expression smooth, because no one had ever asked. She hadn't even truly considered it. She wanted to be leader of Praxis. The other details weren't as concerning. She could achieve what she wanted.

Somewhere in the back of her mind, she knew she would need to mate or marry or both, to continue her line, especially considering she was the last, aside from Alaric.

"Comes with the territory." she said as smoothly as possible.

Gregory sighed heavily.

They continued talking, but Ranna discovered that Gregory had no intention of starting their surface lessons today, which annoyed her slightly. When their conversation was drawing to a close, Gregory looked at her for a few very long moments.

"You seem to be a very arrogant young lady." he said finally.

She bristled before managing to control herself.

"A facade, for the most part. A touch of arrogance can be a good thing. But do not let it control you. Praxis needs someone to balance the Senate. To care. Do not forget that."

These words were, again, among the last things that Ranna had expected to hear from a man that theoretically was only supposed to each her about the surface and nothing else, but the entire conversation had left her with a lot to think about.

Gregory insisted on walking with her to the nearest transport station, which Ranna found to be charming in an old fashioned way, and gave her the time and date for the first lesson.

Standing quietly among the others in the capsule, she found herself pondering things she hadn't anticipated and wondered if that had been his intention all along.

[haggishlyhagging]

It is in the area of class that the castelike status of the female within patriarchy is most liable to confusion, for sexual status often operates in a superficially confusing way within the variable of class. In a society where status is dependent upon the economic, social, and educational circumstances of class, it is possible for certain females to appear to stand higher than some males. Yet not when one looks more closely at the subject. This is perhaps easier to see by means of analogy: a black doctor or lawyer has higher social status than a poor white sharecropper. But race, itself a caste system which subsumes class, persuades the latter citizen that he belongs to a higher order of life, just as it oppresses the black professional in spirit, whatever his material success may be. In much the same manner, a truck driver or butcher has always his "manhood" to fall back upon. Should this final vanity be offended, he may contemplate more violent methods. The literature of the past thirty years provides a staggering number of incidents in which the caste of virility triumphs over the social status of wealthy or even educated women. In literary contexts one has to deal here with wish-fulfilment. Incidents from life (bullying, obscene, or hostile remarks) are probably another sort of psychological gesture of ascendancy. Both convey more hope than reality, for class divisions are generally quite impervious to the hostility of individuals. And yet while the existence of class division is not seriously threatened by such expressions of enmity, the existence of sexual hierarchy has been reaffirmed and mobilized to "punish" the female quite effectively.

. . .

As race is emerging as one of the final variables in sexual politics, it is pertinent, especially in a discussion of modern literature, to devote a few words to it as well. Traditionally, the white male has been accustomed to concede the female of his own race, in her capacity as "his woman" a higher status than that ascibed to the black male. Yet as white racist ideology is exposed and begins to erode, racism's older protective attitudes toward (white) women also begin to give way. And the priorities of maintaining male supremacy might outweigh even those of white supremacy; sexism may be more endemic in our own society than racism. For example, one notes in authors whom we would now term overtly racist, such as D. H. Lawrence—whose contempt for what he so often designates as inferior breeds is unabashed—instances where the lower-caste male is brought on to master or humiliate the white man's own insubordinate mate. Needless to say, the female of the non-white races does not figure in such tales save as an exemplum of "true" womanhood's servility, worthy of imitation by other less carefully instructed females. Contemporary white sociology often operates under a similar patriarchal bias when its rhetoric inclines toward the assertion that the "matriarchal" (e.g. matrifocal) aspect of black society and the "castration" of the black male are the most deplorable symptoms of black oppression in white racist society, with the implication that racial inequity is capable of solution by a restoration of masculine authority. Whatever the facts of the matter may be, it can also be suggested that analysis of this kind presupposes patriarchal values without questioning them, and tends to obscure both the true character of and the responsibility for racist injustice toward black humanity of both sexes.

-Kate Millett, Sexual Politics

[elefinofficial]

Speaking Out Against Dog Worship: Why It Matters to Challenge Today's Over-the-Top Canine Culture

In recent years, dog worship has skyrocketed to unprecedented levels. Dogs are cherished, pampered, and often treated as superior to humans. While loving pets is natural, the extreme adoration of dogs can lead to unhealthy societal trends. Speaking up against this culture, despite inevitable backlash, is crucial for fostering balanced perspectives and respectful coexistence. Here’s why it’s important to challenge today’s over-the-top dog worship culture. The Rise of Dog Worship Dogs have long been considered man’s best friend. Their perceived loyalty, companionship, and unconditional love make them beloved pets for some. However, the current dog-worshipping culture of today goes beyond appreciation. It places dogs on a pedestal, often at the expense of human relationships and responsibilities. From dog-friendly restaurants and exclusive pet spas to extravagant dog parties, the societal shift towards canine adulation is evident. While it’s wonderful to care for pets, this trend can overshadow important human connections and community values. Impact on Human Relationships One of the most concerning aspects of extreme dog worship is its potential to undermine human relationships. In many cases, people prioritize their dogs over friends, family, and even romantic partners. This imbalance can lead to strained relationships and social isolation. For instance, declining invitations or avoiding social gatherings because of pet obligations can create distance between individuals. Or saying things like "I won't stop my dog from jumping on guests when they come over because this is his (the dog's) home." Prioritizing pets over people diminishes the importance of human interactions, which are essential for emotional well-being and societal harmony. Environmental and Ethical Concerns The dog-worship culture also raises significant environmental and ethical issues. The production of pet food, particularly meat-based products, has a substantial ecological footprint. The carbon emissions and resources required for pet food production contribute to environmental degradation. Dogs litter the earth with their toxic waste (poo & pee) that not only ruins humans' ability to freely roam in grassy areas as they fear stepping in a hot steaming pile of poo, but their urine also literally causes the grass to die and turn an unhealthy yellow color. Moreover, the fashion of owning specific breeds often leads to unethical breeding practices. Puppy mills and irresponsible breeding contribute to overpopulation and the suffering of countless dogs as they are forced to live their life in kennels. Speaking out against these practices encourages responsible pet ownership and supports animal welfare. Financial Implications The financial burden of extreme dog pampering cannot be overlooked. Americans spend billions annually on their pets, often on non-essential luxury items. This expenditure reflects a cultural shift where dogs receive more attention and resources than necessary, potentially diverting funds from more critical areas like education, healthcare, and community development. While it’s essential to provide for pets, the extravagant spending on canine luxuries exemplifies societal excess. Promoting a balanced approach to pet care ensures that resources are allocated more responsibly and equitably. Encouraging a Balanced Perspective Challenging dog worship is not about diminishing the value of pets but promoting a balanced perspective. Pets are a wonderful part of life, but they should not overshadow human needs and relationships. Encouraging a healthy balance helps maintain societal harmony and individual well-being. When speaking up against over-the-top dog worship, it's important to emphasize the benefits of a balanced approach. Highlighting the value of human connections, responsible pet ownership, and mindful spending fosters a more holistic view of pet care and societal values. Facing the Backlash Undoubtedly, speaking out against extreme dog worship will attract criticism. Dog enthusiasts may perceive this stance as an attack on their love for their pets. However, constructive dialogue is crucial. It’s about addressing the cultural excess and advocating for balanced, responsible pet ownership. Facing backlash is part of advocating for change. Staying firm and presenting well-reasoned arguments can shift perspectives over time. Encourage open discussions and listen to opposing views to foster understanding and mutual respect. Conclusion: Advocating for Balanced Pet Appreciation Challenging today’s over-the-top dog worship culture is essential for promoting balanced perspectives, ethical practices, and societal well-being. By advocating for responsible pet ownership, prioritizing human relationships, and addressing environmental and financial concerns, we can foster a culture that values both pets and people appropriately. Embrace the challenge and continue speaking up. Your voice matters in shaping a more balanced and thoughtful society, where the love for pets coexists harmoniously with human connections and broader societal responsibilities. Read the full article

