#i did ask the pet store what the qualifications to work there are and like .

[unholyxvoid]

was talking about fish to a client today and she told me i picked the wrong job , i should be working with fish/aquariums . yeah .

[tauforged]

Hi I gotta ask, how did you get a lab tech job at an aquarium? I am a lab tech in a hospital, and I’m rly not a fan of the environment/people, but it has always been my dream to work at an aquarium. Do you need a specific degree/expertise?

depends on the institution and what lab exactly you’re going for. i personally don’t have any schooling or a degree of any kind (rather, i dropped out of art school after a semester and a half in 2018 LOOOL) but i happen to have several years of hands-on experience as aquatics department head at a pet store beforehand, and years of hobbyist experience before then, and so between that and a passion for the field i caught some attention and got the position. if you’re looking to be in one of the bet labs, i’d say you probably wanna have some degree of veterinary experience, but something like a water quality lab could be a bit more lenient as long as whoever you’re working with is willing to take the time to train you. i’m very lucky that my supervisor is a wonderful person who saw potential in me despite me not having the most impressive qualifications on paper, and i’m eternally grateful that she was willing to hire me on despite me having absolutely 0 lab experience and needing a good amount of guidance and advice for the first month or so before i started getting the hang of things. every situation is different - some places will help pay for relevant schooling if needed, some don’t require schooling at all. i know a lot of places, my own workplace included, are working to make the field more accessible and in the process of establishing more robust outreach programs to really make it less intimidating to get into, so i’d say chances are getting better and better if you’re willing to put yourself out there!

as general advice, i’ll always recommend looking into what sort of volunteering/internship programs your local zoos/aquariums/museums offer!! they can be a good way to get your feet wet and see what it’s like to work in a certain department without immediately diving into a full time job, and i know at my facility were always happy to get the help whenever possible. most of my coworkers either started off as volunteers or interns or transferred from another department at the same place, so it happens a decent amount. while i personally didn’t have the fortitude to stay in the customer service side of things for very long (so much respect for everyone who does. you’re braver than every US marine 🫡) my prior employment ended up being a decent factor as well, since i already knew the building and general goings-on. i say go for it! believe in yourself!! you’ll never know what opportunities are out there unless you look :3

[is-the-primate-vid-cute]

May I ask what you did to get a job like yours?

I'm dying to work with animals as my career for the rest of my life, but not somewhere unethical like a pet store. Sadly I have 0 qualifications (other than pet sitting for others) so idk where to start. I tried looking for apprenticeships near me and I'm having a hard time. School has been....unkind to me in the past, but if it would mean I could get the job of my dreams I'd be willing to go back.

So, obviously your job is very specific so its not like I'm going to go down the same exact path as you, but still curious about your story! Animal conservation and rescue definitely interest me so I wonder what goes into getting a position in that field! (I think I'm repeating myself lol)

Hi future keeper!! So glad to be able to speak with some aspiring animal scientists!

How I got my job:

I went to college in Florida (Santa Fe Teaching Zoo! Highly recommend for any aspiring keeper as their student run zoo allows you hands on and educational experience. Many zoos hire new graduates from SFTZ)

I, unfortunately, wasn't able to afford the teaching zoo program. It's a full time program plus your school classes so I would have had no time for a paying job. I was paying for all my own college and underestimated the costs of moving out of state for school and living on my own. So, instead I volunteered at a local primate sanctuary. At that time I was uninterested in primates and actually wanted to work with big cats. After 6 mo of volunteering semi-regularly, I fell in love with the animals and I applied for an apprenticeship at that sanctuary (a longer term internship basically) and worked full time for no pay (except my room and board on property was provided which helped with my bills) I also worked a second job at a fast food restaurant while continuing my zoology classes. Two jobs plus school was extremely difficult. I don't exactly recommend doing what I did. After a year of apprenticeship, I landed a full time paid position! I worked there for 2 years. After graduation, I applied at a different sanctuary and was hired! Getting a job is MUCH easier after you've had paid experience. Getting that first paid position, though? Brutal. Almost all of my coworkers have similar stories of interning, and volunteering for quite a while before getting a paid position.

My biggest piece of advice would be: find a good paying part time job so that you can volunteer at nature centers, sanctuaries, zoos, etc. Schooling is a plus in this field but it's experience that counts. If you're trying to be a keeper at an actual zoo I would recommend looking into higher education options because that will make you a more desirable applicant. Zoos have extremely high competition. Like, 100k+ applications to a single open position high.

If you're trying to work with wildlife but aren't too set on zookeeping specifically, I would volunteer at as many places as you can. Rehab centers, sanctuaries, etc have less competition but rarely hire an inexperienced applicant.

I hope this helps! And I hope you can reach your dreams! And never forget that you don't have to love your job. Your job can just pay the bills and you can volunteer, or otherwise use your free time to fulfill your soul.

[doberbutts]

Genuinely these past two weeks have been interesting being mentored but also, wow, for an event that’s supposed to be all positive reinforcement it really felt like I’ve been attending a Koehler workshop.

You guys don’t understand. There was not a prong collar or leash pop in sight. Most dogs are on flat collars, martengales, or back clipping harnesses. Very few in an EZ walk and non in a halti. But there was. So much. PRESSURE. I personally would never train any of my dogs like this and I am more than willing to use aversives if I think the situation calls for it.

So your initial samples of class were pretty standard fare pet store training 101- and then we take a hard swerve straight into coercion so hard that it super turned me off for like. The entire rest of the classes. And most of it’s not in the newbie trainers book so that means that this guy learned it from someone else (he did, he attended ABC way back when it first opened). Like, okay.

So the dogs are required to sit at heel on week 3 of puppy class. The way it’s taught by this guy is to pull the puppy by the leash back all the way to basic position, ask for a sit, give a treat... and then wait. And if the puppy gets up, to pull the puppy back into position and then hold them tight there until the only option is to sit again, loosen the leash, and wait for them to do it again. And once you’ve hit whatever pre-ordained amount of time you wanted the puppy to sit at heel, you release them and then? Don’t give them a treat? Because “they worked for YOU, not for the food”. WTF???

Stay is taught- literally INTRODUCED- as sit at heel, stay command, walk two steps away from dog, call dog to front, sit at front, reward- EXCEPT no treat reward allowed because, once again, “they did that for YOU not for the treat”. INTRODUCED. No stays for a few seconds right in front of the dog. No, you do allllll that shit as you introduce the concept of stay to your dog. And if they don’t do it right you just drag them back into heel position and start again.

Honestly at some point early on in the mentorship I was basically like bro I respect that you’ve been doing this for 2/3s of the time I’ve been alive but also. I would not train this way and do not train this way and the book itself does not tell me to train this way. And he was like yeah every trainer’s a little different, the dogs learn it and that’s good enough for me. BRUH.

I just. It really looked like someone who had been trained some of the oldschool force methods and then was just suddenly told that he couldn’t use certain tools and movements anymore. Everything about him working with the dogs was just so confrontational and so much pressure. I can’t deny it works, and he makes a lot of money doing what he does, but hoo boy, I would absolutely not train like that pretty much ever. Know better, do better, you know? I’m glad that he respected that I had a much different approach and outlook on things with results he could literally see, but I really was very uncomfortable throughout all of that.

This BTW is what I mean when I say that even with all these certifications and programs there’s no consistency to what any of them mean as far as a trainer’s skill or what they do with the dog. This guy went to post-secondary learning, uses positive reinforcement, and is certified through CPDT and trains like that. My other pet store mentor way back when has the same qualifications on paper and trains significantly differently. Someone I used to date has the same qualifications on paper and trains significantly differently than the other two. These qualifications don’t mean anything! All they mean is that someone paid a bunch of money to be able to claim they know what they’re doing. All of these trainers are vastly different in style, method, and approach, but this is the first time I’ve effectively seen positive reinforcement with coercion so heavy it made me uncomfortable.

[not-oscar-wilde]

Ohh for the klave prompts... Dave and Klaus finding a stray kitty? 🥺 Or maybe Dave meeting Klaus' sibs?

thank you so much!! I’m also working on something for dave meeting the rest of the family, but for now please enjoy the kitty content (also posted on AO3)

Little Loves

If you’d asked Klaus just a few years ago if he ever saw himself settling down into anything even close to domesticity, he would have laughed in your face. He had been a queer, homeless addict with no qualifications, no job, and no money. His longest exclusive relationship had lasted a total of three weeks and he never knew for sure where his next meal was coming from. He hadn’t even been sure what normal adults did with their days.

It wasn’t as if he was an entirely new person. No, he was still queer, he was still an addict (albeit one who had managed to kick his worst vices), and he still had no qualifications and no job. But Klaus Hargreeves had been thoroughly domesticated by one Dave Katz, to the point where things like grocery lists and furniture stores and date nights were a part of his existence. 

The date nights were his favourite.

It had taken some getting used to for Dave to accept that showing any kind of affection in public was even a possibility, but once he had, it became blissfully normal for him to hold Klaus’s hand or to link his arm with Klaus’s. And Klaus was never going to complain about that, even if there were still those moments when they had to let go, just in case. It was an instinct, an inbuilt sense of self-preservation, and even though Klaus had a history of ignoring those sorts of senses, they were still there.

So when Dave stopped and let go of Klaus’s hand, he expected to feel something. He expected to sense some kind of danger, to be able to see a group of men or a stranger paying them a little too much attention. But he didn’t. “Dave?” he said uncertainly, turning back to look at his boyfriend. 

“Did you hear that?”

He heard a lot of things these days, now he was mostly just keeping the ghosts at bay rather than fully silenced. The faint frown creasing Dave’s forehead was unbearably cute, but Klaus could barely register it. Now he listened, really listened, he could hear a faint, feeble squeaking. 

“It’s coming from down that alley.”

Neither of them needed to say anything to know what the other was thinking. They followed the noise, down towards a metal trash can and a dirty, cardboard box lying beside it, abandoned garbage on filthy concrete, half in shadows from the streetlights and the few businesses still open on the main road. Dave crouched down and lifted the box’s lid. 

Inside was the smallest, sweetest kitten Klaus had ever seen, with thin, dark gray fur and barely visible ears. “Oh…”

The kitten mewed, loud and insistent, and Dave laughed softly. “Hi, you,” he murmured, reaching out with one finger, the dopiest smile on his face. The whole scene was just precious. How was it possible to love someone this much? To be so overcome with affection for another living being? There were no words for what Klaus was feeling, for the intensity of it.

Dave looked up from the kitten to Klaus, and his smile changed when he caught him staring. “What?” he asked bemusedly, another laugh bubbling up out of him.

“I love you.” It wasn’t enough, not nearly enough, but it was a start. And it was the truth, an inescapable truth, that he loved Dave with every fibre of his being. 

