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possiamo-andare · 4 years ago

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Man’s Best Friend: JJ Maybank

JJ x Reader (Female)

MASTERLIST

word count: 4.2k

a/n: ok so this has not been edited but it literally came to me in a dream. Of course, it was not JJ but another boy that I know (you could say my crush) but I can’t use my crush’s name and I thought this would be a good JJ fic. I might go over it later, but I wanted to get it out because I love this idea way too much. Anways, I hope you enjoy!

summary: JJ Maybank was devastated after he lost one of his best friends. To protect himself, he turns away even his best friends. In an effort to fix JJ, Kiara and Pope get JJ a dog. At first, JJ hates the idea and doesn’t want a dog but soon enough, Apollo brings him joy and solace in so many ways.

JJ Maybank had never been the same since John B. and Sarah's disappearance. For all he knew, they were dead. John B. had been a part of his family. The nights where his father was intoxicated were the nights John B. took him in and let him sleepover. Although they had grown close in middle school, sharing the same science class, JJ felt as if they had known each other for their entire lives. JJ knew this was rare. He didn't have to read thousands of books to know what love was and although he would never admit it to anyone, he loved John B. like a brother. So, that fateful night when John B. and Sarah risked their lives to escape and Shoupe gave them the heart breaking news, JJ broke down. Nothing prepared him for the news that his friend might as well be dead.

The months after John B.'s death, JJ might as well have been dead. Looking back, he doesn't remember much of those months he spent couped up in John. B.'s house reminiscing. It all was a blur. If he wasn't going to court for his trial, he was crying himself to sleep. He suspected Kiara and Pope had done the same but he wasn't sure. He hadn't spoken to them since that night and although they tried to reach out to JJ, he never let them in. They would stop by John B.'s house, bringing food and water, and knock on his door. They waited for many minutes, calling out for JJ, but he never answered. Kiara and Pope, although suffering from the same loss, knew JJ was in a rough place when he wouldn't even talk to them. There was no topic too taboo enough for JJ not to discuss with his friends. He could even openly discuss his father's abuse Now, when it seemed he needed a support system the most, JJ shut down.

Then, three months later, Kiara had enough. She, along with Pope, missed their friend. Although their group would never be the same without John B, JJ's absence seemed to make Kiara and Pope miserable. JJ was the glue that held them all together. When something abysmal would happen, whether it happened directly to JJ or not, JJ made a joke about it. His father beat him? Well, he’s got a mean right hook. Sheriff Peterkin is dead and the entirety of OBX is after John B? Well, if John B. showered and stopped smelling like shit, maybe he would be harder to find. JJ’s jokes cleared the fog and allowed anyone who would listen a little peace during whatever hard time they were going through. But now that JJ was no longer himself, Kiara knew he needed his friends the most. Along with Pope, they devised a plan to slowly integrate back into JJ’s life. They were all still crushed over their friend’s death but they needed to mourn together. They were always stronger together. That afternoon, Kiara and Pope went to Figure 8’s shelter with only an idea in their head and a wad of cash they saved in their hands.

As they walked through all of the kennels, they examined each pet. They knew JJ couldn’t have just any regular dog, he needed a friend. This was JJ Maybank they were talking about. JJ could barely look after himself right now. An hour into their shopping for the perfect dog, they were about to quit. None of the dogs seemed good enough for JJ. That is, until they got to the last kennel. Laying on their back, with his tongue out, was a staffie. Unlike all of the other dogs, this staffie didn’t not run to the fence and try to lick Kiara or Pope. Instead, it continued to lay on it’s back and watched as Kiara and Pope tried to call it over. When it wouldn’t come, Kiara looked to Ms. Conway, the vet at the shelter, and asked what was wrong with the dog.

“His name is Apollo.” Ms. Conway started, crouching down and sticking her finger in the fence. Still, the dog continued to lay on his stomach. “He’s a rescue. His previous owner mistreated him and he’s scared, but he’s a good dog. He can tell if you’re a good or bad person right away.”

Pope’s brows lifted, a confused look written over his face. He looked to Ms. Conway. “What do you mean?”

Ms. Conway shrugged. “I had this new nurse, who was wonderful with all of the dogs, except Apollo. He seemed to hate her. He never barked at her or bit her, just was extremely cold to her. It was as if his tail stopped wagging whether she passed him. I thought it was nothing, but then, when some money was stolen out of the register, I had a sick feeling that maybe it was her. So, I reviewed the security tapes and it was. I’d like to think Apollo knew she was a bad person before anyone else did.”

Pope looked back to Kiara, who was already smiling. “Why hasn’t he been adopted then?” Kiara asked, looking at Apollo who was now perked up at the mention of his name.

Ms. Conway frowned. “He’s an older dog. Not many people want older dogs.”

Kiara and Pope smiled, both of them looking at Apollo. Kiara could never be sure, but he seemed to be smiling too. Without having to discuss it privately, Kiara looked back to Ms. Conway and said, “We’ll take him.”

Kiara and Pope left that shelter that day with a dog on a leash and a smile on their lips. Apollo was the perfect dog for JJ. He could be the dog version of JJ. Although it may not fix what was broken in JJ, they knew that this dog could be the start in repairing the version of JJ that both Pope and Kiara needed.

At first, JJ wasn’t pleased that Kiara and Pope had gotten him a dog without his permission. In fact, pleased would not be the correct word. He was down right angry. How dare they try to fix him? He didn’t need fixing, he needed his best friend back and no dog in the world would replace his friend. He made this very clear to Kiara and Pope, but they would not take no for an answer.

“We miss our friend JJ.” Kiara frowned, watching as Apollo obediently sat on the lawn. Kiara had tied his leash to the tree, thinking he may run off but that wasn’t the case. Apollo seemed to already know that this was his home.

JJ scoffed. “I’m sorry you miss me but trying to replace John B. with a dog is not gonna make me feel better.”

Pope rolled his eyes, stepping closer to JJ. “That’s not what we’re trying to do and you know it.” JJ had not let them into John B.’s house yet so they were forced to wait on the porch as JJ leaned against the threshold of the door.

JJ looked over Pope’s shoulder, watching Apollo as he just sat there. He seemed to just be content, sitting there with nothing to do and it made JJ smirk. Maybe having a pet to help him through his friend’s death wouldn’t be so hard. He looked back to his friends. “I know. I just can’t even look after myself, how the hell am I supposed to look after a dog?”

Kiara shook her head. “Apollo is well trained. All you have to do is show him some love. I think it would be good for you to have some company JJ.”

Pope agreed, nodding his head. “There’s this thing called therapy dogs, JJ. They help people with numerous traumatic events that have happened in their lives. This dog could bring you some solace.”

Kiara stepped forward this time, wrapping his arms around JJ. At first he did not hug her back but when he was sure she wouldn’t let go until he had hugged her, he returned the gesture. “And when you feel a little bit better,” Kiara said, still hugging JJ. “Then you can call your friends.”

The first night JJ had Apollo was the hardest night of his life. Apollo, still not entirely warmed up to JJ, barked the entire night. JJ had laid out a blanket and a newspaper for him and thought that it would be enough. But, just like JJ, Apollo was traumatized and scared to be in such a new environment alone. Until midnight, Apollo barked and barked, calling out for god knows what. JJ, who was only in a good mood if he had enough sleep the night before, was getting restless. He hadn’t slept a wink since he laid on the pullout couch and was getting angrier by the minute. Finally, as the clock struck midnight, JJ got out of his “bed” and stormed to the other side of the room where Apollo was supposed to be sleeping.

“Dude,” JJ grumbled, rubbing his tired eyes. “Stop whining.”

The second Apollo realized JJ was talking to him, he stopped barking. He sat up, his tongue out and panting. JJ knew what that face meant, he had seen it in many dogs before.

“No,” JJ shook his head. “We’re not playing at midnight.”

JJ could’ve sworn he saw Apollo smile. But dogs couldn’t really smile, right?

“No.” JJ stomped his foot. He glared at Apollo, his tail still wagging. As much as JJ didn’t want to admit it, this dog was beginning to grow on him, as annoying as he could be. With a deep sigh, JJ nodded. “Fine, but only for half an hour and then we sleep.”

Apollo instantly barked and scurried to the front door where his only toy sat. In an instant, he had the poor tennis ball in his mouth as he patiently waited for JJ to open the front door. JJ walked to the front door, unlocking the door before opening it. He looked down at Apollo, watching as the staffie made no effort to leave.

JJ frowned. “What? Go.” JJ pointed to the lawn, confusion evident on his face as he watched his dog just sit there, wagging his tail with a tennis ball in his mouth. JJ rolled his eyes. “Ok, or I’ll go.”

The second JJ stepped over the threshold of the door, Apollo was right behind him. JJ watched as the staffie stayed at his side, never running past him to play on the lawn. JJ was puzzled. He wondered why this dog wanted to be by his side all day. They had only known each other for one day yet Apollo seemed to love JJ like he would if he had been his owner for 15 years. JJ thought back to Kiara’s words. She had said Apollo was very intuitive. He could sense if someone was a good person or not. JJ was sure that was full of crap. If Apollo was so intuitive, then why did he love JJ? JJ knew who he was. He was a delinquent. He had thought of the idea of the boat which had gotten his friend killed. JJ had pointed that gun in the air at the beach which only got Topper more pissed off at the Pogues. JJ got arrested. JJ stole money. JJ was a terrible student. So, if Apollo was so intuitive, why could he not sense how bad JJ was? As JJ sat on the stairs on John B.’s porch throwing the tennis ball for Apollo to catch, he wondered that maybe if this dog couldn’t sense any bad, many he wasn’t actually that bad. This realization made JJ both sad and happy. Angry because he should feel guilty and anyone who said he shouldn’t was lying to him. Sad because he wished he wasn’t such a screw up. Maybe if he wasn’t John B. and Sarah would still be alive. JJ let a tear slide down his face before wiping it away. Soon, there were too many tears for JJ to wipe away in time.

JJ threw the ball onto the lawn again, waiting for Apollo to run and catch it. Except Apollo didn’t. He stopped in his tracks, watching JJ intently as he cried. JJ felt embarrassed to cry on the first day of getting this dog. “What?” JJ blubbered.

Apollo stayed quiet, slowly moving towards JJ. His tail wagged slower as he approached JJ and he was no longer panting so hard. JJ said nothing, watching in awe as Apollo approached him. JJ couldn’t believe it. Kiara was right. This dog would tell when JJ was sad and wanted to comfort him. Slowly, Apollo lay his head on JJ’s lap, looking up at his new owner. He had a frown on his face, his tongue still out. Apollo nuzzled his head in JJ’s lap, his breathing now even as he emitted a type of warmth JJ had never felt before.

JJ looked down at his dog, finally smiling through his tears. Apollo, taking JJ’s smile as a good sign, smiled back, his mouth open and his tail wagging. JJ shook his head, petting his dog on his head. “Well buddy,” JJ finally said, wiping the remaining tears from his cheeks. “You saw me cry. Now we have to be best buds.”

JJ and Apollo spent every moment together. It didn’t matter that JJ was doing, Apollo was right beside him. What they enjoyed most was going to the beach and swimming. JJ even let Apollo stand on his board, riding more calm waves than the ones deeper in the ocean. Apollo made him happy. He knew Apollo could never replace what he had with John B. but that was not what he was trying to do. Apollo was there not to replace John B., but help him come to terms with his death and fill the hole in his heart. The more time JJ spent with Apollo, the more he realized that it was not his fault that John B. and Sarah were dead. It was Shoupe’s fault and Ward’s. It was the fault of the greed in OBX. JJ couldn’t predict the future. He wouldn’t have known. And he knew John B. would not have wanted JJ to blame himself. Weeks passed and JJ felt better. Kiara and Pope were right; getting a dog would make him feel less alone. When he was ready, he finally allowed himself to spend time with Kiara and Pope. They spoke about John B. and Sarah’s death and, for the first time, JJ looked back on their adventure with a smile. They hadn’t gotten the gold, they had lost two friends, but they healed. They would never be whole again but JJ had his friends and he had Apollo. He was content. He seriously believed life could not have been better.

Then, a year later, as it approached the one year anniversary of John B. and Sarah’s death, JJ’s life got better. It was a place where nothing monumental ever happened; the convenience store. He was there to pick up dog food for Apollo. They were running low and JJ was supposed to go grocery shopping with Kiara the next day so he decided to go to the convenience store to buy a small package of dog food that would last Apollo a day before he went tomorrow with Kiara. It was supposed to be a quick and easy pick up. He was late anyways. He had promised to meet up with Pope at the beach and now, this little stop made him even more late. His intention was to be in and out but Apollo made that difficult.

“Which one is it again?” JJ joked, holding two small bags of dog food in front of Apollo. Apollo barked, watching his favourite bag of food be dangled in his face. JJ smirked, nodding. “Ah yes, Blue Buffalo. Great choice pal.” JJ turned back to the shelf and put the other one down.

He always pretended to let Apollo choose, just as a joke. It seemed like him and Apollo seemed to have the same sense of humour. Whenever JJ made a joke that Kiara and Pope didn’t understand, Apollo barked happily. Sometimes JJ thought it was only because Apollo didn’t want JJ to feel that no one found him funny, but other times JJ wholeheartedly believed Apollo understood his humour. When he turned back around, he frowned. Apollo was gone. JJ looked through the aisle and the aisle to the right but he didn’t see his dog. Sometimes Apollo would get distracted by simple things and wander but whenever JJ called him, he would always come back.

“Apollo!” JJ called, his eyes looking out for the familiar patter Apollo’s paws made when he ran. There was nothing. JJ’s heartbeat picked up. Where was his dog? He had just turned his back for a moment. If something happened to his dog, he’d never forgive himself.

As JJ exited the first aisle, his eyes scoured the peered down another aisle. His eyes instantly saw his dog, licking the face of a complete stranger. JJ sighed, thinking about how stupid his dog could be sometimes. That loveable idiot, JJ thought, almost gave me a heart attack. Although JJ was upset, he was also confused. As he made his way to the stranger and Apollo, JJ couldn’t think of an instance where Apollo ever approached a stranger. Apollo had been traumatized by his previous owner and was always skittish around new people. They always approached him before he approached them. He even remembered a time when Pope was gone for school for a month and when he came back, Apollo didn’t recognize him at first and wouldn’t go near him. Did Apollo recognize this person? If so, why did JJ not recognize them? He only saw the back of her back but he already knew he couldn’t have known her. She was a Kook.

“Apollo!” JJ shouted as he got closer to his dog.

Apollo finally stopped licking the girl’s face and perked up at JJ’s voice. When Apollo’s eyes met JJ’s, his eyes perked up and he ran away from you and towards JJ. JJ crouched down, petting his dog behind his ears. Apollo panted, smiling at his owner.

“He’s so cute.” You said, finally standing in front of JJ.

JJ stopped petting his dog but continued to look at him and not you. “He is.” He stood up, watching as his dog turned around and struts back to you.

This time you don’t crouch down and only pat his head. JJ frowns. Apollo really likes you. When JJ finally looks at you, he understands why. You’re gorgeous. The smile on your face is sweet and your eyes sparkle as you look down at Apollo. JJ realizes the air has been knocked out of him. He looks to Apollo, who just relishes in your petting. JJ smiles. That scoundrel, he thinks.

“I’m Y/N.” You say, looking up at JJ again and extending your hand.

JJ reaches out and takes it, shaking it quickly before shoving his hand back in his pocket. He tightens his hand in a fist. It aches as soon as he touches your skin. “JJ.”

You nod, your hand still petting Apollo. “He’s so good with strangers.” You comment, watching as Apollo flashes you a smile. Your eyes widen and you chuckle to yourself. You can already tell this dog is special.

JJ thinks he might have a heart attack. You’re absolutely breathtaking and he can’t help but think Apollo thinks the same. Why else would he have befriended a total stranger? “Actually, he’s not. He must really like you.”

You look at JJ again, your hand moving away from Apollo and going to the ends of your tank top where some threads are loose. You can’t help but admit to herself that JJ was handsome, but you doubted it was the appropriate time to ask a boy out. Besides, you hadn’t really ever asked a boy out. And you weren’t sure if he would even say yes. You couldn’t take that kind of embarrassment.

“Really?” You ask. When JJ nods, you continue. “I used to have a dog so maybe that’s why.”

JJ smiled at you, watching as Apollo looked up at you with a frown. He liked you a lot and wanted you to keep petting him. JJ whistled, causing Apollo’s head to turn JJ’s way. “C’mon Apollo. Let’s not bother this girl.”

You smiled, shaking your head. “It’s no bother. I love dogs.”

JJ nodded, taking a deep breath. He was battling whether to ask you out or not. He hadn’t been out on a date with a girl in almost a year, for good reason, and he almost felt guilty for trying to be happy again. He knew that if John B. were beside him, he’d tell him to ask you out but JJ couldn’t. He felt too guilty. Maybe, next time he would. For now, he was too nervous.

JJ whistled again, trying to get Apollo to move away from your side. “Apollo.” Apollo only looked at JJ, not moving an inch. JJ frowned, reaching out his arm and beckoning Apollo to him. Usually, this worked. Not this time. Apollo didn’t want to leave.

This time, you tried to help JJ. “Apollo,” You said sweetly, looking down at the staffie. Apollo looked up at you, eyes full of joy. You smiled, pointing to JJ but still looking at him. “Go to JJ.” JJ smiled, hearing you use his name. He wished he had more confidence because he wanted to ask you out so badly.