[small-but-mighty]

"They said it was a....."

A situation that seems to keep happening more and more. "I have a female (insert species here) and I got another one from (insert place here). They told me it was a female, but it's a male. Now I have more than I can handle!"

Something we always say at work: small animals are good at being prey animals. They reach sexual maturity at a young age, they get pregnant and give birth in a short span of time, they have large litters, and they can get pregnant again right after giving birth. All of this leads to an increasing numbers of small animals entering the shelters. Or worse, living in unsanitary conditions caused by the sheer number of animals being cared for by a limited number of individuals.

Who is to blame for this? It's not an easy question to answer. But I think it's again, something that society is to blame for.

Pet store employees (I can personally confirm this from experience) are not always taught how to correctly sex the animals in which they sell. While hamsters and rats are easier to tell, rabbits and guinea pigs are not. Some of the corporate pet stores have policies and regulations that definitely helps the problem. For example, PetSmart stores only sell one sex per store. So one store will only have males, and another store will only have females. Therefore, if people purchase more than of the same species, there won't be any surprises one morning. Even this practice may not always be perfect, and there are times when the opposite sex makes it into the stores. Most stores don't have a policy like this in place at all, so the chances of the same sexes ending up together are substantially higher. I have even heard of people purchasing a single female, and it giving birth in their home. My boyfriend tells me a story often, of how when he was growing up he had some gerbils that they bought, and they ended up being the opposite sexes, so they kept breeding. But his family would just sell them back to the store where they bought them from. So perhaps for some of these smaller businesses there could even be a slight benefit to selling the opposite sexes. They can cut out a middle man and breed the animals themselves or get them from unprofessionals for a lower cost.

Of course pet stores can't be the only thing to blame. I've spoken before on how individuals get an animal who they perceive as an easier or beginner pet in the stores. They often just purchase them on a whim with little to no education about them. (You can read further on this in the Smallies vs. Society post). So to some extent these individuals can be to blame as well. When welcoming any new animal into your home, I can not emphasize enough the importance of researching what you are taking on. At least that's the responsible thing to do. With research people could learn how to sex an animal themselves, and even learn the importance of spay and neutering.

That brings up my next point, is the cost and risk of spaying and neutering. Most small animals are considered exotics, therefore require care from an exotics trained veterinarian. That can be quite expensive even just for a wellness exam. I've heard of rabbit sterilization surgeries costing up to $500. I've also heard of veterinarians not performing the surgery at all after the animal is past a certain age. This is because of just how sensitive smallies are under anesthesia. The older they are, the higher the risk of complications or even not waking up. There are even some species where sterilization surgery isn't a common practice just because of how prone to complications they are. Guinea Pig are one of those species. While the surgeries can be performed, it's not commonly done, even for shelters. I speak from experience when I say it is not worth the risk infection. At least not when the animals are properly sexed and separated. Due to these barriers sterilization isn't always an option for everybody or every situation.

I want to make it known, that I don't feel that everybody in these accidental breeding situations are at fault. Especially when buying from a pet store, individuals have trust in who they believe to be professionals working there. That trust, is broken far too often. I will forever be an advocate for shelters. If you are interested in adding a new animal to your home, you'd be surprised how many shelters have smallies! You can find them on petfinder.com under the "other" tab. Reach out to shelters, rescues, and humane societies with any questions you may have. They are there to educate along with finding animals homes. I'm sure they'd be happy to give you information, and help you find the perfect addition to your family. Adopting not Shopping will always be a fantastic option!

Note: I wanted to let everyone know, that every animal whose photo I have used in this post, is from one of these exact situations I've spoken about in this post.

[nicollekidman]

THE WAY YOU BACKTRACK no its just a conspiracy people seeing antisemitism with their own eyes? abby get a grip, you apologize and then you reblog a "actually its just a conspiracy to discredit palestine" like these theories havent been around for millenia

i at no point have backtracked???? you guys have to calm down and like either read the words i’m typing or accept you’re just dying to scold me for some reason and to stop engaging. like i know a disconcerting amount of you are zionists hanging around to just randomly accuse me of antisemitism (there’s a reason i haven’t been publishing those over the last few weeks lmao) but if someone comes to me and says “what is your reaction to this stuff i’ve been seeing” and i say “idk i haven’t been seeing any of that, here is my reaction to what i HAVE been seeing” and i get like six more people saying “no actually we have been seeing this stuff and if you don’t more obviously say you don’t Love Osama Bin Laden then we’re going to assume you love antisemtism!!!” then obviously my first reaction is going to be like. well damn i didn’t realize you guys were seeing this, i better get rid of an upsetting response i made off the cuff based on different information, and apologize for upsetting anyone by the disconnect.

but then the most recent post i recently reblogged is about the VERY SPECIFIC PHENOMENON we’re all currently discussing, where overnight, a prominent grifter twitter journalist wrote about a “viral” tiktok trend where the youth are apparently “praising” a terrorist which again. from the beginning, i have said i have not seen evidence of myself (which is true!!). and if you take a second to step back and ask yourself why on earth this would happen out of nowhere and be reported on like it’s a sweeping trend taking hold of america’s youth (after like 24 hours), on a platform that for weeks i have seen literally only videos from/by young palestinians and young jewish people educating their peers and others…. then maybe those videos are not truthful and organic thoughts from real people.

idk why it’s easier to believe that a platform that has been a huge source of information for the palestinian cause in a way that zionists and other invested groups cannot control is, i cannot emphasize this enough, OVERNIGHT filled with kids who have decided after reading one letter (that has been PULLED by the website citing this specific trend!!) that they love the thoughts of osama bin laden…. rather than accepting that our disdain for both tiktok as a resource and young people as a general group makes us accept that insane idea much more easily than we normally would!!!

