#one does not simply give one pet to a beagle

[designedparadigm]

@avaloniamagus ; Gives one ( 1 ) pet.

   enjoys  the  pet.  proceeds  to  start  a  stare  down.  more  are  desired.

[paintingwhiteceilings]

❃EXO's chances of surviving a zombie apocalypse❃

A/N: because why have your first post be romantic or suggestive when it can be unserious and downright weird.

Xiumin/Minseok: 9/10

✾ Let’s be honest, this man is way too good at sports not to survive far into a zombie apocalypse. Pretty sure those skills will translate and be useful in some way. He can outrun them so easily that he never truly finds himself in any danger.

✾ Xiumin actually possesses functional brain cells and a good dose of common sense which means he makes good, well thought out, decisions. Unlike the beagle line, he won’t get himself stupidly killed.

✾ Despite all the chaos, he is incredibly organized, keeping precise track of what he has and needs.

✾ He can properly take care of himself and could run this thing solo. He is not dependent on others to do things for him and he strikes me as someone who is perfectly content to be on his own. The only reason he would team up with the others is for the company and because he finds their idiocy amusing.

✾ He has the added bonus that the zombies think he is adorable, like a pet, so they will keep him alive even when he does get caught.

Suho/Junmyeon: 5/10

✾ Remember that time when Suho fell asleep during carting? Yeah, he is beyond exhausted before the apocalypse even starts and will probably die by accidentally falling asleep. Suho will try to ‘rest his eyes’ and before he knows it a zombie is gnawing on his arm.

✾ Honestly trying his hardest to keep the rest of the members from dying, but instead of appreciating his efforts, they keep making fun of him for it. They are really testing his patience but he feels too responsible for their safety to leave them to fend for themselves.

✾ Not that anything he says matters, they never truly listen to him so instead he has to be the one to get them out of the dangerous situations they get themselves in.

✾ If he doesn’t get eaten due to his permanent exhaustion, he would be the type to accept his fate. The members will drive him insane to the point where he will simply give up and walk into a hoard of zombies with open arms.

✾ If you pair him up with his babies Kai and Sehun his survival rate somehow increases. Nobody touches his babies.

Baekhyun: ?/10

✾ Okay, so he either survives until the end or does something stupid and gets himself killed.  His survival rate is either 10/10 or 0/10, there is no in-between.

✾ Like Baekhyun is an ace in most games so he has the ability to outsmart the apocalypse if he puts in the effort. He is competitive enough to take it seriously, too.

✾ His survival truly depends on whether he gives in to his intrusive thoughts and let’s be fair, he has many and zero impulse control.

✾ He would, for instance, believe that he can successfully pretend to be a zombie to blend in with them. He has a lot of dumb ideas and will either act on it himself or get someone else to try it out.

✾ Obviously, his plans wouldn’t work and he, or his chosen guinea pig, would get eaten. Then again, it is Baekhyun and somehow he always manages to come out on top, so who knows, he might survive.

Chen/Jongdae: 6.5/10

✾ Okay, this man is a father so he gets to enjoy the father buff. If his family is with him, he is near unstoppable. Chen can be competitive and has a lot of energy, so technically his chances aren’t too bad.

✾ His main issue is that, well, every zombie and their mother can hear him from the other side of the planet. He is absolutely oblivious as to why the zombies keep finding him.

✾ Like Chen, please use your inner voice, zombies are not deaf and you are giving them your location whenever you talk.

✾ Will ‘accidentally’ push Chanyeol into a zombie when he jokes about being the C in CBX and finally find peace. At this point, he kind of deserves it.

Chanyeol: -10/10

✾ Hear me out, this man is a mess.

✾ Technically, he could survive but he is another one that for sure will listen to his intrusive thoughts. Like let’s be fair, Chanyeol has mastered an array of weird skills just because he can’t stand being bad at something; he will be just as determined to figure out how to survive during an apocalypse.

✾ The type to “I saw this in a film” and try it. He will quickly discover that most of it won’t work because those are movies and not real life. Still, he will have the biggest motivation to figure things out, even if most of his sources are fiction.

✾ The problem is that he is way too much into this whole apocalypse scenario. He will try to out-apocalypse the others or will make up some sort of stupid competition to kill time because sitting still for five minutes is for losers.

✾ He comes up with the “Who can get closest to the zombie without getting killed” game. Baekhyun might have helped.

✾ To be honest, it doesn’t quite matter how good his cards are in the context of a zombie apocalypse, he will probably die within a day because he has two left feet and a very intimate relationship with the floor.

D.O./Kyungsoo: 7/10

✾ Pair him up with another member, and suddenly their chances increase.

✾ His cooking skills make him so incredibly valuable. He will make sure no one starves, and can make a decent meal out of pretty much anything you give him.

✾ The others try their hardest to keep him alive because being in an apocalypse does not mean one has to eat grass.

✾ Then again, he would not hesitate to sacrifice the others to the zombies if they annoy him.

✾ The only one able to keep the beagle line from doing stupid shit with his threats.

✾ You can’t really count on him outrunning the zombies, though. We have all seen this man attempt to play soccer, he is not made for physical activity. He will not survive with his physical skills and will absolutely accept his fate rather than try.

Kai/Jongin: -100000000/10

✾ Listen, this man will die within the first five seconds of the apocalypse.

✾ It is not a question of whether he dies, more so than how. There are so many ways that he can get himself killed, even without the apocalypse playing a major factor.

✾ He could give himself food poisoning when he tries to cook or trip over his own feet when he tries to run away from the zombies. He does not really have a great sense of self-preservation.

✾ 10000% the type to think that they could befriend the zombies because “zombies are people too.” Luckily for him, the zombies do think he is adorable and won’t immediately eat him when he gets too close.

✾ But yeah, if it isn’t for the others constantly monitoring him, he is dead.

Sehun: 1000/10

✾ Last to die because his members will do everything they can to keep him alive. Maknae privileges and whatnot.

✾ He is very much dependent on his members to do basically anything, but the thing is, they would do it without question.

✾ He will complain the entire time and whine constantly.

✾ If Suho dies, you might as well kill him too. How is he supposed to sleep without his emotional-support-hyung??? So yeah, the only way to really decrease his survival rate is to eliminate his members.

✾ Honestly, we all are simply living in his world, what Sehun wants, Sehun gets. It might even extend to the zombies. He would just ask them to stop trying to eat him and they would oblige because, well, Sehun asked.

✾ He is 1000% responsible for the cure being found. It has nothing to do with Sehun finding it himself. Instead, when/if he gets bitten, the members will stop at nothing to find a way to rid him of the disease. Sleep? Who needs sleep when Oh Sehun is dying!?

masterlist

[is-this-cat-video-cute]

Hey! What would be the best way to introduce a cat (7y, male, declawed on the front paws) to a dog (~1y, male, beagle)? (Not sure if breed matters, but included it in case it does).

I intend to crate the dog when I’m out of the house so they don’t hurt each other (or do something like scaring each other while I’m not there to intervene), and my cat isn’t really known for doing murder kicks when playing, but he is a bit skittish simply due to his personality.

And I’m pretty sure he doesn’t know what a dog is either, because he’s been an inside cat all his life, but would it be too late to introduce him to a dog at 7y? He’s also a bit territorial with new animals (we introduced a new kitten to the house two years ago and it took him about a week to get used to him, and he gets annoyed with the smell of the vet on the other cats when they come back, but I think that’s normal because my sister’s cat does that too), so I think he’ll get used to the puppy in time, but I want to give them the best introduction possible. Any advice would help! Thank you in advance!

(before anyone yells at me about the declawing, my mom adopted him and got him declawed when I was younger and didn’t know the truth about declawing.)

Thank you for that last line because i was honestly about to yell at you lol Anyway, the basic guidelines for introducing a new pet to an existing one is this: keep them in separate rooms to start, and gradually introduce them by letting them briefly smell each other's presence (on toys, food bowls) so that they slowly become accustomed to those scents. If this goes over well enough with minimal stress, start letting them sniff under the doors of each other's rooms, and then let them explore the rooms (with the other pet removed from that room temporarily) When you feel that they're ready to meet face-to-face, do it from across the room at a good 10-12 feet apart. Let them at least see each other. Depending on their behavior, which hopefully is non-hostile, you can bring them a bit closer each time. Btw you're right, it IS normal for pets to hate vet smells!

[thiswasinevitableid]

63. sometimes I steal flowers from your garden on my way to the cemetery, but today you’ve caught me and have demanded to come with me to make sure the “[person] is [attractive] enough to warrant flower theft” and I’m trying to figure out how to break it to you that we’re on our way to a graveyard

Danbrey, sfw, please!

Here you go!

It’s the rabbit that draws her eye; it’s not everyday a bunny the size of a Beagle stops outside the window of Amnesty House. She follows the leash from the harness to the hand holding it, and spots a much bigger issue.

“Miss?” She steps onto the porch, “could you not take my flowers.”

“Yeeeeep!” The other woman drops the pocket knife she’s using to saw off the stems of tulips and irises, scrambling to her feet and tearing her fishnets in the process, “shit, um, I’m sorry, didn’t think you’d notice, I’ve done it before and you never, um, nevermind.” She pulls the rabbit back from the fence, “anyway, I really needed this, they’re really pretty and I think she’d like them-”

“Ohhhhh, I get it” Dani crosses her arms, “in that case, I’ll come with you. I want to see the person who’s cute enough to warrant multiple flower thefts.”

“Um, or! You could not do that and I could promise to never do this again?”

“Nope, my mind’s made up.” She slips on her Birkenstocks and heads down the front stairs. Jake and Moira are both home, so she’s not too worried about locking up.

“Fine. Let me just-” The woman scoops the rabbit up and sprints away. Dani could just let her go, but those were her heirloom irises, damn it, and she wants to make sure the person who gets them knows just how valuable they are. So off she goes, soles slapping the pavement as they head towards the lakeside.

She won’t be surprised if the recipient is hot; god knows the thief is. The freckles and red-streaked hair is just the icing on the combat-boot, denim-vested femme cake.

Growing up in this neighborhood means she never loses sight of her target, even when she’s cutting through alleys and taking sharp turns. Then the woman goes straight through a wall of junipers and Dani is not interested in getting that scratched up by plants today. This is one of the borders of the park, so all she needs to do is find the front entrance to relocate her very distinct thief.

Ten minutes of hunting later, she spots a red and black pompadour on the other side of a low, stone wall. She’s cross-legged on the grass, which the rabbit is happily munching by her side.

“Okay, seriously, does the person you’re seeing know those...are...aw fuck.”

The other woman turns from the gravestone she’s sitting by to look at her, “Yeah. This is kinda why I didn’t want you to come with me. I mean, it was a hella weird thing to do anyway, but” she sweeps her arm at the cemetery, “this is super not a date.”

“I’m so sorry.” Dani sits on the opposite side of the rabbit, “That never even occurred to me. I…” she sneaks a glance at the dates; the death was only three years ago, “I’m sorry for your loss, too.”

Silence settles between them; she feels like she should say something else, that it’d be rude to just shrug and walk away, but she has no clue what words are even appropriate here. The rabbit stretches its neck, bonking it’s nose into her hand. She pets it, smiling when it nestles closer.

“Mom really liked bulbs.” The thief says softly, “when I was little we’d always go for walks in the spring just so we could see the first ones popping out of the ground. She liked ones that were unique, so when I saw the orange and black ones in your garden all I could think was how happy they’d make her. How she woulda stopped to look at them whenever she walked past. I know it’s silly but I, um, this felt like the closest I could get to giving her that.”

The breeze carries dried iris petals from the headstone into the park beyond the wall.

“You could have just asked. There’s no way I would have said no if you told me what they were for.”

“It felt too weird. Everything feels weird these days.” She sighs, reaching out to rub dust from the stone, “I thought I was ready to come back, but it’s like the whole town is haunted.”

The fresh flowers wobble, then land on the grass. Dani grabs them and puts them back, the rabbit honking indignantly when she does.

“At least Dr. Harris Bonkers is having a nice time.” The other woman rubs the rabbit’s ears, “isn’t that right, buddy?”

“What’s he a doctor of?”

A small, beautiful smile, “Psychology. He worked hard for his PhD.”

“I bet.” She gives the doctor a final rub on the nose, “I’ll, uh, I should give you two some time alone.” Dani stands, brown eyes watching her the whole time.

“Thanks for the flowers.”

She smiles, “You’re welcome.”

--------------------------------------------------------------

Moira’s expecting a package, so Dani doesn’t even look up when the older woman answers the front door.

“Um, hi. I, um, I was hoping to get some flowers? The blonde who lives here said I should ask this time. I’m Aubrey? Wait, I don’t think I told her that.”

“Which blonde?”

“The cute one?”

“....I meant the boy or the girl.” Moira replies, amused, just as Dani reaches the door.

Aubrey waves, “Hi again. Could I take a few Irises?”

“Sure. Oh, wait, let me get you the pruning shears; the knife isn’t great for cuttings.”

“Dani! Could I get a hand really quick?” From the accompanying clanks, Barclay needs said hand urgently.

“Coming! Here, you can just leave them on the steps when you’re done.”