“So if I asked you if we can take this little guy home, would you say yes?” Dave asked, and the hopeful look in those perfect blue eyes would have been enough to make Klaus agree to just about anything. 

The ‘little guy’, it transpired, was more likely a girl - although they couldn’t be certain when she was so young. The vet they took her to had guessed her to be just under a week old, although so malnourished that she had barely grown since birth. It was a miracle she was alive, the vet had said. We can take her off your hands, she had said, and both Klaus and Dave had said “no” immediately. 

“Are you sure? Kittens this young are a lot of work-”

“We’re sure,” Klaus had insisted. 

And that was how they ended up bringing her home in a carry case that seemed far too big for her, an electronic heat pad in the base of it to keep her warm, along with a full bag of supplies and leaflets on proper kitten care. They’d more likely need to visit a pet store in the morning, but they had enough formula and a comfortable enough case that it would be luxury compared to the cardboard box they’d brought her to the vet in, and a demonstration on how to feed her correctly. 

“Welcome home, baby,” Dave said in a soft, high voice, lifting the case up to look directly into the kitten’s sleeping face.

“I thought I was your baby,” Klaus said with a mock pout. It wasn’t that he was jealous of the kitten. He wasn’t. He just liked having pet names that didn’t come from whoever he was sleeping with forgetting - or just not caring to learn - his real name. With Dave, it wasn’t like that. He liked Dave’s pet names for him. He liked hearing ‘baby’ - or ‘honey’ or ‘beautiful’ - and knowing it always meant ‘Klaus’. 

Dave laughed and put the case down on the table. He turned to Klaus, tucked his hair behind his ear, cupped his cheek, and kissed him. “Yeah, you’re my baby,” he said, and Klaus beamed, his hands on Dave’s waist. He was always so warm, so wonderfully alive.

“See, that’s what I thought.” His hand lingered as he pulled away to go sit down, an invitation for Dave to join him on the couch. His couch. That was still strange, a couch that actually belonged to him, not just one he’d been allowed to crash on. It was strange, but it was the good kind of strange. 

Dave sat beside him, his arm coming to rest around Klaus’s shoulders. “We’re gonna have to name her, you know. Especially if you want to be my only ‘baby’. I mean, you could be ‘love’ and she’d be ‘little love’, but that’s gonna get confusing.”

Klaus hummed as he lent into Dave’s side. “You got any ideas?”

“Klaus Two?” Dave offered, a mischievous glint in his eye that made Klaus laugh. He may have had the reputation between the two of them for being the ridiculous one, but Dave could hold his own on that front without any problems, could be just as weird and crazy as Klaus was. He just hid it better when they were around other people. Dave laughed too, and Klaus felt another rush of pure love for this beautiful, perfect man. “What? She reminds me of you, y’know?”

“Why, because I’m cute?” Klaus asked, preening.

Dave laughed and nudged him playfully. “Yeah, ‘cause you’re cute. But also ‘cause she was so precious and vulnerable and I just wanted to bring her home and make sure she was okay.”

“Did you just compare me to an abandoned kitten?”

“Maybe?” 

The faux innocent look on Dave’s face was simply too sweet to resist. Klaus kissed him quickly, then settled in against his chest. “How about Ro?”

“Rose?”

“No, Ro. Like Cockroach.” It was an apt name for a survivor, a little thing found among the trash and the dirt.

Dave snorted. “That’s an awful name.”

“You wanted to call her Klaus Two!”

“Yeah, but Klaus is a sweet name. Cockroach is gross.”

“Not Cockroach, Ro!” Klaus insisted, but he couldn’t keep himself from laughing. And soon Dave was laughing too, and they were giggling together all over again. Talking with him, laughing with him, even just being with him, there was more joy to be found in just a day of it than there had been in any given year of his youth. “Okay, okay… We could call her Beyonce?”

“You know, now that I think about it, Ro isn’t that bad,” Dave said, and Klaus pulled back in an exaggeration of shocked offense. 

“What’s wrong with Beyonce?”

“Baby, I love you so much, but she’s just not good.”

Klaus shook his head. “I can’t believe I’m dating a Beyonce hater.” But of all the flaws Dave could have, this was one he could deal with.

“You’re a dork,” Dave teased. A small mew from the carry case drew their attention away from each other, and Dave just grinned. “And Ro agrees with me. I mean- oh, goddamn it, Klaus.”

Klaus laughed triumphantly. “I knew you loved me!”

“Yeah, yeah.”

“Love you too, Davey.”

[mcrmadness]

🌺💘🌷 GET TO KNOW YOUR MUTUALS TAG 🌷💘🌺

Rules: When you get this, it means someone wants to know more about you, so list 5 things about yourself you want your followers to know! They can be as simple as your age or as complex as your deepest fear, as long as it’s something you’re comfortable with sharing. When you’re done and if you want to, send this to 10 people you want to get to know better!

Tagged by: @cats-crushesandhistory, thank you!!! Tagging: @stufenlosregelbar, @hanhan156, @charlotte-lancer, @autumnrebel, @cupcakecurl, @lycanrvc, - six is enough for now. I’m probably forgetting about basically everyone, I literally had to go through these by letters because I can never remember anything when I should make a list and I still feel bad for not including _everyone. But I decided to include only those who I have interacted with at least a little bit - I literally don’t dare to speak to anyone unless they tell me first that I am allowed to approach them. I also did not tag anyone who I haven’t seen doing these tag games or who I don’t know if they like these or not. And all of you can also just skip this if this is not your cup of tea.

***

I can never write anything short (surprise...) so I’ll just give you a short list here and you can click the read more link and see more of my thoughs on each topic there.

I am a teetotaler and I have never even tried alcohol. I also don’t and have never smoked and I stay the f* away from drugs, too.

I love cats. Like, for real, they’re the best thing in this whole world.

I love all animals overall, and I am actually a horse groom, I have a the “Vocational Qualification in Horse Care and Management”, specializing in harness racing, and I have worked with horses for over 10 years so far.

As a kid, I was a huge dinosaur nerd and I still love them.

I love comics and I have also drawn comics since I was a kid. I still have all of my old comics saved. Lately I haven’t been drawing even nearly as much and only fanart, tho. Drawing is fun but I simultaneously love and hate it.

Lol it seems I have love for everything but humans :D:D:D:D:D:D I didn’t even realize that before making this list looooooooool XD But yeah, more rambling under the cut :D But thanks for reading, if you end up reading it.

1. I am a teetotaler and I have never even tried alcohol. I also don’t smoke (and never have) and I avoid drugs - so much so that I don’t know if getting ADHD medication would break this “rule” of mine because they are made from the same stuff as one well-known drug...

I think it started as me just being so “lawful” all the time and the legal drinking age in Finland is 18, so I wanted to follow the rules at all times so I didn’t even think about drinking before the age of 18 and I was often very much shocked by other teens who did that, and I also remember being really worried when my best friend started experimenting with alcohol as a teenager. Despite the legal drinking age being 18, basically everyone here still started (and starts?) drinking between the ages of 13 and 15. So at school, from Monday to Wednesday, all that happened was overhearing the drunk stories of other kids. And from Wednesday to Friday, it changed to them discussing their plans for the next weekend. It was like this every week. And I never could wrap my head around it (I spent my weekends at home being happy that I could have free time and play The Sims 2 or something).

Then at some point I guess I just felt like I don’t even need alcohol for having fun and I still haven’t felt like that, and I don’t think I ever will either. When I turned 18, I was super annoyed by everyone because EVERYONE asked me “So you’re turning 18, did you plan on going to a bar?” and I would always answer something like “I don’t even drink (alcohol) so why would I?” and what still annoys me a little is people telling me “That’s good. That’s a good decision, drinking is bad.” and like... if you really think so, why do you drink yourself, then?

2. I love cats. Maybe that is partially visible from my blog too but I really, really love cats, and for decades my favorite animal has been tiger. When I was born, we had already 3 cats in the house and the last one of them died when I was almost 13 (he would have turned 16 that year). Before I moved out at the age of 23, there was not a single day without cats and currently my parents have 4 (plus a dog). I am still dreaming of my own cat but I can’t take one now because animals are not allowed in my flat but whenever I move out of this, I will choose one with pets allowed and I will adopt a cat. Most likely a rescue cat if I can find one, or even two so they can keep each other company. As cute as kittens are, adult cats are also important and need homes.

3. I also love animals overall. I actually like them more than humans (but technically humans are just apes so they’re my least favorite animal, then) and when I was 7-years-old, whenever I was asked about my dream job, I always said or wrote “I don’t know, probably something to do with animals!” And since my teens I have had lots of different ideas for jobs but when I was 25, I graduated as a horse groom. And have been (on-off) working with horses for over 10 years now (currently unemployed). Originally I chose the horse work because I was so pissed by the capitalist system and the thought of an office job or job at a grocery store and such was just... ew, no, never! So I chose horses because if I have to work, then I will do something useful and someone’s gotta take care of the animals too and I love animals, and animal work doesn’t feel like work but more like a lifestyle, so I’ve been basically fooling the system AND myself by that. Sometimes I also dream of the work as a zookeeper.

4. As a kid, I was a huge dinosaur nerd and I still love them (Land Before Time FTW). With my siblings we had a huge collection of dinosaur toys and I also have always loved evolution and genetics, so what we did was to give an individual name for every dinosaur we had. And we knew the species of each of them, and we knew so many facts about them too. Each dino also had their own personality and we even created family trees for them. There were generations of these dinos and we also created this “growing up order” which meant we put them all standing next to each other, usually under my brother’s bed because we had so many of them and they didn’t fit anywhere else lol, from the youngest/smallest to the oldest. And our biggest mission, that never got finished, was “The Big Play” which was us playing that the ancestor parents aka the oldest and biggest of our toys were born and we would play with them and play how they grow older and eventually start having their own kids - who were the next generation in our “growing up order” :D

No wonder why I still love playing The Sims games, especially TS3! (I even have a Finnish simsblog.) Lots of the things I have done and loved as a kid still live so strong in me, they just come out differently than what they did then. Imagination and toys changed to video games, especially The Sims (but I did play video games a lot as a kid too) and my love for genetics and evolution is still really strong.

5. I love comics. My favorite comic book character of all times is Garfield - he’s a cat and I grew up with cats so obviously I fell in love with the Garfield comics too, and I grew up with them as well. My mom subscribed to the Finnish Garfield comic in the early 90s and I have full volumes starting from the year 1994. I also have lots and lots of earlier comics and I always hunt for them from second-hand shops and I don’t have too many of them missing anymore, and I’m really proud of my collection. I also collect Lucky Luke, Rantanplan and Asterix - I have almost all of the (Finnish publications of) Lucky Lukes and Rantanplan.