i think that young people are capable of rational thought! i also know that writing about tiktok as a breeding ground for concerning trends/incomprehensible viral videos is a sure fire way to get everyone up in arms in a way that i don’t accept as reality! i also know that this whole thing has probably been very concerning for jewish people who don’t want to see antisemitic bigoted hateful vile people given a platform. but what i’m saying and what that post is saying is that insofar as these videos of kids apparently being “on board” with osama exist and are being spread (again. i personally have not seen a single one, so my original post is deleted was not reacting to this type of video) are very likely being created/spread with the intent to discredit tiktok as a platform and bury legitimately educational content.

if all you take from this is that i ❤️ antisemitic conspiracies then fine, i feel like i’ve been clear and at this point engaging further feels like adding fuel to a fire i don’t have any interest in spreading. if anyone feels like im being ignorant and wants to talk to me about it im obviously always open but this particular line of questioning? ive made myself clear and im not buying into the hysteria. young people are, in larger numbers than i have ever seen in my lifetime, mobilizing in their schools and cities and local government to make their voices heard and pressure their politicians for change, every day i see extremely brave people on my tiktok both spreading information and doing their best to get educated responsibly, and my attention and energy is with those kids, not with a likely manufactured hysteria over terrorist lovers that i haven’t seen myself at any point.

[aaronexplainsitall]

Listen some of this Taylor nonsense is reminiscent of 1989 era to me where it was very much “everyone is bullying me/shading me” etc and I just… I can’t do it again 🤦🏻‍♀️ but also as someone that’s witnessed most of her career it’s not shocking to me like the harsh reality is she only speaks up about what impacts/effects her and I think newer swifties don’t get that at all

I only half agree with this, if I'm being totally honest. For the avoidance of doubt, I don't agree with her position right now at all: I think she's misguided and that for the first time in ages, she's doing serious damage to her own career, which is sad to watch, and I hope it doesn't get substantially work.

To be fair, before this I was a fan of the 1975 and I had no idea that Matty Healy was who he is, I thought he was just an eccentric weirdo who said dumb shit. The things that have come out about him as a result of his relationship with Taylor, however, are revolting and I wouldn't be able to be in a relationship with someone who said those things (irrespective of whether he actually thinks them or just said them for shock value). I don't agree with or sympathise with what she's doing.

However, nothing is black and white. I think there are explanations (but not excuses) for her actions - she's evidently going through a devastating loss, and that can lead you to act irrationally and do things which aren't in your character. That said, the flip side is that as a public figure, you have a platform which comes with responsibility and she's not taking that responsibility seriously at the moment, which is disappointing.

To your point though, I will say that she's often spoken out about things which don't affect her - her discussion of LGBTQ+ rights during the Lover promo was shallow, but I think it was a sincere attempt to affect societal change. Also her endorsement of the democratic senator for Tennessee in the 2019 race led to a marked uptick in votes (even though he did eventually lose). I'm not sitting here and arguing that Taylor's an activist, and I think her words have been hollow, but I generally believe that she's trying and that she's just misguided or uninformed in this area.

None of those are reasons not to hold her accountable - she's a 33 year old woman who should have educated herself better - but it's an explanation that I think we're collectively currently overlooking.

Ultimately, I think that if you have a deeply parasocial relationship with any celebrity, you're going to be let down by them. For the most part, celebrities are divorced from the reality that the rest of us have to live in and the mass amounts of wealth that they hold breeds ignorance of real world struggles. There are exceptions to that rule but Taylor isn't (and never has been) one of them.

My advice is not to get invested in any celebrity's moral standing because you'll almost certainly be let down. I love Taylor's music so much (more so than any other artist) and I enjoy the work she creates, but I don't feel invested in her as a person in any deeper way than I hope that she's happy, healthy and makes good (/better) choices.

Anyone who's been following me since 2014 and the O*e D*rection days (back when I was relevant on Tumblr rip me) knows this is quite the gear shift from the way that I used to engage with fandom, but it's one that's made it provably and demonstrably easily to have a healthy interest in the artists I love without feeling in any way emotionally affected by their poor choices.

[tokenlauncher]

From Meme Dreams to Business Class Seats: How Solana Crypto Could Take You There

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your phone, belly aching from laughter at the latest doge meme. Suddenly, a thought strikes you — “This could be me, living the high life, reclining in a plush business class seat, sipping champagne as I soar towards an exotic destination.”

Well, the ever-evolving world of cryptocurrency might just hold the key to unlocking these luxurious travel dreams. One particularly intriguing corner of this world is the rise of memecoins: digital tokens inspired by internet jokes and cultural moments. While they started as a playful experiment, some memecoins have skyrocketed in value, catapulting their early investors into unimaginable wealth.

But here’s the reality check: memecoins are inherently volatile and relying solely on them for a luxurious lifestyle is a gamble. So, how can you leverage the potential of memecoins while building a more secure foundation for your travel aspirations?

Enter Solana, a high-speed blockchain platform rapidly becoming a breeding ground for innovative memecoins. Here’s why Solana stands out:

Lightning Speed & Low Fees: Transactions on Solana are lightning-fast and incredibly cheap compared to other blockchains like Ethereum. This makes it ideal for the fast-paced world of memecoin trading, where frequent, small transactions are common.

Innovation Hub: Solana is constantly pushing the boundaries of blockchain technology, attracting developers and fostering a dynamic memecoin ecosystem. This translates to more creative and potentially lucrative memecoin opportunities.

However, building wealth for luxurious travel goes beyond memecoins. It requires a well-rounded investment strategy that leverages different avenues to create a robust financial base.

Here’s your comprehensive roadmap to achieving that coveted business class seat:

1. Diversification is Key: Don’t gamble your travel dreams on a single memecoin. Diversify your portfolio by exploring established cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. Consider incorporating traditional investments like stocks and bonds into your strategy for a balanced approach.

2. Knowledge is Power: Never invest blindly, especially in the volatile world of memecoins. Before diving in, conduct thorough research on the project you’re considering. Understand the tokenomics (the structure and distribution of the token), the development team’s experience, and the project’s overall roadmap. Invest only what you can afford to lose, as memecoins are inherently high-risk assets.

3. Continuous Learning is Crucial: The crypto landscape is continuously evolving. Stay informed by following reputable news sources and attending educational webinars or workshops. Embrace the learning curve; the more you understand about crypto and memecoins, the better equipped you’ll be to make informed investment decisions.

4. Embrace Responsible Investing: Investing in memecoins, or any crypto for that matter, involves inherent risk. Always prioritize responsible investing practices. Never invest with borrowed money, and clearly define your risk tolerance and investment goals before putting your hard-earned money into any project.

5. Consider Professional Guidance: While not a necessity, seeking advice from a qualified financial advisor can be incredibly beneficial. A good advisor can help you create a personalized investment strategy tailored to your specific risk tolerance and financial goals.