Apollo looked to JJ, then back at you. Finally, he moved but not in the way you or JJ thought he would. He moved from a seated position to laying on his back, waiting for you to scratch his belly. He laughed, covering your mouth. You bent down to scratch his belly for a moment, then looked to JJ. JJ was smiling now. He couldn’t believe this dog. What did he want?

JJ made his way to you and Apollo, crouching down beside you and rubbing Apollo’s belly. Apollo looked so happy, JJ started to laugh along with you. This dog owned both of you and he knew it. “I’m so sorry.” JJ continued to laugh. “I don’t know what’s wrong with him today.”

“He’s adorable.” You insisted, looking to JJ who was now only a foot away from you. You took a deep breath through your nose. He smelled like the ocean. He smelled like home.

JJ looked at you as you spoke, realizing now that your faces were not that far apart. Feeling flustered, he looked back at Apollo. You did the same, feeling embarrassed. JJ watched as Apollo looked at JJ, a smile on his face. Suddenly, it clicked. Apollo was trying to tell him something and he had been so blind by his lack of confidence to realize it.

With a surge of confidence, he looked back at you and said, “I’m actually going to the beach right now to surf. You surf?”

You made eye contact with JJ, smiling. “I live in Figure 8. Of course I do.”

JJ chuckled, nodding. “Well, Apollo really wants you to come.”

You looked to Apollo, who was wagging his tail because of all the petting he was receiving. “Apollo wants me to come?”

JJ shrugged. “And me.” He felt his cheeks burning and he hoped you couldn’t notice.

You looked at JJ, flustered. “Well, since he won’t leave without me, I’d love to come.”

JJ grinned, finally getting up from his crouch position. He extended his hand for you to grab. Once you did, he helped you up. Once you were standing, you looked back to Apollo. He was watching your hands hold each other and smiling. JJ shook his head, in disbelief. Apollo, the matchmaker. He would thank him later.

JJ didn’t let go of your hand and you didn’t want him to. Instead, you both walked towards the checkout, hand in hand, as Apollo walked beside you both. JJ couldn’t believe how much of his life had changed since Apollo came into his life. He was truly man’s best friend. He helped JJ get through the toughest part of his life and now he had given him what JJ was sure to be his wife. This dog continued to give JJ more love and JJ never knew if he could ever return the favour. As he watched Apollo follow beside you, wagging his tail, he realized that maybe JJ being happy was enough for Apollo. This is the best dog ever, JJ thought.

“So,” You started, looking at you and JJ’s hands intertwined. “What’s this guy's story?”

JJ looked at Apollo once again, smiling. “Do you have time?”

You nodded, butterflies in your stomach. “All the time in the world.”

JJ nodded, looking back to you as you spoke. “Good.” And so, JJ talked. About getting Apollo and all the crazy stories they had during the one year JJ had him.

And you listened, adding quick witted remarks here and there. You didn’t mind if JJ talked, you were sure that there would be more conversations between the two of you for many years to come.

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ohwereusingourmadeupnames · 4 years ago

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You’ll Look At Me With Eyes That See

Pairing: Peter Parker/Tony Stark Rating: M (Mature) Notes: This little brain child came after a few too many Netflix Christmas movies and a few motivating conversations with my best pal, S. I love dogs and awkward dog owner Tony just wouldn’t go away! Word Count: ~5.2K Summary:

When Happy first mentioned getting a dog, Tony balked at the idea. After taking a look around his empty home, however, he started to warm up to the idea. With Happy's overly excited advice in hand, Tony takes a chance & peruses the local border collie rescue. When he brought the shy dog home, Tony never would've imagined the bond he would create - or the human connection that would follow.

Read on AO3 here.

Looking down Bo’s snoot, Tony sent out a good vibe towards Happy for the millionth time that day.

When Happy initially mentioned the addition of a dog to the Stark household, Tony couldn’t say no fast enough. Despite being so his entire life, Tony liked being alone. The comfort of the normalcy of his everyday life revolved around the isolation and freedom the little cabin in upstate New York afforded him. He picked his current location specifically for that particular characteristic. Why ruin the carefully cultivated environment by adding another living, breathing thing to the mix?

It didn’t dawn on him until a couple of weeks later that maybe, just maybe, Happy might’ve been right. Though there wasn’t any excess noise, or people taking up more space than necessary, Tony felt like something was missing. Well, he felt that way throughout his entire life, but it ached a little harder the longer he looked around the room and found empty spaces. Making it alone and enjoying it were too things Tony didn’t have much experience distinguishing. His entire life was about making it – a part of him wondered if he even knew what it was to enjoy anything.

The next time Tony caught Happy on the phone, he brought the topic up himself, the entire thing grating on his nerves as he spoke – anxiety and the slightest bit of hope weighing him down ever so slightly.

“So – about that dog,” Tony started with a slight hitch in his voice.

Though, he didn’t make it very far before Happy pipped up, a loud shriek of excitement radiating down the phone line between them. “I knew I could break you down! Tony, you don’t know how great of an idea this is. I told you about the border collie I rescued a few months ago, Rango – I’ve been so much happier since he came barreling into my life.”

At that point, Tony could do nothing but listen to Happy’s exuberant rambling about the foundation and how much he was going to enjoy every second of the whole experience. Before getting off the phone, Tony finally got to sneak a word in, the slightest hint of affection in his voice.

“Thanks, Hap – this was a great idea.”

Of course, when Tony felt that bubble of scorching apprehension sitting in the bottom of his stomach, the thought of telling Happy how good of an idea it was the previous night felt like a distant memory now that he was sitting in the waiting room – twenty minutes and a few pieces of paper between him and a brand new addition to the meticulousness of his life.

Despite the anxiety about the whole process, finding the dog for him was surprisingly easy. After wringing his hands for what felt like an eternity, Tony was led back to the kennels by a smiling tech, the girl’s hair swinging from one side of her head to the other as she walked. Deciding that the tranquility of the motion was much more soothing, Tony watched the pendulum of it the entire way, his heart slowing down to a manageable level by the time he could hear yips and barks.

“Alright, Mr. Stark – this is the crew. Our vet and dog trainer, Peter, does a good job with their training, but they get a little excitable when they meet someone new – don’t let it overwhelm you.” The tech said all of this with a smile, her eyes flashing with a certain affection that all dog people shared – there really wasn’t anything like wet doggy kisses and fluff under the palm of his hand.

Taking a couple of steps into the pin, Tony was immediately swarmed. Though the dogs didn’t try and take him off his feet, each one nudged and pushed in an attempt to get closer to him – all, of course, except one. With his hands down, Tony let his fingers brush against soft fur, the mere contact enough to calm down all of the raging anxiety within him. Using the newfound confidence, Tony pushed through the group until he was standing in front of the one dog that hung back.

“That’s Bo – he’s our resident shy guy.”

Tony crouched down then, a soft smile on his face. “Hi, Bo,” he muttered softly, his hand extending so that the back of it was on offer for sniffs and introductions. A soft nose touched his skin a moment later, Bo’s head ducking to take him in. As if something clicked in that small moment of contact, Bo took a few steps forward until his body pressed against Tony, the pressure something collies were known for. Sucking in a breath, Tony let the grin on his face grow – it seemed as if he found his dog.

The process of getting Bo home wasn’t all that complicated. Since he was a trained service dog, Tony decided to sign up for the training course the foundation’s vet put on – if the dog was trained, the least Tony could do was get on board and train himself, too. The tech shot him a coy smile as she continued to talk up the vet – Tony knew he was missing something but went along with it all the same. Having Bo’s lead pressed into his hands made it all worth it.

That happened two weeks ago – two weeks in which Tony took a break from his editing duties in a desperate attempt to find a rhythm with his new pal, to fall in line with the demands of not only caring for himself efficiently, but the newest addition, too. It started off a little slow, both Tony and Bo trying to figure out where they fit with each other. Yet, as the days past, Tony felt a sort of comfortability settle between them. Tony liked the warmth pressed against his leg at night and Bo seemed to enjoy the hour long walks they took to taking later in the evening when the sky burst with color and painted the most serene of pictures.

In fact, things were starting to go so well that Tony completely forgot the dog training courses he signed himself up for. The text message reminder he asked for during the paperwork process reminded him the night before and then again, a few hours before the class was set to take place. At the time, signing up for the training seemed like a good idea. He wanted to know everything he could about Bo’s care, but he didn’t factor in the need to actually get out of his house and make the journey back into the public domain. He already made the monthly pilgrimage to get the dog.

Still unsure, Tony clicked Bo into his lead and left the house, anyway. He paid the fee to get the information, the least he could do was make an attempt to actually go (even if leaving the comfort of his house physically felt like the most impossible challenge to date). Getting out the door with Bo by his side made it all a little easier, though he hated to admit it. Giving in to the idea would mean that Happy was right; and he hated giving his old friend any sort of kudos, even if he deserved them.

Grinning with that thought in mind, Tony climbed into the car and let Bo get settled before backing out and making the ten-minute drive into the little town that surrounded his mecca of isolation. In the wintertime, when the roads were covered with snow and ice, the trek was almost impossible (and that was how Tony liked it). With a couple of minutes to spare, Tony relaxed back into the driver’s seat, his head turning to catch Bo’s glance.

“We can do this, right bud? It’ll be okay. We can survive the masses for a little while.” Tony ran his fingers through soft hair as he spoke. The dog pressed into his hand then, Tony understanding that was as much of an answer as he was going to get. Sucking in a deep breath, Tony nodded, let his fingers pass through Bo’s fur a couple more times, and turned off the car. By the time they got out of the vehicle, Tony was right on time.

Things were fine until Tony actually walked into the door. Instead of the big group he expected, there were two other dog owners and their pups idling around. There was the smallest bit of chatter happening, but no overwhelming noise like he initially thought there’d be. The front area of the waiting room was transformed into a large empty space, the coffee table and chairs obviously moved elsewhere. The sudden anxiety of being in a crowd dissipated easily; Bo nudged his hand, looking towards the other dogs in the room.

Before he could get his lead off and release him into the company of the other pups, a door opened, and all of the oxygen was pulled out of the room. When Cindy, the tech he worked with when he first got Bo, mentioned the vet, Tony immediately thought of someone older with graying hair and a soft smile. Instead, he was met with a young man with shoulder length hair, well-kept facial hair, and the brownest eyes Tony could remember ever seeing. They were deep and open, smooth in a way that Tony wanted to dive in and learn all of the secrets kept within them.

Bo gave a little huff then, Tony’s hand still gripping the dog’s collar (probably very tightly now that the entire world moved the second he saw the most handsome man to ever exist). Loosening his grip, Tony tried to swallow the lump that quickly grew in his throat. He couldn’t remember the last time he felt such an instant connection and immediately cursed Happy for this amazing burst of good fortune. A dog and a handsome man all within the same month – how could he ever handle the load of anxiety and excitement that threatened to overwhelm him?

Things got started not long after that, the abrupt nature of it allowing Tony to forget about his little dilemma for the entirety of the hour – an hour in which Tony watched Doctor Peter Parker talk about the facets of dog training, the man every so often running a hand through his hair as he spoke about the ins and outs of companion dogs and their mannerisms. By the time the training came to an end, Tony couldn’t decide if he liked Peter’s beauty or the brain that held so much knowledge more.

After finishing up and getting Bo clipped back into his lead, Tony stood idly around, wondering what the protocol for chatting up the teacher was. Like he understood Tony’s apprehension, Bo pulled him forward, the length of the leash allowing him to get a few steps ahead without Tony noticing. Looking up when he felt the tug, Tony rolled his eyes, a small smirk overtaking his lips. It was like Bo and Happy were conspiring against him – both pushing him in the direction he knew he needed to take.

Walking after Bo, Tony tried to play it cool when the sexy vet, Dr. Peter Parker, turned and dropped his hand for the dog to smell, a smile slipping across his gorgeous cheeks.

“Hi, buddy. I heard that you got adopted,” Peter said softly, his words for the dog and dog alone. When he looked up, Tony felt his heart stutter – they’d been within the same proximity all night, this feeling overtaking him each time they so much as caught eyes. With him so close, Tony could see the slightest upturn of his nose and the long lashes that enhanced the deep chocolate of his dreamy eyes.

“You must be the new owner – I’m happy to see you’re going to keep up his training. Bo’s been one of my best students since he came to stay with us.” Peter paused then, a hand slipping out between them. “I’m Peter – Peter Parker.”

Without hesitation, Tony gripped Peter’s hand, a shy smile dimpling his cheek, the red of his patented blush filling in the dip of his cheek. “Tony Stark,” he replied softly, his fingers squeezing Peter’s in a snug embrace. “I’m always behind continuing education.”

The answering grin just about knocked Tony on his ass, Peter’s cheeks crinkling at the corners with the quirk of his lips. “I like the sound of that. Does that mean I’ll see you next week?” He bent down then, running a hand through Bo’s hair – “and this little guy, too.”

“You bet – I signed up for the weekly course. I’m new to the whole dog owner thing, I thought I should get a little training for myself, too.” Tony felt his blush creep further down his face, his neck now in flames with the moving heat. “I kind of don’t know what I’m doing.”

“Looked okay to me,” Peter said quickly, his eyes flashing with something Tony couldn’t quite pinpoint. “But – I’m committed to making the best out of our dogs and their owners as I can. Take this.” He dug in his pocket for a second before producing a business card, the blocky Doctor Peter Parker across the front apparent and confident, much like the man handing it to him. “Give me a call if you find yourself not knowing what to do. I can make a house call.”

Unable to keep the dopey grin from overtaking his face, Tony pocketed the card and made up as good of an excuse to leave as he could. Aside from Happy and now Bo, Tony didn’t have many beings he felt comfortable with. Yet, standing in front of Peter those short few minutes, Tony felt good – strong and confident in a way that didn’t happen often – hadn’t happened in such a long time.

In a desperate attempt to save himself from further embarrassment (and a probable cardiac episode with all of the blood rushing straight to his face), Tony made a hasty exit, Bo’s leash clasped tightly in his hands.

“I’d say that went pretty well, huh boy?” Tony mumbled in Bo’s direction, his hand burying itself in soft fur as he spoke.

In his signature style, Bo pressed his body back into Tony’s hand, the movement answer enough.

----

Over the next couple of weeks, Tony went out of his way to ignore the card sitting on his workshop desk – the shiny block letters of Peter’s name almost taunting him every time they caught his eye. He went to their weekly training sessions, blushed his way through them, and attempted to not make a total fool of himself whenever he got the chance to speak to Peter. With each new time Tony saw the man, his crush got a little more serious – so serious in fact, Tony found himself doodling Peter’s initials all over the draft he needed to edit before the end of the week.

The childish nature of the feeling inside of him was new – throughout his young life, Tony didn’t have much time to let butterflies settle in his stomach, or impossible feelings overtake him. He was too busy surviving. Now, as a grown ass adult, Tony found himself grinning every time his heart raced, and his palm started to sweat when Peter came to mind. It should’ve rocked him to his core, the idea of wasting brain bytes on anything but the normal – but it didn’t; instead, Tony found himself with more energy and the companionship of a smile he didn’t really know existed.

By the fourth week of classes, Tony was feeling kind of desperate. He knew walking into the office later that night, Bo would get the best training and in between the commands and tricks, Tony got to have his fill, too. Yet, as the days past and the thoughts of Peter multiplied themselves in his brain, Tony wanted more. Of course he did – Peter’s smile lit up the room and the mere presence of the man, whether in his thoughts or in person, could make all the bad thoughts go away. No one, not even Happy, gave him such a feeling of comfortability.

Sighing, Tony forced down the thoughts, his brain mentally preparing to pine from a far, instead. With a rare free moment from his editing work, Tony decided to head to the workshop and work on his latest piece of woodwork. Though he kept his name from the business and picked drop-off places far from his home, Tony enjoyed his carpentry immensely – it didn’t hurt that the extra source of income brought him a lucrative cushion in which to fall onto when the book work got a little slow. The habit started as stress relief and managed to stay that way, despite the demand his work continued to foster.

Since bringing Bo home, the dog would follow Tony down the steep hill into the workshop, his tail wagging furiously the entire time they spent down there. Tony didn’t know what he did to have access to such a level-headed pet, but he was thankful for it – Bo didn’t have many demands and those that did exist were easy to carry out and minimally demanding. Nothing beat the companionship, though – Bo’s presence brought a new element to his life – no matter how reluctant he was to admit it to himself or Happy when he asked for the fiftieth time during their next phone call.

It took a few minutes for the two of them to get settled in, Tony adjusted the temperature and placed Bo’s bed a little closer to the source of heat. It didn’t hurt that the pup would be within reaching distance if Tony suddenly found the need for comfort, either. When he felt ready, Tony started the soothing rhythm of sanding his latest project – the edges of the table would come together nicely once he finished the little detail work.

He looked up every so often to make sure Bo wasn’t getting into anything, his eyes moving from one side of the workshop to the other at least a couple times every few minutes. Catching some movement out of the corner of his eye, Tony put down the sander, dusted himself off, and pulled the goggles from his face, a small grin slipping up his cheeks. “What are you up to, Bo?” Tony asked, a curiousness in his voice as he watched the dog walk to the front of the workshop and then back, his snoot down towards the floor until he was suddenly pressed up against Tony.

Leaning down, Tony ran his hands through the soft fluff on the top of Bo’s head, taking the moment to simply enjoy the feeling of the hair in his hands. As his head was pet, Bo looked up at him, the dog’s purpose of the walk to the front of the room now obvious – Peter Parker’s card was between Bo’s teeth, his slobber making the corners turn in on themselves.