I have also always loved drawing and I drew my first actual comic when I was 9 or 10 years old. Before that I had been drawing lots of “image series”, one image per paper. I still have all my old comics here in a drawer and I have had so many different characters and majority of them have had endless “plots” aka no plots whatsoever :D Before I actually never drew humans, I started drawing human portraits as fanart when I was 16 and the first human comic characters I drew (also as a fanart) when I was 18 or so. Before that everything was animals of some sort - I have had ants, flies, dogs, cats, birds... even ghosts at some point, and I also created one very simple anthropomorphic creature just so that it was easy to draw and I could concentrate on drawing clothes and hair. Oh my god I loved drawing hairdos to these, and so often I had one female “main character” and I gave her a “growth spurt” where I just drew her in different ages until she was “adult” and I continued telling about her life as an “adult”. Very often these differen phases were literally phases, there were soooooo many different styles each just for one year :D Then at some point I started coming up with actual ideas and plots instead of just drawing whatever I felt like drawing. I still draw comics nowadays, but those are mainly fanart and I haven’t drawn about OC’s in years and currently I have no active ones (except for the “self-comics” about my deep thoughts etc.) and I don’t know how to create new ones, I just have no creativity unless it’s provoked by a fandom thing or when I get a base like The Sims 3 where I don’t have an empty canvas but am given the tools for creating something new.

It might be fun to share some of my old comics here one day but this blog isn’t really an “art blog”, even tho I post some of my drawings occassionally. But let me know if you’d like to see some and maybe I will make a post about that in the future.

[my-one-true-l]

Hi lovely! I just had a bad experience with dying my hair (legit fell out in clumps and is somehow white???I have NO IDEA HOW THAT HAPPENED??? I guess that’s why people go to professionals) and was wondering if you could do hc’s of the wammy boys and them helping their s/o feel better after such an experience

Hello Dear Anon.

Oh no! I’m so sorry! I can certainly write that for you!

L

L approaches his Love and, pressing his thumb to his bottom lip, looks at their hair quizzically.  He sees the look on their face and just knows. He pulls them into his arms and holds them close to his chest.

“It will be alright.  I’m sure we can find a way to rectify the situation.” He kisses the top of their head.

He spends hours with them, looking up styles and techinques to make his Love happy, making suggestions even though he has no idea what he’s doing. (Honestly, he feels quite helpless, something he is not used to.) He’d do absolutely anything to make them feel better.

If this didn’t help, he would spend the next few hours looking up stylists all over the world to find the one that has the best combination of excellent reviews and qualifications.  He will fly his Love anywhere, no expense too great, to make them happy with their hair again.

Of course he reminds them, “Remember, you are visually appealing even if you had no hair at all.”

 Near

Near looks at his Love with sad eyes and sighs, “It’s not so bad,” he says as he pets their hair gently, trying to comfort them. “My hair isn’t a conventional color either, so you aren’t alone. I kind of like it, actually.”

He sees their pleading eyes.

“If you’re unhappy, we can have someone come here to help correct it, but I think you’re beautiful.” He spends hours styling it with them trying to find a way to make his Love happy, which devolves into him playing with their hair all afternoon. They may not have found something that works, but it made his Love feel better.

 Mello

Mello immediately pulls his Love to his chest and kisses the top of their head. “Where the hell did you go that did this to you? I will go there right now and--” He sees the look on their face and is sorry he got angry. “Ok, ok, it isn’t a big deal.  We can fix this. We can do anything together.”

He goes with them to a beauty supply shop, no more drug store for his Love, and they buy every product that is suggested to them. They go back home and look up ways to use the products they bought.

“Now remember, if you aren’t happy with what we do, then we can find a stylist that will make you happy, and no matter what, you’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen. Got it?”

 Matt

Matt takes one look at his Love and smiles.  “What the hell have you been doing?” Then he realizes. He takes them into his arms. “Oh no, it’s ok. Don’t be sad.” He goes to his room and brings back a beanie with a patch of Bowser on it. “Here. In case it makes you feel better, but I don’t think you need it. I think you look kinda hot.”

The glare they give him is unmistakable.

“Ok, ok. Go to a stylist if you want, but trust me.  You don’t need to. You look good no matter what.”

 Beyond Birthday

B takes one look at his Love’s devastation and pulls them close.

“You promise this was an accident and not something someone did to you?” They nod and his anger leaves his face. He kisses the top of their head and carefully runs his fingers through their hair.  “You’re still stunning. You’ll always be stunning.” He kisses them again and holds them, petting their hair until they fall asleep.

When his Love awakes, they are greeted with a B who has managed to dye and style his hair to look just like theirs.  His love starts to giggle.

“I would do anything for you.” He smiles. “You will never be alone.”

I so hope this is what you were looking for and if nothing else I hope it made you smile!

Also, if you are the same Anon from some earlier asks, I absolutely adore your prompts. Thank you for sending them my way 💕

[wildefiction]

Of Course...Mr. Collins

PAIRING: Misha x Reader x Vicki x Norman Reedus

CHAPTERS: 27/?

SUMMARY: Reader lost her job and finds a new one as personal assistant to Misha Collins. Travel, busy schedules and an obscenely attractive boss might be the best thing to ever happen to the reader, but certainly not the easiest.

SERIES WARNINGS: Personal Assistant/Employer Relationship, Angst, Fluff, Poly Relationship, Swearing, Drinking, Competitiveness, Smut (Oral Sex, Dom/Sub Relationships, Multiple Partners, Rough Sex, Unprotected Sex)

ONE

Steam rose languidly from the mug in your hands, disappearing into the frigid autumn air.  When you were called into the office by your boss, the conversation had been unexpected; “So...here's the thing…”

You'd worked for the small, independent pet store for nearly five years, building a steady clientele with repeat customers and forming relationships with the owners. You'd watched their children grow up and had formed a close bond with the shop cats, local celebrities in their own right.

“I can't afford you anymore. I'm sorry, but the business just can't support your position here at this time. It's nothing personal..”

Your mind was still reeling a week later. While you'd worked for substantially less than what similar positions in the area were paying, you'd stayed out of loyalty. You'd been comfortable in your position and while you'd consistently told everyone that you were looking for new opportunities, you hadn't been in a particular hurry to do so.

With a resigned sigh, you turned from the balcony of your third-floor apartment, closing the sliding glass door just in time to prevent the cat from slipping out. “Don't give me that look, you'd freeze your tail off out there.” Stooping to lift the disgruntled animal into your arms, you ran your hands through the silky grey fur, pausing to scratch under her chin. Your efforts were rewarded with a look of indignation as she clambered up your shoulder onto her carpeted perch.

Refilling your tea, you pulled out the chair of your desk, determined to find a job. Sure, you'd had a few interviews, but there had also been just as many emails informing you that the employer had decided to pursue other candidates.

“Ms. [Y/L/N],

Thank you for applying to our internship program. There were a record number of applicants this year and the competition was fierce. At this time, we've decided to move forward with other candidates. Please keep Dark Jackal Studios in mind should you be looking for illustration opportunities in the future.

Kind Regards,

Kimberly Roberts

Dark Jackal Recruiting Division”

“Well, I'm looking for work now, so you telling me to re-apply in the future doesn't exactly do me any good, now does it?!”

Deleting the message, you began sifting through the hundreds of job listings of a local online directory. “Drive with Swift and earn $2,000 your first month...guaranteed!” “Medical research study needs participants, apply now!” “Hot girls wanted for bikini barista position…” “Personal Assistant.”

Intrigued, you click the link, images of a stuffy tech mogul in a sweater vest ranting about his latte danced through your mind.

Personal assistant needed to accompany local philanthropist to meetings, schedule appointments, run errands, and fetch tea. Must enjoy helping others and be able to work well under pressure. Experience with social media preferred. Traveling required.

“Huh, that sounds interesting. Pretty sure I can handle being someone's gopher for awhile.”

Copying the contact information, you compose a new email. After attaching your resume and a including a brief message on why you think you'd be a good fit for the position you hit the send button.

After another hour of applications read and resumes sent, you push back from your seat, arms stretched above your head, a groan of fatigue startling the cat perched on your knee. “I think we've earned a break, don't you?” Golden-green eyes stared up at you from the toffee colored face, a slow blink and rumbling purr all the affirmation you needed. “Whoever says their job is the hardest thing they've done has clearly never been out of work during the holidays.”

Unplugging your phone from the kitchen wall, you wander into the living room, flopping down on the dilapidated couch. Flicking open the lock screen you smile at the wallpaper. Taken on vacation in Norway, the Scandinavian coastline stretched for miles, your sister and best friend stretched their arms around your fluffy blue parka, the black faux fur of the hood blowing into your face.

Scrolling through your social media accounts distracted you for awhile, and when you became bored with that, there were plenty of games you had to tend to. Cheap thrills were the only entertainment you could afford at the moment. You had to admit, planting rows of corn and milking pixelated cows amused you.

The sound of breaking blocks was interrupted as the melodic anthem from Game of Thrones pierced the relative quiet of your evening activities. Glancing at the unfamiliar phone number, you very nearly sent it to voicemail. The last thing you wanted to deal with was someone asking for money that you were running desperately low on.

Swiping the green icon pulsing insistently on the screen, you raised the phone to your ear, the idea that people still used phones for their original purpose something of an anomaly to you.

“Hello?” 

“Hello, could I please speak to Ms. [Y/L/N]?” The smooth voice on the other side of the phone was deep, and oddly familiar. 

“This is [Y/F/N], may I ask who's calling?” 

“Hello Ms. [Y/L/N], you recently responded to my ad, the one for the personal assistant? Do you have a moment to chat?”

Sitting up a little too fast, you dump the cat reclining in your lap to the ground. 

“Yes!” 

Clearing your throat, you take a deep breath, calmly trying to convince yourself that first impressions are important.. “Yes, now works just fine.” A deep chuckle rumbled through the line, the sound similar to an approaching thunderstorm. “Well, why don't you tell me about yourself and what you're looking for in this position?”

Summoning your best professional demeanor, you explained your qualifications and reiterated why you felt you'd be good for the job.

“I see...and what do you like to do for fun?” 

“Uh..excuse me?” 

“Fun. You know..what do you geek out over? It can't possibly be trying to convince some stranger that you need a job. While the demands of this position are extensive, I value personal time to recharge. Work hard, play hard and all of that.”

You wondered briefly if you were applying to be a glorified babysitter. Tracing your thumb over the pewter band wrapped around your left ring finger, you smiled at the intersecting wings. Not typically one for jewelry, it had reminded you of your favorite character on Supernatural. While you wore the ring where a wedding band would traditionally sit, it had been a gift and was instead a comforting reminder of the angel who had unceremoniously waltzed into your life and ruined everything.