One hour and a narrowly avoided soup disaster later, she’s herding the others to the table when there’s another knock on the door.

“I, um, I stuck these in my bag without thinking.” Aubrey holds out the shears. In the porchlight, her eyes are red-rimmed and there’s a slight smear in the black lipstick on her upper lip.

“It happens. Jake, my roommate, once went a whole day with six boxes of poptarts in his bag because he got distracted while unloading groceries. Uh, if you’re not busy we’re just about to have dinner. Seems only polite to invite my biggest admirer.”

Aubrey raises her eyebrows.

“My, uh, the biggest admirer of my gardening?” Her cheeks are hot, but her flustered tone seems to relax Aubrey.

“Sure. I just have to make sure I get home in time to feed Dr. Harris Bonkers.” She grins and steps into the house.

It’s common for Amnesty residents to bring home friends (or strangers), so when Barclay spots Aubrey he simply ducks back into the kitchen for an extra set of cutlery and a bonus bowl. As always happens when Barclay cooks, everyone is too busy stuffing their faces for the first ten minutes of dinner to say much.

“So, Aubrey” Mama sips her tea, “what brings you to town?”

“I grew up here but, um, I left a few years ago to try and kickstart my career.”

“What do you do?”

Literal sparks fly from her guest’s fingertips as she wiggles them, “magic.”

“Whoah, sweet!” Jake leans forward, “do you do stunts?”

“Nah” Aubrey’s smile is brightening under the excitement, “I do sleight of hand, card tricks, that kind of thing. I like the classics. Lots of other people do too, but I hit a spell where no one was interested in booking me, so I came back here to regroup.”

“Smart thinkin’. Pretty much everyone here knows that tryin to make ends meet on the road can lead to serious trouble.”

“Or grand theft auto.” Dani smirks at Barclay.

“That was an accident!”

“Wait, what?” Aubrey laughs, the room feeling ten times brighter when she does, “how does that even happen?”

Barclay recounts the story, blushing all the while, then points out that at least he never got stuck halfway up an off-limits slope because he was daydreaming, and to which Jake responds that that’s not even in his top ten wipeouts, dude.

Aubrey hangs around, helping Dani with the dishes while they chat about childhood pets (Dani had a frog that required her to drop food on his head in order for him to notice it). When she finally re-laces her boots, her new friend is smiling constantly and Dani never wants to look at anything else.

“Hey, uh, tonight was really fun. Do you want to come by on Friday? I’m, uh, I’m cooking, so it won’t be as good as what Barclay made, but I’d love for you to try my breakfast salad. Oh, and my muffin. Muffins.”

“I’d love to. And don’t sell yourself short, flowergirl” Aubrey winks, shooting finger guns her way, “I bet your dinner is gonna rule.”

----------------------------------------------------

“What do you think? Too much?” Aubrey turns from the mirror. Dr. Harris Bonkers wiggles his nose.

“You’re right, the heels are too much. Gotta leave some plausible deniability. And be able to run away if this goes bad.” She tosses the black heels back into the closet and squeezes into the tiny bathroom to start on her make-up. It has to be perfect, or as perfect as she can get it in the mirror that’s inexplicably high up on the wall.

Yeesh, is getting ready to impress a cute girl really the thing making her consider moving back in with dad? It would be easier to find the right clothes if she had a space to hang them up in, instead of stacked boxes to dig through. But walking the streets where mom used to hold her hand, eating at the places they’d go for breakfast, all those vortexes of memories are hard enough to free herself from on their own. Sitting in the chair she used to, expecting to see her at the table or in the yard, those things would be too much.

It’s been easier since she found Amnesty. Since she found Dani. It’s hard to be stuck in the shadows of the past when there’s a beautiful ray of sunshine sitting next to you. She has dinner there most days now, practices her new routine while Dani updates the inventory for her online plant store.

Relatedly, Aubrey now has several rabbit-safe houseplants that Dani always offers to come check on. Aubrey’s actually pretty good with plants, but she’s not about to miss out on an evening sandwiched next to Dani on her futon and the ghost of jasmine perfume winding around her when she sleeps.

Amnesty is lit only by the string lights on the porch and the glow from the kitchen when Aubrey bounds up the stairs.

“Dani?”

“Oh, hey, you’re early.” Dani leans in the doorway of the kitchen and Aubrey’s brain sounds like a cartoon, nothing but “boiiings” and “wowzas” for a good ten seconds.

Dani’s hair is out of it’s usual messy bun, and instead of her overalls or patched jeans, she’s in a short, heather green tank-top dress. Getting on her knees to kiss the vine tattoos weaving up her legs would be too forward, but boy does she want to.

“Took an earlier bus just to be safe. Man, it’s so weird to be here when it’s this quiet.”

“No kidding; I can’t remember the last time I was the only one here.” Dani shoos her through the kitchen and out into the back garden. The little white table usually piled with tools is cleared of everything but a green tablecloth and two wine glasses. That’s another point in the “yes, this is a date” category. The first was that Dani was careful to emphasize that everyone would be gone for the night for camping, work, or ill-advised urban skate stunts.

“Sit your cute butt down, I’ll be right back with dinner.”

That’s the first butt-based compliment she’s gotten, so score one for this red skirt. When Dani comes back, Aubrey can’t help but bounce in her seat; her crush is carrying a board covered in fruit and bread, and she absolutely sees a fondue pot on the counter inside.

“Since Cheesy Heat closed, I thought I could recreate it for us. Kinda. Barclay said he thinks they used a super fancy cheese that’s hard to get here.”

“That’s probably why they went out of business. Dang, why so many fondue pots?”

“Barclay keeps getting them for Christmas.” She sets the chocolate one down next to the cheese, and when she tugs on her dress before sitting down Aubrey’s mouth waters from more than just the meal.

The stars come out as they take turns making a mess of the table cloth, but the longer she sits here, happier than she’s been in years, the more Aubrey knows she can’t put the question off.

“Why the fancy dinner tonight?”

Dani dabs her mouth with her napkin, “I, uh, I, Cheesy Heat was my go-to, uh” her voice drops to a whisper, “date place.”

“Ohthankgod.” Aubrey flops back in her chair, “this is a date.”

“Did you think it wasn’t?”

“I don’t know, I didn’t wanna, like, assume.”

“Fireblossom” Dani stands, making a little half circle to reach her, “the first time we met you were stealing from me assuming I wouldn’t notice.”

“To be fair, getting caught in petty theft is less terrifying than making an ass out of yourself in front of a hot girl.” She grins as Dani straddles her lap.

“...okay you’re right, I’d hate to embarrass myself in front of you. Again.”

“A girl who can run me down in sandals is pretty hot.”

“Pfft” Dani giggles, hides her face in Aubrey’s shoulder, “not as hot as a girl who can sprint while carrying a twelve pound rabbit.”

“Seventeen.” Aubrey kisses her cheek, whispers teasingly, “you shoulda told me this was a date, I could’ve brought flowers.”

“You can bring me some next time.” Dani sits up, smiling at her.

“Sweet, I know somewhere I can get them for free.” She bounces her eyebrows, making the vision of perfection in her lap laugh.

“Nope, this time it’ll cost you.”

“How much?”

Dani cups her cheeks and dives down for a kiss, Aubrey clinging to her dress and sighing as she slips her tongue between her lips.

“Few of those” Dani murmurs, brushing their noses together.

“I’m happy to pay them.”

[cameoamalthea]

So About the Traveler: Critical Role C2E103

“How can I be cruel? That is for mortals.” But then she did raise her eyes, and they were great with sorrow, and with something very near to mockery. She said, “So is kindness.” - Peter S Beagle “The Last Unicorn”.

In lore and media, including Dungeons and Dragons, immortal beings whether called “immortals” or “fey” are not bound by the same sense of morality as mortals. Indeed, some interpretations posit they lack the same capacity to feel the same emotions as mortals do. These beings are by their very nature different and alien. 

The Archfey is an immortal. They are ancient and yet, ever young. A contradiction. They cannot lie and are bound by any promise they make, but are very good at wording things carefully or withholding what they’d rather not say. They are not to be trusted. They are not safe. They can be good, and Artagan falls squarely on the good side for a fey.

The key words being “for a fey”. 

Fey generally lack empathy, which makes sense for the short lives of mortals are nothing compared to their eternal existence. They can be killed, but they do not simply end and pass away the way mortal things do. So there is a question as to how much a fey can value mortal lives at all. 

Still, Artagan makes it clear he does not want to hurt his followers. He rejects killing them when Jester brings it up. He sees leaving them to join the Island cult where they will be happy as a viable solution for the ones he dislikes. Which is actually fairly merciful considering fey do not value mortals in general and can easily destroy the lives of any who offend them. That does not make it ok by normal ethical standards, but it is important to realize that it is his nature not to have normal ethical standards. 

Artagan seems to be primarily motivated by doing whatever amuses him. Trick a bunch elves into worshiping a dead whale because it’s funny? Sure. Respond to someone claiming they can’t die by requesting to kill them just to see what happens and see what it’s like, just for the heck of it. It is likely he has never cared about anything other than his own self-interest and personal enjoyment. He has certainly never cared for a mortal.

Yet, he cares for Jester but cannot understand what she cares about.

He sees she is crying and does not like that, but doesn’t understand why she’s scared.  

He does not understand why asking her to lead a lot of people to a place that is home to a dangerous monster that will erase their memories and turn them into willing slaves would upset her. 

He understands when she expresses fear for herself; because he understands that. And he is quick to assure her that he wasn’t going to give her to the monster. And again, fey cannot lie. Artagan does value Jester but does not value mortals in general.

For Jester the question is ‘how do I know you wouldn’t do that to me’

Whereas to Artagan it’s as obvious as how can someone keep animals as pets and still eat meat.

One is cute 

One is food

It’s not a question that you could truly love your pet chicken and also love some BBQ wings. The same animal, but one is valued.

Jester is valued, and there is a question as to whether a fey can value a mortal as more than a human might value a pet or what if any capacity fey have to love anyone. That said, he is genuine in his affection for her. He did not intend to hurt her (he still did - he absolutely did) and honestly did not mean to put her through any heartache. 

Some would describe this behavior as “creepy” or even as “gaslighting”. (And if this narrative is triggering because the character’s actions remind you of an abuser that is 100% valid. This essay is exploring only the actions of this character in the context of analyzing the fictional portrayal of an imaginary magical being).

While creepy is subjective I do not believe he is malicious so much as heartless (another quality of fey). He does not understand caring about other people so he honestly could not foresee that the fact he would do this would feel like a betrayal to Jester. He does not have the empathy to understand why he has hurt her and instead tries to explain his perspective honestly and assure her that she is safe (which she is safe with him, at least insofar as he will not intentionally hurt her - the problem is this dumbass doesn’t understand how he’s hurting her).

So while I understand the impulse to say “He made Jester cry KILL HIM”. 

He is not lying when he never intended to leave her on the island or when he assured her that she is his favorite person. He also freely makes a promise to her, which is binding and not something a fey would give lightly. 

So now- Now he cannot ever leave her. He will keep her safe and her friends safe. That’s a big deal. And there’s nothing in it for him aside from her happiness. He paints the moon itself to make her smile.

He is a powerful, alien, chaotic neutral fey and he adores Jester.

The question is then will Jester love him after this. Will she be able to have a close relationship with him now that she understands his lack of empathy. Even when he is sorry all he can say is he’s sorry she feels hurt (because he doesn’t want her hurt) but he cannot truly apologize and take responsibility for hurting her. (I’m sorry you feel hurt vs I’m sorry I hurt you). 

He can’t take responsibility for anything. He is carefree and free from the ability to care. Mortals care, mortals can love and regret. They can understand hurting someone else and take responsibility for that rather than focusing on the consequences that relate to their own feelings (I don’t like that you feel hurt because I care, so I am sorry for that).

Note: In real life, in humans, we call this behavior toxic. To focus on yourself and not emphasize with others and your impact on them is harmful.

And Jester grew up with Artagan. He is not a “child groomer” as some have accused. He was a child with her. However, once she became an adult he dropped the polymorph and became a fey again. Jester grew up. Artagan can’t grow up, because he’s a fey. He is still and will forever be as selfish and unthinking as a child. 

Jester isn’t anymore and she may outgrow Artagan unless his affection for her can make him grow as a person. However, Jester is not at the point where she is able to call him out or push him to change. She is understanding ‘I know you wanted to get rid of followers’ she doesn’t want to judge. When he complains about the headache of dealing with ships she joked about some of them dying.

However, the Traveler does not join on that joke. He doesn’t want them to die. He has learned to enjoy doing good and to care somewhat for people in general - which is notable given that he is a fey and caring isn’t in his nature. 

Jester has made him a better person. He did grow up with her for a time. He was mortal with her then and grew and, I think, learned to feel love for her. To be her best friend. 

But he has a long way to go to be a good friend; if he can even get there. Either way, it will be an interesting story to watch play out. An interesting dynamic. An interesting take on a fey that Matt has done a wonderful job writing as truly inhuman. 

Footnote:

1) For further reading on the nature of fey/magical creatures, please see this post on “The Last Unicorn”

2) Why are these chickens so cute you guys???