Design Freedom: Unleash your creativity by designing your own eye-catching logo and defining your meme coin’s name.

Simplified Setup: Set key parameters like total token supply and transaction fees with our easy-to-use interface.

Community Building Tools: SolanaLauncher.com integrates with popular social media platforms, allowing you to seamlessly connect with potential investors and build a strong community around your meme coin.

Remember, building wealth for travel takes time, effort, and a well-rounded strategy. Don’t expect overnight success with memecoins. However, by combining a dash of memecoin excitement, a sprinkle of Solana innovation, and a whole lot of dedication to responsible investing, you just might find yourself sipping champagne in business class, living out your travel dreams.

Here are some additional tips to keep in mind:

Set Realistic Expectations: Don’t chase unrealistic get-rich-quick schemes. Building wealth takes time and a consistent effort.

Focus on Long-Term Gains: While memecoins offer the potential for explosive growth, it’s not guaranteed. Consider them as long-term investments and focus on building a diversified portfolio.

Enjoy the Journey: The world of crypto is an exciting one, filled with constant innovation and a passionate community. Embrace the learning process and enjoy the ride!

[jroycethethird]

J. ROYCE VAN DOREN III INTRODUCTION

meet royce; billionaire, playboy, sometimes responsible coven advisor

GENERAL

FULL NAME: J. Royce Van Doren III NICKNAME(S): known as Royce by the general public, Tripp by family and very close confidants AGE/DATE OF BIRTH: 36, 11/04/1987 GENDER: Cisman PRONOUNS: He/Him OCCUPATION: Owner of Art In Motion, Investor, Billionaire Playboy, Coven Advisor SPECIES: Witch ABILITIES: Telepathy, Electrokinesis, Duplication, Omnilingual

BIOGRAPHY

TRIGGERS: Divorce, Death, light mentions of Memory Loss

On a faraway coast, at a luxurious resort, sat a tall and effortlessly handsome man. Wealth and opulence shown from head to toe, a sly fox like grin curling at his lips. Everyone around him buzzed about their lives – some on glamorous vacations such as him, others trying to live their normal rhythmic lives among the new and varied faces week by week. Their minds were loud and delicious, full of the secrets they would never breathe out loud, private as they come. Private that is, except to him. It was that uncanny ability to hear, to know the true nature of someone before their mouths opened through the bold whispers of their mind, that allowed Royce to excel in whatever enterprise he set out to master. Whether here on this shiny coast where the water was more pure than anywhere on this miserable planet, or back home in the sheltered supernatural community he vied to be away from as often as possible, Royce had sworn he would use his every advantage to climb that limitless ladder of success deep into the clouds, so that absolutely no one had the audacity to look down on him. After all, he was born to be something great - He just needed to find that once in a lifetime sliver of something to get him there. 

J. Royce Van Doren III was the only child born to the illustrious J. Royce Van Doren II (better known as ‘JR’) and his second wife, Milicent Van Doren. JR didn’t shy from jumping from spouse to spouse, having a long list of parameters a woman needed to meet in order for things to ‘stick’. For his first wife ‘irreconcilable differences’ meant he just didn’t like her personality much, but for Milicent it was a little more out of their hands. Dying during childbirth was hardly a fault of her own, though JR’s parents did mumble how the “weak womb breeds weaker children”. Royce being the only child out of that marriage was soothed if only by the fact he was born a boy – the Van Dorens’ antiquated beliefs that wealth and family prestige should only be passed down from male heir to male heir having remained prominent since they struck it big in the Railroad and Oil during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. For new money now turned old, certain traditions just wouldn’t die even with the generations that passed. JR’s next and (for now) current wife, Blythe Van Doren came so shortly after that Royce would consider her his mother, having raised him in that charming mansion, Verdant Vale Hall, in Celestial Hills alongside the two younger sisters she so graciously ‘gifted’ him several years later. It was okay to have daughters second or third, as there was a brilliant young boy already to shoulder the massive weight of family responsibility. 

Royce was always meant to be something grand, that’s what JR would say. For that reason alone, he was offered the finest that could be offered to a young man. JR sent his son off to the best boarding school in Vermont, opting out of the public education Lunar Cove offered, made sure his son had the best tutors and advantages so he could graduate with high honors and get into first-rate higher education facilities. Whip smart, charismatic, and armed with an attractive spot in Oxford University’s Men’s Boat Club, Royce received that desired high quality education and enjoyed a few years across the pond away from his father’s watchful eye, evading his colleagues (more like spies) who were under pressure to make sure the first choices of his early adulthood would align right with JR’s well laid out plans. Again, a Van Doren boy held the brunt of expectation in his family, and in Royce’s case he was expected to follow a carefully curated plan. Do well at school, come back with a lucrative degree, and he would be given access to a seemingly limitless inheritance which would allow him a leg up in whatever career he wanted. Nepotism at its finest. He’d nearly blown it all when he came back from Oxford, a college graduate with an Economics and Management degree and a woman on his arm. A human woman. 

While away, Royce undoubtedly worked hard to gain some level of prestige at school, followed every expectation and the carefully laid out plan from his family to the tee. But they never really dictated what he should do in his social life. Sharing living spaces with a few fellow witches trying to make it big (secretly) in a human world, Royce did his best to stick largely to his community where he could find it, to keep his head low and not attract much attention beyond academics and in a rowing shell. But there were just one too many pretty faces at Oxford. In small and inconsequential ways he would take advantage of his natural born gifts to allure and attract the right people – a small spark of his electrokinesis here and there with a well timed, “Looks like there are some sparks between us,” worked miracles on humans who didn’t know that tiny spark was manipulated by him, or the leg up on dates when he could read their mind and surprise them with that worthwhile gift or fancy restaurant they’d been thinking about for days. Tacky to some, but Royce always thought you had to use what you had to get through relationships and life. Sometimes it was as simple as a wager — “If I can guess the exact number on your mind,” then he got whatever he wanted. People thought he was so clever, so lucky, never mind that he could always read what was on their mind. Make your own luck, that’s what his father always told him, and that matched with his other charms somehow got Royce in and out of trouble quicker than one could blink.

In the case of this woman, it was a whole lot more than tricks and self made luck that got him anywhere. Intrigued by her sharp wit and silent grace, he found himself stumbling head over heels for a woman who didn’t belong in his world. One who didn’t fall for any of his silly little tricks and lines, who made Royce work for it. And Royce had never really had to work for anything in his life. It made him want her more – an unattainable something that was always out of reach. She forced him to be honest and vulnerable, more so than he’d been with anyone in his life, and when the veneer and gilded pompous rich boy armor fell away, she got to see parts of Royce he didn’t know he had. Sweet and soft parts, a kind and warm heart hidden beneath the crooked smiles and sarcasm that hid any sort of genuine anything. She found his sensitive side, found the part of him that loved and cared so much for the people in his life he was willing to do whatever he needed to make them happy and be whatever they wanted him to be. Found out he wasn’t as wily or cowardly as he portrayed, that he was deeply intuitive and could be foolishly brave when the moment called for it. He began to even see himself as more than just another vehicle for success in his family – Royce began to see himself as a regular person, began to accept the flaws and unique qualities in himself. He came back from the UK a changed man, a more humble and warm person. And his family hated it. They hated her – a human girl who had no inkling of the supernatural world prior to meeting and developing a relationship with the prodigal son. It took a lot of explaining on his part, but luckily she trusted him enough to let him prove whatever strangeness there was to his ‘all American family and community’ to her once they were safely inside of Lunar Cove and didn’t freak out (at least too much) at the reality of their world. Much like his other ‘strange, irregular’ habits, she took to him being a witch with grace and an open mindedness which could rival any. And he loved her all the more for it.