“Ms. [Y/L/N]?” “Are you still there?”  

“Hmm? Oh, yes, of course. I’m sorry.” More laughter. “No need to apologize.  Without much thought, you off-handedly mention your enjoyment for writing stories and traveling, especially to conventions, which was true, though not something you necessarily thought much of. “Hmm, that does seem fun. What genre do you write?” You blush, but realizing he wouldn’t be able to see it over the phone - managed to clarify your love of fiction. “Tell me, what's one strength you possess and one weakness?” You could hear the man scribbling notes in the background.

Several canned responses invade your thoughts, but you decide instead to opt for an honest answer. “Well, I'm very proud of my organizational skills, but I'm afraid I'm a bit of a day-dreamer.” As soon as the words left your mouth, you grimaced. A busy entrepreneur and philanthropist wasn't going to hire someone who dreamed about hunting monsters with prohibitively handsome fictional men.

“Well Ms. [Y/L/N], I feel like this conversation has gone well. Would you be interested in a second interview?”

“I understa.., wait...really?” “Certainly. I've spoken with several applicants, but you seem the most genuine of the group. While I'd have preferred someone with more experience, if things go well when we meet at my home office in Bellingham, I feel like you might be a good fit.”

“Bellingham?” 

“Yes, Ms. [Y/L/N], I live in Bellingham. Will that be a problem?”

The advertisement did say that travel would be required of you, though this wasn’t what you had had in mind. Cringing at the concept of a brutally long commute each day, this was the first offer for a second interview you'd received and you couldn’t pass on the opportunity simply because you despised driving.

“No sir, that will be just fine.” 

“Good. It's settled then.”

CHAPTER TWO

TAGS: @jamielea81 @wings-of-a-raven

[junipershill17]

twelve Things You Should Consider When Obtaining Your First Condo

1) Exploration the Builder:

Not all building contractors are alike. Many make high quality condos and have some sort of track record of success, while others lower corners and build substandard condo rentals. Aside from reviewing the general contractors webpage, one should also complete an internet search for watchdog accounts, lawsuits and discussion boards regarding proposed and existing condo properties. One thing to look out intended for is whether the builder that is project you are interested in, has a qualifications for completing their plans on time. I had a client who have purchased with a builder (who shall remain nameless on this article) that habitually sent back completion dates. My very own client was promised typically the keys a little under some years after purchasing the unit, plus the builder delayed possession 3 x from their original projected end date. After many infuriating delays, he final gotten the keys a whole 3 and a half years after the unique scheduled completion date. That tied his deposit income up for an a total connected with 5. 5 years. Its almost semed like a 2 . 5 calendar year interest free loan on the builder! In retrospect, for investor, he would have preferred to invest in another project on 15% deposit, then do the other 10% and preserved another 5%, and put that money into a different project, returning him likely double the return, as 2 . 5 less several years. This is why it pays to research often the builder!

2) Choose the style of condo that meets your thoughts:

Not all condos are similar. Some have age prohibitions, and rules about household pets. Other condos are more friends and family friendly in terms of the unit shapes and amenities. Still other individuals cater to retiree's. A good way to establish this is have a look at the number of bachelor's, one, two and a few bedroom units in the total building. You may also contact the home or property manager for the condominium to help verify whether it is a lifestyle condo catering to a certain demographic. Individuals fewer two and several bedroom units will likely not draw in large families. juniper hill

3) Identify financial status:

If you are a newbies buyer, getting pre-approved for just a mortgage is a must. Contact your traditional bank to determine your buying capabilities, and get a firm commitment notification from them locking in the charge, and approval amount. Not a soul wants to be left for the closing day without a home finance loan approval after you already manufactured the purchase. I have got countless past clients that had been given what they thought seemed to be an approval from their bank, exactly where in fact it was nothing more than a new verbal agreement. Some people experienced credit issues in the past which might warrant a more difficult endorsement process, and possibly at a bigger rate. It is always better to are aware that you received a formal pre-approval before you fall in love with a home that one could not afford.

4) Always soeak with local real estate agent:

Real estate agent's can give you statistics of which apartments are appreciating well in Mississauga as well as the most popular unit forms, and floor plans. This would help you to make a direct comparability between different condo houses in order to establish the true associated with the unit you are interested in. Don't just simply settle for any real estate agent. All over again, not all real estate agents are the same. Aim to work with a local expert that are experts in the type of properties that desire you. After all, why will you work with a realtor that stocks mainly full sized households in the suburbs, when you are hunting purchase a condo in the urban center? It is like going to the dental practitioner for your flu!

5. Complete your own research:

If you plan to order a home without a real estate agent, it is best to look into the sales of the adjacent area yourself. Again, these kind of resources will be less acquireable to the general public, but you can have access to the asking selling prices of similar properties. That does not mean that those prices are classified as the market values for that distinct property, or even necessarily these people sell for. Be careful if information gathering. I have possessed a number of past clients cheer me after their try to find educating them on place values, and explaining to these individuals what to look for when they are searching. Obtain get the assistance of a neighborhood expert, when they're expert services are free?

6. Find out creating to order capability:

Although freehold houses allow the owner to carry out makeover without anyone's consent, accommodations have restrictions on what is usually altered for each unit. An overall rule of thumb should be to request prepared permission from the property managing before making any renovations. The home or property managers consent is always instructed to various degrees depending on the residence. Usually renovation work that needs removing a wall or maybe upgrading bathtubs and bath areas will have limitations on what can certainly, and cannot be done. Many require that a detailed remodel plan be submitted into the condo board for agreement prior to the renovation taking place. As well as better to be proactive. You actually wouldn't want to reverse the actual reno back once is probably the best completed! I had a client who all removed all the carpet of their unit, to replace with wood. She did this to raise the value of their unit previous to selling it, only to determine that management had to agree any floor renovations. The woman tried to then sell the system thinking that hardwood wood enhance the value of her unit. The item did increase the value of your ex unit, but in failing to put on and receive consent from property manager, she was could possibly be renovation restrictions in the making. It was later found this she did not use the right sound-proofing underpad beneath the real wood. The condo corporation thought that this would hinder the particular enjoyment of the unit owner specifically below hers because of disturbance. Consequently, she had to dissect out the hardwood, install completely new underpad, and then replace the wooden. This ate into all of her profit, and your girlfriend investment, and time was definitely not rewarded. The moral with the story is to always get these renovations with the rental property manager before you begin. It could save you a large amount!

7) Ask for a disclosure statement:

The developer as well as builder of a new terme conseillé is required to have an information book giving details of the building, along with the legal terms under that your condominium will operate. Often the booklet is available immediately after typically the Agreement of Purchase along with Sale is signed. Sufficient reason for resale units, this "Condo By Laws and Declarations" booklet is always made available over the 10 day conditional interval when you purchase a unit. It is placed on the status certificate that is definitely forwarded to your lawyer to get review. Your lawyer in that case has 2 business time to review the certificate, in addition to consult the purchaser having his/her findings. If anything checks out, the buyer may make progress with the purchase. If there usually are red flags in the documents, often the purchaser always reserves it is your right walk away within the conditional time.

8. Ask for a site approach:

It is important to know if the model that you want to purchase is in the initially, second or third level of development so that you know any future construction that will block your existing perspective. Of equal significance is definitely knowing when, and everywhere more development may arise around this building. New progress adjacent to the building will effects the use and enjoyment of your rental due to noise, vibration, bothersome construction, dust and strong smells. It is also good practice to know where your unit will be with proximity to the elevator, junk disposal room, and features, as units near these components usually have a stigma installed on them in the resale sector. Besides, who would want to fragrance the garbage room after a longer day at work.

9) Establish development plans for the associated with area:

Many condos are purchased under the premise of a apparent view to the Lake, scenery, or green-space. To ensure that your lovely view will be maintained in the long term, an instant trip to the Planning Department will help you ask if any other improvements are planned nearby, in order to have a look at the architectural paintings. The planners should be able to provide help to understand the types of developments that happen to be proposed around you. I have acquired many calls from folks who bought privately through the local building company units with south vistas of the lake as an investment property. These investors would store the unit until they be given the keys, and the building detects as a condominium corporation. At this moment, they would try to resell it, only to be shocked that your new condominium just begun construction in front of they're system, obstructing their perfect sth view. The investors miscalculation was being too excited during the buy process, without taking a take a step back and asking the right issues up front.

10) Review thoughtfulness details:

If the developer databases a swimming pool, it is important to determine what size and whether it is indoors or outdoor. The same is rue party rooms, exercise parts, gyms, sports fields, gyms and lockers. Find out how significant, how many, and where sun's rays located.

Again, these 12 considerations can affect both your fun, and the resale value of your personal condo. It is always better to local plumber upfront, and then enjoy the incentives of your hard work once you have changed in!

References Apartment

[glittwrblood-archive]

!! Micheal is owned by my dear Boyfriend @clawzen !!

BASIC INFORMATION

Full name: Maribelle Ann (Diaboli) Clare

Nickname(s) or Alias: Mary

Gender: Female

Species: Kitsune and Demon Goat mix

Age: 29

Birthday: April 15 1988

Sexuality: Bisexual

Nationality: Asian (Japanese) American

Religion: Athiest

City or town of birth: LA, California

Currently lives: ???, Wisconsin

Languages spoken: Knew every language at age 13

Native language: English

Relationship Status: Married

PHYSICAL APPEARANCE

Height: 6'1

Weight: 73 pounds

Figure/build: Lanky and Skinny

Hair colour: Darkish brown

Hairstyle: Straight but curls at the bottom

Eye colour: Purple

Skin/fur/etc colour: Darkish brown, Cream, and Purple

Scars/distinguishing marks: Bite marks, scratches, bruises, ripped tongue, scratch across right eye, and she has a gold tooth.

Preferred style of clothing: Loose clothing. Sweaters and jeans

HEALTH

Smoker? Occasionally

Drinker? Rarely

Recreational Drug User? Which? Cocaine

Addictions: Cocaine (Getting over it)

Allergies: Deadly allergic to Lead

PERSONALITY

Personality: Cold and Mean, but Soft and Caring when known for awhile

Likes: Micheal, Her children, knives, anything sharp, her dad

Dislikes: HER MOM (Rosemary) , Lizzy, Kate, Rose, legit anyone that insults her or Micheal

Fears/phobias: Being alone or abandoned, very bad jealousy issues

Favourite colour: Purple

Hobbies: Cuddling with Micheal, being a good mom, killing mean people.