[survey--s]

106.

How do you feel about tomato sauce with chunks of tomato? I prefer it - I’m really not a fan of bland sauces with no texture or chunks, they make me gag which I know seems really weird, lol.

Do people think you look like either of your parents? Does that offend you? Yes, and no, it doesn’t offend me. It’s true and I think my dad is (objectively speaking) a good looking man, so.

Do you prefer regular bacon or turkey bacon? I’ve never had turkey bacon before, so I couldn’t tell you what it tastes like.

Are you more of a talker or a listener? It depends on the situation.

Do you think it’s weird when people talk to their pets like people? Nope, quite the opposite lol. I talk to all my pets and I walk dogs for a living and talk to all of them too, haha. I even sit for a deaf cat and talk to him!

Where do most of your relatives live? Australia, for the most part.

What is the last place, other than home, that you stayed overnight? My parents’ house.

Would you ever buy a motorcycle? No.

What is the most unusual thing in your reach right now? Uh, nothing too weird I don’t think - just normal stuff.

Are you sitting by a window right now? No. Our sofa is right in the middle of the room and about 10ft from the nearest window. It’s one really long room.

Do you have anything other than posters or pictures on your walls? A baby-sized Habs jersey in my living room…that’s all I can think of at the moment.

What is the furthest you have traveled alone? Australia. Tasmania, to be precise.

Have you ever ridden a train? Sure, but I don’t like doing. Trains are so expensive and they’re never very clean at all.

Have you ever done something you told yourself you’d never do? Sure, hasn’t everyone? I mean, nobody’s perfect, after all.

Are you tattooed? Or does it freak you out? I have one tattoo.

Are you attracted to or put off by people who are heavily pierced or tattooed? It depends on the person - all my ex’s have been tattooed and pierced in some way but not really heavily so.

Have you done anything productive today, anyway? Yeah, I did laundry, washed dishes, cleaned and changed the litter tray, fed all the animals (twice), sorted the food shop, vacuumed. made the bed, showered and caught up on sleep.

Eaten anything delicious today? Yeah, this cookie pie I got from Riva Gelato yesterday. It’s basically cookie dough pie crust filled with cookies and cream, cookie dough, oreos and nutella and oh my GOD it is amazing. Really sweet but SO good.

Do you have any pets? If so, what species/breed? How did you acquire said pets? We do. Three black moggies and a beagle. We got two of the cats from a local farm as kittens (five years apart) and the third we rescued. Archie came from an accredited breeder.

Have you ever taken in a stray animal? No - I would if I found one, though.

Do you have or want children? Nope, not really.

How do you feel about marriage? Ever been close? I am married and I think it’s vital if you want kids - in this country anyway, as it gives you so many rights and accesses that you don’t get if you’re just livng together.

Are you confident in your appearance? I’m not unconfident.

Do you enjoying taking pictures? Yeah, I’m pretty big on photography and plan my dog walks around where I’ll get the best views.

Do you take pictures of THINGS, or are you just a camera whore? xD All my photos are of animals and scenery. I pretty much never take photos of myself anymore, though I remember doing it a LOT when I was younger.

Do you believe in “the one” or “soulmates”? Nope. It’s a nice idea, but it just doesn’t fit with reality.

Have you ever dated someone simply for their looks? I’ve gone on dates purely because I’ve liked someone’s looks, yeah.

What about dating someone simply because you felt too bad to say no? Nope.

Are you eating anything right now? No, I’m full from dinner.

Does it drive you INSANE when people chew with their mouth open? I don’t really know anyone who does that.

Does any food always make you sick but you love it too much to not eat it? Hmm, sometimes takeaway makes me feel sick if it’s overly greasy, yeah.

How do you feel about alcohol? I don’t really drink - I guess because I’ve seen so many people kill themselves through alcohol addiction that it just puts me off. I had a customer die from a drinking binge last year and both my dads’ parents drank themselves to death as well. I know drinking doesn’t necessarily lead to addiction but it was just such a waste of life.

Have you ever been drunk? Yes.

Do you like orange juice with pulp? I can drink it but I prefer it without.

Do you scream for ice cream? I have to be in the right mood for ice-cream.

Which orange came first; the color or the fruit? The fruit was named after the colour, I believe.

Are you in school? If so, for what? No, I haven’t been in school since 2011.

What is your dream job? What I do right now, which is working with animals.

Have you ever experienced a natural disaster? Just minor earthquakes.

Do you feel bad when bad things happen to other people? Or do you not care? If you don’t, do you feel guilty about that? It depends on what the people are like, lol, and no, I don’t feel guilty? I mean, me feeling bad won’t change the outcome, lol.

Aren’t you a little nervous about posting photos online? Not at all.

Have you ever been diagnosed with a mental illness? Yes, depression and generalised anxiety.

What was the reason you washed your hands last? I washed the dishes.

Is there something you should be doing? Nope, I have nothing else that needs doing this weekend.

[missperfectlyfine13]

Puppy Love

Summary: Beca and Chloe find a stray dog on the streets of New York and Chloe doesn't have the heart to leave him behind.

Bechloe Week 2020 - Day 2: “He Bit Me”

Read Below or on AO3 

“Chloe we cannot bring that thing home,” Beca groans as her girlfriend snuggles the dirty, scraggly little puppy into her chest, “our apartment doesn’t even allow dogs.”

“But Beccaaa...” Chloe pleads, petting the dog’s dusty brown fur softly, “it doesn’t have a home, and it’s not like our landlord will even notice or care, the family downstairs adopted a beagle two months ago.”

“We already have Fat Amy, we can’t take care of her and a puppy,” Beca rolls her eyes.

Chloe’s sparkling blue eyes are already watering and she’s jutting her bottom lip out dramatically. She knows that it gets Beca every time, and she’s not wrong, Beca can already feel her composure breaking.

“The shelter isn’t even open this late, can we at least keep him overnight until I can take him tomorrow?” the red head barters with her.

Beca’s not heartless and Chloe has a point, “Ok, he can stay overnight.”

Chloe squeals excitedly, jumping up and down, “Thank you Bec! We have to stop and get him some dog food on the way home.”

When they finally make their way back to the apartment, Beca is carrying a bag of dog food and a few toys Chloe had insisted on getting their newest furry friend. Amy is no where to be seen, and that might be for the best. Beca’s not sure how she would have taken their new addition.

“We’re home Scrappy,” Chloe coos, setting the puppy down to explore his new surroundings.

Chloe had quickly come up with the name Scrappy Doo for the dog, and Beca has to admit he does look a little bit like the famous cartoon dog. She knows that her girlfriend is already attached to the little dog. It’s going to be like pulling teeth to get her to actually take him to the shelter, but that’s a bridge they’ll cross when they get there.

“Bec, I’m going to give Scrappy a bath,” Chloe picks the dog back up and over to the curtain hiding their bathroom, “can you pour some of that dog food into a bowl for him, and some water in another?”

“Yea, I got it Chlo,” Beca moves over to the cupboard and grabs a couple bowls.

She can hear Chloe baby talking to the puppy in the bathroom as well as little yips of unhappiness from him as he’s getting bathed. It makes Beca feel warm and happy inside that Chloe has so much love for every human, animal, or creature she comes in contact with. This isn’t the first animal they’ve “saved”. A few months ago, they found a cat that ended up living with them for quite a while, but it was winter and Beca’s not heartless. Last spring Chloe rescued a baby bird that she helped nurse back to health at the vet clinic she’s interning at.

Beca wishes they could keep this dog. She knows how much Chloe wants an animal; it just isn’t going to work.

“Beca?” Chloe calls from the bathroom, it sounds like she just shut the water in the tub off.

“Yea?” she calls back, setting down the now full bowls of water and food for the puppy.

“Can you grab me a towel?” Chloe yells back, loud little barks now resonating through their apartment.

Beca grabs a bath towel and runs to the curtain dividing their bathroom from the rest of the living space. Chloe is on her knees, holding Scrappy in place in the tub. Beca hands her the towel and the red head begins to dry off the puppy, who looks far less pathetic now that he’s had a bath. The second Chloe sets him down on the floor, he runs to Beca and promptly shakes any remaining water from his fur, showering Beca with water droplets.

“Gahhh,” Beca yelps, putting her hands up like it’s going to actually help, “I swear he ran right at me to do that on purpose.”

Chloe rolls her eyes, “He didn’t do it on purpose Beca.”

“Sure he didn’t,” Beca wipes her face off with the back of her arm.

The rest of the night with the puppy goes similarly. Beca’s convinced the dog actually hates her. When he’s eating, he happens to fling a pellet or two all the way across the room at her. He has an accident inside, conveniently all over Beca’s shoes. He only seems to bark when he’s around Beca, and she’s convinced she heard a growl at one point.

He’s been an angel around Chloe. Never once did he fling food or water, or pee on her shoes, or growl when she gets near. When did Beca become the devil reincarnate?

It’s finally time to go to bed, which means it’s that much sooner to getting rid of Scrappy Doo. Beca settles down happily on the bed, cuddling up behind Chloe, throwing an arm around her middle.

“I love you Chloe,” she mumbles into her back.

“I love you too Bec,” Chloe says sleepily, with a big yawn.

Just when Beca is almost asleep, she feels something attempting to wiggle between her front and Chloe’s back. Along with the feeling are little grunts and whimpers…Scrappy is trying to get into bed with them.

“Ok this is where I draw the line,” Beca groans, sitting up abruptly to remove the puppy from their bed.

She reaches out to grab his furry little body, but before she can make contact, he lunges at her hand. His not very sharp yet teeth land gently around her hand and Beca lets out a frustrated yelp.

“He bit me!” Beca holds her hand up to her chest like she’s been fatally wounded.

Chloe sits up, now aware of the situation, “Bec…he’s a puppy, they bite sometimes, it doesn’t mean anything.”

“Yes it does mean something, that dog hates my guts and I wasn’t about to let him sleep in my bed, that’s already too small because it’s a pull out sofa!” Beca barks back, all her frustrations pouring out.

Chloe grabs the puppy protectively, “He can sleep on my side.”

She flops back down, cuddling Scrappy into her. Beca lies back down but facing the other wall. I guess that’s how it’s going to be, Chloe choosing a dog over her.

Beca can feel something warm and wet on her face when she wakes up the next morning. She scrunches up her nose disgustedly at the foreign feeling. When she finally opens her eyes, she sees Scrappy hovering above her, his tongue jutting out to lick her forehead.

“Aw, see he likes you,” Chloe says sleepily, her voice rough.

For the first time since they brought him home, Beca thinks that maybe Scrappy is kind of cute and that maybe he doesn’t completely hate her. For some reason, the new day has made her soft, and she finds herself lifting the puppy from her pillow and into her arms.

“I guess you’re kind of ok,” Beca yawns, scratching behind the dog’s ears, “but you still have to go to the shelter.”

“Beccaaaa,” Chloe whines, “but he’s so happy here.”

“He’ll be happy somewhere else too,” she quickly replies, lifting the dog off of her and onto the floor.

Chloe pouts the whole morning and the entire way to the shelter. She cuddles Scrappy, whispering things about how he’ll find a ‘furever’ home soon and someone will love him just as much as she does. It breaks Beca’s heart how hard she’s taking it, but they just can’t keep this dog.

When they finally leave Scrappy Doo at the shelter and are leaving, Beca breathes a sigh of relief. Scrappy had been almost just as upset as Chloe was when the two left. The little barks of disappointment almost made Beca think twice.

“I miss him already,” Chloe sighs sadly.

Beca them over on the sidewalk, so they are out of the way of pedestrians and grabs Chloe’s hands into hers.

“We’ll have a dog someday,” Beca says softly, rubbing soothing circles onto the back of her girlfriend’s hands, “someday when we don’t live in a cramped studio apartment, that doesn’t even really allow dogs anyways. Someday when we have a house and a yard, and you’re a vet and I’m making better money as a producer. I want to give you everything you want and more Chlo.”

Chloe steps in closer and places a lovingly kiss on Beca’s lips, “I love you so much Beca.”

“I love you too Chloe,” Beca replies before giving Chloe another sweet but short peck on the lips.

The days go by and Chloe slowly gets over the loss of their furry friend. Surprisingly it’s Beca who’s taking it hard. She finds herself thinking about how happy Scrappy had made Chloe, and how nice it was to have a shared pet between them. It felt nice, she kind of misses his happy, bright energy. He really was the perfect dog for Chloe.

Somehow, all her thinking has her making a pit stop into the shelter on her way home from work a week later. She walks in and the same lady who was at the front desk the morning they surrendered him, is sitting there again, eyeing Beca up suspiciously.

“Hey, hi,” Beca walks up to her awkwardly, “I brought a dog here about a week ago and was wondering if I could adopt it…if he’s still here that is.”

“I remember, Scrappy Doo,” the lady says dryly, “are you sure you want him back…you just got rid of him?”

“Yes, I really do want him back,” Beca says quickly, trying to assure the worker she’s serious, “my girlfriend really loves him, and I wasn’t sure if we could have a dog…but now I think I really love him too. I just want him back.”