Now with access to that seemingly endless wealth afforded to him by birth alone, Royce would commit what would be considered the second biggest crime since coming home with a human for a wife. When JR asked Royce what his next big step would be, he shocked his father, and the rest of the living Van Dorens, with news that he would use a portion of his inheritance to purchase the local art museum. His wife, having been an accomplished painter, would need a place to display her works, and Royce decided this would be his exciting first enterprise. To his family, it was like burning money. Sure there was a level of pretentious prestige that could come with owning an art gallery – only the upper crust could afford the overpriced derivative nonsense that came in and out of Art In Motion at times – but it was hardly what they wanted from J. Royce Van Doren III. Not for his first business, anyway. What happened to the plan to merge magic and modern technology to create a never before seen magical tech conglomerate? What happened to actual innovative thought and theory, guiding another Van Doren into the future and cementing their position of wealth and status? No, instead he wanted to own an art gallery to display his wife and other emerging artist’s work, fusing magic and masterpieces into a fully immersive and interactive experience. He hired the best of the best – those with animation as an inherent ability, others with technological manipulation, fae and their illusion magic, whatever ability could be used to create intricate scenarios for guests, and then whoever had the eye and knack for fine art – in order to reinvent the posh art gallery into something more magical. His opening exhibit was “Enter The Mundane”, a magical twist on a human woman’s art portfolio. It was met with mixed reactions, the archaic high brow society not exactly open to it, but ushered in an exciting refreshing look at the art world which attracted a young audience to a gallery opened by the bourgeoisie. It made his family recoil, which Royce found deliciously worth the mixed reception.

For the most part life seemed to continue in a charming haze. The young married Van Dorens enjoyed a surprise success from their interactive art exhibits, and word of futuristic design and technological innovation being used at the small art gallery in Lunar Cove had begun to make its way to other circles. Never one to stay in his boring hometown much, Royce liked to travel, for business and pleasure. The only downside was his wife couldn’t always come along. Not without that pesky issue of memory loss when a human crossed the border. At first she wasn’t quite pleased with being stuck behind, but at least Royce provided an ivory tower as her domestic prison. Verdant Vale Hall wasn’t his yet, but a fancy townhome in Celestial Hills was all his and it made for a nice place to call home. And she did have all the time in the world to create and collaborate with actual magical people for the next fantastical exhibit they could put on, so she kept relatively busy. On the occasion, she would venture with her husband on trips to Vermont, New York City, Massachusetts and wherever his fancy money and Old American Rich Name would take them, but not too far so their soon after return and the influx of magical memories were not too jarring for her. But the trips became fewer in between when they revolved more around business than pleasure.

As fun as the art gallery was, Royce couldn’t be content with dipping his toes into just one pool — he needed more, he needed the prestige that came with more. That’s when the investments happened, when he began gaining more off the backs of others’ successes. The stock game could be tricky, they could be all consuming, and becoming a key player could make someone irritably ugly. Royce could be a fiend, an absolute shark, where money and business were concerned. He’d come back from trips to the big city either elated beyond belief with another notch of success to boast on his fine braided (and designer, naturally) leather belt, or in utter despair and a mercurial mood, weighed down by a business plan gone sour or a poor investment with shoddy return. This was an unattractive Royce, a bitter one whose ambitions and desires seemed unattainable despite all the resources at his disposal. This was the Royce bred by his family to desire power above all else. It always took a lot for him to come back from this, back to the secret dreamer who just wanted to create a cool and expressive place to share art in this small supernatural world. When he could get back to that, back to the shared goals between him and his spouse, only then did things truly seem to go well. Every business decision became a smart one, investing in things that could keep their fortune stable while using funds to grow the gallery and its faculties. Soon he began giving back, back to the community that, for better or worse, raised him and he even offered his limitless resources to the coven he belonged to. Not in some bid to gain any power within — this was charity, a pure gesture at its finest. At least, as pure a gesture as an arrogant rich man could make. It was a decade of wholesome good works and great success and growth. 

Then things took a turn for the worst.

Life in Lunar Cove was generally idyllic, made perfect and safe for this secret supernatural community. There really wasn’t much to complain about, or fear, especially for Royce. But it was always when life was at its finest that things seemed to go so incredibly wrong. When the deaths started occurring, and the Council was being picked off one by one, nobody really knew what to think of it. It had been so long since peace was struck in Lunar Cove, where the horrors of their world existed so primarily beyond their borders, that it was hard to grasp it when such atrocities happened within town. Royce could remember so clearly his family’s reaction to the news; the death of their own witch leaders. “A tragic, awful thing,” Blythe would say delicately behind a perfumed handkerchief. “Whatever are we to do now?” JR’s eyes were gleaming with something awfully frightening to Royce, shaken to his core whenever he caught his father’s gaze. It wasn’t until the men were alone to their whiskey, a drink to the great lives lost, that he voiced the thought that lay heavy between them. “You have to step up. You have to put in your name to lead them.”

The Trials were a memory which Royce tried to leave behind, but still laid out fresh. Many young, ambitious witches stepped up to the plate. Most of them wanted it, wanted the coveted title of Supreme more than anything in the world. Royce had practically everything in the world, and this was one of the few things he had no desire to possess. He already had so much responsibility— the last thing he wanted was to be keeper of the Lunar Cove coven. When the ancestors didn’t pick him, his was a face of pure relief, unlike the shameful visages of those that failed alongside him. The only thing that caught him off guard about the whole thing was who was chosen at the end of it. The Reeds were an interesting family all together, and Poppy Reed was barely his junior. He supposed he knew her and her family in the casual way that neighbors involved in a witch coven would — by name and whatever bits of reputation was hushed around. She seemed an odd choice, as his father so angrily declared time and time again at family supper. The implication that his own family seemed so against the ancestors’ choice only made him all the more supportive. So when he was asked to step in as advisor, despite clearly not wanting anything to do with coven leadership, Royce accepted the post with such a sort of blasé indifference, one that hid a deep desire to see what could be done under this new brazen leadership. The beginning of this new chapter was only dampened by one other thing: his human wife, in the midst of all this chaos.