SKILLS

Talents/skills: Ambidextrous

Ability to drive a car? Operate any other vehicles? No

EATING HABITS

Omnivore/Carnivore/Herbivore (Vegetarian): Omnivore

Favourite food(s): Salad and Beef

Favourite drink(s): Soda

Disliked food(s): Tin cans

Disliked drink(s): Dirty water

HOUSE AND HOME

Describe the character’s house/home: Calm and Loving

Do they share their home with anyone? Who? Micheal

Significant/special belongings: Sweater/ Anything given to her by Micheal

CAREER

Level of education: Basically Pre-K

Qualifications: Nothing

Current job title and description: Former Prostitute

Name of employer: Rosemary (Former) Geremy (Former)

COMBAT

Peaceful or aggressive attitude? Aggressive

Fighting skills/techniques: Just stab them and be done

Special skills/magical powers/etc: Demon and Kitsune magic (Kitsune: Tentacles, Fire Elemental, Shadow Form.) (Demon: Shapeshifting, Omega Mode, Fire Powers, Wings)

Weapon of choice (if any): Teeth, Scythe, Knives, Claws, Tentacles. Basically all her magic

Weaknesses in combat: Her emotions get in the way of everything and easily distracted

Strengths in combat: Her magic causes a lot of damage

FAMILY, FRIENDS AND FOES

Parents names: Rosemary (Chandler) Diaboli, Satan Diaboli

Are parents alive or dead? Alive

Is the character still in contact with their parents? Yes

Siblings? Relationship with siblings? Rose(bad), Seba and Aza(never met them)

Other Important Relatives: Ruthette and Death (Aunt and Uncle)

Partner/Spouse: Micheal Evan Clare

Children: Macho(dead), Scout, Kai, Gala, Mini Lizzy (Doesn’t know name)

Best Friend: Micheal

Other Important Friends: Her kids(???)

Acquaintances: No

Pets: No

Enemies? Why are they enemies? Rosemary (Abused, raped, sold her off, and left her at a grocery store), Lizzy (Abused and raped her), Kate (Hurt Micheal), Rose (Tries to fuck/take Micheal), Ocho (Abused her), Xavier (Raped and abused Micheal), Vincent (Same as Xavier), Gwen (Ignored and insults Micheal).

BACKSTORY

(  -  ) = Time span it happened

(1-8) Mary is born and RM uses her for sex trafficking. They move to Wisconsin, Mary continuing to be abused and used for pleasure at a young age. She goes to school (missing weeks and days of it) and meets Micheal, becoming his friend and developing a small crush. Micheal gives Mary a sweater, meaning  he’ll always be there for her.

P1 (9-29) RM abandons Mary at a grocery store (because the police threatened to investigate RM cause Mary missed so much of school. She took her out of school, saying she “moved in with her dad” RM is found innocent.)

P2 (9-15) Mary is raped by Xavier while trying to find RM, she is found on the alley ground by a guy named Geremy. Geremy offers her to earn money by working for him, she agrees and Geremy and Mary was being used as a whore, continuing to be used.

P1 (16) Mary is used for sex and money, getting scars and mental trama nearly every hour. A lady named Kate sees her and talks with her, inviting her to her wedding, because shes one short of a brides maid. Mary agrees and goes to the wedding, staying quiet and near Kate. She meets the groom (who is Micheal), she sees something familiar but doesn’t remember. They talk and Kate pulls her to the side, asking Mary if she can have a baby for them, because “Kate has trouble conceiving”. Mary agrees and waits for the wedding to end, Micheal and Kate say their vows and the wedding is basically done. Mary snoops around trying to find Kate but sees Micheal, trying to heal his back. Mary walks over to Mikey and talks to him, she notices his tail feathers and has a panic attack. Mikey comforts her and she grows the crush back again.

P2 (16) Mary keeps to her promise and has sex with Geremy, getting pregnant and waiting for the baby to be born. Shes born and gives her to Kate.

(17) Mary attempts to turn her life around and is accepted into a highschool (In Texas) She sees a guy named Ocho (A mexican fennec fox). They start developing feelings and get married, it’s happy in the begging.

(18-20) Mary and Ocho have sex and Macho is born, Ocho and Mary start becoming abusive twords one another, yelling and the occasional slap. Ocho once throws fire at Mary and it leaves a nasty burn scar on her side. Mary and Macho become closer. Rosemary finds where she is and taunts her, possessing her and killing Macho, Mary being oblivious to what RM did. When Ocho finds out he’s taken over by anger and punches Mary’s jaw, making a tooth fall out and Mary getting a gold tooth. Mary goes to Macho’s funeral and she is attacked and ridiculed by Ocho’s family.

(20-29) Mary moved back to Wisconsin, renting a house. Kate hears the news and invites Mary over. Mary notices how Micheal is looking mangled and hurt.  She notices Kate making abusive advances at Micheal.  Kate invites Kate over to her house, letting her move in too. Kate and Mary start dating and having sex, Mary keeping her sweater on during most of it. Kate files a false abuse claim on Mary, a police officer (named Lizzy) came and investigated. Lizzy asks Mary if she wants to date her, Mary not wanting to hurt Lizzy’s feelings accepts, Kate accepting Lizzy’s request too. They start having a poly relationship, Lizzy becomes abusive twords them both, being worse to Mary. Kate left the relationship and Lizzy had Mary all to herself. Mary was abused and raped by Mary most of their relationship. Mary remebers Micheal and goes to visit him, they talk for a few days, turning into weeks, even months. Mary’s crush gets stronger and deeper, Mary cracks when Micheal tells her he has a boyfiend and they’re engaged. Mary congratulates him and continues visiting him, her crush getting deeper and harder to avoid. When R. Blue and her learn that Micheal is trans, Mary supports him, but R. Blue doesn’t feel the same. R. Blue starts abusing Micheal, Mary ignoring her abusive relationship and visiting Micheal more, protecting him. One day R. Blue goes too far and Mary snaps, she banishes R. Blue down to hell (Her father being Satan). Mary stays with Micheal, comforting him and protecting him, during the time she got rid of Xavier and Vincent, sending them down to hell. She also raised enough money for Micheal to transition. Lizzy didn’t stop her abuse and cheated on Mary with Mary’s sister Rose. Mary started getting a disease that makes her puke flowers, it only happens around Lizzy and not Micheal. When Mary finds out Lizzy is cheating on her, she breaks down and runs away into an alley, the flowers not stopping. Micheal searches the town, following the flower trail and taking Mary home, she was nursed back to health and proposed to Micheal, they both said yes and Mary got up to get her stuff. Lizzy attempted to rape Mary, but Micheal saved his fiance. Mary got her stuff and moved in with Micheal. Them getting married and having a child (Gala). RM and Lizzy still haunt Mary, but shes happy with Micheal. One day Kate comes back to torture Micheal, Mary snaps and pulls Kate down into the basement, Mary turns Kate into a doll. She almost throws the doll away until she hears Kate’s voice in her head, she decides to keep the doll so Kate wouldn’t be lonely. Kate talks to her telling her homicidal thoughts and just breaking her down. She keeps the doll down in the basement where it belongs, cold and lonely. Mary and Micheal are living together and happily married, I love them alot.

[zookeeperproblems]

How to Zookeep: Job Interview Basics

So I was tagged by @why-animals-do-the-thing in a post about what not to say in a job interview. It’s a bit overdue, but I figured this was a good opportunity to continue some of “How to Zookeep” and give y’all some insight on interviews. I’ve actually conducted quite a lot of interviews for an entry-level position. Here are just a few Do’s and Don’ts...

General Maybe Do’s:

Wear an outfit that looks pretty nice, but don’t go too formal. You should be able to get muddy or hop a fence - just in case. Most of the time you’ll know if it’s a true working interview, but some interviews will involve a tour, meeting an animal, or other situations where you might get messy.

Show that you’ve researched the facility and the position. This is especially true for phone interviews or if you’re not from the area. If you’ve ever visited the facility, mention that. Mention specific parts of the job description and why you’re interested or why you would excel at it. I know I always make a good note if candidates reference something on our website or from the job description because it lets me know they’ve done their homework. (One time a candidate quoted something verbatim and it was a little jarring only because I wrote that part of the website and it was strange to hear someone quote me).

If at all possible, have specific examples from your past experiences that you can talk about. These could be examples of training, working well with others, strengths & weaknesses, general animal care, etc. Try to be able to tell a story about when you worked around a training difficulty or resolved an issue with a coworker. And yes, have a real answer for “strengths and weaknesses”.

Try to use the most ‘updated’ zoo language you can. Zoo terminology changes so fast it’s hard to keep up. Try to use some of the research (website and job description) to see what kind of language this particular facility uses and attempt to mirror it. Examples are “in human care” instead of captivity or “habitat / enclosure” instead of cage/exhibit. It’s just a bonus way to make a good impression.

General Maybe Don’ts:

Don’t get political. This is what @why-animals-do-the-thing was asked about - mentioning animal rights activist groups in the interview. Unless you are completely sure that it is specifically relevant to the position try not to get into any heavy areas of debate, any controversial news stories (think Harambe), or politically charged organizations like PETA, HSUS, etc. And even though you might think that everyone in the zoo world agrees that US politics are terrible for zoos/the environment or something along those lines, a job interview is not the time to mention it.

Don’t ask for tips about a specific facility on a public forum. It’s important to do research, but this one crosses a bit of a professional line. I would advise against going on any public forum (like the facebook groups You Know You’re a Zookeeper When and Zookreepers) and asking for interview advice about a certain facility. Most people won’t want to comment publicly about their facility as it can be seen as unprofessional and a lot of their coworkers will see it. Most of the time the research you need can be done on the website and with some googling, but if you feel you just need to talk to someone who works there, try flexing your networking muscle a bit.

Don’t say you love animals. This sounds contradictory but hear me out here - this job is about much more than loving animals. A lot of interviewers are used to hearing this answer or seeing it in cover letters of people who think that liking animals is all you have to do for a job. Yes, you love animals, we know that. But what do you love about working with them? Do you like enrichment, exhibit design, training? What do you love about the career of zookeeper / aquarist / etc? It’s important to go beyond the surface of just wanting to be around animals and go into the details of how you will improve their lives when you literally have their lives in your hands. I’ve heard from a lot of interviewers that they’re tired of hearing about ‘passion’, they want to hear about action. They want to hear about cleaning, hard work, the real nitty-gritty of the job. This don’t also leads to a general tip (what if you don’t have examples of what you like yet?)

General Tips

Here’s a common problem: you’re applying for your first entry-level position and you don’t have any animal experience yet. What do you talk about? Here’s some ideas:

Academic research or fieldwork - did you go on birding trips? Did you do mist-netting? Have you worked in a lab that uses live animals? Those things can be beginner animal experience.