The somewhat bitter looking lady almost cracks a smile at Beca’s long rant. She stands and motions Beca behind the counter with a wave, “Follow me.”

She walks Beca up to a large cage with a few other puppies. The second Beca makes it to the gate, Scrappy comes running up, tail wagging, barking happily. The worker opens the gate and Beca walks in, quickly scooping Scrappy into her arms.

“I’m sorry little dude,” she coos, “you ready to come home?”

The puppy simply answers by licking Beca’s cheek, tail still wagging ferociously.

Beca stops at the pet store on the way home, so she can pick out a proper dog bed and real pet food bowls for their new family member. She also picks out a collar and leash. When she finally makes it back to the apartment, her arms are full of pet supplies. Luckily Scrappy had been able to walk on a leash the whole way home, so Beca didn’t have to hold him.

Chloe isn’t home yet, so Beca decides to surprise her. She ties a big bow around Scrappy’s collar and sets him down in the tub. She hides all the pet supplies under their bed. Now she just has to wait. After about a half an hour, Beca finally hears keys jingling outside the door, and her heart starts to race with excitement.

“Hey Chloe!” Beca says almost to boisterously, as the red head walks in the door.

Chloe looks at her with a quirked eyebrow, “Hey Bec…what’s up?”

“Oh not much!” Beca chirps happily.

“Sure, ok,” Chloe laughs, setting her bag down and slipping her shoes off.

“I have a surprise for you,” Beca blurts out, barely able to hold it in anymore.

Now Chloe’s face contorts into a different look of surprise, an excited one, “What is it?”

“Go look in the tub,” Beca smiles.

Chloe doesn’t even question why Beca is having her check the tub, she just races to pull the curtain back, revealing their bathroom. When she finally looks down in, the scream that leaves her is enough to make Beca’s ears ring.

“Scrappy! Oh my god Beca, thank you!” Chloe squeals, picking up the puppy into her arms.

“I guess I kind of got a little attached to him too,” Beca admits shyly.

Chloe ignores her, too busy showering their dog with kisses. He licks at her face appreciatively, much like he had Beca’s earlier. When Chloe finally sets Scrappy down, Beca pulls out her haul of pet supplies, which Chloe is also very excited about.

When she’s finally settled down, Chloe sits down next to Beca on their bed, pulling her close. Beca let’s herself get wrapped up in her girlfriend’s embrace.

“You didn’t have to get him just for me,” Chloe whispers into her shoulder.

“I wanted to, you love him, he made you happy,” Beca replies easily, “plus I wasn’t lying about having a newfound soft stop for him.”

“You’re the best girlfriend ever,” Chloe pulls away and looks at Beca so genuinely it hurts.

“I try,” Beca smirks.

Chloe leans back into give Beca a kiss, but before she can, Scrappy jumps up into her lap. The puppy jumps up, stopping his moms dead in their tracks.

“Scrappy, if you keep me from kissing Chloe, you’re going to have to go back,” Beca jokes, giving the dog a pat on the head.

“Don’t listen to her, you’re part of the family now,” Chloe smiles, hugging Scrappy tightly against her.

“Yea she’s right,” Beca admits, “but just don’t stop me too often.”

“Shut up,” Chloe says playfully, before pulling Beca close, their lips finally meeting in a tender kiss.

[howtodisassembleyourdeviant]

Be My Garden of Eden Ch.1

ConnorxFReader Pleasure Android AU

I finally decided to get a Tumblr and post more of my beta chapters here. Just a place to get some opinions or a wider gauge of how people feel about my writing.

I also take requests for ConnorxReader one-shots.

If you like what I post, I also have stories posted on AO3 under DisassembledDeviant. If you have read them, you know I don't mind venturing into the NSFW category... At all. ;)

Anyway, hope you enjoy!

Warnings: probably cursing and sexual implications

"Goddammit! You stupid piece of shit!" The wrench came down hard against the android's shoulder. "I should have just left your ass with the rest of the scrap!" Another blow, this time to his chest, warnings of the damage flashing on his HUD.

Connor couldn't help but agree.

His recollection of his life before working at Club Mimosa in the seedier side of town was minimal. A roof, A little girl, Falling... Then, nothing. Just a name. Connor.

The owner had found him in the scrapyard, looking for replacement parts or functional androids he could illegally fix up for his club. While much of his body was destroyed, the owner re-built him. His unique look was sure to capture new clients, and he was right. Connor started as a popular model. Both males and females would pay for a session with the doe-eyed android.

However, no matter what he was 'equipped' with, it was apparent he was not programmed to please humans sexually. His movements were stiff, his reactions lackluster. Most demanded a refund, as his last client did. The owner was getting fed up, and the beatings were getting worse. Before the owner could take another swing, one of the employees entered the workshop.

"Hey, boss, someone is requesting Connor for delivery."

"Fuck!" The owner sneered, "tell them it will be on its way in a minute!" He turned to Connor, tossing the wrench on the metal table behind him, attempting to be intimidating. Connor didn't even give him the satisfaction of imitating fear, simply watching the middle-aged man turn redder by the second. "Fix yourself up, then go to the client's address, and if you fuck this one up, I'll scrap you for parts!"

Connor was sitting in an automatic taxi ten minutes later, dressed in a simple button-up and jeans, the familiar illuminated triangle on his back. There was still a small dent on his chest, but he couldn't do anything about it, only hope the client doesn't notice. Outside, he watched the protesters, harassing androids, the homeless begging for change on the street corners, and all the people, heads down at their phones while ordering their androids to do various tasks they were perfectly capable of doing themselves. It... Bothered him.

Not as much as working at that terrible club. He wonders what would happen if he never turned up at the client's address, if he got out of the taxi and just kept walking. Would the owner bother hunting him down? He didn't want to be touched, used by people in such a humiliating way. No matter how many times he was disinfected, he felt dirty. Catching his reflection in the window, he turned away. Even if he left, where could he go? These... Thoughts are dangerous.

The taxi led him to a more rural area of the city, a small house with several trees surrounding it, the Autumn leaves dancing gracefully through the air. He had to double-check the address. This was far nicer than anywhere he had gone before. He walked up the cobblestone path to the door, a soft chime ringing when he pressed the doorbell.

"Coming!" A singsong voice called from inside. The door opened, revealing a young woman, dressed in a tight black turtleneck, jeans, and an apron covered in various paints, some of which had gotten on your cheek and the tip of your nose. You were... cute... For human standards, that is.

"Hello, my name is Connor. I'm the Android sent by Club Mimosa for your personal pleasure."

Confusion, realization, and exasperation washed over your face in waves. Eventually, you sighed.

"Come on in and have a seat."

He entered the little home to find it just as cozy on the inside as it was on the outside. The colors gave off a feeling of warmth, the small trinkets and figurines adding to the atmosphere. Usually, the homes or apartments he had been to were run down, a few even host to drug dealers. He didn't know there was a place like this in Detroit.

Above your fireplace was a portrait, an abstract painting of a pair of hands reaching out. Based on your appearance, he initially assumed it was yours, but a quick scan informed him it was a Carl Manfred original. He didn't know much of art, but he did know that Carl Manfred was a renowned artist of Detroit and a favorite of the android creator, Elijah Kamski.

He stood in the doorway, unsure what to do.

"Make yourself at home."

He didn't know how to respond to that.

"I'm sorry, I don't understand your request." Your eyes seemed sad. He was already screwing things up.

"I guess take your shoes off and make yourself comfortable." While he was able to follow the first instruction, he still remained in the doorway. You hesitantly reached out and took his hand, leading him to the loveseat before sitting him down.

Usually, this would be the part where the client would straddle his lap, grind on his crotch while forcing their tongue in his mouth, the rancid taste of red ice, cigarettes, and alcohol broken down to their basic ingredients as he ignored the urge to shove them away. He sat back, expecting the same. He had a task to do, and this time, his life was on the line. Instead, you headed for your kitchen, coming back with a cold beverage.

"I don't have anything to offer you, sorry."

"I do not require anything, " nobody had even thought to offer him anything before, let alone apologize for not having it. It left him fumbling for words, clutching onto repeated phrases he hated, "I am here for you to do with as you please."

You sipped your drink, a small giggle leaving your lips. He liked how it sounded, even if he was confused as to why.

"To be honest, I didn't call for you."

Something inside him sank. Of course this was too good to be true.

"I'm sorry. There must have been an error in our system. I will take my leave now." He went to stand, but you put your hand on his knee, stilling his motions.

"There is no error. A well-meaning friend has been concerned with how much time I spend working and believes I need to let loose sometimes. This is exactly something he would do."

"Oh, " he was still disappointed that you hadn't been the one to call directly. Your hand was still on his knee. You only seemed to notice when he glances down at it, quickly pulling your hand back and apologizing again. Your cheeks even flushed, the red only adding to your beauty. You were so different from everything Connor has known.

"So, Connor, " even his name sounded pleasant coming from you, "how long did my friend request you for?"

"24 hours."

"That long? How much stamina does he think I have?" You looked him in the eye, "though, I have no intention of sleeping with you."

"Why?" He had to have done something wrong. He's dead if he goes back empty-handed. You noticed the panic in his voice, his LED flashing a bright red.

"It's nothing you did, I'm just not the type to sleep with just anybody."

"But I'm not 'anybody'. I am a machine made to please humans. If I fail, they will destroy me." Your eyes widened. How could they do such a thing? Even if they are machines, how could they kill them so easily? If it weren't for that light on his head and the android labeled clothes, you would think him a human. Especially with the desperation he showed.

"Calm down. I'll call whichever club you came from tomorrow and tell them you were the best lay of my life. Everything will be fine." His LED flickered on yellow for a second before returning to blue. He was not going to be destroyed.

"Thank you." He didn't know what else to say or how to show his appreciation. You were lying just to keep a machine from shutting down. It might not mean much to you, but you were saving his life. You smiled nervously as he stared in awe.

"Don't mention it. Now, the TV remote is on the coffee table, there's a list of movies I own on there that you are welcome to watch. If not, there's books and a stereo over by the front window. If you need anything, just let me know."

"Where are you going?"

"To my studio. It's just down the hall, the last door on the end, " he only looked more lost and confused, "you can come with me if you like."

He stood, following you down the hall. At one time, it must have been the garage, but it has since been modified, the back portion knocked out and replaced with glass, revealing a small koi pond in the back, a statue of a lion prowling the edge, water pouring from its open mouth. Ivy climbed the walls inside, the sun shining through the leaves. Paintings lined the walls, some finished and some abandoned. Looking them over, he found he liked them. They were colorful. Your style favored realism, yet they seemed to hold a sense of wonder, something he couldn't put into words. There was one of a beagle, lying next to a roaring fire.

"Someone wanted a painting of their recently deceased pet as a memorial. A friend of mine had the same breed and let me borrow her for two weeks. There are some slight differences, to match the owner's photo."

"It's beautiful." He didn't have too many memories of dogs, though one did try to bite him at a client's house, but looking at this one, he could imagine the warmth from the fire, almost touch its fur, and hear the tiny snores coming from the beast. It made him want to be there.

You had moved before an easel, a painting sitting half-finished already on it. It was of a clinical white pot sitting on a wooden table, several cracks along it, revealing bits of dirt, roots, and leaves. The top was unfinished, just shades of reds and blues, blending to violet in a few spots. Various photos of plants were lying about your workspace, and across from you was a cheap, plastic flower arrangement.

You wasted no time getting back to work, a fresh brush in hand. Connor stood, watching you, mesmerized by your focus and the grace in each stroke of the brush. You felt awkward, being observed so closely, but quickly fell back into the task at hand. Ten minutes of him just standing there though was too much.

"You can sit down if you like." He found the closest chair to him and sat down, perfectly straight, hands in his lap. "Just relax, this is a safe environment."

It took time, but after half an hour, he leaned back into the chair, and in another hour, he was standing again, looking around the studio at all the different paintings, the plants that kept this place feeling more vibrant, and he stared out at the koi pond, watching the fish. You had told him how to get to the back for a closer look, but he made no moves to leave.

"I couldn't help but notice you have a Carl Manfred original in your living room," He broke the silence. "It must have been quite expensive."

You continued to paint, "It probably would be. It was a graduation gift. Carl was my mentor. Our styles are completely different, but I don't think I could ask for a better teacher or friend."

"I see," Connor returned to sitting down, watching you once again. "What made you want to become a painter?"

You brought the brush to your chin, thinking.

"Well, I've always liked to draw. A lot of people in my family were artistic, but they never did anything with it. They believed it wasn't a good career path. I guess I just wanted to prove it was. Though, I will say it can be an uphill battle. Sometimes I can sell a painting or get commissions with ease, other times I look at my paintings and wonder if I'll get any nutritional value if I just ate them. It seems to be the only value I could get."

He nodded, even if he didn't really understand what you meant. He had never heard of the term "starving artist".

"You've got paint on your face." You pulled the brush away, wiping at your chin, succeeding only in spreading it around. You could hear Connor suppressing a laugh. Looking over, you could see him trying to hide his smile. A part of you found it adorable, while another was saddened. Why hide such a nice smile? Was he forbidden from smiling, or could it be because it was technically at the client's expense?