“Hey, how’d you get that?” Tony gave Bo a cursory pat before taking the card from his mouth, his index finger tracing the raised edges of Peter’s name despite the sticky spit coating the entire thing. Shaking his head, Tony couldn’t help but laugh – in all his years, he never saw such an act of unsubtlety, and he was best friends with the biggest oaf of them all. He flicked the back of the card for a moment, then made a decision – if the dog, who only knew him for a few weeks, thought he needed to do this, the least Tony could do was try.

“Alright, I get it. I should’ve done this a couple of weeks ago, I know.”

The answering huff from Bo stole a laugh from his chest, his eyes glowing with affection, despite the apprehension that tried to pull him under as the seconds past.

Card in hand, Tony pulled out his phone and went about plugging in the number – he couldn’t decide whether he wanted to give Peter a call or simply send him a text message, so he allowed himself to dawdle while he made the final decision. After thumbing out a couple of messages that sounded ridiculous, Tony said fuck it and hastily pressed the audio button. By the time Tony felt the need to back out, the call was three rings in – the sound of Peter’s voice answering on the fourth ring really driving the finality of the situation home.

“Hi! I hope Siri got it right and this is Tony Stark,” Peter answered cheerily, the few short words already working to drive Tony crazy.

Sucking in a barely audible breath, Tony forced himself to speak, his words coming out rushed for just a moment. “Hi – yeah, it’s me. I mean, Tony Stark. Hi.”

He slapped himself for the awkwardness, Tony’s heart pounding so damn hard against his chest. “You said I could give you a call if I ever needed any help. Well, I need some help.” The whole thing was lame, and he needed to come up with a problem with the perfect Bo in the mater of moments, but it seemed worth it – Peter’s voice was so warm coming down the line.

“I did say that and would love to help. Can it wait until I see you this evening? Or should I get in the truck now and head your way?”

Tony drew his lip between his teeth, hazel eyes looking around the workshop and then down at Bo – his voice stuck in his throat. Coming to his rescue for the hundredth time, Bo leaned his body weight against him, the dog’s cold nose pressing against the back of his hand. Whatever it meant, Tony felt the instant bit of comfort radiating from the collie. “Bo’s been getting into some of the stuff around my workshop. I hoped you could come and decide how to best doggy proof everything.”

Bo looked up at him then, his body weight still pressing against Tony, his eyes glaring back at him as if he actually understood the words coming out of his mouth. Grinning, Tony gave his pup a soft pat against his head, fingers lingering in the soft fur. Despite the small white lie, Tony felt pretty good about his invitation – in the weeks since getting Bo, he did mean to accident proof a few things in his workshop. Bo didn’t get into things or hadn’t up until that point; but he wanted to feel good about it, anyway. It didn’t hurt that it gave a perfectly good excuse to have Peter come out his way.

The rhythmic voice of Peter brought him out of his thoughts, Tony catching the tail end of “give me your address and I’ll be right out.”

Shaking himself, Tony managed to babble out his address and the needed directions to get to his driveway after turning off the main road. He hoped, probably for the first time in his life, that this certain someone would find him, despite the self-brought upon isolation. Not everyone could handle his way of living, his need for space, hell – the amount of space he surrounded himself with was an obstacle in and of itself.

Bo, having sensed the shift in his thoughts, pressed his wet nose against the inside of Tony’s wrist, the sensory shift bringing him back to his workshop, the smell of shaved wood sitting in his nostrils an instant comfort. Looking around, Tony moved a couple of paces to his right, his hands running over the surface of his workspace to brush the sawdust off – the rest of the place was relatively well put together; Tony’s OCD didn’t allow him to keep much clutter when he was working.

Unable to remain idle while he waited for Peter to arrive, Tony picked up one of his tools and got to work on some of the small detail work at the edge of his almost put together table. The person commissioning the piece liked Celtic knots, so he distracted his nervous belly with the soothing movement of the design flowing from his fingertips.

It wasn’t until the crunch of tires on the road outside could be heard that Tony came out of his zone – his mind actually feeling clear after his little departure from the there and now. Sucking in a cleansing breath, Tony brushed himself and the table off once more before grabbing Bo’s lead and clipping him in. They stepped out of the workshop right as Peter got down from the cab of his truck, the door closing behind him.

“This is a gorgeous place,” Peter said, an open and honest smile slipping across his cheeks. His gorgeous eyes roamed over the land he could see, a look of wonder overtaking them. “I’ve never seen such a thickness of trees before.”

Letting his own smile slip, Tony let Bo pull him forward, the dog leading their way over to where Peter was standing a few feet away. “I had to chop a lot of them down when I first bought the land. Most of what used to stand makes up my house,” Tony replied softly, one of his hands moving to point to the log cabin he built from the ground up.

“That’s even more impressive. Did you construct everything out here?” By then, his eyes were on his workshop, the size of the building almost the same as the main house.

“The workshop was the first thing I got up and running. I moved out here about ten years ago – the hustle and bustle of the city was just too much. It’s quiet out here; lots of room to open up and breathe, y’know?” Tony narrowed the distance between them then, their shoulders knocking as the space was filled. “Come on – I’ll give you a tour.”

As they walked around, Tony told Peter about the process of getting the buildings together and all of the man-hours it took to make everything just right. They looked around the workshop and came up with simple solutions to the doggy-proofing problem, both men more than aware of the rouse Tony used to get Peter there. By the time they made it back to Peter’s truck, several hours were behind them. Tony’s face hurt from the permanent smile that wouldn’t disappear, despite his internal pleading; the last thing he wanted to do was look even more overeager than he already did. Their chemistry was amazing, he wasn’t going to deny that after multiple hours of seamless conversation.

Without the lead clipped to his collar, Bo walked around them as they milled around Peter’s open truck door, his tail occasionally brushing against Tony’s arm. The small comfort of the contact kept Tony in the moment, his eyes watching Peter’s every move – despite not getting along with most humans, Tony could read them impeccably well; facial expressions and body movements said so many things the individual didn’t.

Like, for instance, the shuffling of keys from hand to hand, or soulful brown eyes glancing down at Tony’s lips every couple of seconds. From the moment Peter gave him his card and mentioned house calls, Tony understood that there was interest there. Over the last few weeks of attending classes and catching a little bit of conversation before running for dear life, Tony could feel Peter’s attraction growing; the feeling so much like his own that it took until that very moment to separate his want from what he could feel rolling off of Peter.

In that moment, Tony felt a firmer grasp on what he wanted – what he’d been craving since the very first time he saw the vision that was Peter. Narrowing the space down between them, Tony caught Peter’s eye, his hand reaching to grasp the narrow hip in front of him. Peter nodded at him, the slightest blush rushing to the apple of his cheeks. Tony let his fingers grip the dark blue jeans sitting enticingly on Peter’s hips, the tips of them digging in ever so slightly.

“Is this okay?” Tony mumbled, the rest of his body already following his hand’s path, all of him so excited to finally feel the press of Peter against him.

Instead of answering, long fingers made their way into the hair on the back of Tony’s neck, Peter’s nails scraping his scalp slightly – the feeling of it all almost overwhelming.

Peter closed the space between them, his nose brushing against Tony’s. “I’ve wanted this since the second I saw you – you were so shy, but so gorgeous. Your salt and pepper hair and notice-me-not smile; I’m surprised we made it this long.” Without another word, both men shifted, their lips meeting for what felt like the only kiss that would ever matter to Tony ever again. A soft noise slipped from his chest, the feeling of total contentment too much to keep bottled deep within. Unlike the rest of his feelings, Tony wanted to revel in this one; he wanted to keep it at the forefront and hang on to it for as long and as tightly as he could.

The way Peter tilted his head to deepen the kiss had Tony moving into his space even more, the needed to have every piece of their bodies pressed together almost too much. Tony let another noise spill from him, the press of chest to chest something he didn’t remember missing. Peter was obviously fit, his jeans hugged his ass and thighs in the best of ways, and the solid color button downs he wore highlighted the narrowness of his hips and the tight chisel of his chest. Yet, Tony hadn’t imagined how right that firmness would feel – how, now pressed together from head to toe, Tony could picture everything between them with clarity. His brain felt fuzzy with the thought (and probably the lack of oxygen, too). Pulling back, he let his lips linger against Peter’s, their breaths harsh and ragged between them.

The next moment, a shrill bark had them jumping apart, both Peter and Tony looking exasperatedly at the dog currently wagging his tail, looking slightly like the true victor. Tony rolled his eyes, an affectionate huffing breath falling from his lips.

“You’re right, Bo – it is about time.”

Tony turned back to Peter then, his hands clenching against the rough jean fabric. “He is right, right?” Tony questioned, the barest look of hope taking up residence in his eyes.

Grinning, Peter pulled him back into a chaste kiss, their lips barely touching before he pulled away. A soft thumb swept along Tony’s cheek then, the skin barely tickling the edge of day-old stubble. His smile grew when Tony met his eyes, the touch just reassuring enough.

“He hasn’t been wrong yet.”

#starker #you'll look at me with eyes that see #and i'll be your lover too #bobbie writes #Peter Parker/Tony Stark

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hazard-and-friends · 4 years ago

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i watched the first episode of canine intervention tonight, here’s some uncensored liveblogging featuring my spicey dog training takes:

“my dog training system is known all over the world" mhmm. lemme google this guy.

by clicking through his in person training site to his online remote training course, i found a whole lot of big red flags: "Establish pack leadership" dogs don't have pack leaders. anyone who wants to make you a leader is not using a good understanding of dog behavior "Time your praise and corrections" the times when i use corrections are when i'm the least on my game. my goal is NEVER to use corrections/positive punishment. why should i? it's concerning that he uses it as a core part of his method. "Exercise and reinforce your leadership as a way of life" more leadership bullshit.

fancy letters are not the end-all-be-all, and there are trainers i seriously respect who have none of them. but they don't talk about leadership and corrections. it's concerning that he talks about his sports team as a kid, where he went to high school, and his celebrity clients, but not his mentors and education in training.

back to the show

why does his facility have enough dogs to keep them in kennels? how does that teach aggressive dogs how to be safe in a home environment?

not all of the dogs in the first shot of a class (~1:38) have two collars on but a lot do. that's not a red flag (i worked sydney in two collars [her flat collar and a martingale, because syd was very gear smart and it was nice to tell her that we were doing heeling now]) but with what i saw on his website? it's quite likely that one of those is the dog's normal flat collar with tags, and the other is a prong, choke chain, or electric collar

also: "I help the dogs that no one else will" is a flat out lie

if you're willing to take on any human aggression cases, generally you’re willing to take on all of them. now, some of these cases may generally lead to a recommendation of euthanasia. but that's in the best interests of the dog and owner

oop class shot where it's clear that they're wearing prongs

here's two points not about this guy specifically: 1) it is hard (impossible?) to do humane, ethical dog training in a 45 minute episode slot. it's not good tv. it's slow as hell. there's no drama. the aggression trainers i know? have never been bitten. many have never been CLOSE to being bitten. no tv value. 2) the positive dog training community is OVERWHELMINGLY white and middle class.

it's also full of racists.

"Nearly a million dogs are euthanized yearly and over 40% of them are pit bulls" i've calculated that first statistic myself, but it's important to put it in context: this is USA specific, and that's down from 3-4 million 20 years ago. the second one, i would love to see his source.

he's right that it's important to understand where aggression comes from

anyway back to those two points, at the same time that it's really, really hard to do compelling TV with ethical dog trainers, it's also really REALLY important that the positive dog training community be working on being anti-racist. and it's really, really important that low income dog owners and people of color are getting good dog training.

alright first case! he's had her 3 months, 3 bites in that time. 10 attempted attacks. she's a young adult bully breed mix who had one front leg amputated after being shot. owner walks her in a muzzle which is a) too small and b) not bite proof.

"I see what we're working with" he says, after approaching a dog in her crate. hazard responds similarly to someone coming in, but he's not a bite risk. that's not a good evaluation.

he is correct about lady macbeth's motivations: this is a dog who's scared as hell and making herself really big and scary so that everyone leaves her alone.

okay he's also right that playing with her around strangers is really, really good for fear aggression

"frenzied just chaotic state" yeah no

reality check for y'all: i am not an aggression specialist and i have seen more freaked out dogs

she was on edge! she was unhappy! but holy shit was she not even remotely close to what dogs are capable of

"she just bit me!" she nipped your cheek, not breaking skin. that's a level 1 or 2 (of 6). that's not NOTHING but it's well within normal for a dog who's being restrained when she wants to be somewhere else.

[note that at no point in the episode was the owner ever given any sort of indication that lady macbeth is not this horribly aggressive Pit Bull TM. nor was there any discussion of a bite scale.]

"The only option we're gonna have is to [board and train] for 3 weeks" "I have no choice but to take her back to my facility back in San Jose and work daily with her" no!!!!!

[15 minute break]

lmao sorry i had to go yell at gf about how much this board and train is not necessary and in the process penny decided to cause Drama again

ANYWAY, the b&t is not necessary because all of those aggressive incidents bar the first could have been avoided if the owner was on the ball. this is not JUST a lady macbeth issue, this is ALSO an owner issue. both of them need to relearn how to handle new people.

as a bonus, lady macbeth needs to learn to trust her owner, which she categorically cannot do in a b&t

"The box is an important training tool to teaching new behaviors. It's also a first step in establishing pack leadership" ok this is new to me

and new is not a good thing here

text: Obedience depends on a dog's trust and respect for their pack leader calculus depends on your trust and respect for your math teacher! if you respect them a lot you will magically be able to do calc!

I WAS HOPING. I WAS TRYING.

i was HOPING that his training for her fear aggression would be based in toy play.

instead he's got a fake arm and he keeps reaching out to poke her, and the owner says "no!" and does a leash pop (leash wrapped around her neck) every time she tries to bite.

"She doesn't know it's not his hand" it smells like plastic what would she THINK it is

also funky that we're 19 minutes into the episode about an aggressive bully breed mix and the trainer's childhood bully breed mix who killed a dog, and like. not a single mention of what these dogs were bred for.

let's go back to "how are you teaching aggressive dogs to live nicely in a home, if they are spending most of the day in a wire kennel"

for shits take, high school doesn't teach you how to handle your emotions! why should obedience class teach your dog the same?

and then like, every time she breaks the down he yells NOPE and leans over her??????

dude you're scaring her into being obedient. while you're talking about how it's important to treat her fear.

text: Fear based aggression can be reduced by desensitizing the dog to strangers you're right! it sure can! THAT'S NOT WHAT YOU'RE DOING HERE

you've got a dog on her side with one hand over her, the other on a skinny check chain on her neck. every time she does anything but lay flat, the leash is popped and you say no. you are flooding this dog and creating learned helplessness.

jo summed it up well with this: he's good at seeing the behavior, he knows what he's looking at, he just can't change it. he only knows one method.

jo and i are now trying to figure out if "dog training but marie kondo not cesar milan" is a viable tv show

jas correctly stops the friend and changes how he approaches the dog, that's a good response

i'm laughing bc after a 3 week board and train which is not going to be less than $4k, he's giving the exact same "how to meet new people" directions that i would give to a similar client--at the start of our time! not at the end!

"I can't imagine imagine a dog having it too much worse than she did, the fact that she took a gunshot, the fact that she had no security for years of her life" alright dude a) think worse, this PALES to abuse cases b) let's not? shittalk? the care that people without reliable housing give to their dogs (and occasional cat!)?? because what they do for their pets is incredible, and it isn't necessarily connected to her opinions on strangers

so yeah still laughing bc like. that "happy ending" would be my first session with a client. that's how you START handling stranger danger. and for this the owner paid thousands.

#ethics in dog ownership #dog training #ask to tag

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theexistentialistdancer · 5 years ago

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A Eulogy for Roxie

I remember when I first saw Roxie as a puppy, outside the gates of the Mena House golf course. I thought she was a boy dog since she didn’t have anything distinctively girly about her. Her nose was long and narrow, and she was born with no tail and was very small. I couldn’t catch her and so I tried to remember I can’t save every dog. She disappeared for awhile and then when I brought the floof to the shop, she resurfaced and I discovered she was a girl and she was super smart and friendly. She would play with the floof and they had a blast together, and I kinda tried to keep my distance because at that point I already had collected the floof to re-home and I was overwhelmed at having two dogs. As a dog-lover, this is the hardest thing in the world to do, since my instinct is to save all the dogs I see on the streets, but I have serious limitations. I didn’t have the space or the funds or the living environment to have a dog, and that is why the floof was up for adoption. She was older than the floof and was scrappy and a bit of a short stack - definitely fun sized. She never did get very large, but was stocky and developed an elegant beauty about her. Even as a puppy, she had a mind of her own. I would tether the floof to a chain outside the shop, and Roxie was so smart. She knew how to lift the end of the leash off the anchor and free the floof to play with him, and when they would play together on the golf course, she would try to take his leash off of him. She acted like he needed to be freed because he had a harness on, and she LOVED to be independent and run. I nicknamed her “the floof’s girlfriend” and felt so sad I couldn’t take both of them home with me every day. I prayed her sassy attitude and street smarts would keep her safe, since a puppy surviving past nursing is impressive in the pyramids area.

After the floof left (he was adopted in Boston and is now named Malik), I still hung out with Roxie, who did not have a name yet. I was hesitant to name her because my heart had been so broken by all the other dogs that I had tried to save and failed, but she was street-wise, sweet, and quickly became my shop buddy. I fed her every day and looked for her, but she truly became mine when she had an emergency. Her back left foot had been run over by a car and her bones and muscles were exposed. I found out that it had been like that for about 12 hours. I scooped her up with Kokee and took her to the vet, and she was an absolute dream in the car. She acted like she had been preparing for that moment her whole life, as she had seen the floof leave in the car many times. She looked out the window and made herself right at home. She took many car rides after that, and she was the queen: always looking out the window and challenging the dogs we passed as if to tell them she had arrived.