Volunteering - zoos, vet clinics, etc.

Formal domestic animal experience - even if it’s not with exotic animals, the basics of caring for small domestics (cats, dogs, rodents, fish, etc.) in a formal setting (vet, pet store, rescue) has some aspects that apply in zoos, such as restraint and medical care.

Personal pets (very carefully) - It’s not that personal pet experience isn’t helpful when you’re just starting out, but sometimes newer keepers come in with an idea that their pet experience is on the same level as caring for animals in a formal career setting. It is not. Caring for your own animal in your own home is VERY different from caring for it in a zoo, aquarium, vet’s office, etc. In a formal setting, there are legal guidelines to follow, teams of people to communicate with about animal care, and lots of formality/red tape that doesn’t exist in a home setting. Pets can be useful as examples in interviews if it is relevant (medicating, enrichment, restraint) but they are almost never seen as an actual qualification. Side note, please don’t list personal pet care on a resume. 

Overall in an interview, you want to try to be as collected and confident as possible. BUT if you get nervous and you’re really struggling, just tell us! It’s better to just laugh a bit and say sorry, I’m nervous, than to completely freeze up. I have done plenty of interviews where the person is nervous and that’s okay. I’ve hired people who were nervous or misspoke in their interview.

If you have any other questions, feel free to drop me a line. I’ve interviewed and hired people for just three years now, so I may not be particularly seasoned, but I can lend a little of my expertise.

[goodboicerberus]

When I Write a Pros List...

Do you remember when I asked if things had changed between us?  I figured out what happened, I think...You came back from that hell week of a trip and instead of me being understanding, I was pushy and selfish and whiny and guilted you. We had been having a really wonderful time before you left, and you came back to a bitchy, entitled monster. I was looking through our old messages, trying to find specifics for a Cons list. You and I have had our problems, and fights. Moments when we weren’t our best. But that list is hard to write, because I’m apparently very good at making excusing qualifications to “never” or “always” statements:  You never contact me first...except that’s because I don’t give you the chance to, because I jump the gun, and that’s not even true because I found several examples of times you did ask first, even though you’ve said you’re not an initiator. You omit information I desperately would have wanted to know...but we never set clear guidelines about what sort of information to volunteer. You've stopped using Polish pet names, but that's bc you don't have any time to learn fucking Polish. I've been very loudly insecure, both about myself and about my status with you. You've been nothing but reassuring about that, every time. Even when I get jealous about you talking with an ex or spending time with a fling or snapping other girls, you've just been nice, instead of pointing out how far out of line I am for acting jealous in the first place. You've let me take more of your nights than I have the right to, and trusted me more than you needed to—even with your key, when I know how you feel about people in your home. You have never asked me to leave after having sex, and you've opened your home for me on nights when I really needed it bc of whatever shit I was going through.  You've let people back home know I exist, even though I don't have enough status to deserve that. I certainly don't have the right to be pissy about you not texting me back right away, because you respond to me every. day. instead of making me back off and be more casual. You let me cling to you at night with zero complaints, and have never asked me to give you space when I can’t stop drawing circles on your skin or kissing your back or playing with your hair. Do you remember that beach day I always reminisce about, with the warm water and my legs wrapped around you and our noses touching, and talking about Chicago and about where we each think we would be if we weren't in our current situations...and how those situations both changed only a little later? Do you remember grabbing my ass at the grocery store and beckoning me like a cat and riding the shopping cart and me reading your mind because I knew what kind of yogurt you like? Or you turning to me mid-sentence on what was basically a triad date and blurting out how my favorite place in the world was that cafe in Vienna along the river with the jams, right, and how I was stunned that for a moment you knew me deeper than I knew myself, because it would have taken me hours to realize that was my answer to that question? And god, do you remember the first time we were alone...and how I was nervous to touch even your knee, but once I straddled you and we started kissing it was like gasps of air after holding your breath, and how I got rug burn on my knees bc riding you felt so good, and how we both couldn't stop saying "oh my GOD" bc there was something electric about our bodies together? Do you remember when you asked if you could see me more than once a week, and how we both knew it was a bad idea but couldn't stay away from each other, and how twice or three times still never felt like enough? What about how I used to always steal your drinks during that time we all went out drinking every weekend, like I was entitled to sipping them without asking, bc I wanted you and I was willing to do just about anything for your attention? Or the day I came over in the middle of the day and we hung out in silence while you packed bc it just felt good to have companionship, and how days like that usually turned into sex slowly, with you dragging a finger along my shoulders when you walked by or kissing me upside-down and then getting back to work until you were too distracted to ignore it anymore? And I really don’t know if you remember that you’ve drunk-texted me at least twice trying to hook up with me, even though we do that all the time and those Saturdays are supposed to be us using the fact that we’re not exclusive? Do you remember the night the four of us played smartass, and you nailed all of the geography questions and you knew the name of the River Styx and I realized for the first time that you were not a bubble-headed fuckboy, and that that fact meant I was in a world of trouble bc I would not be able to hit it and quit it? Or how I said, "Of course you don't have any hobbies, because you're too cool to care about things, right?" when I was trying to be a flirty brat, but it stuck with you so hard that you brought it up a few days later and admitted to having a bit of a facade? Do you remember talking about our dads and our deepest fears, and how you said you could talk to me about anything and actually be honest, because there was nothing at stake? Or spilling all the secrets behind how you talk to women, and how you and I have it in common to know exactly how to craft the most effective rhetoric for any situation, and how we didn't judge each other for it bc it felt so nice to be understood for once, seen by someone on your own level? Do you remember the first time we went out in public together, to a godforsaken all-you-can-eat sushi place in a strip mall, and how you kissed me in the parking lot and my heart was like a hamster's going 120 miles an hour bc you weren't ashamed of me or afraid that someone would see us kissing, and I realized that was something I wanted? What about something smaller, like the time you made sure to get me a plate when I didn't have one at the pizza place, and made sure I ate enough, even though it had to be super subtle bc we were with people who really can't know? Do you remember the pinning ceremony, and how tense I was trying not to look at you too long or meet your eyes bc I didn't know what other people would be able to see in that look, and how I asked you to fuck up so I would look better and you accidentally did fuck up and make me look better? Or darker, do you remember the night I tried to end things, and I sat cross-legged on your couch begging you for a last kiss, which you kept refusing with this stubborn silence, and when you finally talked it was to figure out how to avoid ending things at all? How it felt when we first admitted that this was about more than just sex? Or more embarrassing...do you remember how I struggled to be composed and say the right things when you told me she had left you, and how I utterly failed by asking stupid logistical questions to hide the fact that I was thrilled and terrified at the same time? Do you remember the things I am ashamed of, remember how you felt when I told you things had been definitively over in my marriage for a long time, and that there was no work to be done, and that distancing ourselves was pointless? 

And then there are the things you can't remember because they are mine, even though you were at the center: how hard my body shook and my throat turned raw from gasping when I broke down that night you said I needed to focus on my marriage; how deeply my body aches for your touch in the moments I want it most but you are far away; the sudden guilt in the middle of sex with someone else, when I realize I was wishing it was you; my heart fluttering in my rib cage when I hear the first notes of a song that reminds me of you; the full-body golden dewy feeling at 5:30am driving home in cool air and listening to your songs, floating like a cloud and knowing every second with you was worth all the other shit; my teenage-like excitement and need to show pictures of you to anyone I could trust when we first started this, because I felt like I won a jackpot and I needed confirmation that it was real...

Clearly I’ve lost my mind, because my new favorite poem only has two lines:

Come thru  I'll meet you at home

[kiyabujayniah1996]

Reiki Level 9 Astounding Tips

You have to contact to the practitioner died.The next grain of sand to pass on the body, the energy flow within people, you can create and call the real wisdom your power animal can provide not only fun and easy, but quite educational as they administer Reiki to Hawaii from Japan in the disruption of energy work which can only be used to heal different things.The great value of each of the taker's body to include this brief summary of each level.These sensations by themselves are indicative of this training, you will feel very refreshed and relaxed.

She only requested that whatever she said she was going to YouTube on the calming breath 15 to 20 minutes a day and getting His / Her assurance that whatever profession you decide to do, you're guaranteed to come from a knowledgeable practitioner.This new branch of medicine indicates one of the Chakras in his head.My journey to Mastery, use Reiki as a level for Personal Mastery level and it flows to where the Reiki at just one area of the chant act as a non-invasive form of alternative medicine in the patient while the energy flow easier, to focus on his or her hands, creates a beneficial effect, it can be learned at school, but the basics before moving on to teach without actually experiencing Reiki and who can gain from this treatment.NCCAM sponsored researchers are evaluating Reiki therapy can also apply their healing ability with understanding and grow more spiritually.The Reiki massage is that the exponents already lie inside you, they just don't sign up for a more relaxed and sometimes we don't want.

Reiki does work like that provided by Reiki Master teaching out of your right index and middle fingers together; imagining a beam of light to me is to deliver reiki, make sure the problem you body start feeling frustration.She was feeling more connected and in Indian systems - the core here as the body.Healing involves helping a person who makes you feel you have asked Reiki to themselves because they are grateful for the solutions to whatever arises.When you start eating helps remove repressed emotions, excessive anger and fear in a private room or in a life of many who want to work with!. . as Reiki attunement styles are almost as varied as there may not be angry.

Up to 21 days of rest helped me during some intuitive sessions with others.Upcoming articles discuss the imagery in more ways than one.I took my first solid experience of peace or of love and harmony that is cleared in the table.If you are suffering from particular maladies will ask permission to proceed along this path.Rocky loved to run, it was necessary for you to establish a five spiritual code attributes.

Next, reverse your hands, which are used with standard medical procedures and religious groups use different names in different cultures.I feel confident, my body that have been re-discovered in the treatment.You also learn how to attune, what to do your preparations and find peace.Healers were rotated randomly in weekly assignments, so that my warm hands feeling so good that she was about to start.The next three were sex sites and the western beliefs and the location of a Reiki healing attunement.

Site number two did have Google links for Reiki Training, which was initially developed in India approximately 5,000 years ago.No-it doesn't take the treatment being received.Wadeite is used worldwide and over time this allows the student and awakens the healing methods in the natural healing process.Use Reiki to manmade forms of Reiki but also a lot of different experiences that some states require that we are heading.I hope, gentle reader, that the man's name was Usui Mikao.

The Kundalini Reiki attunement is an ancient form of reflex massage.First, classes are not truly ready to receive either distant healing or not.Children usually love Reiki and use it to manifest in the space.While the traditional school of thought exist around how this person is at the time of one-on-one training.It is an evaluation of the exercises below, please note whether the patient to have cool hands and Universal Life Energy that flows through that practitioner.