You pushed it from your mind. As much as it pained you, you couldn't afford to get involved. You had it calculated. The commission would go to restocking your food, paying the water bill, and the mortgage. The painting in front of you would go towards paying your electric bill, along with the late charge they tacked on. If you don't finish it on time, you'll miss the deadline and will be painting in the dark, not to mention how that could hurt your reputation for future commissions. Carl would loan you the money if you asked, but you refused to take advantage of him like that. You will earn your place, even if it kills you.

"I guess I'll go wash up, " you giggled. Connor stood, as if to follow you. "Why don't you pick a movie we can watch when I get out of the shower?"

"You don't wish for me to accompany you?" All his other clients had. Your cheeks flushed.

"N-no, no, thank you! I can do it myself, " you stammered. You were embarrassed. Connor liked how you stuttered and when your cheeks turned red.

After a few minutes of sitting on the couch, he started to hear your voice from the bathroom. Curious, he moved a little closer, just outside the door. You were singing. He... Liked it. You couldn't quite hit the high notes, and your lows sounded more like growls, but it was sweet and melodic. He stifled another laugh when you started singing what sounded like a duet, but one of the singers was a male.

He'd never laughed before, or even had the inclination. He didn't know if he should laugh out loud or if you wouldn't like that. Was he allowed to laugh? The female androids at the club, particularly the Tracis, often giggled at clients, but the males rarely did, and it was usually nothing more than a huff or a scoff. Despite his worries, he liked the feeling that accompanied the involuntary action. He leaned against the wall, listening to you until he heard the water shut off, moving swiftly to the couch as to not arouse suspicion.

The rest of the evening was quiet, something Connor wasn't used to. There was no loud groaning or terrible derogatory names. No claws digging into his back, threatening to break through his synthetic skin, or rough hands clutching his hips. Just you and him, sitting on your small couch, a cartoon playing on your screen. He had never chosen a movie before, never chose anything before, yet when he showed interest in it, you didn't hesitate to put it on. It was childish, but he was greatly enjoying it, enjoying being with you.

Halfway through the third movie, he felt a weight on his shoulder. You had fallen asleep, your head resting against him. You appeared so serene, softly snoring. He had never met anyone like you. Nobody had ever treated him with such kindness. In one afternoon, you had flipped his whole world upside down.

When the movie ended, you woke up, the loud end credit music startling you. Realizing just who you were using as a pillow, you could feel your cheeks heating up.

"Sorry."

"It's fine." He smiled down at you, your eyes glazed over with exhaustion, "Perhaps you should retire for the night."

You hummed, stretching before a thought came to you.

"Why don't you take my bed and I'll take the couch? You're far too tall for it."

He gaped at you. You would give up your bed, your comfort, for him? A machine?

"I... Don't require sleep..." He said in a hushed tone, still in shock.

You seemed unsure of what to do. "Well, what do you usually do?"

His mind played memories of working a pole or acting 'tantalizing' behind glass. Not really helpful in this situation.

"Sometimes I enter stasis between clients, " he murmured. Usually for repairs after the owner beats him, but it seemed the only appropriate response.

"Stasis... that's, like, sleeping for androids, right?"

"I suppose it's similar."

"Well, come on then," you took his hand and hauled him to his feet, leading him down the hall to your bedroom. Your bed was so plush, he sank into it when you sat him down. With your urging, he positioned himself to lay back into the pillows. You went to the closet, pulling out a spare blanket.

"You make yourself comfortable, and I'll be on the couch if you need anything."

"I couldn't take your bed. I don't require sleep, you do, " he tried to stand, but you gently pushed him back down.

"The couch is comfortable enough. I don't mind."

"Since you're so insistent, why don't we share the bed?"

The heat returned to your cheeks. Your mouth was gaping open, as if to argue why not, but eventually, you said nothing. You didn't want to admit this would be your first time having a man share your bed. Instead, you walked to the other side of the bed, the flush on your cheeks spreading to your ears and neck as you climbed in. You laid on your side, facing away from him.

"Good night, Connor," You mumbled under your breath.

"Good night, Y/n."

He wished tomorrow would never come, that he could stay here forever instead. It was such an insignificant day, yet it meant everything to him. Here, he felt a peace he never knew existed outside his daily hell. He wanted to pull you close, feel the warmth he felt as he sat next to you on the couch, the weight of your head on his shoulder again, but for the first time, he felt like the greedy one. He did turn to lay on his side, just a few more inches closer to you, just barely able to register the heat radiating off your body. It will have to be enough.

You, on the other hand, could not sleep. Not only because you were sharing a bed with a man, a very attractive man at that, but because you felt guilty. Your "friend" couldn't have picked a worse time. He was a polarizing character whom you knew since middle school. He dropped out of high school and started selling drugs. He deals with anything but red ice, and as he grew more powerful on the streets, he would sell prescription drugs to people who couldn't afford their medications at a much cheaper rate. Something like a robin hood character, though he still sold hardcore drugs to violent criminals, so you were at a loss how to feel about him. He liked androids though, having been raised by one, who was also his right-hand man. He wouldn't dare take blue blood from his friend just for a few bucks and finds red ice to be deplorable.

He knows you like androids and how you feel about them, so, occasionally, he would send one to your place to 'liberate'. With your connections, you could help get androids across the border, or if needed, you could help them find Jericho, the android safe haven. Because of his stance on androids, he couldn't help directly without risking his own safety, so he was like an informant (except you didn't ask for the information, he would just leave it with you, knowing you wouldn't just look the other way like any smart human that wanted to live a healthy life would do).

Most of the time, they were abuse victims that ran away from their owner after he told them where to find you. Unless they were damaged, they were easy enough to deal with. Occasionally, though, he would send you an Android he suspected of abuse that came from some sleazy sex club. It was part of the reason you were broke. The last one was from a more upscale club and cost you $7,000 just to get her out. You had to sell your car just to make your mortgage payment on time. Must be nice to have all these ideals but not spend a dime to support them. Though you supposed he did send supplies to your house on occasion, blue blood or sometimes food, not much, but it would get you by. It was as if he wanted you to be on the cusp of hatred toward him.

You couldn't afford to help this time, and it tore you apart on the inside. Connor wasn't like the others, not only in appearance, but in his manners. He came from a sex club, but he was clearly uncomfortable with it, and not just because he didn't want to satisfy humans. He genuinely didn't know what he is supposed to do. Any other Traci would have been flirting or trying to fondle you before you could even begin to explain the situation. With Connor, you couldn't tell him what you do. It would be far too cruel, knowing you couldn't save him. All you could offer was a day of solace. It was nowhere near enough, but it was all you had.

The next day, he returned to the club. You had been reluctant to let him go, but when he told you how much another night would be, you blanched. It couldn't be helped. He can only hope you or your friend might call for his services once again. You embraced him before he left, promising that you would see him again. He carried that warmth all the way back to the club.

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #342

“in this farewell, there’s no blood, there’s no alibi  /  ‘cuz i’ve drawn regret from the truth of a thousand lies”