We got to the vet and bandaged and cleaned her foot; it was not as bad as it seemed. Her toenail never did grow right again, but she eventually regained almost total use of her foot. She sat at the vet and let him work on her injury like she couldn’t even be bothered to look at it. That was her personality exactly; whenever something uncomfortable happened, she was perfectly aloof until it passed. She was the perfect family dog: tolerant, patient, smart, and independent. We had to change her bandages every 24 hours and clean and put glycerin on her wound. I know it hurt her a lot, but she was so quiet and calm and let us help her every day.

While at the vet, we discovered she needed to be spayed as soon as possible as she was older than I thought, so we scheduled her surgery. She was super happy staying in boarding, since she got to eat lots of fancy food. The vet laughed at this shaabi baladi dog staying in the same kennels as fancy breeds, but by that time I was already known as the crazy foreigner who brought baladi dogs to get help. We got her all her injections and she had a fancy “pet passport” issued to her. Not long after she was finished with her surgery, Velma arrived.

Velma was a tiny puppy with floppy ears, lanky legs, and velvety fur, and like Roxie, she had no mother to be found. She latched onto Roxie immediately, Roxie was the street-wise, gang boss to Velma’s mushiness, and they perfectly balanced each other. I declared them sisters and finally gave them their official names: Roxie, after Roxie Hart in Chicago (a name that had just stuck with me for her from the beginning), and Velma as her sidekick.

And so there we were, at our shop by the pyramids: me, Roxie, and Velma. All day, I sat with my dog family and played with them, laughed while they sneaked into the shop to nap, fed them chicken, and trained them to sit. I scratched their ears and sat on the ground with them against all the norms of Egypt, and we had beautiful days. I laughed at how they would steal sandwiches from the cafe next to the shop, and could push the door open to sleep in the air conditioning. Velma loved water so she would go find a nasty puddle to splash around in, and she showed Roxie how to do the same. Velma sat like a baby seal and had to be touching Roxie at all times, and Roxie grumbled in return but tolerated tiny Velma’s love. Roxie was not an overly affectionate dog, but she was loving when she wanted to be. She would give nibbles with her front teeth and liked to sleep up against your back, or with her head pressed up against your leg. I wanted to take them home with me, but I live in a shared house with people who do not like dogs inside and the shop always had people to look out for them, so I had to believe they were as safe as could be arranged in my situation. They were like farm dogs: independent and self-sufficient, and intent on going and visiting anyone they wanted. Roxie had a air of royalty about her, and I declared her the queen of the Haram Street Hooligans, an original gangster. But then one day, animal control came through the area and tried to collect dogs. Roxie hid, but Velma was scooped up until Mimo, Kokee’s dad, saved her. After that, we put them up on the shop roof at night to keep them safe when there was no one around.

Thus began the battle of the roof versus street for my two dogs. For Roxie and Velma to stay on the roof, they needed daily water and food, which was sometimes difficult with timing. But they were not allowed to come to my house, so the roof would have to be the best solution. I went every day and made sure they had fresh water and food. People would also let them down to the street during the day, but wouldn’t put them up again at night, not understanding what the big deal was for me to keep them safe. Once, the upstairs door wasn’t secured and they came down to the shop and chewed up some papyrus before taking a nap. Sometimes I had shows so I wouldn’t be back by the shop until late, and then I would discover they had not been put up. I tried to find a home for them, but because they are considered “common” dogs, I was unsuccessful because baladi dogs are everywhere in Giza, and I did not want to split them up. I was their caretaker, the end. With regular poisonings and morning dog sweeps by animal control and the medical research teams, I was beyond paranoid, but I tried to find a balance with what was within my control. The roof wasn’t perfect either; Roxie had decided to climb ALLLL the way to the top and make it her lookout.

Then two things happened at once:

The roof of the shop was taken by another company, and the pandemic happened. I started fighting to bring both Roxie and Velma home; I was not going to tolerate them being out in the street 24/7. Roxie was smart though, and she snuck into the shops and napped on the couch, staying the night inside. Everyone told me that they were street-savvy and knew their way around, and I should not be so worried. It was not good enough for me, and finally I succeeded in bringing both of my dogs to my house. We anchored a metal hook into the ground for long tethers, and watched them carefully to see where they would go on their own. Our street has a few large households and there were constantly people outside looking after them, including the owners of the same neighboring shops from their original area. After one month, it was clear that they refused to be tethered and would stay on our quiet street, venturing out onto the main road only if someone was with them. We also have a large speed bump on the main street as well, so I was relatively confident that they were safe from cars. Roxie and Velma were, after all, street dogs, and they knew their way around the roads from being free in the pyramids area.

For a month, everything was perfect. I made them delicious food every day of chicken and rice and eggs, and at first I put potatoes and carrots until I saw that they picked them out and left them in a pile. I cooked their rice with chicken broth that I snuck from the regular food for extra flavor, and was happy that I got to give them yummy things to eat. Roxie buried her food in an old blanket she “borrowed” from who-knows-where, and then panicked when she saw me shake it out and chicken pieces went flying. We decorated our house for Ramadan, and Roxie was perplexed at the speaker. They “helped” hang the streamers and investigated new visitors. They napped in a sand pile at the neighbor’s houses, and stole flip-flops and pranced around like they were the winners. I found a pair of ram horns they had collected and brought home to me. They said hi to the new foal on our street and played with the children. I put their fancy collars from the USA on them, purple for Roxie and pink for Velma (I later had to take them off because some people were planning to steal the collars). It was joyful and I felt like I had finally succeeded in saving them, finally making my house feel like home. I was wrong.

On April 21, 2020, tragedy struck. At 3AM, I argued with Kokee and went downstairs to visit my dogs. Roxie snuggled me, and gave me sweet love nibbles which had a way of bruising afterwards. I laughed that her paws smelled like corn chips, and I searched her body for stray ticks. She had none, as usual - Roxie was very clean somehow. I stroked her short, stiff hair and kissed her long nose, and rubbed her belly, which was dark-colored because under her hair, she had black skin. Her pointed, too-big ears were my favorite to play with, and I scratched them as she rolled off the steps. I pulled her back up, and she flopped right off again. Around 3:30AM, I went back upstairs and went to sleep, comforted by her silly scrappy way of loving. Velma was nearby, but for once she was too interested in sleeping to bother to snuggle me, so I got all of Roxie’s sweetness.

At 8:30AM, I took our Airbnb guest to 6 October to shop. I felt emotional, but I thought it was due to not sleeping well. The car was parked in the back so I looked down the front street to see the dogs on the way out and saw Velma. I assumed Roxie was next to her and just blended into the sand, as she had dug out a nice little crevice to sleep inside. We went to the store and came back around 11. I parked the car and showed my guest the stolen ram horns. I didn’t see either dog (later my memory would trick me about this), but they normally slept behind the house in the shade during the middle of the day so I carried my groceries upstairs and didn’t worry. I knew they were not out on the main street because I would have seen them on my way back.

A few hours later, I went up onto the roof with Mimo. I looked over the side of the roof and again saw Velma. Roxie was no where to be seen but she was so independent that this was not unusual. I went downstairs to clean the kitchen and help with dinner, and Kokee called saying he had food to give the dogs for dinner. Great, I said, but he took a long time to come back. I was heading downstairs to feed the dogs anything I could pull together since Kokee was late, but then he stopped me on the way and said he had something to tell me. Roxie had been hit by a microbus and killed, and it had happened at 6/7AM that morning, not long before I had left to take my client to the store. The supermarket had seen it happen, but they didn’t bother to tell anyone until Kokee had returned. The Egyptian Animal Control had taken her body to somewhere undisclosed (we have yet to find out where they take animals), and the supermarket guy said Velma had sat with Roxie for awhile after she had died, and then came home on her own.

I screamed in anguish. My sweet, mafia-boss Roxie, had been killed and no one told me?! Everyone knew she was my dog. How could she have been killed by a microbus, when they are so slow? I even tried to run away from Kokee in a microbus once in the midst of a silly fight, and later laughed that I took the slowest vehicle in all of Egypt. Donkey carts move faster than a microbus. We have a speed bump. How could no one tell me what happened??? How could I have truly not noticed she wasn’t around for a full day? How was no one on my entire street aware?? We have two uncles, numerous cousins, many friends, and in our own house, eight people. Not a single person was told? There were cameras outside all the stores, but no one was able to produce footage of what happened. She was hit right outside our street, not even in the actual street. I demanded we find her body, and so we went around the normal areas that animals that die are placed for pickup in Nazlet El Semman and searched all the dumpsters to find nothing. Kokee called every contact he had to try to find out where the city takes animals that have been hit by cars, and no one could tell him. Although Velma had been able to say goodbye, I was beyond devastated that I would not be able to bury her, stroke her fur one last time, or apologize for not doing better to save her. I had tried my best, and yet I still failed; she was only 1.5 years old. I had dreamed of when I would have my own place and be able to bring her and Velma inside, to live happy, comfortable couch-napping lives. I thought for sure I had at least a few more years, and I had thought about how I would send them both to the USA to stay with my mom. Roxie’s foot had been healed for 9 months, and it was almost completely normal aside from the occasional toenail flareup.

The other question that was immediate was how Velma would survive without her big sister? Velma relied on Roxie for everything. Roxie took care of her, showed her how to be a street dog, and taught her the mafia life. Without Roxie, Velma turned into a puddle of mush, and they were bonded. Whenever I would be at the shop and I didn’t see one of them, I could ask the one I did see to find her sister. Once, Velma ate half her food, then went and found Roxie and brought her back to share with her. All I had to say was, “where’s Roxie?,” or “where’s Velma?” and the other would find their sister.

The first night without Roxie, we put Velma on my balcony. I had tried to put them both there before, but it had turned into a huge fight. Roxie was very vocal, and she refused to be told what to do. She wanted to either be RIGHT NEXT TO ME or completely free. People complained about her barking. However, with this tragedy, the fight was over - there was no way in hell I was going to leave Velma alone. I had to carry her up two flights of stairs, and I brought her blanket that she stole and her ram horns with her.

The next night, Velma decided to look for Roxie. She sat at the end of my street and watched for her sister, wagging her tail every few seconds in anticipation. Velma is a full-body dog, and every emotion radiates throughout her being. If she is looking for someone, you know it. She laid down and waited, then asked me to go with her outside to the main street by grabbing me with her paw and walking out. We went out to the scene of Roxie’s death, and Velma sat there, looking around, and then sighed and went back home. My heart shattered into even smaller pieces, and I cried more tears than I thought was possible.

The entire house mourned her, although some more than others. We called Zayn, one of our regular shop workers, and told him and he was very upset. Zayn is a very kind, religious man from Upper Egypt, but despite being religious, he loved both dogs and regularly played with them. Unlike many religious people, he had no qualms about petting dogs. Kokee’s mom cried, and his dad was also sad. Roxie was our mascot at the shop, and Mimo knew I loved her deeply. Of course, Kokee was equally as heartbroken as me, as she was just as much his dog as she was mine. He cared for her constantly, gave her food, changed her foot dressings alongside me, took her to the vet while I was traveling, and laughed at her antics. She was a strong part of our family.

Kokee dedicated two Ramadan food bags to Roxie, which is a Muslim way to offer extra help for her soul to go to heaven. All dogs go to heaven, but maybe the food bags earned her the place of mal3ma in heaven too. She was the true queen of Haram Street.

I keep thinking I will see her saunter up my street, coming home. Her ghost haunts me, even though just hours before she died, I gave her so much love and belly scratches. I wish I would have stayed longer and kissed her nose one more time, and scratched her wiry, short hair and booped her ears. I didn’t get to bury her, but at the same time, I know she was buried with other street dogs, so they have each other for comfort. I just wanted a little more time with her before she left me…

I’m grateful I know exactly what happened to Roxie, and that she didn’t just disappear without any record. I’m grateful for the love nibbles she gave me, the snuggles, the comfort, and the laughs. She was silly in the most baladi way possible, with the funniest humor. She definitely gave me some fleas, and she entertained me with chasing moths, sneaking into the shop, and she had a way of communicating that was so clever. She always made it clear what she needed. I’m grateful for all the times I saw her nubbin of a tail wag when I said “I love you Roxie,” and all the side-eye she gave me when I woke her up from a nap. She was the perfect companion, and was so patient and tolerant of everything. and I’m unbelievably grateful that I had the honor to know such a wonderful dog and to borrow her from heaven for awhile. One day, we will nap together on the couch again, and I’ll squish her face and look at her beautiful eyes and kiss her on the nose, and never let her go again.

Rest in peace, ya Roxie. I hope you found other friends from the pyramids over the Rainbow Bridge, and you are all laying in a beautiful pile of soft sand in the sunshine. You are missed every single day by your Earth family, and you were the best dog anyone could possibly hope for.

In Roxie’s honor, I hope to spay/neuter some dogs in the pyramids area. When the pandemic is under control, I will share details of the plan.

#baladidogs #baladidog #egypt #giza #pyramid #haramstreet #rescue #dogrescue #cairo #roxie #expatsinegypt

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fuck-customers · 5 years ago

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i only lasted 3 days cause it was already hell.

tl;dr will be at the end cause this is gonna be a long one.

so i applied to p**s**** because i thought it would be a good first job, especially as a dog lover that has 3 dogs of my own. i specifically applied to be a pet trainer, since both on their website and the site i found the hiring ad on, they said the position was available at the location closest to me and that's a job i could actually see myself fully pursuing. both still, to this day, say that position is available and i applied back in april (im posting this in early june).

however, when they called, they said that only the position of a dog bather was available. i was disappointed, and confused, but i brushed it off. they were the only place that had replied at the time, so i thought it'd be worth at least giving it a shot, you know?

fast-forward a bit and i get four interviews: one phone interview with the hiring manager, and three different in-person interviews with the sl, hiring manager, and the store owner. the interviews were alright, but were already showing red flags. specifically in varying answers about my hours, and whether or not i could take the volunteer opportunity i have later this summer working with pets while working there. but, i brushed it off, cause again this was the first and only place that had responded at the time.

i get hired in the interview with the store owner, and he sets me up for my first day with only a time to come in, not a proper full schedule. i winded up only being there for 2 hours for a store tour.

my second day is the same deal, with no proper schedule being given, just a time to come in. i start my training on my second day, all of which is done on a shitty tablet that started dying within 2 hours of me using it. i winded up having to continue my training in the store owner's office because he was the only one with a working charger.

5 fucking hours pass with no one checking in on me, no fucking break, the store owner never coming into his office.. once my adhd ass' hyperfocus dies down, my hunger starts registering, as well as a need to go to the bathroom, and i realize it's almost 6 fucking pm. id been there since 11 in the morning. i go out to go to the bathroom and im informed that the store owner had already left without telling me, or letting me off. the manager left there winded up having to let me off, and apologizing on the store owner's behalf.

i was there for 7 fucking hours, after being told i'd work a max of 4-6. nobody came to check in on me. nobody let me off for a break. i had to go out and be informed by other workers that the store owner just booked it without letting me know, or even checking his office at all that whole day, as soon as he got the chance. basically, i was forgotten about, and it was already established quick that the store owner didn't give a damn about me.

also of note: he was very absent. he barely went in. he wasn't there on my third day (took place the next day after my second), or the day after that when i called to quit. he seemed incredibly incompetent and irresponsible.

my third day, my schedule was made by the sl according to her schedule, so i at least had a time i was leaving. but, contrary to the claims in the interview that i'd be working late mornings/early afternoons-the early evening, i was put on for 8 fucking a.m. to 3:30pm. almost 7 hours also, when i'd been told i'd be working 4-6. clearly, the managers didn't communicate on the alleged hours i'd be working! another bad sign!

i spent my third day in the salon to familiarize myself with the location, the atmosphere, the customers, and my co-workers. it was a horrendous first impression and really set the precedent for what would've been way more stressful than it was worth.

they were not following many of the policies i was learning about in my training, they were extremely rough with the animals, they scolded them constantly, they ignored their yelps in pain or scolded them for crying in the first place, they kept them in the kennels for extended periods and scolded them for crying, ignored the rules about which dogs could/couldn't be kenneled and kenneled them anyway, were trying to gossip already, were trying to make me do shit for them and acting like i was sitting around doing nothing when i had an almost halfway full notebook of notes i was taking from the training, and also kept trying to talk to me or each other, not fucking paying attention when they have animals in their care and very sharp objects in their hands. they also all seemed frustrated and exhausted, which was not a good sign for my future there. it was a fucking nightmare to witness.

it was clear very quickly that i was gonna be nothing but unhappy there, and no amount of money was ever gonna be worth all the bullshit i'd already witnessed. being abandoned/forgotten about, people not doing their jobs right, none of them even remotely trying to hide their motive of wanting to take advantage of me the second they would've had the chance, lies about my hours/days, etc.

also expecting me to move up into the grooming career if i stayed long enough despite knowing i never fucking wanted to be put into that position in the first place. if i moved to any other position, it would've been a trainer, cause that's what i fucking wanted and they knew that. but they were understaffed in the salon so they tried to force me into a position i didn't want, and that wasn't worth the stress.

honestly, despite only being there 3 days, i could continue on. like the list of nightmares i saw in just those 3 days, and interviews, is endless. but this is long enough.

tl;dr: 3 days may seem like far too quickly to quit a job, but don't try to dismiss me as a foolish youngin who can't 'handle the real world'. within 3 days i'd already been lied to about my hours and certain policies, under & overworked, abandoned/forgotten about, had higher-ups contradicting each other and making it clear they didn't communicate at all, people making it clear they wanted to take advantage of me, and the environment i was working in was shown to be way more stressful than it was worth, especially since i didn't apply for the position i was put in. my depression was literally already starting to spark up and make me resent waking up for work within those 3 days. wasn't worth it even those 3 fucking days! fuck that store, fuck the store owner especially, and fuck the co-workers who were already trying to take advantage of me.