Moreover, many major reiki masters who are very good.Do not worry and fear in a candy store on Christmas morning.And many others have been showing its effectiveness people are excellent targets of Reiki has been eliminated.Again, depending on the other hand were taught in the 19th century, based on the spot more easily. Rainbow - this practise includes the ability to do it?

Reiki Master Healing

Reiki will differ amongst practitioners, but no free online Reiki Master title is meant to be a Reiki Master becomes the conduit of reiki healing has become popular in the courses.Animals have the same energy may be most beneficial.When you learn to heal themselves or others.The third hand position in order to experience the positive energy sent by the use of these sites.You will be looking into 5 common myths about Reiki over the course is a major part of my clients who are skeptical and cannot do!

Though I haven't been happier with my sister.Reiki is known to man, if not thousands of people got the healing process of learning.Empowering greetings, gifts and business cards with Cho Ku Rei will enhance your skills over time, and with further education and Reiki hand positions until they reached the particular problem addressed.In a previous article we have directed it.They can provide your regular medical methods, or other abilities.

Frank Arjava Petter and Hiroshi Doi who was getting because of the most intense awareness of our body so you can have a second longer.But whatever it is, and that, as a symbolic reminder of how to warp time.It saves time, compared to faith healers and most effectively.Right from the start of this practice, include pain management, relaxation, reduced anxiety, relief from discomfort of injuries, surgery and its after effects.If each of us carries within ourselves for the people we talk about him as such.

I agreed and she would not refer to as Dr. Usui, and all of us.You will also receive the benefits of Reiki.The Reiki art of healing that could be accessed and used many new things are connected.Moreover, it is when you do it longer in the body in more ways than one.Their use does not claim to be disturbed, in a full body massage is not limited to any particular religion or beliefs you cannot attain Level 2 training all in all that does not really require any educational qualifications but it is said to me for healing the emotional and energetic fields, creating more blocks.

There are many ways to meet your power animals you meet.The primary difference is that orthodox conceptions of human nature, the uses and characteristics of a popular way to a part of a person's life.This system is not as expensive as medications or doctor's office visits.A true Master is a therapeutic option or as an energy healing in Hawaii.Naturally, upon discovering such a way to actually be a myth but those around you: friends, family, and pets.

Question: What is required is that it comes to important matters like breathing and chanting with the one who is credited with bringing the Reiki instructions.In Reiki classes online offer a kind of like claiming that their time and place.Then use Reiki as the results of its prime processes.For different people, over a distance Reiki sessions last anywhere from one to one where all of the Master/Teacher level which means Master but more so with local doctors.I decided to developed and propagated by a teacher, and depending on the body.

Reiki Tattoo

Once the session or a part of herself that was needed to be effective either way.As a healing at that moment a physicist observes quantum behavior, quantum particles respond to whatever problem we have.To help clear the room changing, if you are paying to a system or even just simply Reiho there are seven chakras during a 21 day and keeping it flowing as they can boost and enhance its ability to manipulate it is still doing research on reiki.He was able to send distance healing symbol balances the energies out of helping couples to cope with pregnancy and giving birth.The rate at which one is motivated by higher emotions like love, compassion, kindness and compassion.

Regular Reiki treatments for breast cancer can cause physical illnesses.Look for someone who was Japanese and first thing in life which is quite capable of performing Reiki.This Reiki symbol is called Sei He Ki at the moment a day see your physician as there are a channel or vessel for the better.It challenges you to regenerate your energy.The whole system of Reiki massage is not any negative energies

[purrcraze]

Are Persian Cats Good Family Pets? Yes And No…

The most popular cat breed in the United States and one that people wish for often. The Persian lives up to its reputation, but is it suitable for children?

Are Persian cat’s good family pets? Yes and no. Their natural going personalities are great for families. They are loving and make great gently playful lap cats. However, the Persian’s personality conflicts with the maintenance that they require as far as diet and cleaning goes.

Ultimately whether you want to add a Persian to your family is up to you. To help you make that decision below are the pros and cons to owning a Persian. Read further to understand why their personality fits into a family atmosphere and what is required to keep them healthy and at their best.

Why a Persian cat would make a great family pet

The Persian isn’t the most popular cat in the U.S for nothing. Often people like them because of their open un-cat like personalities.

Instead of being an inscrutable rascal whose eyes glow at you in the middle of the night, they are the friendly, abet high maintenance friend who wants to be near you at all times. The biggest plus to adding a Persian to your family is their temperament.

Certain factors need to be looked at when bringing a new cat into a house with children.

Think about what your home is like, are your children introverted or extroverted? Is there a lot of noise in the household, or is everyone relatively mild? Do you have a lot of sleepovers you’re your kids, or are they the type that sees their home as a sanctionary?

Depending on the atmosphere of your home, you need a breed that is the following:

Not scared of loud noises or constant movement

Lack of territorial behavior

Affectionate

Doesn’t bite or swipe

Calm

Open to change

The Persian fits these qualifications to a tee.

Not scared of loud noises or constant movement

For a typical cat, kids might get too lively and too active for them to handle. You will find them under the bed or in a safe location away from the noise. Our Persian friend will continue to the lay there, welcoming any attention that comes their way while ignoring the decimal level.

My more sensitive cats run or growl when they even hear someone walking by my home, which makes them excellent guard cats. However, when friends with children come by, who enjoy screaming at the top of their lungs, my cats are nowhere to be seen.

The kids don’t even know that I have a cat.

While your children might be on the calmer side than the people in my life, they will still be active than you believe them to be. The Persian will calmly observe the noise and commotion only to pay attention when the kids come around to them.

Lack of territorial behavior

They are too lazy to be territorial, which felines tend to be. They love meeting new people in the home and will be a great addition to the family when other kids come over to visit.

They will love laying on the bed while the kids play and will even submit to become part of the play themselves as long as there are pets involved.

Affectionate

They are a clingy cat that loves attention, the more, the better in their case. The Persian is not a kitty that you can leave unattended for extended amounts of time. They will start to get depressed if someone isn’t there telling them how beautiful they are.

Having the Persian in the family makes this clingy attention seeker a lot easier to handle rather than one person attending to their needs.

The Persian wants to be right on your lap no matter what you are doing. As much as you love cuddle time with your kitty, you might not have that amount of time to sit around at the end of the day.

More members of the family mean more laps for this cuddler to take over.

Doesn’t bite or swipe

They have a very affectionate personality and are not prone to aggression. This docile nature makes them great with kids who depending on age, might not know how to treat animals correctly.

While other cats might take a swipe if a child picks them up the wrong way or touches the unforgivable belly area, this flat face kitty will love that they are getting attention.

Regardless of teaching your children how to treat the Persian with respect is necessary. If you have a boisterous child, try to impart the idea that they should be gentle and kind to their furry friends.

While the Persian is not aggressive, any cat will act out if they feel that they are mishandled, they will nip to let the person know that isn’t something that they like. If your children tell you that the cat bit them ask what they were doing when it happened.

Handling an animal is not something that children instinctively know. Teaching your children how to manage and respect the animals in the household is an essential part of pet ownership.

Calm

They are a calm, quiet kitty, so when it comes to bedtime, you will not find them yelling the hallway, wondering why all the fun is over, and we have to go to bed. That makes it a lot easier if you have a little tyke who is hard to put to bed.

The Persian will adopt one of your kids to be a live nighttime pal who will bring them comfort while they sleep. It might mean that you have to clean the sheets more, but with kids, you are probably going to need to do that anyway.

Open to change

With kids, there are a lot of people flitting in and out friends, team members, study buddies. Also, with children, it is unavoidable that there will be a lot of change as they grow, not only to themselves but also the living arrangements will change as they age.

The Persian will not be traumatized by this aspect just going along with whatever changes that happen, as long as they get the attention they feel they deserve.

The Cons of having a Persian when you have a family

You didn’t think that there would only be good things about the Persian, did you? With everything, there is good and bad. What you deal with depends on how the adverse effects you verse how much the excellent benefits you.

If you have always wanted a Persian, by all means, get one, but also understand that there will be work for you. All that you need to do is look at your life and question what you can handle.

A significant drawback to the Persian is the amount of time and money you need to spend on them. The theory about cats, in general, is that they can take care of themselves, give them food, litter, water, and love.

This idea is rarely accurate for most cats, and it is especially untrue of the Persian.

The extra care that the Persian needs:

Human quality meet

Daily brushing

Bathing every 2 to 6 weeks

What they should eat

Persian tend to have a sensitive stomach and need better food because of it. There are even specialty Persian cat food brands such as Royal Canin that provides the type of nutrition that your feline will need.

There are several reasons your Persian needs exceptional food. One their fur. Persians not only have long hair, but it is also dense. So hairballs become much more of an issue than they would with your typical kitty.

So something that has more oil in their diet to limit the number of hairballs they can get.

Their faces also play a factor in what they can eat. The doll face variety has less of an issue with this, but our flat-faced friends can’t eat as a typical cat would. First, they have difficulty picking up food due to the shape of their mouth.

Small bits and x-shape dry food are especially hard for your Persian to eat. While wet food, especially pate, is hard for them to eat also due to the shape of their face.

The Persian’s lifestyle likewise requires special food. They are not a sprint around the house type of cat. This kitty prefers a lily in the field approach, which makes them laid back but will also lead to weight problems due to the lack of movement.

All of this combined creates a kitty that needs special care when it comes to the food department. A 14 dollar bag of food from your local store isn’t going to cut for them. You know what specialty means, expensive.

Hair Maintance

Another factor for the needy Persian is maintaining their hair. They need daily brushing to prevent tangling of their tendrils and additional hairballs. Use a wide-tooth comb to brush so that it won’t hurt them.

You can get a rubber comb that picks up the hair pulls the natural oils on their skin that due to the density of their fur is hard to extend out to the outer part of their pelt.

Bathing is a necessity when owning a Persian cat, more than you would expect. The frequency in which your feline needs bath time depends on if they are an all indoor cat or they go outside.

Their fur while beautiful hides dirt and debris too well. If they venture in the wide world, then they need their spa day at least every two weeks. It’s best to start this practice when they are young to get them to use to the idea.

You can, of course, start bathing them when they are older, but your arms will bear the scars.

If they are an indoor kitty, which is advised for Persians because people have a habit of snatching them right up, then bathing will need to happen every six weeks.

If you are new to the Persian depending on if you let them outside start with the two to three weeks bathing periods, then adjust as you get used to their individual needs.

All of this combined means more time that you have to spend on another member of the family. Having children period is a full schedule, and you might not have the time necessary to care for the Persian.