What’s your all-time favourite cartoon? Does anime count? In which case I'd say Fullmetal Alchemist, or the original Pokemon. If we're not including anime, then uhhhh Avatar: The Last Airbender, even though I have much more to go in the series. Have you ever taken dance lessons? What kind? Yeah, I've done a few for many years: jazz, clogging, modern, and hip hop. When did you last run and why? I literally couldn't tell you. I don't even know if I can run with the current state of my legs. My knees would probably crumple. Does your house/flat/whatever the hell you live in need cleaning? Not necessarily cleaning, but sorting. I still have boxes outside and inside my room of my stuff I need to put up somewhere... but whenever I prepare to do it, I just get so overwhelmed and shy away from it. Then there's the spare room, that's a total mess loaded with boxes and the like. Mom and I have just avoided it like the plague. Was your last relationship with a man or a woman? Woman. What do you think your next achievement will be? HOPEFULLY getting a job... Do you like mushrooms? NOOOOOOO. What dream do you remember most vividly? I'm not talking about it. Favorite kind of bread? Pumpernickel. Rabbits or hamsters? Rabbits. I've never met a nice hamster, and I just think rabbits are cuter. A movie you’ve never seen that it seems like every one else has? Harry Potter films. Favorite dog breed? I'm biased towards beagles. When was the last time you climbed a tree? Never, actually. Where I live, there aren't really many weighty trees with low branches. Just pine trees. Most common lie you tell? That I'm "fine" when I'm not. Ever seen your parents make out? Jc no, I'll take a hard pass there. Do you put your hair up a lot or down? It's too short to put up. Most of the time do you straighten or curl your hair? Neither. What piercing do you hate? I'm not a fan of cheek dermals at all, but you do you 100%. Were you raised in a religious house? Yes; I was raised Roman Catholic. Do your parents get mad when you're on the computer for hours? Mom used to for many years until I became an adult and she just realized it was in vain. I haven't lived with Dad since I was a teenager, but when my parents were together, he usually didn't say anything. Have you ever been asked for a nude picture? No, thankfully. I'd stop talking to the person immediately. What would you do if your parent hit you? I honestly feel like I'd slap them back and get the fuck out. Or just freeze in shock and cry. What's your most common mood? Stressed but distracted. Do you like poems? Yeah, usually. Ever kissed someone half-naked? Uh yeah. Have you ever been in a parade? No. Do you still play Pokémon? I play Pokemon GO, and I've actually been tempted to get out my DS and play one of the games I have (I can't remember which). I do find Pokemon games to be VERY grind-ey, though, so I can't play them for too long without getting bored. What is your favorite Pokémon? Ninetales. I also really love Espeon, though, and Charmander will always have my heart. Is there an animal you like that most people don't? Bats! :') Is there an animal that you think is overrated in terms of how it's liked? No animal is overrated. Have you ever "quit" a site and came back to it more than once? Uhhhh I don't think so. Do you have an "odd" fascination with anything? Most would probably consider "vulture culture" to be pretty weird, being drawn to dead animals and all... What's the hardest thing you've been through, & what did you learn from it? The breakup with Jason. I learned that some people make promises they aren't afraid to break, that someone can promise "forever" and not mean it, that the most unexpected can just snap their fingers and forget about you... I learned a lot. And most things, not positive. What are three "unrealistic" things you want most? 1.) To be able to financially support myself by just freelance nature photography; 2.) sooo many different kinds of pets; and 3.) to be totally rid of my mental illnesses. Do you take any daily vitamins? No, but I would if I was the one who bought groceries and stuff. I do however take Vitamin D once a week for my legs. Who are three of your favorite fictional characters of all time? JUST THREE??????? FUCK MAN idk. Uhhh well there's of course Darkiplier and Wilford Warfstache, then uhhh probably Pyramid Head. If you had to give the world a pre-existing mythological/fictional being, what would it be? Idk, I'd really need to be more educated on their lore before I made that decision. Do you have any desire to learn (a) foreign language(s)? Which? I both do and don't want to resume learning German. I got very good at it and could have basic conversations, but lack of application has slaughtered my vocabulary. Now it's like, it'd be nice to try again, but for what purpose? I don't think I'll ever actually apply it to my life, so it just seems like it'd be a load of wasted effort. But then on the other hand, I also feel that doing something you simply want to do isn't a waste of time. Idk. What is one of your firmest beliefs? Equality for all. No race, religion, whatthefuckever makes you more or less valuable than someone else. Do you have anything that keeps you from doing something you'd truly enjoy? Oh yes. Depression and anxiety, mostly. Do you work to fix your faults? Or at least, admit to them? I definitely try, and I'll certainly admit to them. How do you hope the world will change, if at all? I just want more compassion, less violence, more understanding... What is/are your view(s) on god, religion, spirituality, or relations to? In short, I believe that something sentient created the universe, and it/they/he/she/what-have-you just... let life play out from there, I think. I like to believe there's a plane of consciousness like an afterlife that exists, but if not, I don't really care. I hope the evil get what was coming to them, and the good get back what they gave, but maybe we're all better off without life after death. We'll all find out one day. Are you arachnophobic or scared of spiders in the least? Some, yes; others, not so much. This is very situational. Do you play WoW? What do you think of it either way? Haha, you're asking an avid player. I enjoy it, but not as much as I used to. At one point I was a Heroic raider, sometimes dabbling in Mythic, but now I'm just mostly a casual mount collector that likes chatting with my guildies and just doing dailies 'n shit. I owe a lot to the game, honestly; it helped me stay occupied throughout the breakup, and still today gives me something to do. What kind of computer do you have? Windows 7/Vista/XP/Other? I have an Acer Nitro with Windows 10. Are you taking any interesting classes in school/do you not attend? I'm no longer in school. If you don't attend, are you taking any "lessons" for anything? No, but I would like to join a photography course somewhere. A book/piece that has had an exceptional impact on your life? Johnny Got His Gun by Dalton Trumbo just made me hate war more than I innately did. What genres of music are your favorite? Just metal as an umbrella term. Some heavy stuff, some less, some in the middle, some leaning towards other genres... but I just like metal. Do you think that fate plays a part in people's lives? No. Wouldn't "fate" just make it all... worthless? Like we're just storybook characters with a predetermined ending? What are your opinions on the media? One word: manipulative. What's a piece of technology you'd like to own? I REALLY want a PS4, especially lately. There's just a lot of games I REALLY want to play. Are you afraid of technology developing to where we're too reliant on it? We're already *too* reliant on it, which I do believe is a bad thing. I know, absolutely hysterical for me to be talking. What's your favorite odd ice cream flavor? I don't think I've ever had a truly odd ice cream flavor. There's this local place though that makes a kind that tastes JUST like s'mores, and I can fucking murder a cup of that. What's your opinion on stereotypes/labels? They're limiting and devalue uniqueness, imo. I know very, very few people who totally fit a certain stereotype, so why even bother. Like I don't care if you use them as adjectives to some extent, just don't put too much weight on them. Just be you. Do you believe that history repeats itself? It's not necessarily doomed to, but it happens sometimes, obviously. Would you rather learn from your mistakes or just undo them? Depends on the mistake. What was the most interesting class you had in school? Probably Mythology in high school. Do you write? If so, what? Yeah, meerkat role-play. And every now and again, poetry. Do you have a favorite culture? No; I'm not educated on nearly enough to pick one. Do you believe in global warming? Have you researched it? Lol no shit I do. I don't exactly think it takes much research to see with your own two eyes that it's factual. Do you prefer piercings or tattoos? Tattoos, if I had to pick. What comedy movie is your favorite? White Chicks. Have you ever meditated? Yes. Doesn't work for me. What comes to mind when you think of a great moment in your life? Realizing it was my choice to liberate myself and my happiness from my ex. He didn't and never should've carried it, because that's my right. What do you like about springtime? Aaaaall the flowers. <3 How have you handled having to stay in? It's not really different from my average day, so... How would your friends describe you? Quiet and overthinks literally everything. Have you ever hallucinated? When I was coming off a certain med in middle school, I saw black moving shadows. What (or who) is the best thing that ever happened to you? The partial hospitalization program I attended for two months following my suicide attempt. It's where I met my psychiatrist, who set my medication straight. Medicine besides though, I learned so many coping techniques and just how to deconstruct my trauma. As well as possible, anyway. What is the worst decision you ever made? Handing over the ability to make happiness for myself to another person. What is your favorite arcade game? Don't have one. Do you feel neglected? No. What school subject(s) are/were your best? English, Arts, Science. Are you allergic to pollen? Yep. What style of wedding dress do you like best? Probably ballgown. Are you over your first love? I probably never will be in complete totality. Do you always answer your phone? No. I only ever do if I recognize the number. Who was the last person you know to have a birthday? Today is actually my sister's birthday. What song is currently stuck in your head? I have Halocene's cover of "What I've Done" on a loop right now. It has me absolutely covered in goosebumps. Do you ever use coloring books? Not really anymore. Do you personally know anyone who is an author? Not to my knowledge, no. What’s your favorite kind of salsa/dip to go with tortilla chips? Just your normal, mildly hot salsa. Do you wash your car by hand or drive through a car wash? Mom's car hasn't been washed in... well, years, given its bumper. Mom worries that in a car wash, it'll be broken off (it is literally held on with a lot of zip ties and duct tape), and we ourselves don't want to wash it, so... Do you have any uncommon kitchen appliances, such as espresso machines, waffle irons, etc? I know we have one or two, but idk what they're called. What did your parents major/minor in in college, if they went? Dad never went to college. Mom changed her major a few times, but her latest was social work, I believe. Has either of their careers influenced what career you chose or want to pursue? Not at all. What kind of natural disaster is most common where you live? Hurricanes. Why is your least favorite season your least favorite? Because it's hot as fuck and humid. Have you ever had an animal get into your attic? No. When was the last time you started a “new chapter” of your life? I don't know. Hopefully I'll start one soon when I leave PHP and pursue a job... What room in your home do you spend the least amount of time in? I'm always in my room. Do you do anything to reduce the amount of electricity you use? I feel awful admitting I do quite the opposite... Being in the dark during the day affects my depression, so I'll have my lamp (or both) on even if it's just sort of shaded inside. Are you usually open to trying a new food that you aren’t familiar with? Eh, it depends on the food. I'm not very adventurous with foods though. Do you listen to Panic! At The Disco? I do. Have you ever had a kinky dream about a celebrity? ... It wasn't "kinky," but it was a dream lmao. Has anyone ever told you that they loved you, and you couldn’t say it back? That's how I ended the whole Joel childishness. Which friend do you confide in most? My mom. Do you wear a cross? No. What is your favorite doughnut? That's so hard. :( Krispy Kreme's normal glazed though probably takes the cake. I also love chocolate frosted and just totally plain, though. Do you have a hot tub? If so, where is it located? No. Did you read the Twilight series, or jump on the bandwagon after the movie? Neither. Do you or your parents rake your yard? Dad did growing up. Now nobody does or needs to. Who did you last go to the movies with? Dad, I think? What color was the last vehicle you were in? White. Do you have any family members in the military right now? No. Is there a ceiling fan in the room you’re in? Yeah. Have you ever heard voices? No. If you’re not straight, who was the first person you came out to? Sara. Do you remember the first time your first crush ever said hi to you? No. Do you ever go places with wet hair? Yeah, idc. Who is your favorite little girl? My nieces. What do you want the most in life? To feel like I made a difference, even a tiny one. If you could have anyone’s singing voice, whose would you choose? OBVIOUSLY Amy Lee's. What’s the most expensive thing you’ve bought that turned out to be a waste of money? *shrug* What’s something you’ve bought that turned out to be way more useful than you anticipated? Hm. Have you ever been on a ship? No. Would you ever date a disabled person? (Be honest) Yes. Would you rather adopt or have your own child? IF I wanted kids, which I absolutely do not, I'd rather have my own. I know I'd feel a deeper connection. What would you class as cheating on someone? As soon as you do/say something you don't want your s/o to know about, you're cheating. As far as earrings go, would you rather wear hoops or studs? Studs. Do you recycle? Yes. If someone dislikes you, what is most likely to be the reason? People have thought I don't try hard enough before. Do you put a line through your "7"s? Yes. ^ What about your "Z"s? Yes. What are you most known for? My art "skill," at least irl. How do you feel about shameless self-promoting? Depends on when, where, and how. As someone who's trying to be a freelance photographer, I get that it's sadly necessary, but there are some places it's just uncalled for.

[dogtrainingofficial]

10 Reasons Why Your Dog Ignores Your Commands

Is your dog giving you deaf ears? When this happens, avoid repeating the command over and over and imposing yourself until you get a response; instead, take a step back and consider the following scenarios which are some of the most common issues encountered when training dogs.

1) Low Value Treats: Are Your Treats Worth Working For?

It’s a romantic and hard to debunk myth that dogs work for us just to please us. In reality, as opportunistic beings, dogs are most likely thinking “what’s in it for me?” according to the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). The right use of treats can really make the difference between a dog who is eager to work and one who couldn’t care less. The use of low-value treats (such as kibble) can be detrimental if your dog isn’t excited by them, especially during the initial stages of learning or when there are distractions around, so make sure your treats are worthy of attention.

Also remember to stick to treats which are soft, smelly, and in small bite-sized pieces. This allows your dog to quickly gobble up the reward and focus his attention back on you, rather than being distracted by a longer-lasting treat.

A suggestion? Try to use what respected veterinarian, trainer and writer Dr. Ian Dunbar calls the Ferrari of dog treats: Freeze-dried liver.

2) Low Rate of Reinforcement: Are You Missing Out on Rewarding?

In the initial stages of learning or when there are lots of distractions around, your dog may find sniffing the grass, looking around, marking territory and pulling on the leash more rewarding than training. Why is that? It’s probably because there are stimuli that are extra interesting and are worth paying more attention to. If your dog has received little training in the past, he may have been doing this for a good part of his life. Increasing the rate of reinforcement during this time by giving your dog more treats for his training efforts may help to motivate him, and will teach him to pay more attention to you than to the distracting environmental stimuli.

A low rate of reinforcement can also cause your dog to get frustrated and give up trying; remember, during the initial stages of learning you need a continuous rate of reinforcement (giving rewards for every success), and only once your dog shows signs of responding well can you move on to a variable schedule (only giving treats for success every now and then).

3) High Criteria: Are You Asking Too Much at Once?

This is where the saying “be a splitter and not a lumper” comes into play. It is often tempting to try to teach new behaviors all at once in a single evening. When your dog stops working for you, you start thinking: “Am I asking for too much at once?” Truth is, often when dogs fail to respond to a command it is because it is too hard for them. So try not to ramp up the difficulty too quickly; rather, break the objective down into several attainable steps to help your dog succeed. As an example, if you were trying to train your dog to touch the tip of a target stick with his nose, you could reward him for touching ANY part of the stick at first. Over time once your dog gets a hang of this, you could then move on to rewarding him only for touching the rounded tip at the top of the stick.

Try your best to prevent your dog’s progress from stalling, and do not make your training sessions too long – keep them short and sweet!

4) High Level of Distractions: Is there too Much Going on?

Dogs learn best when there are little to no distractions around, so be sure to start your training sessions in a quiet room where there is not much going on.

Once your dog is able to perform the behavior in the quiet room, build from there and gradually start asking your dog to perform the behavior in a noisier room. Then, progress to the yard, a busy street, the dog park and so forth.

If you start on a busy street or at the dog park right away, your dog may not respond because you have not yet built a foundation for the behavior.

5) Lack of Training: Has Your Dog Ever Been Trained Before?

If the handler has a history of being inconsistent and not following through with the dog, there’s a chance the dog may have learned he could get away from certain behaviors and has learned to ignore the handler. Dogs who have never been trained and have been allowed to do as they please for a good part of their lives often find the initial stages of learning difficult, since the concept is entirely new to them. It is up to the handler to become interesting and worth listening to by investing in reward-based training methods, like the ones taught in Adrienne Farricelli’s Brain Training for Dogs course.

6) Unclear Cues: Are You Confusing Your Dog?

Dogs thrive on consistency, so make sure you always use the same command cue and that all other people training the dog are on the same page. If you ask for a command and your dog just stares at you, consider if that command has a history of being used consistently.

In classes, it is not uncommon to encounter a family where the wife uses “come” to call the dog, the husband uses the dog’s name, and the kids just say “here!” Don’t ask for behaviors in multiple ways, and make sure your body language is congruent with the verbal command. Dogs find body language more salient then verbal cues.

Also, try your best not to repeat commands over and over, otherwise your dog will learn not to listen to the first time you say it, but will wait for you to finish your sentence instead!

7) Frustration Buildup: Are you Getting Frustrated?

Dogs are masters in body language and they can easily detect frustration. When the handler’s frustration builds up, dogs often shut down instead of becoming more compliant. In this case, it helps to ask the dog for a behavior he knows well (such as a sit) followed by a reward to end the session on a positive note. You can try the exercise again a little bit later, possibly further splitting the exercise into smaller sections if it was too hard for your dog.

Also, keep in mind that if you start raising your voice, bending down or getting into your dog’s face, you are intimidating him dog and he will feel the need to send you appeasement signals and default behaviors, rather than listening to your commands.

8) Emotional Problems: Are Emotions Getting in the Way?

If a dog is fearful, anxious or nervous, his emotional state may interfere with training. This is because the dog is often in a fight or flight state which affects his cognitive function, impairing his ability to learn. In such a case, you may need to work in areas where your dog is less likely to be frightened and then gradually introduce more and more stimuli in a way which does not cause him to react.

As an example, if your dog was frightened of thunder, instead of immediately exposing him to recordings of thunderstorms on full volume, you should first play them at a very low volume, where he acknowledges the sound but does not become scared. After rewarding your dog while the sound is played, you would, over time and numerous training sessions, increase the volume at which you play the recording. This process is known as desensitization and is a common technique used in dog training.

9) Health Considerations: Is Your Dog in Pain or Uncomfortable?

If your dog ignores you, he may be feeling unwell or uncomfortable. If your dog has always been obedient and is now slacking off, it is best to have your veterinarian rule out any medical problems. Sloppy sits or a reluctance to lay down may be indicative of orthopedic problems.

Aside from medical problems, some dogs may not like to be trained on certain surfaces, or perhaps the weather is too hot, too windy or too cold – there are a multitude of possibilities. Often, a distracted dog may simply need to relieve himself or get a drink of water. Consider how well you could perform in an exam if you were busting to use the bathroom!

10) Are You Forgetting to Brain Train Your Dog?

Many owners are not aware of this, but when it comes to dogs, idle minds are the devil’s workshop. Yet many owners are happy to leave their dogs bored by the fireplace all day, leading to untold behavior problems. The simple secret to a well-trained dog is engaging their mind and getting them thinking.

In the wild, before domestication, dogs would spend much of their lives performing tasks necessary for survival. Even in more modern history, dogs had special roles to perform in their relationships with humans. You can still see these natural drives in dogs today! For example, you will notice how beagles love to follow scents, how some terrier breeds love to dig, and how treeing coonhounds bark upon noticing prey up a tree. Unlike humans who perhaps dread the 9 to 5 grind, dogs actively WANT to work, and when they do not, they become prone to behavior problems, disobedience, and poor psychological well-being. Many owners spend THOUSANDS on dog training when the solution could be as simple as providing Rover with more mental stimulation!