This sort of danger didn’t bode well for the supernatural, but it could be worse for a human woman. One who, at the core of it, had barely anything to do with this world. Before Royce accepted the position of Coven Advisor, his wife wanted to leave town. To go back to England where her family was. “It could be safe there. You don’t know if it’s really all that better staying here.” It was safer there — for her, anyway. It was hardly the place for Royce. The supernatural world was growing smaller and smaller, centering in on Lunar Cove. And he had accepted a position that would keep him there for the long run. This bred a whole new kind of difficulty, long and tumultuous fights that didn’t end well for either party. And the more wounded he was, the further Royce pulled away. He focused more on work, more on the coven, more on his home being threatened. He drew farther and farther away, he almost missed it when she stopped wearing her wedding band. If it wasn’t for that one final fight, the night before a charge for a one way ticket showed up on their shared bank account, then he might have missed her leaving all together. But it happened, and he lived with the whiplash of her swift departure even to this day. It just wasn’t working, and how could it? A human with no ties to this special haven and a witch who signed his soul to it — despite how beautiful the last decade was, they just couldn’t swing it. When she placed his dead mother’s ring in his hand and turned away, Royce felt the sting of unshed tears. But he wouldn’t show it. They made a clean break, a prenup having protected their individual interests. All he still had of her were paintings owned by the gallery which she hadn’t had an interest in keeping anyway, and the memories she promptly lost. Back home in England, she’d remember him as the American cad she lost a decade to. In Lunar Cove, Royce decided to become just that.

In the time since then, Royce has left the art gallery mostly in the hands of employees, filled with almost too much shame and hurt to spend much time inside of it. He’s traveled a lot, whenever he can, for business and most certainly for pleasure. So his first marriage failed, big whoop — his dad married thrice. He’d recover and he acted like he'd done just that. Charming and unapologetically cocky, he migrated from bed to bed as often as he did from country to country, leaving a trail of either heartbreak or vehement anger in his wake. If it weren’t for a duty to his coven, and to the family that expected him to rise to greatness and maintain their status quo, perhaps Royce would have disappeared to a distant coast and lost himself in the ecstasy of foreign lands and secretive thoughts. But he comes back as often as he must, to take his place as an advisor and to flaunt an obscene amount of wealth and an even more ridiculous playboy persona around the small town he scorns and yet cherishes as his one true home. As the threat grows bigger, and seemingly more closer to home, Royce finds himself coming to an enigmatic cross roads — whether to rise to the potential his one great love had seen in him and prepare to stand up and fight when the time calls for it, or to turn tail and run away at the first sign of trouble on Lunar Cove’s horizon. Admittedly he’s teetered towards the latter, and that may just be what his fellow townspeople expect from him, but Royce is learning quickly that he can defy all expectations. And maybe proving them all wrong is exactly what he wants to do. 

HEADCANONS

has spent a good majority of his life outside of lunar cove and travels often, usually for “work” but mostly for pleasure

uses his telepathy in every business meeting for an upper edge, and sometimes in his personal life. outside of business, he doesn’t hide the fact he uses this uncanny ability for an edge

was on crew his whole academic career as one of the bow pair/1st seat, and owns a boat which he takes out and spends most of his time on when the weather is right. like all rich white men, he loves a good afternoon playing golf and will be seen around the tennis courts, mostly flirting with the gorgeous country club eligibles

despite owning an art gallery, he can’t draw for shit so don’t expect artistic ability here. he just has an eye for aesthetics and beauty and there’s history there but he ignores that

has never been to echo acres or shadow lake the entire time he’s lived in lunar cove — what do you mean there’s more outside celestial hills, sunny harbor and downtown?

his family owns a mansion ostentatiously named verdant vale hall where his father, stepmother and two half sisters live. royce will inherit it when old dad kicks the bucket, and in the mean time owns his own lovely townhome. that being said, he goes to verdant vale hall often — partially because a garage full of his personally curated and restored vintage european cars is there but also because he promised his step mother to always be there for breakfast and sunday family dinner. he just has to deal with JR too.

re:car garage, royce has a ridiculous number of fancy little european cars he speeds around town in, in every color imaginable, and yes he switches out and often coordinates his ride to his outfits. that aside, he is most seen in his beloved dark green 1964 shelby cobra 289, blue 1970 porsche 911e coupe, or his black 1954 mercedes-benz 300sl. basically if you see a douche speeding around town in a vintage european car it’s probably him.

royce has been divorced for 1.5-2 years now (iffy on the dates currently) but he jumped back into the scene pretty shortly afterwards. that being said, he’s mostly physically available and emotionally detached, so while he may have some recurring favorite bedfellows, he’s incredibly noncommittal

is a proud plant daddy

has a pilot’s license, likes to fly small planes for fun and when he needs to get out of his head and away from people and their heads. also knows he looks hot in a pilot’s leather jacket

the family has a crest featuring a stag, two crossing Laurel branches, and a motto that reads “ex virdi crescunt” (probably butchered but pip doesn’t know latin), and each family member has the crest on some form of jewelry typically worn. for royce his is inlaid onto an emerald green stone set into a gold signet ring he always wears on his right pinky finger, the motto engraved on the inner side of the band. it translates to “from the green we grow” a nod to the van doren reverent belief in the natural order of magic which courses through their blood line

deathly allergic to bees, has an epipen on him always (gansey voice: safe as life)

the only van doren with dark hair; his father, step mother, and half sisters are all blondes. royce inherited his dark locks from his deceased mother, millicent.

did crew competitively his entire high school and collegiate careers (8th seat, “stroke”) but he also participated in: fencing (was the Dunfries School for Boys Fencing Champ 3 years in a row), archery, polo (captain, naturally), and skeet shooting. he’s also a big fan of golfing, tennis / any racquet sport, and auto racing. his sister Kathy is particularly gifted in tennis and did dressage, the latter of which he participated in but never liked,

the Van Dorens have bred and proudly owned Basset Hounds for generations. they currently have two younger hounds: Gatsby who has a proud VD lineage, and Daisy, whom the family acquired within the last year to mate with their handsome boy. they’re hoping for a litter soon. expect more literary named puppies.