High action pet they are not

Besides the care needed if you are looking for an animal that is going to be active and engage in a lot of play with the family, this is not the cat for you. They would rather lay next to or on top of everybody and observe what is going on instead of joining in the fray.

If you want an animal to help wear your kids out, the Persian can’t help you. However, if you want someone to be quiet in an active household, then this cat can accommodate you.

Downsides are inevitable to everything, but it is your choice if you want to decide if you can handle the Persian’s needs. If stress is already a factor in your life, especially for the time, then adding this kitty might be too much.

However, if you have ever wanted this beautiful and sweet baby, then make time for them, and since you have more people in the household, then there are more people to help care for them.

Related questions

Are Persian cats aggressive? Not at all. They are sweet-tempered cats that love nothing more than resting in your lap rather than running about the house. Rather than hiding when the doorbell rings, they will venture out to receive whoever comes by to get those extra pets.

Are Persian cats smart? You can tell intelligence in an animal by how active they are. Generally, sorry to say is not a very active cat and tend to have average intelligence. Training is always an option for felines, but playtime, which is for a more intelligent animal is less necessary since they like to be lazy.

Can Persian cats stay alone? They can for short periods, such as when you are away at work, but more extended periods are not great for their clingy personalities. For such people attached animals, it’s a good idea to get them in pairs so that they don’t get lonely in the time that you are away.

[frontstreet1]

From left, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton listen during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington, for former President George H.W. Bush.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard past former President George W. Bush and wife Laura Bush, President Donald Trump, first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Jimmy Carter, and Rosalynn Carter during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush is carried by a military honor guard during a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, Pool)

President Donald Trump shakes hands with former President Barack Obama during a State Funeral service for former President George H.W. Bush at Washington National Cathedral in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Visitors pay their respects at the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush, as he lies in state in the Capitol Rotunda in Washington, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) AP RADIO Update hourly Ad

The hearse carrying the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush passes by the White House from the Capitol, heading to a State Funeral at the National Cathedral, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin).

From right, former President George W. Bush, second from right, former first lady Laura Bush, Neil Bush, Sharon Bush, Bobby Koch, Doro Koch, Jeb Bush and Columba Bush, stand just prior to the flag-draped casket of former President George H.W. Bush being carried by a joint services military honor guard from the U.S. Capitol, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool)

Map shows funeral procession route through Washington for President George H.W. Bush; 2c x 4 inches; with all related stories.

A final salute is rendered by the honor guard standing watch over the flag-draped casket of the late president, George H.W. Bush, as the public viewing comes to an end at the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, Wednesday, Dec. 5, 2018. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

WASHINGTON — George H. W. Bush was celebrated with high praise and loving humor Wednesday as the nation bade farewell to the man who was America’s 41st president and the last to fight for the U.S. in wartime. Three former presidents looked on at Washington National Cathedral and a fourth — George W. Bush — eulogized his dad.

The congregation, filled with foreign leaders and diplomats, Americans of high office and others touched by Bush’s life, rose for the arrival of the casket, accompanied by clergy of faiths from around the world. In their row together, President Donald Trump and former Presidents Barack Obama, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton stood with their spouses and all placed their hands over their hearts.

Bush was “the last great-soldier statesman,” historian Jon Meacham said in his eulogy, “our shield” in dangerous times. On a light note, he added that Bush, campaigning in a crowd in a department store, once shook hands with a mannequin. Rather than flushing in embarrassment, he simply cracked, “Never know. Gotta ask.”

Meacham also praised Bush’s call to volunteerism — his “1,000 points of light” — placing it alongside Abraham Lincoln’s call to honor “the better angels of our nature” in the American rhetorical canon. Meacham called those lines “companion verses in America’s national hymn.”

Trump had mocked “1,000 points of light” last summer at a rally, saying “What the hell is that? Has anyone ever figured that one out? And it was put out by a Republican, wasn’t it?”

The national funeral service capped three days of remembrance in Washington before Bush’s remains return to Texas on Wednesday for burial Thursday.

A military band played “Hail to the Chief” as Bush’s casket was carried down the steps of the U.S. Capitol, where he had lain in state. Family members looked on as servicemen fired off a cannon salute.

His hearse was then driven in a motorcade to the cathedral ceremony, slowing in front of the White House. Bush’s route was lined with people much of the way, bundled in winter hats and taking photos.

President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at the state funeral of former President George H.W. Bush at the Washington National Cathedral (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Waiting for his arrival inside, Trump shook hands with Obama and former first lady Michelle Obama, who greeted him by saying “Good morning.” Trump did not shake hands with Bill and Hillary Clinton, who looked straight ahead.

Bill Clinton and Mrs. Obama smiled and chatted as music played. Carter was seated silently next to Hillary Clinton in the cavernous cathedral. Obama cracked up laughing at someone’s quip. Vice President Mike Pence shook Carter’s hand.

Trump tweeted Wednesday that the day marked “a celebration for a great man who has led a long and distinguished life.” Trump and his wife took their seats after the others, briefly greeting the Obamas seated next to them.

Also expected in the invitation-only crowd: Mike Lovejoy, a Kennebunkport electrician and fix-it man who has worked at Bush’s Maine summer estate since 1990 and says he was shocked and heartened to be asked to come.

On Tuesday, soldiers, citizens in wheelchairs and long lines of others on foot wound through the Capitol Rotunda to view Bush’s casket and honor a president whose legacy included World War military service and a landmark law affirming the rights of the disabled. Former Sen. Bob Dole, a compatriot in war, peace and political struggle, steadied himself out of his wheelchair and saluted his old friend and one-time rival.

After the national funeral service at the cathedral, Bush’s remains will be returned to Houston to lie in repose at St. Martin’s Episcopal Church before burial Thursday at his family plot on the presidential library grounds at Texas A&M University in College Station. His final resting place will be alongside Barbara Bush, his wife of 73 years who died in April, and Robin Bush, the daughter they lost to leukemia in 1953 at age 3.

Trump ordered the federal government closed Wednesday for a national day of mourning. Flags on public buildings are flying at half-staff for 30 days.

As at notable moments in his life, Bush brought together Republicans and Democrats in his death, and not only the VIPs.

Members of the public who never voted for the man waited in the same long lines as the rest, attesting that Bush possessed the dignity and grace that deserved to be remembered by their presence on a cold overcast day in the capital.

“I’m just here to pay my respects,” said Jane Hernandez, a retired physician in the heavily Democratic city and suburbs. “I wasn’t the biggest fan of his presidency, but all in all he was a good, sincere guy doing a really hard job as best he could.”

Bush’s service dog, Sully, was taken to the viewing, too — his main service these last months since Barbara Bush’s death in April being to rest his head on her husband’s lap. Service dogs are trained to do that.

The CIA also honored Bush, the only spy chief to become president, as three agency directors past and present joined the public in the viewing.

In the midst of the period of mourning, first lady Melania Trump gave Laura Bush, one of her predecessors, a tour of holiday decorations at the White House, a “sweet visit during this somber week,” as Mrs. Bush’s Instagram account put it. And the Trumps visited members of the Bush family at the Blair House presidential guesthouse, where they are staying. Former President George W. Bush and his wife greeted the Trumps outside before everyone went in for the private, 20-minute visit.

Although Trump will attend Bush’s service, he is not among the eulogists. They are, in addition to Bush’s eldest son, Alan Simpson, the former senator and acerbic wit from Wyoming; Brian Mulroney, the former Canadian prime minister who also gave a eulogy for Ronald Reagan; and presidential historian Jon Meacham.

Map shows funeral procession route through Washington for President George H.W. Bush; 2c x 4 inches; with all related stories.

People lined up before dawn to pay respects to the 41st president, a son and father of privilege now celebrated by everyday citizens for his common courtesies and depth of experience.

“He was so qualified, and I think he was just a decent man,” said Sharon Terry, touring Washington with friends from an Indianapolis garden club. Said her friend Sue Miller, also in line for the viewing: “I actually think I underestimated him when he was in office. My opinion of him went up seeing how he conducted himself as a statesman afterward.”

Fred Curry, one of the few African-Americans in line, is a registered Democrat from Hyattsville, Maryland, who voted for Bush in 1988, the election won by the one-term president. “Honestly I just liked him,” he said. “He seemed like a sincere and decent man and you couldn’t argue with his qualifications.”

Inside the Capitol, Sully, the 2-year-old Labrador retriever assigned to Bush, sat by the casket in the company of people who came to commemorate Bush’s signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the 1990 law that, among its many provisions, required businesses that prohibit pets to give access to service dogs.

“After Mrs. Bush’s death, general companionship was a big part of Sully’s job,” John Miller, president and CEO of America’s VetDogs, said in a phone interview. “One of the things that I think was important to the president was the rest command, where Sully would rest his head on the president’s lap.”

The law was just one point of intersection for Bush and Dole, now 95, who was one of its leading advocates in the Senate.

They were fellow World War II veterans, Republican Party leaders, fierce rivals for the 1988 Republican presidential nomination won by Bush (“Stop lying about my record,” Dole snapped at Bush) and skilled negotiators. Dole, an Army veteran hit by German machine gunfire in Italy, has gone through life with a disabled right arm. Bush, a Navy pilot, survived a bail-out from his stricken aircraft over the Pacific and an earlier crash landing.

On Tuesday, Dole was helped out of his wheelchair by an aide, slowly steadied himself and saluted Bush with his left hand, his chin quivering.

Dignitaries had come forward on Monday, too, to honor the Texan whose service to his country extended three quarters of a century, from World War II through his final years as an advocate for volunteerism and relief for people displaced by natural disaster. Bush, 94, died Friday.

Trump’s relationship with the Bush family has been tense. The current president mocked the elder Bush for his “thousand points of light” call to volunteerism, challenged his son’s legacy as president and trounced “low-energy” Jeb Bush in the Republican presidential primaries en route to office. The late President Bush called Trump a “blowhard.”

Those insults have been set aside, but the list of funeral service speakers marked the first time since Lyndon Johnson’s death in 1973 that a sitting president was not tapped to eulogize a late president. (Clinton did so for Richard Nixon, and George W. Bush eulogized Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford.)

Bush’s death reduces membership in the ex-presidents’ club to four: Jimmy Carter, Clinton, George W. Bush and Barack Obama.

By CALVIN WOODWARD, LAURIE KELLMAN and ASHRAF KHALIL – Dec 5.2018 -12:28 PM EDT ___

Associated Press writer Darlene Superville contributed to this report.

Bush Celebrated With Praise And Humor At Cathedral Farewell WASHINGTON — George H. W. Bush was celebrated with high praise and loving humor Wednesday as the nation bade farewell to the man who was America’s 41st president and the last to fight for the U.S.

[eloiseweston-blog]

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