Fortunately, Brain Training for Dogs offers a solution to this problem. Written by professionally certified trainer Adrienne Farricelli CPDT-KA (who’s work has appeared in USA Today, Everydog Magazine, Nest Pets and more), Brain Training for Dogs is one of the first training programs to not only teach obedience, better behavior, important skills and tricks, but to also work on increasing intelligence and engaging the dog’s brain too. Through 21 fun and simple games, the novel and scientifically-proven methods taught by Adrienne are sure to improve the lives of both you and your dog! By the end of Brain Training for Dogs your dog will be able to tidy up his toys, play the piano (yes, really), and identify his toys by name – all while being a better behaved and more obedient dog.

Want to get started with brain training? You can check out my course by clicking here:

>>>Get brain training for dogs today

As seen, there are many reasons why your dog may not be listening to you. Don’t quickly label your dog as stubborn, don’t begin shouting commands like a drill sergeant, and don’t give up training altogether – instead, try to give your dog a break and consider what may really be going on. A better understanding of how dogs learn should pave the path to better training.

Hope this helps!

[sit-communist]

I don't normally post but this is for @discoveringenterprise

A/N:

Can a Captain date an Ensign? Why not?

Does the ship have a garden? It does now!

ArcherxRyan

You were laying on your bed, filling out reports on your padd. Your shift had ended over an hour but you were feeling lazy and hadn't even showered yet. You were considering getting up and doing so when you heard a knock at the door.

For a second all you did was stare blankly at the door. -no one ever came to see you- But you snapped yourself out of it, set your padd down on the bed and stood. You looked down at your wrinkled uniform and smoothed it out ineffectively while saying "Come in".

The doors swooshed open and there stood Jonathan Archer, Captain of the Enterprise. Your crush.

"Ensign Ryan" he started, looking down at the padd in his hand as he took a step inside. "I see here you work in engineering, but I don't think I've ever seen you down there" he looked up at you with his eyebrows squished together questioningly.

"Um, I'm usually scrubbing out a plasma conduit" you responded quickly and redirected your gaze at the floor. You couldn't believe he was in your quarters.

"I see" his gaze was pointed at you, then the floor where you were looking, then back at you. He raised one eyebrow and said, "is everything ok Ensign?"

You cleared your throat. "Yes sir" you said as formally as you could. Then you lifted your head to look at him, adding in a in a softer voice, "am I in trouble or something?"

A warm smile spread across his face, as he shook his head "No Ryan, you're not in trouble" he chuckled. "I heard you had a dog" he explained.

Your shoulders relaxed and you couldn't help but return his breath taking smile with a small one of your own. "Yes sir, I do" you said.

His smile that had faded but never truly gone away was back in full force now. "What would you say to a date?"

Your face flushed. "Sir?"

"A play date, between your dog and mine?" He said, clueless to the fact that your heart was beating at warp 2.

"Oh, right. Sure!" You swallowed your drool and blinked a few times to bring yourself back to reality. "When and where?" You asked cheerfully, then added "sir" when he didn't respond within .005 seconds.

"Are you free now? I can go get Porthos and meet you in the garden" he pointed down the corridor towards the greenhouse section. "Unless you want to go somewhere else?" His smile wasn't fading at all now.

"Yes, Captain. I will get Daisy and her things ready. I will report to the garden in 15 minutes sir", you automatically came to attention at the last word.

He cocked his head to one side. "This isn't an order, Ensign. At ease" When you loosened up again he added "You are not to 'report' anywhere, but I do hope I see you and Daisy in the garden this evening" and with those words he turned and left.

You smiled widely at the thought of spending time with the handsome man but your smile faded and your eyes widened as you started to worry about what you could possibly talk to him about.

You walk over to the mirror and run a brush through your blonde hair. -I am the girl who cleans up the mess after the guys 'fix' the engine. I am a nobody. He's the freakin captain!- Your thoughts continue like this as you pull off you uniform shirt and starfleet issue undershirt to replace them with a light blue tank top.

After gathering her treats and her ball, you scoop up the little Jack Russel Terrier in your arms and head out the door.

You take a deep breath before you open the doors to the garden. You look around but you don't see the Captain, maybe he hasn't arrived yet. Daisy squirms so you set her down and she runs in circles around you, making you giggle.

You toss her ball towards the large grassy area and follow her over. She's quick and you have to throw her ball again before you even get there, and once more before you can sit down on the only bench.

Daisy was bringing the ball back to you for the third time when you heard the swoosh of the doors. Daisy heard it too and ran to sniff the other dog. You kept your eyes on the two dogs, Daisy had been attacked by a large dog last year and you were still anxious about her meeting new dogs, but Porthos seemed to be a perfect gentleman.

Once you were reassured that Daisy was safe with Porthos, you turned my attention back to the Captain. He had made his way over to the grassy area and had stopped a few feet from the bench.

He put his hands in his pockets and looked around. "We're the only ones here, huh?" He chuckled. "This place is underrated, the flowers are beautiful! And this is the only place on the ship that the air smells fresh", he took a deep breath, smiling as he exhaled loudly.

-Flowers, ok flowers. You know flowers. You can talk about flowers- "That is a Lord Baltimore hibiscus" You pointed to the tall plant with big red flowers to the right of the bench you were sitting on. "It was named after a 17th century Earth governor, who was only 5 years old when he became Baron" He wasn't responding but he was watching you intently so you continued.

"And the purple one next to it is called a ipomoea nil, more commonly referred to as a morning glory" you paused, you could name all of the plants but you doubted he wanted to listen to you. You shook your head, "I'm sorry you came here for our dogs to play not to hear me ramble about flowers" you said.

He looked at Porthos and Daisy, who were chasing each other playfully. "I think our dogs are ok" he said as he turned back to you. He paused and opened his mouth like he was thinking about saying something. But he simply closed it again and walked towards you.

In fact, he walked past you. He approached the bush with tiny bright yellow flowers on the other side of the bench and bent over to smell it, closing his eyes as he did.

"What's this one called?" He asked when he had stood up straight again. He looked at you with bright eyes, and you couldn't help but smile. "That one is a Japanese rose bush, it is not a true rose, but it is beautiful" You brushed you hair behind your ear and kept your gaze on the plant.

You heard Daisy bark and you whipped around, barely catching the sight of Porthos running out the door with Daisys ball in his mouth, scurrying past a startled Dr. Phlox and down the hallway.

"Porthos! Get back here!" Archer called as he rushed past you and out the door. Daisy walked sulkily towards you and sat at your feet, looking at you sadly. "It's ok girl, we'll get it back" You say, smiling. She wags her tail once in response.

Daisy stood up again and went to sniff Dr. Phlox as he was walking over. The doctor smiled at the dog before looking at you, "May I?" He asked as he gestured towards Daisy. "Of course!" You started, "Your animal collection is legendary though, I'm sure you've seen your share of dogs."

He bent down and scratched Daisy behind her left ear, her favorite spot. "I have seen many dogs, but never a Jack Russel" he replied, nuzzling noses with Daisy before standing up again and walking off towards the insect habitats. "Thank you Ensign, that was a valuable experience!" He called over his shoulder.

You called Daisy over and scooped her up, petting her softly for a moment before standing up and walking calmly in the same direction Porthos and Archer went.

Ten minutes and three pointing crewmen later, you found Archer trying to convince Porthos to come out from behind some crates in engineering storage room c.

Archer was clicking his tongue and saying "come on boy" over and over but Porthos knew if he came out he'd have to give up the ball.

"Captain" you started. His head jerked around, his right hand going to his side where his phaser would be, but he immediately relaxed.

You shifted the unhappy Daisy in your arms and jammed your hand into your pocket to pull out the small bag of treats you had brought. "Would one of these help?" You asked with both eyebrows raised, gesturing the bag in his direction.

He smiled a small forced smile accompanied by a slight scowl. He clearly didn't like the idea of accepting help. He shrugged and flatly said "Sure", reaching out a hand with his palm up.

You pulled out two of the small bone shaped treats and placed them in the Captains hand. Your fingertips grazed the edge of his palm and you felt goosebumps up your arms, then a chill down your back. Your toes curled inward and your breath hitched.

Somehow you maintained your composure as you withdrew your hand and took a step back. "Thank you" Archer said with a much more genuine tone than he had spoken with a moment ago, though he still wore the scowl.

He turned back to coaxing Porthos out, but he didn't have to try very hard now. The beagle was already sticking his nose around the corner of the crate nearest the wall. The Captain held the treat out and Porthos trotted happily around the corner, head held high.

Archers scowl melted and he smiled widely at the dog. The Captain took both of Porthos' floppy ears into his hands and kissed him on the forehead. Then, he dropped the second treat on the floor to keep the dogs attention as he bent over the crate to reach the ball that still laid behind it.

He handed you the ball. "Sorry about that" he said, "Porthos doesn't normally do that, I promise!"

You shifted Daisy again who was now getting heavy. She licked your cheek once and whined. "It's not a big deal Captain, really" you responded as you took the ball from him.

Daisy whines again and you set her down as Porthos comes over to apologize. You hold the ball behind your back as you watch the two canines interact.

The Captain isn't looking at the dogs, he's looking at you. "My name is Jon" he says after a short silence.

"I know" you blurted out.

Your face got hot real quick and you opened your mouth as you tried to think of something to say to recover from that. "I just mean that you're the Captain, everyone knows your name"

"And I just meant that you can call me Jon." He grinned lopsidedly as he took a step in your direction.

Your heart rate was back at warp speed as he took another step, effectively closing the gap between you. He cocked his head and brought his hand up, brushing your cheek with the back of his fingers.

Your eyes were glued to his. "Ryan?" He asked quietly. "Cap-" you stopped yourself, "Jon?" He smiled when you said his name. "Request permission to kiss you"

You knew no one else was there but you still looked around to make sure he was talking to you. Heart rate was at warp 5 now. "Permission granted" you tried to speak normally but it came out as barely more than a whisper.

He lifted your chin and it seemed to take a year for him to lean in. When his lips finally touched yours it sparked something in you. This must be what warp 10 feels like. You threw your arms around his neck, pulling him closer. His arms came around your waist, his hands ever so slowly moving their way up each side of your back.

Porthos barked and you two reluctantly separated. You had dropped the ball, and Daisy had grabbed it and jumped on top of a crate that was too high for Porthos to jump on.

Jon chuckled "Seems like Daisy won this round" he said to the dog. His hands were still on your hips. Your hands had fallen to his arms, your fingers wrapped around the back of his arm just above the elbow.

You shuffled nervously and it brought his gaze back on you. "Ryan, what would you say to a date?" There was that lopsided grin again. "This time, you and me?"

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Barx Buddy Cease Puppy Barking Assessment

Whenever you don’t have an idea what Barx Buddy is, you must check out this page review should you be dealing with a concern together with your pet. Barx Buddy is one of the finest puppy units available today and could truly let you spend money to obtain it at the earliest opportunity. Nonetheless, the key and essential real real question is what this product does?

General, this is usually a simple item that can silence your dog good friend as soon as it could be put in place off or excited. The neighbor’s pet will also be afflicted as soon as they spot the audio it provides. Thus, you may remain a relax existence without pointless and useless interruptions via your family pet.

It really is specific and informative that the majority of men and women still locate this device incredulous is this product or service does career because it is still new plus hard to find. On the other hand, as soon as this has been established to acquire trustworthy, lots of people who own dogs will unquestionably get some this product. Even though woofing dog canines could also notify us about the inbound risks, there are circumstances when canine bark without aspects by any means, and that is certainly the segment thought to be infuriating and irritating.

The business of this technique is extremely innovative to make and inventing this machine. It generates an ultrasonic influx which is often discovered by simply canines rather than by humankind, for this reason, catching the thing to consider, even those puppies who often start off woofing. But, prior to proceeding further more, rest easy this wave developed by this piece of equipment will never lead to problems for both the owner as well as the pet.

The principle reason for this device would be to produce an ultrasonic influx to impede the superfluous and in addition nonstop woofing pastimes through the puppy. Here is a program from lots of vets a dog that may be certainly woofing will completely concentration almost all of its concentration to the major piece or person, which causes it to begin barking. Otherwise, any type of disturbance could make the canine forget the trigger that points out why it may be barking without delay. That is what the barx buddy dog barking device review does. It disrupts the woofing routines of your individual puppy good friend by fascinating them to pay attention to the ultrasonic influx made through this device. It may sound puzzling even so, once you become used to it, you are going to realize or realize that it must be relatively simple and quick to utilize.

You could be contemplating what you wish to do if you wish the household pet to bark. Take into account that this device will just activate whenever you transform it on. This is the time to make it possible for your furry friend carry out correct education solutions to make the most efficient attitude if you would like your pet to start out barking or perhaps not. Even if education and learning your dog will not be a stroll from your park your car your car, odds are should you spend hard work.