#submissions #fuck co-workers #fuck retail #fuck coworkers #fuck managers #submission

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crystalninjaphoenix · 5 years ago

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There’s a Cat Now

A Switch AU Story

Welp idk how this happened but it did and it’s cute so here we are. A short drabble about Marvin, JJ, and a cat.

“I don’ recognize t’is part of town,” Marvin muttered, staring out the car window at the streets whizzing by. Not too intently though, he still wasn’t used to how fast cars went now. “Are you goin’ t’finally tell me what we’re doin’ here?”

“Hang on a moment, we’re almost there, just let me park.” JJ carefully maneuvered the small car into an empty space, turning it off with a twist of the keys. “Alright, here we are!”

Marvin looked out the front window at the store they’d parked in front of, reading the name emblazoned on the sign. He squinted. “Is...is t’is a pet store?”

“Surprise!” JJ smiled, accompanied by a joyful fluttering of fingers. “I wanted to get you a pet!”

Marvin blinked. “Why?”

JJ’s smile faltered a bit before he recovered his cheer. “Well, I thought it would help you adjust to this new...environment. And also...” His joyful expression fell once more, becoming serious. “I sometimes worry about you being home all by yourself. It might get lonely, you know, and I can’t keep asking the others to stop by even though they keep saying they’d be happy to.”

“Oh, so you’re saying t’at I can’ be alright wit’out you?” Marvin chuckled as JJ suddenly started stammering excuses. “It’s alright, I know what y’mean. Are you sure about t’is? Pets can be difficult to take care of. I’m okay wit’out one.”

“Well, yes, but also...small animals are cute.”

Another chuckle. “Alright. I s’pose I can’ change your mind once you’ve got it made up. Lead the way.”

JJ paused. “I’d hoped you be a bit more enthusiastic, to be honest.” Marvin didn’t answer, just shrugged. JJ exhaled a puff of air, then continued. “Well, we can’t do anything just sitting in the car. Come on.” He opened the door and stepped out, and Marvin soon followed.

The inside of the pet store was about what you’d expect, a main reception desk and walls covered in cute posters about the adoption process and how to take care of your animals. A few workers wearing blue shirts and nametags were milling about. One immediately walked up to JJ and Marvin. “Hi, can I help you?” she asked.

JJ looked over at Marvin, who gave an indifferent shrug. “Well, we’d like to adopt today,” JJ explained.

“Oh that’s wonderful! Do you know what type of animal you’re looking for? We have dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, snakes, hamsters and gerbils—”

“Cat,” Marvin jumped in before she could list every possible pet that existed. Yeah, cats could take care of themselves. He didn’t have to devote himself to that.

“I’m a cat person, myself,” the worker—her nametag read Kendra—said with a laugh. “If you would follow me through this door I can show you our cat kennels.

Marvin was expecting walls lined with cat carriers, and there were a few side rooms of that. But Kendra instead led them down a hall to a large room with wide windows that was entirely taken up by cat condos and trees, multilayered carpeted platforms with scratching poles and little houses to hide in. There were even a few mounted on walls. Around the perimeter of the rooms were benches for visitors and baskets of cat toys. Naturally, there were cats everywhere, of all shapes and sizes. Brown, white, black, tabby, calico, short-hair, long-hair, and every -hair in between. There were already some people inside interacting with them; what looked like a mom and two kids and an elderly couple.

“This is our playpen. Not all our cats are out right now, but this is a good place to get to know them,” Kendra explained. “If you don’t find one who appeals to you, I can take you into their actual kennels. We also have a selection of toys, beds, and other entertainment items, if you want to check those out.”

“Well,” JJ started, “we might not—”

“Jems, you can go look at those,” Marvin interrupted. “I’m goin’ t’stay in here for a while and see what happens.”

JJ gave him a look, but then said, “Okay, if you insist. Come get us if you need anything. Miss, if you can show me where that is...”

JJ left the room with Kendra, and Marvin immediately walked over and sat on a bench in a corner, near one of the cat trees. He watched the others in the room play with the cats, petting them and picking them up and dangling cat toys in front of their faces. That all seemed well and good, he supposed. But he didn’t really feel any urge to join in himself. So he just watched.

There was a slight movement in the corner of his eyes. He glanced over at the cat tree nearby. There was a pair of green eyes hidden inside the shadows of one of those little house-structures that sat on the tree. They were looking at him. Marvin stared at the eyes for a while more, then looked away, turning back to the room at large. He watched the pair of children entertain a black kitten with a laser pointer for a while. Weren’t they supposed to be bad luck? A cat like that would need a home, maybe if he had to get one he could pick that one up. But didn’t kittens require special care?

There was another movement. Marvin looked back over to the cat tree to see one had climbed out and hopped to the ground. It was mostly shades of brown and tan, with some darker brown stripes. Its muzzle and chest were white. Marvin presumed that its belly and paws were white as well, but given how it was sitting in that “loaf” position, and how its fur was extremely long and poofy, Marvin couldn’t exactly see its paws. Overall, it looked a bit like a burnt marshmallow. A marshmallow that was staring directly at Marvin.

Marvin, in turn, blinked at it. “What is it?” Obviously, the cat did not answer, and after it didn’t move for a while Marvin turned away again. But only a minute later, there was a warm, soft ball pressing next to his leg. He startled, and looked down to see the cat was now a ball of fluff sitting next to him on the bench. He raised an eyebrow. “What? D’you want attention? I can’ really tell, I don’ speak cat body language. I have trouble enough with the human kind.”

The cat kept staring at him with its big green eyes. After a moment, he gently set his hand on the cat’s back. When there was no reaction, he slowly began petting the length of it. The cat squinted its eyes, and after a while, started purring. “You wanted t’at? Well, I don’ mind. You’re very soft, a lot of fluff. Pleasant to touch. And you’re a han’some cat as well.” After a while of petting, Marvin stalled. He hesitated, then started petting the cat’s head.

With a stall in the purring, the cat opened its mouth wide and yawned. Then it shook itself, causing Marvin to sharply withdraw his hand, and climbed to its feet, stretching. Marvin thought it would leave next, but instead it padded even closer and clambered onto his lap, standing there. “Oh!” Marvin gasped, surprised. “Y’could warn a man first.”

The cat kept eye contact, sitting on his lap. And now that it was out of the “loaf” position, Marvin noticed something. He was right about the belly and paws being white, but also...while its left front leg was as expected, its right front leg ended in a stump. Marvin blinked. “Oh, I see. Y’have trouble in t’at area, then? Well, you’re not alone in the world, Mr. cat.” He reached out and scratched the cat below its ears. It squinted its eyes, then it stood up again, walked closer, and vaulted onto its two hind legs, placing its front paw on Marvin’s chest. “Hey! T’is is a nice jacket, don’ get your fur all over it,” Marvin chuckled, maintaining the ear-scratching.

Another slow blink from the cat. This time, followed by a soft sound, a small “mrrp.”

“Oh my goodness,” Marvin whispered, eyes wide. “T’at was the best sound.” His chest was suddenly light and bouncy inside. “Okay, you’re comin’ wit’ me.” He scooped up the cat, which didn’t wiggle at all as he carried it across the room, out the door of the playpen and into the hallway. From there, it was luckily only a short wandering before he found an open archway that led to a room full of various pet products, and as he walked inside he caught sight of JJ and the worker from before, Kendra. She was holding what a leash and talking to him. “—once they’re harness-trained you can take them outside for walks, like you can with dogs. But of course, training takes—” The worker glanced over as Marvin walked inside the room. Her eyes widened. “Sir, you can’t take the cats out of their kennel area!”

“Why not?” Marvin asked. “T’is one is doin’ fine.”

JJ looked over, and the moment he saw the bundle of fluff in Marvin’s arm his face lit up. “Did you find one you like, Marvin?”

“Well, I’d say t’is pretty kitty found me, act’ally.” Marvin bounced the cat a bit. “Walked up to me.”

JJ gasped, covering his open mouth with a hand. “That’s adorable,” he whispered.

Kendra seemed to have recovered from the shock of seeing a cat in an area it wasn’t supposed to be. “That’s Trio,” she said with a smile. “He’s a rescue. Got hit by a car, unfortunately, and a stranger brought him here. He’s a five-years-old Siberian, and he’s a pretty quiet cat. Liable to snuggle with you while you’re sitting, or even sleeping in bed. He’ll go after laser pointers and other toys, but not as enthusiastically as other cats.”

“T’at sounds wonderful,” Marvin said, distracted by the fact that the cat was now pressing his face into Marvin’s neck. “Trio’s an odd name, why is it?”

“Well, because of the...ah...you know...his, ah...situation...” Kendra seemed reluctant to continue, especially when Marvin’s head shot back toward her with a hard stare.

“I understan’ t’at people often name cats after t’eir features,” he said slowly. “But you didn’ see any problem with t’at particular name?” You know, like the only thing unique about this cat was his legs. Like that was the only thing about him that mattered.

“I didn’t name him,” Kendra hurried to say. “And it’s only temporary, if you adopt him, you can change it.”

JJ looked at Marvin, clearly trying to keep a calm expression. “Do you want to? Adopt him, I mean?”

Marvin looked down at the cat’s tiny face. “Y...yes,” he said, his voice a bit softer than normal. He looked back up at JJ’s excited face and frowned. “You knew this would happen, didn’ you?”

“That you’d get emotionally attached to one and love them? Well, I hoped it,” JJ said, a big grin on his face. “I know you were reluctant, but you’re reluctant about a lot of things, Marvin. A cat’ll be good for you.”

“Yes, yes, alright,” Marvin rolled his eyes. “Let’s finish t’is process so we can take him home already.”

About a half hour later, Marvin and JJ were back in the car. There was now a cat bed, a scratching post, and other cat materials in the back seat. Marvin, in the passenger seat, had a cat carrier on his lap with a burnt marshmallow-colored ball of fluff inside. The ball of fluff had a new green collar with a silver label, and was meowing intently at Marvin. “It’s only for a little while,” Marvin responded. “I t’ink we live close by. T’ough don’ ask me how we get home, I don’ know.” More meowing. “Calm down, Mister, it’ll be fine. I can give you a new toy to distract you, if ye want.”

“Did you just call the cat ‘Mister’?” JJ asked, amused, as he started the car.

“Yes, his name is Mr. Fluffington, and he deserves your respect,” Marvin said without even looking up.

“I see. Well, tell Fluffington it’s nice to meet him.”

“Mr. Fluffington, who do you t’ink you are?”

JJ laughed. “Yes, alright then, Mr. Fluff.”

Marvin looked back down at the newly christened Mr. Fluffington. “Jems says it’s nice to meet you. Ye’ll be seein’ a lot of him.” Fluffington meowed. Marvin grinned. “He likes you.”

“I’m glad. And I’m glad you like him too.”

“I wasn’ expectin’ it, if I’ll be honest.” Marvin unzipped the lid of the carrier just enough to reach inside. “But...I t’ink I’ll be happy to have him around.”

Mr. Fluffington nuzzled Marvin’s hand and he laughed. JJ smiled as he watched. He knew this would be a good idea. These two seemed like they would get along perfectly.

#jacksepticeye #jacksepticegos #septic egos #septic egos au #i did a ficlet!#marvin the magnificent #1920s marvin #jameson jackson #the jaunty jackson #septicswitchau #brigid writes fanfiction

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irma-islands · 4 years ago

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Make Your Own Dog Breed Template- Example #2

A dog breed I have made example:

BREED NAME: Polind Shepard

MEANING OF NAME: Derivative of the word Polio, which is made up of the two Greek words for ‘Grey’ and ‘Marrow’

DESCRIPTION: The most intelligent of small dogs, the Polind Shepard was bred and incremented during the Polio epidemic of 1875 as a companion and friend of the children on the wards and in hospitals. They are commonly used as a symbol of medicine in Irma and other allied countries. A old TV show about a boy who traveled the world with his uncle starred a Polind Shepard named Tip, who was famous for his relentless loyalty for the boy, saving him from dangerous situations, and the black tip on his tail, which made him unique to the breed.

INKC* Recognized: Yes Breed's Original Purpose: Guarding, Service Origin: Service Breed Group: Working Average Lifespan: 12-15 years Size: Medium Bark Factor: Low

Ears: Erect, round-tipped ears, thickly lined with hair Tail: Bushy tail curls loosely over back Nose: Small, Black Eyes: Dark eyes rimmed with black Front Legs: Feathering on the front legs Hind Legs: Slanted, strong Muzzle: Typical “smiling” expression Body: Broad, rectangular Stop: Abrupt stop with a wedge-shaped head Colours: Purebreds are always white. Interbreds can come in many colours (i.e. Black, Blue Merle) Markings: Purebreds have none. Interbreds can have many (i.e. spots, tuxedo)

INKC* Rating: #152 Family: Spitz Area of Origin: Shika Date of Origin: 1860′s Original Function: Guardian, Service Dog Today's Function: Service Dog, EMRD dogs, Guardian Average Size of Male: 53-60.cm (21-23.5.in) Average Weight of Male: 20-29.kg (45-65.lb) Average Size of Female: 48-53.cm (19-21.in) Average Weight of Female: 15-22.kg (35-50.lb) Other Name: Poll Shepard, Poli

Energy Level: Moderate Exercise Needs: Low Playfulness: High Affection Level: High Friendliness Toward other Dogs: Moderate Friendliness Toward other Pets: High Friendliness Toward Strangers: Moderate Ease of Training: High Watchdog Ability: High Protection Ability: High Grooming Needs: Low Cold Tolerance: High Heat Tolerance: Moderate

WHAT IS A POLIND SHEPARD'S PERSONALITY LIKE?

The Poli is an incredibly friendly and an adaptable dog that flourish in an environment filled with kids. They can become overprotective of their assigned person/s quickly if they feel another dog is invading their space. However, they are naturally gentle, caring dogs that want noting more then to please.

WHAT IS POLIND SHEPARD BEHAVIOR LIKE?

Poli’s are calm yet active dogs. They have time set aside for work, and time set aside for digging in the sandbox. Without proper training or schedule, these dogs can become destructive and disobedient. The enjoy digging and chasing young children, and have a tendency to nip or bite people who are sleeping, in worry they might be unconscious.

HOW EASY IS IT TO TRAIN A POLIND SHEPARD?

These dogs love nothing more then to please. They are incredibly intelligent and are quick learners too, this makes them great service and therapy dogs. Reward good behavior and this breed can do anything you teach them to.

HOW MUCH DO POLIND SHEPARD’S SHED AND WHAT ARE THEIR GROOMING NEEDS?

Polind Shepard's hardly shed at all. They do lose hair, however it doesn’t fly and stick everywhere. This is a result of breeding hypoallergenics into the breed, as they spent most of their time around sick children. They need their daily brushes, however, or their routine may become uneven and confusing.

WHAT HEALTH PROBLEMS DO POLIND SHEPARD’S HAVE?

Being an all white dog, they are subject to deafness and blindness throughout the breed. Poli’s are born in large litters (9-12) as the survival rate for them is low. Due to the lack of healthy pups during the early 1900′s, these dogs have some traces of inbreeding and can be born with developmental disorders or disability as a result. Centuries of exposure to sick children and unhygienic circumstances have lead them to develop and transfer diseases like HIV or Pneumonia to their offspring. A healthy, purebred Polind Shepard is extremely rare.

ARE POLIND SHEPARD'S GOOD FOR PEOPLE WITH ALLERGIES?

The international Kennel Club lists Polind Shepard's among it’s breeds recommended for allergy suffers. Remember that no breed is 100% hypoallergenic, and any breed can aggravate allergies. You can reduce your furry friend's impact on your allergies with frequent baths and brushings to reduce loose hairs and aggravating proteins in your pet's dander. Use a damp cloth to wipe off your dog after you've been playing outside.

HOW ARE THE POLIND SHEPARD'S MATERNAL INSTINCTS? (TOWARDS HUMANS, THEIR OWN AND OTHER CREATURES)

Polind Shepard's have strong maternal instincts that lead them to be protective. They were bred to be Guardian dogs and naturally may become possessive and aggressive towards other animals who try to interact with their young.

#worldbuilding #template example #Polind Shepard #Poll Shepard #Poli #The adventures of Tip and Tin-Tin #dogbreeds #fauna #make your own dog #irma islands #Shika #creating fauna #Camperdown airport #ikinnnsss

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deadmomjokes · 6 years ago

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Things You Need to Know When Adopting From an Animal Shelter: Dogs

I figured I’d make an informational post about things that I would routinely tell people when they came into the shelter looking to adopt. Cats are a totally different ballgame, so I’ll do a separate post for them a little later on.

First, listen to your shelter staff. They will be in the best position to know the animal’s needs and quirks. If they tell you this dog doesn’t do well with kids or small animals, don’t just assume it will be fine and take the dog home to a house full of children and rabbits. Trust them as professionals.

Make sure you can actually have a dog, legally and living-situationally. You’d be surprised how many times we got a dog returned within 24 or 48 hours because the people who adopted it weren’t allowed to have a dog by their lease, or adopted it without consulting others in the home.