I’m sure I’ll add more soon

MISC

SEXUAL ORIENTATION: Bisexual ROMANTIC ORIENTATION: Biromantic FAMILY: J. Royce Van Doren II “JR” (father), Blythe Van Doren (stepmother), Cecile Van Doren (half sister), Kathryn Van Doren (half sister), Millicent Van Doren † (biological mother, deceased), 2 Basset Hounds named Gatsby and Daisy HOMETOWN: Lunar Cove, Rhode Island FACE CLAIM: Jonathan Bailey HEIGHT: 5’11” EYE COLOR: Brown HAIR: Brunette DISTINGUISHABLE FEATURES: glasses (yes, they’re prescription), gray streaks at his temples, scar on left brow STYLE: decadent, resplendent, outrageously expensive designer three piece suits, always has on a fancy watch and other ridiculously overpriced stylish accessories, a signet ring on his pinkie featuring the family crest, carries an umbrella or a cane with an ostentatious handle sometimes for added flair, fancy modern glasses, dress shoes and a code of casual elegance at all times unless he’s on a yacht or at the club, in which case it’s polos, chinos/shorts, and loafers all day every day ASTROLOGICAL SIGN: scorpio PINTEREST: (x)

WANTED CONNECTIONS

Hookups

Gallery workers/collaborators

Gallery hopefuls

Country club friends

tbh he needs one very close friend who calls him Tripp and like gets him

hmu we’ll figure it out

[kariachi]

Fic! A zoo will soon be opening a handful of new exhibits...

~~

Rolling his shoulders, Ross straightened his back and took a steadying breath as they waited for the signal. It wasn’t that he didn’t like giving interviews, he wouldn’t have his job if that wasn’t something he could do with pleasure, but damned if big changes like this last one didn’t make him nervous. There had been mostly positive responses from the public, but he couldn’t help but be firmly aware that this was something new and untested from an accredited establishment, and this interview meant there was only so much time before everything was put out for all comers to see. In time to words he couldn’t hear, he watched the man behind the camera- Cian, liked ocelots, got to pet one when they still had one as an ambassador when he was a kid- silently count down.

“Everything’s great here, Trina,” the newscaster- Keshawn, had a cockatiel at home, swore up, down, and sideways the best animal was the gila monster- crowed as soon as the count was done, flashing a massive grin. Ross didn’t even try to match it, contagious though it was. “Hi folks, it’s Keshawn Marshall here live at the Rosewood Grand Zoo to talk with Affairs Director Ross Martinez about the new area everybody is talking about. How’s it going, Ross, is everybody excited?”

“It’s great, Keshawn,” Ross said with a smile, slipping properly into interview mode, “we’re really looking forward to the opening of our new Galaxy of Life area this weekend.” They’d been planning it before they even had the space available. If nothing else it would nice to be able to call it all done and public. “We’re certain visitors will find the animals as delightful as we do, some of them are real characters.” Keshawn laughed, honest and real.

“Seeing the new friend you’ve got just over there, I don’t doubt it,” he said, glancing over Ross’s shoulder, “but I get the feeling we’ll be meeting him in a minute.”

“He’s looking forward to it.” He wasn’t sure that he was, but he trusted that if that wasn’t the case he’d have gotten word and they’d have adjusted the setting to showcase another animal.

“Until then, Ross, why don’t you tell us a little bit about this new showcase?”

“Gladly.” Ross couldn’t help smiling wider, shoe scuffing against the ground so he could focus. “Our new Galaxy of Life area has been built to showcase a collection of animals from various other planets with the hope of improving education about and empathy with our galactic neighbors through our shared love of the natural world. We also will be presenting information on conservation groups and projects throughout the galaxy, and how we all work and learn together to improve how we each take care of our planets, and help to take care of each other’s.” Somehow that had hit the worldwide conservation community like the greatest wrecking ball, the realization that not only did the entire galaxy have groups dedicated to these causes, but that so many were willing to work together across species lines. Were willing to help and accept help from Earth in turn.

He still got warm and fuzzy when he thought about it.

“That sounds amazing,” Keshawn said, “an entire galactic community coming together in hopes of preserving all the unique life there must be out there.”

“And one Earth’s conservationists are happy to be a part of. In fact, visitors will be able to see an endangered alien species we’ve already agreed keep a small breeding colony of, while learning more about conservation and conservation success stories across the Milky Way in our Cave of Wonder.” Ross had known that one would get a laugh, and wasn’t disappointed.

“You couldn’t help yourselves, could you?”

“Nope. The staffs’ kids picked it out.” They’d given an early tour to all the families, and had the children vote from a list of options. ‘Rainbowrama’ had come second place, and he was kind of sad about it. Leaning back on his heel, Keshawn just barely tilted his head to one side.

“Just how many animals can guests expect to see when they come through?”

“We have thirty-eight animals across seven species from seven planets,” Ross recited off the top of his head. “Including two species from as far off as the Osmosian and Erinaen Empires-” And hadn’t that been a shocker, when Secretary Levin had gotten wind of their plans and put them in touch with people working with those far-flung planets. “-but personally, I think the biggest attractions will be the ones from our nearest neighbors, Hasiel and Kinet.”

“And is one of those where our new friend comes from?” There was the cue.

“Yes, it is,” he said, stepping aside so that is coworker could get comfortably in front of the camera with her charge, “as Poltiff can tell you.”

“This,” she immediately started off, relatively new to her position working with their animal ambassadors but already taking to it like a duck to water, “is Spot, he’s a renkol from our nearest inhabited neighbor, Kinet.” And he was taking to the camera as well as anyone could hope, or at least Ross hoped he was. It was hard to tell, really. Stacy had described them as ‘what would happen if you told someone to draw a falcon given a few key traits and a picture of a dragonfly as an example of an Earth aerial predator’. They were easily among the strangest creatures in their collection now, and Keshawn and Cian stared appropriately.

“He’s beautiful,” Keshawn said with awe, throwing glances at Cian like he thought he might be missing this- he was not. “I thought zoos liked to give their animals names from their homeland though?”

“We do prefer that,” Poltiff said, “and all of the animals in the Galaxy of Life area came to us named appropriately, but unfortunately there’s some names that only a handful of members of staff can pronounce due to biological differences. In those cases we either give the animal a nickname or, in this case, use the translation into English.” Somehow, the news crew managed to perk up further, finally getting a grin out of Ross. Spot, meanwhile, calmly eyed them from his perch on Poltiff’s arm.

“So even in the depths of space, people are naming animals things like ‘spot’,” Keshawn asked with a joyful laugh in his voice, and Poltiff grinned back at him.

“It turns out people are people wherever you go,” she said. “Spot here is in training to join our team of animal ambassadors. He’s not ready for the job just yet, but in his downtime he’ll be on display with our other three renkol, so visitors will still have a chance to see him when they come to the zoo.”

“My kids are going to flip.” Shaking his head and visibly resisting the urge to ask if he could pet him- it showed clear as day in the flexing of his hand- Keshawn took a quarter step back. “When can I bring them over?”

“Everything will be made available to the public when the zoo opens Friday morning,” Ross said, cutting back in as Poltiff stepped back, cooing at Spot as she turned to take him back inside. The camera followed the pair of them rather than focusing on himself and Keshawn. “From which point we have every intention to keep it open for regular zoo hours indefinitely. Everyone will have plenty of time to come out and see what the Milky Way has to offer.”