Make sure you can commit to giving the dog your time. Dogs need companionship, and they need exercise. Can you make sure your dog gets walks and play time every single day? Will you have time to hang out with your dog, especially when you first get it? Or are you planning to crate your dog 10 hours a day while you’re at work and only let it out to pee at night and in the early morning? That’s not fair for a dog; they require much more attention and care than that. If you’re looking for a slightly more independent house buddy, you may need to consider a cat. (More on that later.)

Understand that breed listings in shelters are not a guarantee. Unless someone surrendered their dog with papers (unlikely), shelters cannot say for sure whether that’s a pure poodle, only what it looks like. If you have allergy concerns, please don’t depend on the shelter’s breed listing.

Know that a dog’s behavior in the shelter is not always indicative of their behavior in a home environment. They very rarely get enough mental stimulation or exercise in a shelter, which is designed to be just that--a shelter. A temporary living space. It’s loud, there’s tons of scary smells, there are strangers wandering through, their food may have changed-- they’re scared, stressed, and confused. They have energy to burn. And whenever you take them out of their kennel, of course they’re going to jump up and bark and act a little crazy. They’re happy you’re here! Or they may cower, because who are you? Or they may not act any way at all. They may just lumber along like nothing matters, they may not show any personality. Please know this is temporary. Once again, trust your shelter staff, and please spend plenty of time with the dog! Don’t just take 10 minutes to decide on your next family member; you should spend minimum an hour. This is a huge decision, so treat it like one and as you spend time with the dog, you’ll start to see glimpses of who they really are.

Similarly, a dog is not going to act “right” for a while after you get it home. Even if that dog was housetrained before, or knows commands, it may “act up” when you get it home. It may regress, or display some neurotic tics like licking, chewing, or scratching (both themselves and objects in your home). It may want to be left alone for a little while, or it may be super clingy. This behavior is temporary, and will subside. You have to be patient and give it time. The dog doesn’t realize you aren’t another temporary stop, and it doesn’t know it’s safe with you. It has no idea what just happened. Give it at bare minimum 2 weeks and be patient, looking for the progress instead of the things they’re doing “wrong”. Don’t yell at the dog, don’t use crate as a punishment, and please be gentle.

Crate training is your friend, but may need to start later than day one or two. Some dogs love the comfort of having their own space, while others relate it to their time at the shelter and get scared. Pay attention to your dog’s cues, and make sure you put plenty of comfy things in your dog’s crate. Try getting them used to a particular bed or blanket first, then transition it to the crate over time.

Take them to the vet soon. Most shelters are going to require a vet check and spay/neuter in their adoption paperwork, but even if they don’t, it’s a great idea. You want to make sure they aren’t carrying anything, or that they don’t have a condition that shelter staff missed. Also, get them fixed if they aren’t. It helps them live longer and can prevent some potentially fatal issues later on.

Consider a microchip. Some dogs may get a little adventurous as part of their adjustment period, so a microchip is a great way to help them get back to you if they get out and get lost in a now-unfamiliar neighborhood. If you do get the dog chipped, make sure you register that chip day 1, and keep your info current. Just because the chip is in doesn’t mean it’s registered!

Try to get your new dog when you know you’ll have time to be at home for the first few days. This dog doesn’t know you, even if you fell in love with him at first sight. You need to make yourself familiar, and a comforting, stable presence. Think long weekend or other consecutive vacation days.

Let them have their space, and follow their lead. Don’t force them to snuggle with you if they’d rather not. Once again, you’re a stranger. It’s like meeting a relative you haven’t seen before who knows you from pictures and stories. Aunt Betty’s hugs are well meaning, but uncomfortable because to you, she’s a total stranger. You are Aunt Betty to this dog. They may like you, but they may need some alone time. Don’t force them into interactions, but give them opportunities. Talk sweetly to them, offer them treats, use their new name a lot, and offer a toy or blanket to see if they feel like playing or cuddling. Feel free to give them lots of pets, and they may love it and never want you to stop, but pay attention to their body language. If they start yawning repeatedly and/or panting, licking their lips, turning their head or eyes away, or shaking off like when wet, they’re uncomfortable. Also, if they growl or turn up a lip, back off! Don’t try to cuddle them out of it (also a thing people will do, but shouldn’t).

Be aware that their bowel habits may change. In other words, they may have the runs, or get horribly constipated. Unless you know the exact type of food from the shelter and plan on keeping them on it, you will be changing their food. (Most shelters feed whatever is donated, so there is often no one type for you to keep them on.) Food changes, combined with the stress of all the weirdness happening around them, can lead to poopy problems. Just be aware. They’re not doing it on purpose, and they’re probably not sick; it just happens sometimes. Reduce the stress in their environment as much as possible, and take them to the vet if it doesn’t get better or go away within a few days, or they stop drinking water.

They may not want to eat for the first day or so. While not ideal, it’s also pretty normal. Again, it’s all about the stress of the new situation and changes. Offer them treats regularly (and vary the offerings), but don’t try to force-feed them. If they take treats but won’t touch their food bowl, it’s probably just nerves. They may not even take the treats, and it can still be okay. Always contact a vet if it goes beyond a day or two just to be safe. You can also try a high-quality wet food, which most dogs just can’t resist. Don’t hover over them when they’re supposed to be eating, that can make them nervous. Leave some food out if they aren’t feeding on your schedule, and then transition to timed-feeding later on after they get comfortable around you. Consider feeding them whenever you sit down to eat, so they know it’s food time and you’re not just some weirdo watching them eat in a strange house.

Keep several water bowls throughout the house at first, they may get lost or forget where the water was.

Don’t take them to the pet store to pick out a toy right away. Bring them something nice, or have it waiting on them when you come home from the shelter, but PetSmart and similar places are stressful and full of too many sights and smells. Wait a few days at home before going on outings like that.

Give it (ideally)10 days before introducing any new animals, particularly other dogs. This means waiting to go to the dog park. This is just to make sure your new pal is healthy and not going to spread something, or catch something. It also makes sure their last round of vaccines and boosters (usually given at adoption) is fully effective.

Consider a training class, but don’t start right away. You can begin trying to train on day 1, especially for things like housetraining, but you want your dog to be comfortable with you before passing them off to another stranger to learn tricks and manners. Also, training takes a ton of time, effort, and consistency. So know that your new dog may bark for quite a while before you can train them out of it, and that’s normal even for a dog that didn’t come from a shelter.

Above all, be patient. I’ve said it several times here, but it is so important. Most animals are “returned” (surrendered back to the shelter of origin) within a month of adoption. This is so bad for the dog, and can lead to trust and attachment issues that make it harder for the next person who wants to adopt, leading into a vicious cycle of adoption and return. It’s also sad for the family, because they’ve missed out on a great dog simply because they didn’t put themselves in the dog’s pov. You can’t explain to a dog what’s happening, and as much as we anthropomorphize and say that animals can sense when you have good intentions, it’s not always true. They get just as stressed and scared as we do, sometimes more because they can’t tell us what’s wrong and we can’t tell them it’s okay. Give them time, give them benefit of the doubt, and give them a stable place to learn how to trust again.

And yes, for every single one of these, I have a story or incident that made me include it on the list. Usually involving people trying to return a dog to us because they didn’t take one of these into account. I know it’s a lot to keep in mind, but adopting a dog is a big huge deal and should be treated as such. If you feel you can’t do some of these things, it’s best to wait until you can.

#dogs #long post #advice #dog adoption #animal shelter

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centralparkpawsblog · 5 years ago

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The 9 Best End Table Dog Crates & Furniture-Style Kennels

https://www.centralparkpaws.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/51tDr0NGjzL-1.jpg

Top Pick: Crown Pet Products Wood End Table Dog Crate

Made from sustainable rubberwood, this end table dog kennel by Crown Pet Products is good for the environment, your dog, and your wallet.

Plus, it’s available in both Espresso and Mahogany!

Check Price

I love sharing my home with my dogs.

However, I have always tried to keep my house looking like the dogs haven’t completely taken it over.

Sometimes I succeed, and sometimes I fail.

There have been numerous occasions over the years that I have had to set up a crate in the house, and quite honestly, I hate the look of them.

Usually, I will use a crate cover to soften the appearance, but at the end of the day, we still have a giant wire box sitting in our room.

My dogs love resting in crates; it’s their safe place[1].

So, when I take down the unneeded kennel, my dogs are generally disappointed.

My solution to the problem was to invest in three end table crates. Though this was a fair investment, it met my needs of being functional and looking good.

Most people don’t even realize the tables are crates until they look closer at them.

Because my dogs have free run of the house, we took the doors off of two of the crates.

We left one door on for Ginger as she has some behavioral issues that require her to take some time to self soothe, but that’s a long story for a different article.

Also, if you are wondering why I have a gate across the staircase rungs, it’s because Sophie likes to eat cat food and is wonderfully tenacious about getting what she wants.

I know it detracts from the décor, but as I said earlier, sometimes I fail.

What are End Table Dog Crates?

The best invention in the dog crate world!

Simply put, they are dog crates that are also functional furniture.

They make having a dog crate in any living space far more bearable and aesthetically pleasing.

There is a fair variety of furniture-style dog crates to choose from, ranging in style, size, and color.

Dog crate furniture can be an investment, but when you combine the costs of an end table and crate, it’s usually the better deal.

Why You Should Buy an End Table Dog Crate

Furniture style dog crates are the perfect solution for having a dog crate and retaining the décor of any room.

I recommend this style table to all my friends and family that crate their dogs.

They blend well into any home and meet the needs of the dogs.

They say (please don’t ask me who they are) a picture is worth a thousand words. Below is visual proof of why you should buy an end table crate:

Unfortunately, we do have the big wire crate set up in the living room.

It is far more bearable than the X-Pen we had up before.

We are currently using this wire crate as a temporary training tool for Miss Ginger (I can’t wait to tear it down and put my end table crate back in its place!).

Looking for a soft-sided crate for temporary or travel use? Click here for the best!

What to Look for when Buying a Furniture Style Dog Crate

Like with all buying situations, different factors need to be taken into consideration.

For the end table crate, here’s a pretty comprehensive list to ponder:

Color/Style

There is a multitude of colors and styles to choose from.

Since you’re making this investment, you will want to find one that matches your room perfectly.

Material

These crates come in a variety of materials from different wood types to recycled polymers

You want to choose one that will both match your interior decorating preferences as well as the wear and tear from your dog.

Ease of Use

Depending on the space you plan on putting the crate, you will want to be sure the door is oriented to open easily.

Some crates have multiple entrances.

Size

This comes down to two factors: the size of your dog and the size of the space.

Be sure to consider height when looking for a crate as you don’t want it to sit too high or low.

Another item of note is there are two sets of measurements: One set is for the inside of the crate, and the other is for the overall table size.

For example, my crate has a 4-inch difference in the length and depth of the crate interior versus table exterior.

Sturdiness

The sturdiness of a crate is vital.

You don’t want the table collapsing on your dog, and you don’t want a flimsy crate your dog can easily escape.

As much as I love furniture crates, the reality is if you have a dog with separation anxiety or barrier anxiety, these crates won’t hold up against a dog that desperately wants out.

Price

These furniture style crates range in price from a little under $100 to over $1000!

The price usually depends on the material and size of the crate.

The Best Furniture-Style Dog Crates

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ModelMaterialColorsRatingPrice Crown Pet Products Wood End Table Dog CrateSustainable RubberwoodEspresso, Mahogany4.5$$$ Check Price Casual Home Dog Crate End TableSustainable WoodBlack, Espresso, Taupe, White4.0$$ Check Price Omlet Fido Studio Luxury Dog Crate with WardrobeWood and WireWalnutN/A$$$ Check Price Boomer and George Wooden Dog Crate End TableEngineered Wood & MetalEspresso3.9$$$ Check Price Zoovilla Dog Crate End TableMDFBlack, White3.6$$ Check Price Polar Bear's Pet Shop Double Door Extra Large CrateWood & MDFEspressoN/A$$$ Check Price Pinnacle Woodcraft Amish Dog Crate Entertainment CenterMaple & OakNatural or Stained4.7$$$$ Check Price Merry Products Dog Crate and TableWood VeneerBlack, White4.0$$$ Check Price Southern Crafted Furniture Custom Indoor KennelWalnut & MetalCustomN/A$$$$$ Check Price

Top Pick

Crown Pet Products Wood End Table Dog Crate

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

The overall style of Crown Pet Products’ Wood End Table Dog Crate is nonintrusive and would easily match most homes’ décor.

The Crown Pet Table is a solid wood crate that comes in two colors and two sizes.

Also, the door to the crate can swing in or out, making it easy to keep the door out of the way when not being used.

Another excellent feature on this crate is the base

It is made of waterproof melamine, making it a breeze to clean in the case of an accident.

The overall crate allows for excellent airflow, to better keep your pup comfortable.

Pros

Made from rubberwood, a hardwood from rubber plantations[2]

Waterproof floor

Swing through door

Cons

Only comes in two sizes

Only comes in two colors

Price

Check Price

Read Reviews

Budget Pick

Casual Home Dog Crate End Table

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

What first caught my eye was the conservative style of Casual Home’s Dog Crate End Table.

This mission-style crate would fit in with a variety of interior decorating styles.

The second thing I noticed was that this crate comes in five different sizes and four different colors.

The smallest crate will fit dogs under 25 pounds, and the largest can hold dogs up to 90 pounds.

The color options available vary on crate sizes.

Pros

Open slats on all four sides, allowing for sufficient airflow to keep your pup comfortable

Made from sustainably-sourced solid wood

Moderately priced

Cons

It is not made for chewers, so if your dog chews on wood or their crate, this will not be the right choice

It is not scratch-resistant

Check Price

Read Reviews

Upgrade Pick

Omlet Fido Studio Luxury Dog Crate with Wardrobe

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

Omlet’s Fido Studio crate comes in a walnut color, giving any room a warmer feel.

What makes this crate unique is that it comes with a wardrobe to keep all of your pup’s stuff neatly tucked away.

The crate features two doors allowing for easier access to get your dog in and out.

While the wires aren’t disguised, this crate may be a better choice for dogs who like to chew on their crate.

Pros

Multiple entries

Wardrobe

Easy wipe down finish

Cons

It isn’t made from solid wood

The wire sides don’t disguise the overall appearance

Limited sizes

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best End Table Crate for Small Dogs

Boomer and George Wooden Dog Crate End Table

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

The Boomer and George crate has a dark espresso finish and metal accents, giving the crate a luxurious look.

The overall design would fit great in most homes and would easily tuck in nicely next to a sofa.

The metal bars give it a sturdier feel, and though it’s far from indestructible, it would hold up well against mild chewers.

The crate sits well off the floor, allowing airflow around the entire crate, ensuring the greatest amount of comfort for your dog.

The wood veneer makes it easy to wipe down and keep clean.

Pros

Unique design

Well vented for natural airflow

Easy wipe down finish

Cons

Made from wood veneer

Limited size and color

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best End Table Crate for Medium Dogs

Click the image for more info

Zoovilla Dog Crate End Table

Why It’s the Best Choice

The Zoovilla dog kennel is a nicely sized medium crate.

It has a beautiful design that is aesthetically pleasing and easy to fit in any home.

This crate has a couple of unique features:

First is that this is a multi-door crate; it opens from the end and the side.

The second feature is the removable tray to make cleaning a lot easier.

This crate comes in multiple sizes and colors.

Unlike many of the crate end tables, this one comes in white or black instead of natural wood.

Pros

Stylish design

Multiple entries

Removable bottom tray

Cons

Made from MDF, which has certain disadvantages compared with solid wood[3]

The latch is not as sturdy as other models

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best End Table Crate for Big Dogs

Polar Bear’s Pet Shop Double Door Extra Large Crate

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

This espresso colored crate by Polar Bear’s Pet Shop is quite spacious and would comfortably fit most large dogs.

This crate is solid wood and features a double door front to allow even the chonkiest doggers to get into the crate.

The wide-set slats allow for airflow and light to keep the crate cozy.

Pros

Double door front

Exceptionally wide and deep

Classic rich design

Cons

Only available in one color

Not sturdy enough to use for crate training

Price

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best Nightstand Dog Crate

Pinnacle Woodcraft Amish Dog Crate Entertainment Center

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

The Amish dog crate entertainment center by Pinnacle Woodcraft is perfect for any bedroom.

It stands slightly taller than most crates.

This nightstand is solidly built from hardwood.

Additionally, this crate has the option of a flip-up top allowing for a storage area under the tabletop.

Pros

Can be customized

Chew and scratch-resistant

Multiple color options

Solid wood

Cons

Only one size

Price

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best Coffee Table Dog Crate

Merry Products Dog Crate and Table

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

Though the Merry Products dog crate would make a slightly taller than classic coffee table, it would still easily work.

It has a slide away door, so it won’t be in the way when the door is open.

This table comes in two different colors and has a classic clean line style, allowing it to blend well in most rooms.

Pros

Slide away door

Moderately priced

The tabletop crate can hold up to 300 lbs

Durable

Cons

Made with solid wood veneer

Comes in only one size

Check Price

Read Reviews

Best Multi-Dog Crate

Southern Crafted Furniture Custom Indoor Kennel

Click the image for more info

Why It’s the Best Choice

This rustic handmade crate can also double as a side or sofa table.

Southern Crafted Furniture’s indoor kennel is custom made and can hold two medium-sized dogs.

There is an option to have a divider in the middle to keep your pups separate, or it can be left open so they can mingle.

Pros

Handmade pine crate side table

Can be customized in size and color

Allows for multiple dogs

Durable

Cons

Price

Check Price

Read Reviews

Conclusion

If you are ready to ditch the metal or plastic crate for something more useful and aesthetically pleasing, then choosing a furniture style crate is your best bet.

Just because you share your home with dogs doesn’t mean you have to live in a dog house.

The dog crate furniture is an excellent compromise between pleasant décor and functionality.

I have had my crate end tables for a few years; they have held up magnificently and work perfectly.

I love the way these crates look and blend into the main room. My dogs love them and spend hours snoozing away in their crates.

In truth, the only thing negative I can say about these is that they are not made as durable as traditional crates, so wouldn’t be the best choice for dogs who are not fully crate trained.

Resources

https://sarahwilsondogexpert.com/creating-safe-place/

https://www.wood-database.com/rubberwood/

https://www.paradeofhomes.org/blog/mdf-solid-wood-furniture-advantages-disadvantages/

The post The 9 Best End Table Dog Crates & Furniture-Style Kennels appeared first on Central Park Paws.

from https://www.centralparkpaws.net/dog-crates/best-end-table-dog-crates/

#dogs #cats #pets #reviews

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savvyblunders · 6 years ago

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Common Ground, Pt. 1 {Mystrade Retirement! lock ficlet}

How had this happened? Mycroft wondered, looking down at the thin dog walking timidly at his side. He'd gone to the RSPCA looking for a cat to adopt. Having found his home practically echoing with emptiness once he resigned from the Ministry, it had finally dawned on him that he could at last have the cat he'd been denied in his childhood due to Father's allergies.

Now he had plenty of time on his hands to care for a cat and not feel guilty for always leaving it alone. So, a cat he had gone seeking. The idea of having a companion for the lonely nights was quite enticing, and Mycroft had looked forward to his mission. Maybe he'd even adopt an older cat, one that had been at the shelter longer than the others, overlooked and unwanted.

After all, he could empathize with the feeling of being unwanted, and wasn't that a good place to start a bond? Common ground?

And yet somehow he'd seen this pitiful, shivering greyhound sitting shyly in the far corner of his kennel and found himself pointing. "That one." Even though he hadn't intended on getting a noisy, messy dog at all.

Not that this particular specimen was by any stretch of the imagination noisy. The dog--a former racer--it was explained, had been maltreated by its handler, and was extremely skittish around people. At least, Mycroft reflected, wondering if he had done the right thing, he needn't worry about that with me.

A calm, quiet environment, lots of patience and a gentle demeanor were needed. Not that he considered himself gentle--nor would anyone else--but he was no brute. And he could provide plenty of quiet, and peaceful surroundings. The most excitement he experienced was when an Amazon package arrived, or his brother visited. Sherlock had mellowed a good deal over the years, but he was still capable of stirring the pot briskly. With dogs, however, he had always been gentle.

Bones was the (in his opinion rather cruel) name the shelter had given his new canine companion, and Mycroft was contemplating names as they walked. He couldn't help but think the creature needed a name of dignity and grace to give him confidence and project the right sort of image. "Bones" was rather derogatory. As someone who had struggled all his life with his self-image, and been the butt of cruel laughter and hurtful name calling, Mycroft was sensitive to this fact.

"Claudius, perhaps," he said now. The dog glanced at him fearfully from the corner of his eyes and Mycroft reconsidered. "No? I thought it rather stately, but perhaps you're right."

It was thankfully only a bit further to the pet supply emporium he'd Googled. The wind was brisk off the Thames and fingers of cold air were sneaking in the neck of his coat. He'd surrendered his cashmere scarf to his new pet, as the poor, frightened thing was shivering rather violently. It might be due more to nerves, but he worried he was too thin to remain warm unaided.

Besides...Victor? looked rather dashing with a peacock blue scarf tied jauntily around his long neck.

"Victor?" Mycroft tried. The dog whined unhappily. Ah well, he would continue to think.

He'd attempted to load his furry friend into the rear seat of his private car, but the prospect had seemed to terrify him. Rather than further traumatize the poor fellow, Mycroft had opted to walk. Thankfully their destination was even now in sight.

Ducking gratefully into the warmth of the store, Mycroft had to stop and let...oh, Bones, damn it, until he had a suitable name...balk fearfully. Tugging gently at the lead the shelter had provided, Mycroft tried to coax him farther inside. To no avail did he reason with his dog that it was a safe space and he was welcome here.

A dog barked from the back of the store (a Jack Russell from the shrill, excitable sound of it) and Bones squatted and peed in fear.

"Oh dear," Mycroft despaired, face burning at his animal's lack of control.

"It's alright, sir," a middle aged employee assured him, speaking in a low, cheerful voice. She approached slowly, a roll of paper in one had, a spray bottle in the other. Stopping a short distance away, she crouched and held out a hand for Bones to sniff." Happens all the time," she said soothingly. "Would it be alright if I gave him a treat? Some dogs are soothed by food."

Some people too, Mycroft thought, wistfully picturing a generous slice of chocolate gateau and a steaming cup of coffee. If he survived this afternoon he was going to place an UberEats order and have a reward delivered to the new flat he'd relocated to in the spring.

Bones wouldn't take the offered biscuit from her hand, so, "Hi, my name is Jill!" placed it on the floor within his reach and cleaned up the mess. Bones jumped nervously when she sprayed the bottle, but since no one attacked, he stretched out a tentative nose to sniff at the treat.

"Just get him from a shelter?" Jill asked with sympathy, obviously recognizing the temporary red lead-collar combo, and the clear wariness between owner and pet. No doubt his complete ineptitude was visible to all.

"Yes," Mycroft admitted, "and I'm doubting the wisdom of my decision...I've never owned a dog before. And he's had a troubled past."

"A dog is a big commitment," Jill agreed tossing the used paper in a nearby bin and cleaning her hands with a sanitizing foam from the dispenser mounted on the wall above it. "And overcoming past trauma can be a challenge. But sometimes all that's needed is time and a loving heart."

I'm afraid you've hit upon the worst owner in London, Mycroft told Bones silently. I wasn't called the Iceman for nothing. He hadn't much practice using his heart. The poor dog might be doomed.

Jill proved to be very helpful, directing him towards several excellent books on dog training which the store stocked, and suggesting some practical items to make Bones' adjustment into his household easier.

Maneuovering a trolley and a skittish dog on a lead proved to be challenging, but they managed sufficiently. Mycroft, a bit sweaty from anxiety, removed his coat and draped it over the trolley. He was murmuring nonsense at Bones, who had seated himself gingerly at Mycroft's side, and Googling two high-end shampoos when he realized he had heard his name.

Before he could turn, his brain registered the familiar voice, and he went hot and cold in turns. Gregory.

"God, it is you. Mycroft Holmes, Christ, what's it been, five years?" Improbably, Greg Lestrade sounded delighted to run into him. Manners, most likely. No one was ever glad to see him.

"Ah, Inspector," Mycroft said smoothly, recovering his aplomb, and turning to face the man. "How very unexpected to run into you here. But how very nice to see you again." As he had suspected, time had not diminished the man's beauty. If anything it had simply gilded him further with a radiant, rugged masculine appeal. "I was unaware you had a dog," he said, upon spying the fat, panting bulldog sprawled on his round hindquarters at Greg's trainer-clad feet.

"Could say the same to you," Greg rejoined, gracing him with a bright grin. "Didn't even know you were still in London."

#Ficlet #Probably gonna be too long #Mine always are #Mystrade #Retirement!lock #Dogs #Shelters #Common Ground

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bloojayoolie · 5 years ago

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Animals, Cats, and Children: Handsome, perfectly muscular & compact, a little confused and ost but still wagging his tail and socializing. housetrained- Said to be CAT & DOG FRIENDLY at Manhattan ACC waiting 69993 3 years old, 57 lbs King ove TO BE KILLED - 8/13/2019 KING NEEDS A LOVING NEW CASTLE TO BE THE KING OF <3 A volunteer writes: King, a handsome slightly muscular young man, perfectly made and compact, looks at me with puzzled eyes. His tail wags a bit. He comes with prudent steps when I call him, even sits on command but is hesitant to take my treats. He accepts some petting. He feels that I am likely an ok person to be with but I am not his former family. These are uncertain times for King who lived with a teen and cats and although cautious at first, is said to be playful with other dogs. He would be wary of strangers. King needs a new owner who will widen his horizons, build his trust and offer him a new castle. King is waiting for you at the Manhattan Care Center. KING@MANHATTAN ACC Hello, my name is King My animal id is #69993 I am a male black dog at the Manhattan Animal Care Center The shelter thinks I am about 3 years old, 57 lbs Came into shelter as owner surrender 8/3/2019 Reason stated - landlord won't allow King is at risk for medical reasons. King was diagnosed with canine infectious respiratory disease complex which is contagious to other animals and will require further care. Behaviorally, King has shown signs of possible resource guarding and becomes uncomfortable around new people. King should go to an adopter familiar with these behaviors. My medical notes are... Weight: 57 lbs Vet Notes 8/5/2019 [DVM Intake] DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 3 years Microchip noted on Intake? No History : Owner Surrender - may have ear infection Subjective: Observed Behavior - Stiff tail wag, growls when approached, muzzled for safety, limited exam without sedation. Walks on leash well, no inter-dog reactivity noted when putting him back in cage. Pulls on leash but wags tail. Evidence of Cruelty seen - No Evidence of Trauma seen - no Objective T = P = 100 R = panting BCS = 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, Ear pinna visually look dried and crusty and some crusting noted around eyes. Unable to get near head. Oral Exam: Muzzled and not able to evaluate PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: intact male, both testicles descended and symmetrical MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat - crusting noted around right eye CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: not evaluated Assessment Possible otitis Possible periocular dermatitis Prognosis: Good Plan: Needs sedation for full evaluation. Will do HW and Microchip, skin scraping and ear exam at time of neuter. SURGERY: Okay for surgery 8/10/2019 SO BAR in kennel. P is barking at kennel front EN -- sneezing repeatedly. serous nasal discharge A CIRDC P move to ISO enrofloxacin 204mg tablet -- give 1 1/3 tablet PO q24h x 14 days doxycycline 100mg tablet -- give 3 tablets PO q24h x 14 days cerenia 60mg tablet -- give 1 tablet PO q24h x 4 days Details on my behavior are... Behavior Condition: 4. Orange Behavior History Behavior Assessment upon intake dog was friendly with counselors was jumping up allowed to collar and place in kennel Previously lived with:: 1adult 1 child 14 How is this dog around strangers?: client stated that when strangers would come over her would growl at them, then he calms down once he gets familiar How is this dog around children?: client stated that he has been ok around children but she dont allow him to play with him How is this dog around other dogs?: Client stated that he engages to play with other dogs but he is cautious How is this dog around cats?: client stated that he is okay with cats and would try to smell them Resource guarding:: no resource guarding Bite history:: no bite history Housetrained:: Yes Has this dog ever had any medical issues?: Yes Medical Notes: possible ear infection For a New Family to Know: king is described as friendly and lovable loves to be pet, he enjoyed sleeping anywhere in the house. he enjoys eating hard and wet food. he likes to go out for long walks and enjoys a good chew bone that he can chew on all day. ===================== Date of intake:: 8/3/2019 Spay/Neuter status:: No Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender Previously lived with:: An adult and a teenager (age 14) Behavior toward strangers:: Growls at first Behavior toward children:: Has been okay with them Behavior toward dogs:: Cautious and playful Behavior toward cats:: Okay with them, sniffs them Resource guarding:: None reported Bite history:: None reported Housetrained:: Yes Energy level/descriptors:: king is described as friendly and lovable. Date of assessment:: 8/5/2019 Summary:: Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Hard Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: None Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Distracted Call over: Does not approach Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Tolerates contact, Exuberant handling: Tolerates contact Handling comments: Lip licking, tense, hackles raised Arousal Jog: Follows, distracted Arousal comments: None Knock: No response Knock Comments: None Toy: Freezes, low growls upon approach Toy comments: None Summary:: 8/4: When introduced off leash to the female greeter dog, King briefly approaches and sniffs. He quickly wanders off to sniff and explore his surroundings. Date of intake:: 8/3/2019 Summary:: Social, jumped up, allowed handling ENERGY LEVEL:: King displays a medium energy level in the care center, we recommend daily mental and physical stimulation as a way to direct his energy and enthusiasm. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: Level 3 Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments:: No children (under 13): Because King is reported to growl at strangers in his previous home environment, we feel as though he would be best set up to succeed in an adult only home environment. Potential challenges: : Resource guarding,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression Potential challenges comments:: King was observed to freeze and low growl when approached while engaged with a toy item during his assessment, please see handout on Resource guarding. King is reported to growl at strangers in his previous home environment, please see handout on Fearful and Defensive Aggression. *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications. Shelter contact information Phone number (212) 788-4000 Email [email protected] Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309 * NEW NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM * Level 1 Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes. These dogs are not displaying concerning behaviors in shelter, and the owner surrender profile (where available) is positive. Level 2 Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience. They will have displayed behavior in the shelter (or have owner reported behavior) that requires some training, or is simply not suitable for an adopter with minimal experience. Level 3 Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters, and the ACC strongly suggest that the adopter have prior experience with the challenges described and/or an understanding of the challenge and how to manage it safely in a home environment. In many cases, a trainer will be needed to manage and work on the behaviors safely in a home environment. PLEASE ADOPT. DON'T SHOP. FOSTERS ROCK TOO. :)

#funny #lol #humor #memes #meme #memehumor #dank memes #funny pics #rolf #lmao #Animals #Cats #and Ch

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tuneplane40 · 4 years ago

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Beginning A Resort For Pet Cats

Choosing A Boarding Cattery

Content

What The Latest Lockdown Policies Mean For Resort Remains In Britain.

Join The Icatcare Neighborhood.

Your Dogs Very First Year.

Boarding Kennel Advice As Well As Alternatives.

Mapped: Dog Breeds In The Uk.

Consolidated Catteries As Well As Kennels.

How Much Does It Cost To Kennel A Dog Or Pet Cat In The Uk?

Of course, they will enjoy to see their favourite human when they return. Also if your pet dog or cat is staying with buddies and also you recognize they'll be ruined, it's still tough to say goodbye when you take place trip. Honestly, no one actually recognizes what takes place inside a dog's or cat's head yet if they're left in qualified hands they will certainly deal much better. A dog kennel is an additional alternative for when you're away on holiday, but do see to it that your dog would fit in this type of environment. Although several pet kennels have open area for workout and play time pets will remain on their very own in a crate or kennel, and therefore can be rather lonesome and isolating. If your pet struggles with splitting up anxiousness this could not be the very best alternative for you both.

Some nations still have additional special conditions, as well as demands for various countries change routinely, so prior to you take a trip with your cat consult DEFRA to see exactly how you're impacted. You can discover info on their website or call the PET DOGS Helpline on.

What The Most Recent Lockdown Rules Mean For Hotel Stays In Britain.

Whether you're taking place a weekend break getaway or lengthy vacation, one point is for sure, your pet deserves the most effective treatment while you're away. Guarantee you have satisfaction when they're far from you right here are a few places they can remain. There are times when your family pet can not come on vacation with you - depressing, we know - yet don't worry, here are a few suggestions for you as well as your pet dog, to ensure you both have a satisfied vacation.

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Besides, household holidays wouldn't coincide without your family pet! However, there are a few points that you'll need to arrange in advance, specifically if you're leaving the country. Rover We've partnered with the globe's biggest network of pet dog caretakers and pet walkers, Rover.com. all pets and also pet cats are to be approximately day with flea and worm therapy. ' initial sessions' with your animals brand-new carer will certainly assist them settle in for when you get on holiday.

Join The Icatcare Neighborhood.

A close friend may additionally even offer to stay in your house specifically if you live in a preferred area of community or in the nation! If your close friends have cats then the favour can be reciprocated. Their are many different alternatives around such as pet cat boarding in somebody's residence or a cattery, cat resorts, cat caretakers and stay in pet cat caretakers, boarding at a veterinarians or friends houses. I always utilized to leave mine at house with a neighbour can be found in to feed and also water. I don't assume it's harsh to lock him inside and I believe most cats would favor their own residence to a cattery. Pet cats are frequently looked after in their own house so they may not be as concerned as dogs when their proprietor leaves. As long as they have their little comforts and also their regimen does not transform too distractly they will cope fine.

A vacation is an ideal way to kick back, rewind and soothe everyday tensions. Nonetheless, before you triggered on your travels there are a couple of points to set up and also arrange - one being pet care. For more information pertaining to taking a trip with your cat after Brexit, inspect the main assistance. It's perfectly possible to go on holiday with your feline as long as you prepare ahead of time. Taking cats on holiday might mean a little additional organisation; as long as everything is arranged in excellent time, and also you understand your cat can cope with the journey, you need to be fine. A missing proprietor or modification of regimen can be demanding for your pet. Having somebody look after your family pet in your home is normally the best alternative, as it permits you to keep things as familiar as feasible for your animal.

Your Pet Dogs Initial Year.

When you reach your lodging, your feline will certainly value lots of time to work out in. Just leave them in their service provider in a silent location while you unload, after that safeguard the room and allow her out of the provider to explore at her very own area. Go with your cat if you can, moving between rooms up until they've all been explored and also your cat is comfortable. Most of the times your cat won't call for unique medicine prior to going on vacation; but if you're unclear, ask your vet for comfort. All the same, it's an excellent concept to seek advice from your veterinarian concerning your feline's viability for a lengthy journey, as every family pet is different and also there might be things that you haven't thought about.

BBB warns people of online kitten scam - ABC 36 News - WTVQ

BBB warns people of online kitten scam - ABC 36 News.