“Well, you can expect me to be the first person in the door, and the last one out of it,” Keshawn said, subtly waving to Cian that they were ending the segment. He came to the realization with a jolt, driving Ross to laughter as he spun back around to focus on Keshawn as he turned to the camera. “There you have it- Ross, Poltiff, Spot, and everyone else here at the Rosewood Grand Zoo has been working hard, and we here at Heartwood News are looking forward to getting a good look at just what they have to teach us. Isn’t that right, Trina?” The air hung empty after those words for the seconds it took for the feed to switch back over, a transfer marked with a thumbs-up from Cian. Ross and Keshawn both dropped the tension of being on air immediately.

“Hey,” Cian asked, fiddling with the camera and not quite meeting Ross’s eyes, “I know we probably can’t pet those things-”

“Renkol.”

“Yeah! Renkol! I know we probably can’t touch them, but, you know I’d love to get a shot of a feeding or something. You know, a snippet to go before commercials.” Still smiling, Ross nodded, heart warming at the way they both rose just slightly on the balls of their feet.

“Lucky you, it’s just another hour before their scheduled feeding,” he said, mentally going through the routes around the new area, “if you’ve got the time to kill, I can give you a sneak peak at their enclosure while we wait. It’s actually quite the show.” And having them there, with a camera, would be a good early test for if they could advertise feedings for public viewing. The pair grinned back at him, nodding like they were testing the attachment between head and neck.

“We can make time-”

[goat-yells-at-everything]

Pigeons are one of the oldest domestic animals and basically the only domestic animal that has been all but completely abandoned by humans.

They were domesticated for food but not just for meat. Their poop is extremely rich fertilizer which was a big deal in the middle east and northern Africa in ancient times. They have an amazing sense of direction and can find their home from hundreds of thousands of miles away. In WW1 and 2 they were used to deliver messages from the front to base camps and were responsible for saving THOUSANDS of lives when soldiers were pinned down and unable to send a runner (human messenger).

They were brought to the US by European settlers as messenger birds. Some were kept as racing birds and eventually many different breeds were developed. Some more humane than others (looking at you American Fantail). Eventually, as infrastructure was developed in the new world, many of the birds were just abandoned as they were no longer of use. Being hardy little things, pigeons were able to eek out a living in the early colonial cities and eventually spread from coast to coast of North America.

Today, despite being a domestic animal, feral pigeons are treated as wild nuisance animals instead of the escaped pets they should be seen as. A feral kitten is still considered a "pet" even if it is 3rd generation feral after all, so why not these birds?

As they are, technically, a domestic animal, it IS legal to just... yoink one off the street. I DO NOT SUGGEST DOING THIS RANDOMLY. You're more likely to cause them to panic and cause them harm. If you do manage to get one without outright stress killing it, you have to consider vet care. Most vets dont treat pigeons because they see them as exotic animals. There are a myriad of other reasons NOT to go yoinking feral birds sooooo probably dont do it unless you are working with a rescue. Not to mention in many parts of the US there is an actual wild bird that looks similar to pigeons called a Morning Dove. They are NOT the same bird and should be left alone.

However, due to wonderful people the world over (*cough @homeofhousechickens cough*), the stigma against pigeons is being lifted. Finding good breeders and rescues is becoming much easier and more and more vets are open to working with them. Of course always do your research before getting a new pet, tho!

If you've ever been do the pet store and think "I'd like a <-insert common parrot here->" please please PLEASE consider a pigeon instead. They are super intelligent. They can be pet without causing them sexual stress (ya. thats a thing with parrots). They are easier to care for due to their long history of human companionship. And they come in just as many bright and beautiful colors, patterns, and body types as parrots.

Pigeons are wonderful animals. Despite being domesticated, abandoned, and mistreated for generations they are still drawn to humans and their companionship. They deserve so much better from us and, hopefully with more and more education, they will soon get it.

TW: animal death / injury / death For grandma, who loved pigeons, and for grandpa, who did not but wanted her to be happy. Please hear me out <3 WEBTOON

[mediabirdmag]

How Kindness is Fueling a Silent Health Crisis in India by Feeding Pigeons

In India, kindness is a deeply ingrained cultural value. From feeding stray dogs to offering crumbs to pigeons, many people express compassion through small, everyday acts. But what if one of these seemingly harmless gestures is unknowingly contributing to a health crisis? Feeding pigeons, often considered a noble act, is emerging as a silent culprit behind respiratory diseases, property damage, and environmental imbalance.

The Rise of Pigeon Feeding in Urban Spaces

Across Indian cities, it is common to find large groups of people scattering grains for pigeons at temples, parks, and public squares. This tradition stems from religious beliefs and the idea of accumulating good karma. Over time, however, urban spaces have transformed into breeding grounds for pigeon populations, disrupting the natural ecosystem.

Pigeons reproduce rapidly when food is abundant, and urban environments offer ideal conditions. The result? Overcrowded spaces filled with droppings, feathers, and nests. While this may seem like a mere inconvenience, the consequences are far-reaching.

Health Risks Associated with Pigeon Feeding

One of the most significant yet overlooked dangers is the health risk posed by pigeons. Pigeon droppings contain fungi, bacteria, and parasites that can lead to respiratory issues. A condition known as Pigeon Fancier’s Lung (hypersensitivity pneumonitis) is increasingly being diagnosed among individuals frequently exposed to pigeons or their droppings. Symptoms include persistent coughing, shortness of breath, and fatigue.

Additionally, pigeon droppings can harbor Cryptococcus and Histoplasma, fungi responsible for severe lung infections. Immunocompromised individuals, children, and the elderly are particularly vulnerable.

Environmental and Structural Damage

Pigeon droppings are acidic and can erode stone, metal, and concrete. Historic monuments, residential buildings, and public infrastructure suffer as layers of droppings accumulate over time, leading to costly repairs and maintenance.

Moreover, pigeon feeding disturbs the natural balance by encouraging non-migratory behavior. This disrupts the local bird population and reduces biodiversity, as pigeons dominate urban spaces.

Rethinking Kindness: Alternative Ways to Help

Feeding pigeons may seem like an act of love, but the unintended consequences call for a shift in perspective. Here are some healthier and more sustainable alternatives to express kindness:

Plant Bird-Friendly Trees and Shrubs: Support local bird populations by creating natural habitats that provide food and shelter.

Provide Clean Water Sources: Birds, including pigeons, benefit from access to clean water without dependency on human-provided food.

Donate to Wildlife Conservation: Support organizations working to protect endangered species and natural ecosystems.

Educate and Spread Awareness: Encourage others to understand the hidden risks of feeding pigeons and promote eco-friendly practices.

Read in detail: How Kindness is Fueling a Silent Health Crisis in India by Feeding Pigeons

Kindness is one of humanity’s greatest strengths, but it must be channeled wisely. Feeding pigeons may offer momentary satisfaction, but the long-term impact can be harmful. By rethinking how we interact with urban wildlife, we can protect both our health and the environment. Let’s ensure our acts of compassion create a healthier, more sustainable world for future generations.