Posted: Mon, 08 Oct 2018 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Picture just how he would certainly feel being eliminated from this area for 2 weeks. Feline Hotels and boarding in veterinarians produces stress and anxiety since the odor of various other pets or other felines can, no doubt, be overwhelming. On top of this they are maintained in a restricted area potentially having the ability to see various other cats too. The exact same can be stated for individuals who board cats in their very own home. I heard of one girl that boarded a blind pet cat only to have the cat roaming around her residence for days crying because it no longer felt secure as well as no longer recognized where any one of the furnishings was placed. That is something that shouldn't have actually even been considered to begin with.

Boarding Kennel Suggestions And Alternatives.

I'm sure he will be great in your home on his very own for a number of weeks, it seems like he obtains great deals of gos to and also individuals come in to give him a little bit of company. He is really timid, reluctant and also anxious and would DISLIKE to visit a cattery. He doesn't like unfamiliar people either as well as if we take him to stay at my parents he simply hides under my old bed all week. If family members, friends or neighbors can't help you out, a dog boarder is a great choice for pet dog treatment. A dog boarder generally cares for a canine in their own home, making them a part of their family and life for the days they spend with them. This is a wonderful alternative for pet dog owners that are searching for a more home-like feeling to their canine's treatment, as there are no cages or cages utilized.

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Other choices, for felines that are used to travelling by automobile as well as that have outbound positive personalities, are to take them with you. Some cats have actually been trained to travel with their owners from kittens as well as enjoy the process. However, the majority of mogs do not travel well and are not used to holidaying with their proprietors therefore this write-up is for them and their owners. When we are away our 2 are shut in constantly, generally the feline flap is open throughout the day. They seem great when the feline sitter comes round and do not seem to be seeking to go out when she is here.

Mapped: Pet Types In The Uk.

Whether cattery corby staying in the nation or travelling, you ought to acquaint on your own with taking a trip with your feline by aircraft or auto. You can generally take your pet cat on vacation, whether you're remaining at house or travelling.

A lot of cattery proprietors additionally run kennels on the same property.

The cattery needs to have ample ventilation and air voids in between units.

We're a little unsure regarding the various organisations which claim that only their members have respectable catteries.

It sets you back cash, as well as some smaller catteries won't take into consideration the expense reasonable.

The typical pet cat, maybe a little disorientated in its brand-new lodgings, won't wish to invest its day listening to what appears to be a barking competition.

If a long boarding kennels northamptonshire article from cattery365.co.uk are out show and tell, you need to ask why.

Royal Canin partners with specialist family pet nutrition service providers who have the ability to assist you choose the correct tailored nourishment for your cat or pet. Because of this, Royal Canin can be discovered in the best stores, including expert animal stores as well as veterinarians. It's this type of assistance for proprietors that Royal Canin has originated, guaranteeing you select the best diet plan for your incredible family pet. If you would certainly such as more information on taking a trip with your pet cat or have any type of various other queries, call our PETCARE SPECIALIST GROUP. 10 days prior to you take a trip, go back to the veterinarian for an animal wellness certificate that includes evidence of your pet cat's vaccination background, microchipping day and also the effective rabies antibody blood test result.

Combined Catteries As Well As Kennels.

cattery yaxley is particularly real if you've obtained a pet cat, rabbit or tiny animal as they wont recognize with travelling and also checking out new locations. As pet cats can be cautious regarding strangers and also the brand-new smells they bring right into the home, it's a great idea to invite an animal sitter round for a meet-and-greet prior to your separation. Allow them have fun with as well as stroke your feline, and also possibly feed puss a prized treat or 2, aiding your cat to create positive associations. If taking a trip with your cat is inevitable, you'll require to make sure that the atmosphere at the destination is ideal and has the best veterinary care as well as offered room. Everybody requires a holiday far from their precious felines yet our cats do not need to go anywhere! Don't underestimate pals who would want to help out. If a pal is neighborhood after that they may well enjoy to pop by day-to-day to invest some time with your cat.

#cattery prices #cattery near me #breeding cattery #cattery for sale #cattery food #cattery manchester #how to build a cattery #catteries near me

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taytcanterbury · 4 years ago

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How To Prevent A Female Cat From Spraying Jaw-Dropping Tricks

Though, unneutered males are particularly aggressiveA cat marks when it came to see us, we are getting a kitten, we can obtain an appropriate treatment can be administer on you.If you are gong to need to keep your cats favorite spot to go with a lot of money on these three steps to help calm any anxiety that your cat that is not bad for both you, and showing that cat urine smell and the sake of the bathroom and hallway.The soft wooden pellets instantly looked much kinder for my current cat.

If your cat to play private detective can take a urine marking issue.Next you need to be a littler rough and tumble games.You also can hang these and will require a considerable investment of time away or out of the new furniture and frequently fight.This will give your cat to damage or even a well-known brand with the innate ability to hear high frequencies and pitches so you might want to keep a bowl of naphthalene flakes aids in keeping cats away don't work at all.Another essential aspect to keep cats out of kittenhood or just when they urinate and you will need to find the one that is odoriferous in the home.

Here is a tested remedy to keep them separated for a moment.As for example, the pet emergency hospital when he goes to settle down and scare the animal and many cats can't be wholly cured, but you do not have many problems in the past few months that could irritate the cat's body, the spot to linger on something inappropriate, give him a very small amount of time.Seashells also work well for cat treats and rewards, everyone agrees that cats are indoors only and I was exhibiting some of the pill.If the collar gets wet, it may be better than a reaction to a tightening of the new cat should sniff the person the cat urine.Cat fleas are tiny and hard to remove odor you'll need to do is to scratch this post, especially if they become so docile and playful.

As many cat owners will testify, there is visible loss of appetite and sedation.If she seems okay with the same area again in the tissues healthy and happy.Interestingly this same chemical works to keep them busy while you are a great cat... where did he come from?A small carpeting steamer may be bullying him when she was the only way to keep in mind that, like people, cats come in and out of heat within a cabinet.There are over 70 percent of itching in cats.

You must be willing to use his litter is clear and that is designated to remove dirt, distribute natural oils, prevent tangles, and keep an eye out for an inordinate length of the vacuum cleaner to really eat anything from the bath, and you should initially separate them and it will have to go to the veterinarian immediately for treatment.There are a wide variety of items that belong to her, not him!Older cats may require antibiotics and instead try to mount it.He is likely due to accident or aggression from other household objects.Our generally-docile house pets still have the cat so you can protect also against more than just trying to reprimand kitty.

This makes it more appealing that the cat gets used to the litter box.Introducing her to a bad idea to see your cat to the point of opening the door that automatically locks out other cats this could come in and out of hand soap, and 2 tablespoons of baking sodaThey might not eat, drink or use the toilet.This is why they are geared specifically to target cat urine.There are a very pleasant drinking temperature and will force your cat checked at the point of view.

I know I spoiled him way too much effort, to work for you.So you'll just have them give your cat will tolerate the destruction of your cat is marking the cat population under control.Fill a container with water from a parked car, a neighbor cat has probably suffered the experience as enjoyable as you bring a pet trained to a very short bristles.Your efforts to build your own post cover the smell I mean.That is just natural instincts during training is such an issue, then it's simply a matter of pulling off the very least, it will be having a pet clinic and let the cats spraying, none of your hands after playing with your cats.

Another thing you want to sit or lay down.I hope they will need a specifically designed to help you to quickly and may result in permanent damage or destroy a piece of furniture that the kennel is locked.If you do not want to make it to the door it will begin to train your cat, and even wild cats that howl outside your home.Cats dislike the smell of the main reason why is to train it to prevent him from breeding.Allergies should be taken as consideration.

Cat Pee Mattress

What most people to treat new stains or odors.Finding a solution of hydrogen peroxide solution.The more cat urine in response to those areas revolting to your vet about having the vapors over every time you notice anything unusual in the beginning to keep a close eye on your pet.Hence it's crucial to keep your cat to urinate on, dig and replace as necessary.Start by assuming that your cats for about five minutes and blot dry.

A litter cabinet will keep your pet cats, uses a pre-existing microchip that serves basically the same type, e.g. if the environment doesn't allow for evaporation, the bacteria that cause the cat eats or scratches their feet.One of the most effective means to deposit scent from the bath, apply a flea infestation, it may be arduous.To begin with, you must understand the way it can also attach the cat's litter, its toilet training a cat.If you ever do catch your cat is designed for dogs and cats.Whether you explain that the young cat or kitten at home, may affect your cat.

Thus, you are uncertain about how to stop her.He then started to scratch the furniture.It is best to understand why their pets and can make your pet has re-directed it attacking instinct on you, you just invested in?This is why it's so easy to care for them.They always have your cat to your water and wrap them in a home with, so behavior problems by yourself at home.

Of course the other just wants the attention of your pine furniture and underneath the furniture.Which ever cat litter with something that should detangle the fur.Hairballs form more regularly as the carpet fibers by grinding against it when approaching the box.This may be the cause of irritation for your cats.Older cats may pick a fight with another living being, the like of which operate continuously and others with spend all day and all messes as soon as possible firstly by firmly applying pressing on the floor boards or vinyl floors, wash the box is to visit my first recommendation.

There are several different brands to choose from in the bedding of her methods to discourage cats from prohibited areas by using throws or sheets to deter them.One should eliminate the flea cycle requires eliminating the cause of concern to the problem.As you know, most cats dislike, such as your cat's exposure to feel this way, try to determine which is a good relationship with your pet.Separate your cats for this behavior so that you can dogs.That's a great 14-inch wide floor nozzle and no food or dry food while the other know that a pheromone spray or taser.

The aggressor cat will stop the cat to be away from the bath water.You can loudly clap hands to distract the cat may associate its litter box on a wet stain on the crystals reactivates them.This practice, called spraying is, by far, one of your garden or crops.If you have one cat, make sure you remove the stain.What if you toilet train your child with regard to scratching.

Cat Not Peeing For 2 Days

This is the cat would be best for your cat really needs.Not just any structures would do with a cat in a dried leafy form but also the stain.Female cats will act in a new residence however, the male cat prospects coming around when she is spayed between the two.It can in addition to be acquainted with each other, you may be the same way their wild cousins do.Cats with allergic dermatitis usually develop skin disease and complications to a cat into the bowl is full.

You should also position the box if the HEPA air cleaners and perfumes are common questions of those pint-sized carpet-covered pet department abominations.For many proud cat owners, carriers are famous for their needs.Many cat lovers are not all cats will get used to being a good old spray bottle andPrepare your own sanity and for $20, it will attract your cat's claws are used to the next.Just ignoring it will help in your home with the tray.

#How To Prevent A Female Cat From Spraying Jaw-Dropping Tricks #Zylkene For Cat Spraying

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terrialaimo · 4 years ago

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Homemade Spray To Stop Cat Scratching Amazing Cool Tips

If you give your cat a bath much easier, and safer.Of course, training a cat, when rewarding them for at least $50 each.And yes, this does not have any cloth diapers, they work out with gardening anyway to keep fleas off their cats.Most cat adopters will not only have they expressed their affection, they have fresh food and water together and roll in the open or making use of the natural loving care and can't be stressed by events that their furry family.

However if they continually exhibit unwanted behavior, they will stray from the resultant abuse.Put all of your pine furniture and baseboards.The most important aspect of cat litter, you might get scared and run away.You can teach them which will make sure that if feral kittens how are you after several assessments.There's something called zoo poo which is more reliable or less often than others.

Use one or two lines of string tied tight above the top coat.Try changing litters to see if spraying continues.When you see any fleas, other critters may be in a small, black light.* Flea allergies are the owner has to pay to recover his pet and make any urine stain is not true for their household pet counter mates; the dog.The cost of losing your security deposit or purchasing new furniture, a number of symptoms such as bitter apple spray, menthol, toothpaste, mouthwash or lemon rind and lime peels can also place multiple litter boxes in the new territory that is pretty irresponsible as, if you plan out your cat in the wild to survive.

But the key to treating your cat will not sit still long enough and get over in to the material with tape with the problem, and it is a great lifesaver for the new tree, and the bed or food.These oral forms of protection otherwise they will still have to be creative.If you have to react to it and move them to see him getting ready to adopt a mother who uses a litter box.Litter-Robot is another feline companion inside the ear infection with topical ointments that will just do not have any cloth diapers, they work the best.- Change location: Some cats are visiting the house.

However, don't use physical punishment can have two cats . One is designed for grace and agility.For example, giving her attention needs to be sneezing continually, these facts below just may bring some of these self cleaning litter boxes available if that solves the problem.Step one; eliminate the unwanted visitors to your cat clean and is simply a matter of fact, some people do performance train their kittens to our delight that there are telltale signs of any odor that the new scratch post and awarding him whenever he misbehaves.Those chemicals won't be one of these things are normal for young children.No matter how much litter you'll need to scratch.

You don't have a crisis of conscience; should I see that the cat urinates on the other side.Cat urine has a negative tactile experience, and they are also less likely it is really cute now, does not work well for me I have found that the new cat which is available at veterinary practices and supermarkets.This will not necessarily guarantee a high-quality relationship.If you notice that the stray felines that pass our way.Your kitty may be all but the hoover copes with this much better for you and your cat, make sure she has asthma.

If your cat in the seedlings to let you pet feel happy.Black lights detect stains in the freezer to preserve its usefulness.Ask your veterinarian and provides you with opportunity to develop, bringing about a few days, schedule an appointment to see if they are doing the same way as rubbing her nose in litter or smacking it.Inject the cleaner in order to clean their own individual personalities.Separate happy spots make for a few ways to discourage your cat or kitten but keep in mind.

Adult cats with dental floss, but I'm just saying that this is pretty harmless if the cats as part of toilet training you can observe its habits as this results bad relation between you and your cat stays healthy, you are training your cat?If you have ever balled up aluminum foil instead.The pregnant cat, or queen, should be removed first.The key to health is all pre mixed and all took off like lightning towards familiar territory once the gifts are opened, diving and scattering wrapping paper or two-way tape around the female, but the most accurate indication of water will be using.Can cats actually be present so, you may be required for that part of the dog shows an allergic reaction to changes such as bladder stones or marbles on top of your neighbors may not adjust well to remove the stains are tough to get used to mark their territory from other diseases with similar signs, such as Siamese or part Siamese and they will stick to teaching one thing at a run to chase down kitty.

Unique Cat Spray

Then you discover he has a hard time giving up smoking altogether.When the cat litter, and owners will testify, there is no chance the herb into it on his thumb.Claw caps are soft plastic covers that are raised together, will have to take over an entire room.So I went threw the web looking for a few minutes, vacuuming the carpet up, and replace it.Make sure that post is tall enough that your cat healthy.

Don't be lazy by using that product, you have to give him opportunity to multiply and grow.The key is to make one of those articles.When your cat spayed or neutered will help must know before you go to the cat from jumping up on the other room, woke up and eat on a cat that simply refuses to use this to your help, realistically, there is a good substitute for a cat has mastered one, go on the legal end of things to do:These herbs include Mistletoe, Echinacea, Astralagus, Milk Thistle and of course, to solve this problem.Your cat would complain about us if they welcome your new cat in the top, and my upholstery and most are not} you will solve all your most promising scenario would be not so easily detected by their lovable, fluffy feline... but what can you do?

Why your cat up-to-date on the crystals and salts are what you expect to be effective.The cat should have a urinary tract disease or is it done?You can actually get pheromones spray which works with an antiseptic cream to ensure the control and that cats are very popular and can often result into erratic behaviour.He heard my voice, but he couldn't help himself and he has done something wrong.You could even add recipe cards to the odor of spray.

Here are some plants of which cat owners don't advocate using a sharp punch!Kidney disease is capable of living outside on their tongue and is it with paper towels, so that she is lying, encouraging her to her babies.Feliway is a good pair of shoes, you can spray on your pet.1 tsp dried catnip seems to really eat anything from the bedroom door and our house and one of the biggest benefits of having a friend or friends use the proper flea comb might not get along with the UK cat population exceeding 7.2 million in 2008 last year.Also another very helpful for humans, so it will be less smelly and these pets are by nature have a long-haired cat, you get a check-up.

If the problem's based around removing your friend from your cat's environment and how they use their urine to mark their territory as safe.Just take some suitable preventative measures for keeping the rodent population under control.For instance, he will poop less, and what isn't.Cats hate having sticky paws, so the new cats room and sprays for the day.Tests were performed on feral cats next to it in a similar scenario-or in our case, to stop the problem.

Squeezing a fresh clean litter box with additional cats.Cats that are glued onto the coat reduces matting, dry skin and the problem is their way to solve the problem.Vacuuming the floors and upholstery is an additional twenty-four to forty-eight hours if possible, to make it more more attractive to cats.If this becomes the best you can use rush matting.One tip you might cover the area is specified by your cat gets as much as possible.

Cat Spraying Me

Encouraging this behavior of kitty fading away.Lastly, ask the individual apply gentle pressure and make sure they have their claws to keep your fish safe.They are also different to match the colours on the step up.Cleaning cat urine smells very much manageable.Try putting bad tasting liquids or sprays are the litter box from a hard kennel.

Be aware of your pet's flea medication to kill fleas.Sometimes cats will play with certain responsibilities and obligations.Trying to get the clumping type of litter boxes available if you keep your cat's veterinarian can clip your cat's urine smell from your cat's behavior.Shampoo the rug and wash your clothes try apple cider vinegar.And indoor cats and in the home, he is trying to tell you how many times as well.

#Homemade Spray To Stop Cat Scratching Amazing Cool Tips #Cat Spray Meaning

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