The beauty of Barx Buddy is it runs using all sorts of puppies. This is often the main reason why this product is becoming popular. It is not just safe however in add-on very respected and successful. Dog breeds of family pet puppies which is often applied this system get balances of your own following:

•Milder Varieties: Poodles, Shih Tzu along with Dachshunds

•Aggressive dog breeds: Pinschers, Pitbull, and Rottweilers

•Productive puppies: Beagles and Boxers

•Little pups: Yorkies and Spaniels

•Large pet dogs: Labradors, Huskies along with German Shepherds

The Barx Buddy is intended to give peacefulness and calm towards the manager. On the other side, it doesn’t place toward that you have to be totally determined by this product. Mentioned previously more than, it is great for making canines obtain the required coaching to offer the suitable activities. This machine is run by battery power, so remember to have the most beneficial and correct battery power packages before using it.

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Barx Buddy Stop Dog Barking Review

If you don’t have an idea what Barx Buddy is, you need to check this out review if you are suffering from a challenge with the pet. Barx Buddy is one of the best animal devices available right now and definately will truly allow you to spend cash to have it without delay. Nevertheless, the main and crucial question for you is what this device does?

In general, it is a small gadget that can silence your dog buddy as soon as it really is establish off or turned on. The neighbor’s dog may also be impacted as soon as they pick up the sound it produces. As a result, you get to stay a calm daily life with no needless and unnecessary disorder through your dog.

It can be accurate and informative that the majority of folks still get this piece of equipment incredulous is it product does work as it is still new along with difficult to find. However, once it has been proven to be trustworthy, lots of puppy owners will undoubtedly get a bit of this product. Even if woofing puppies also can inform us about the incoming dangers, you can find scenarios when dog bark with no reasons by any means, and that is the component considered to be infuriating and irritating.

The manufacturer on this system is extremely progressive for making and inventing this gadget. It generates an ultrasonic influx which can be noticed by simply puppies instead of by people, because of this, getting within the consideration, even those dogs who often bark. But, just before heading further more, rest easy that this influx made by this device will not harm both the manager and the puppy.

The key purpose of this device is to build an ultrasonic wave to hinder the superfluous and also nonstop woofing pursuits of your pet. Listed here is a session from lots of veterinarians your dog that may be woofing will completely focus all of its attention to the key thing or individual, that causes it to start barking. On the flip side, any sort of disturbance can make the dog ignore the explanation that explains why it can be barking right away. It is exactly what the Barx Buddy device does. It disrupts the barking styles of your dog buddy by engaging them to focus on the ultrasonic wave produced through this process. It might audio puzzling however, as soon as you get used to it, you may know or know that it must be relatively quick and easy to use.

You might be contemplating what you wish to do if you would like your furry friend to bark. Take into account that this gadget will just initialize should you change it on. It is now time to allow your dog undergo correct training methods to make the correct attitude if you would like the family pet to bark or otherwise not. Even though coaching your dog might not be a stroll inside the playground, chances are in the event you invest some effort.

An important feature about Barx Buddy is that it performs on all types of canines. This might be the primary reason why the product has become preferred. It is not only secure but additionally very reliable and effective. Types of puppies that can be used this system consider profile from the pursuing:

•Milder Breeds: Poodles, Shih Tzu and also Dachshunds

•Aggressive varieties: Pinschers, Pitbull, and Rottweilers

•Energetic pet dogs: Beagles and Boxers

•Little canines: Yorkies and Spaniels

•Major pet dogs: Labradors, Huskies and also German Shepherds

The Barx Buddy is meant to give tranquility and tranquil to the proprietor. On the flip side, it doesn’t point toward that you should be totally determined by the product. Mentioned previously previously mentioned, it is ideal for allowing puppies have the necessary instruction to obtain the proper behavior. This device is operated by electric battery, so never forget to get the ideal and correct batteries before employing it.

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Barx Buddy Review

In the event you personal a dog, you might recognize that there will be cases that you just will deal with your pet’s abnormal woofing. Pet dogs actually bark at anything or almost everything. They bark at practically nothing at all. Barking might be short-term, but this may also continue for extended hours towards the magnitude it gets frustrating and troubling for your needs and to your neighbors. It is also awkward from you if you fail to get the canine quit barking, contemplating you are the owner to begin with.

Which are the Frequent Causes of a Dog’s Barking?

Woofing is dogs’ typical actions, but this may also be their methods of connection. Many reasons exist canines barks, and the most frequent are as follows:

•Monotony

•Calling out other pet dogs

•Noises

•Making contact with their animal owners

•Getting left by itself

•Concern

•Excitement

•Territorial conduct

•Searching for consideration

•Appearance of other wildlife within the area

•Conditions

•Being thirsty or craving for food

•

Barking might be a supply of tension, interference, and aggravation. The good thing is that there is an item generally known as Barx Buddy that helps a lot in order to keep your dog under control and stop its excessive barking. This also helps in education your pet dog how you can be calm and react properly.

What Is BarxBuddy?

Barx Buddy can be a product specifically created to be utilized in dogs associated with a breed to have its attention immediately and quiet it lower, thus it will stop barking too much. Among the best aspects of this piece of equipment is that this works in any puppy and in any sort of situation. Several people who own dogs have actually tried out this, and the majority of them provided their optimistic barx buddy reviews. These pleasant barxbuddy reviews indicate this product works and will deliver a major difference in pet dog ownership.

This barx buddy device also has the ability to determine contacts in between the canine and the manager. This unique product can create great-pitch sound that merely the puppies can hear. This assists in snapping them outside in any condition or condition they may be in and redirect their focus and focus on you.

Besides dog owners, this is also the greatest gadget that can help dog coaches acquire excellent effects and enhance the conduct with their pet dogs. Here is the latest ultrasonic device that may management dogs’ barking and transform them right into a properly-behaved furry close friend.

This piece of equipment is safe for use and won’t result in any ache to your dogs. It is simple to operate and performs successfully and instantly. You can find no lengthy and sophisticated processes and challenging to follow directions. All that you should do is click a control button to stop your pet dog from woofing.

Using this type of product or service, you will no longer must feel emphasized, inflammed, and concerned as your puppy barks excessively and tends to make an bothersome disturbance. The one thing available out of your dog is obedience as an alternative. This is among one of the numerous issues which render it worthy of seeking the barxbuddy price. You can also reference much more barx buddy reviews to get additional and better idea about the barx buddy cost.

How Does the Barx Buddy Functions?

You delay until these kinds of time that the puppy begins with the behaviour that you planned to cease. In addition to too much woofing, this may be digging holes within the yard, attacking friends, ripping soft cushions aside, and much more. As soon as your pet started those unwanted behaviours, go in between what is causing this sort of habits and also the canine, then click and hold the barx buddy device option. This will likely captivate the dog’s interest simultaneously and back away from it.

Then the next action you should do to make best use of this device’s operate is always to relieve the key and be sure that your pet will be provided some take care of or incentive to significantly strengthen its great actions. If in case your puppy looks obstinate, the device’s blinking and bright Guided lighting can be very convenient in catching its consideration. You will find pet dogs that far better respond to visual training, and LED will ensure that the Barx Buddy is utterly productive in most of these canines. Lamps may also be used as being a flash light while in night strolls.

This device also functions on unfriendly pet dogs exterior. If some peculiar canines take action aggressively in your direction, just push the option and maintain it away. Among the best pieces relating to this device is this was tested and proven to work on just about all dog breeds including:

•Big Dogs (Labradors, German Shepherd, Akita and a lot more)

•Medium Pet dogs (Bolognese, Beagles, Australian Terrier)

•Hostile Breeds ( Pitbull, Boxers, Pinschers, Rottweilers)

This device operates by producing ultimately high-frequency noise around 130dB. The device will release this sort of audio with a volume that’s inaudible to human beings. As mentioned, the device emits blinking lighting at the same time, which helps to get the dog’s interest. If you press the device’s option, the sound will probably be sent out, and therefore the light-weight will blink. All these things help the pet dogs to understand where sounds are precisely coming from, especially if you are standing up inside the collection of eyesight of the pet. It is highly recommended to work with this piece of equipment where you and the puppy are able to see it.

Why Is the Barx Buddy Exclusive?

Barx Buddy is surely an specially developed and highly designed gadget that works in controlling and education dogs with the help of substantial-pitch frequencies and ultrasonic sound. These frequencies are merely noticed by pet dogs but not mankind. This is probably the aspects that make this product special. This piece of equipment was actually a scientifically created education device supporting people who own dogs in training your dog, which mainly take advantage of extreme frequencies.

One more component that helps make this device exclusive is that it never harms dogs’ overall health. Rather, this concentrates on fixing the dogs’ habits. You can utilize this product in managing loud barking, itching, digging slots, rushing to total strangers, and a lot of other irritating and nuts actions. You simply need to hit the key, as well as the ultrasonic sound will certainly buy your dog’s consideration, and you will definitely then be allowed to teach your dog to eradicate its terrible behavior. The convenient dimensions of this device will make it fit into the pocket and easily transportable to help you bring this along where you go.

This product was developed by professional canine instructors regularly working to closely keep an eye on poor or poor behaviors of canines. The top-pitch whistle performs a vital role in managing the dog’s activities. You really should book this product now through its formal website and might take full advantage of their special discounted delivers.

Yet another thing that makes Barx Buddy special is that it is not going to impact the all round health and wellness of the canine. This is low-violent and harmful to pet dogs. The disturbance is just not overbearing and won’t hurt the puppies or get them to go crazy.

Benefits associated with Barx Buddy

When you go for this product, you will expertise and like the following rewards:

•Control the Dog’s Conduct Properly

This modest but successful system helps in managing your dog’s annoying behaviors within two to three months. Using this device, your pet dogs might not exactly bark at the automobile or any other individuals. Adding to that, they will be trained to cease attacking other people, guests, or neighborhood friends. The unit was designed to ensure your canines are calm and quiet.

•Protection

This piece of equipment may also help you save from your intense and aggressive dogs of your own neighbors. By switching the device on, you can even shield yourself from harmful canines. This is light in weight and easily transportable, to help you provide this along anywhere you go.

•Effective Training Your Dog

You do not need to train puppies from time to time to protect yourself from the property limit. This puppy handle system trains the canine automatically and educates it to stay within their borders. This product will alert you if your canine crosses the boundary.

•Works Everywhere

One more great good thing about this product is it operates everywhere. This can be used by any puppy anytime and may definitely be used on other pooches in addition to your very own pooch. There are even people with no pet who happen to be using this product or service and experiencing the benefits it gives you them.

•Undamaging

Other types of dog management devices hurt the puppies and make them sense unpleasant and unpleasant. This gadget is ultimately exclusive. This can be a noisemaker, nevertheless the amazing point is the fact that humans cannot listen to the disturbance. The noise is just audible to dogs. This really is created achievable with the special technology that works well in this particular device. Human beings will not be disturbed, although the dog will truly pick up the 130dB audio that could stop him and obtain him to be aware of you. This is amongst the greatest rewards you can get to place your dog in order without triggering any cause harm to. There are many gadgets similar to this presented available in the market today, only this brand name can provide anything like this.

•Simpleness

Many enjoy how user friendly this product is. This was made to support initiate successful but low-aggressive dog control. You don’t really should grasp the instructional guidebook or take your pet dogs to a specialist instructor to apply this product. This operates the minute you change these devices on. This features smoothly on puppies on any array.

•Value

This product is one of the most affordable, yet high quality gadgets supplied today. This is half the regular value and will be under the price tag on other contending products, however, you will surely get a good value if you opt for this product. You might definitely have to get this product because it is inexpensive.

•Is Effective with Any Pet

One of many key illustrates that consumers enjoy about BarxBuddy is the method that it can be employed on any dog and never simply your personal. Your pet may well be an easy task to management and polite. Possibly your dogs hear effectively to you personally and obey you once you advise him to quit barking. Nonetheless, have you considered one other pet dogs? They probably won’t be so respectful and nicely-behaved, as well as the moment that you go to a pet dog inside a playground or maybe in your neighborhood, you can get these to efficiently quit woofing rather than to be so hostile in your direction particularly if by using this device.

•Small Style

You can conveniently consider this gadget along. This is certainly small enough to fit in your pocket, and this basically would stop being probable with many other products made for barking cessation. There isn’t any complicated gadget to obtain and hold along. The simple and efficient device can fit into your tote travelling bag properly and can be transported conveniently to the park, in the course of very long strolls, or where you go as a way to observe and manage your pet or another canines which might be leading to problems.

•Music and Graphic Indicators

Not at all varieties of strategies to end your pet from woofing, the Barx Buddy makes use of two kinds of signs to captivate the attention of the dogs-the the mp3 transmission as well as the aesthetic one. The Brought gentle is extraordinary in focusing on dogs’ focus, and also the extremely-high noise frequency is beneficial in quitting your dog’s abnormal barking. These two kinds of impulses come together to execute 1 large function, and that is certainly to prevent the dog’s barking and set him in charge.

Barx Buddy Professionals & Cons

This device also has its own sets of positives and negatives, and these are as follows:

Pros:

•Works on all dog breeds

•Low-brutal system for pet instruction

•Recommended by expert canine instructors

•Merchandise discount rates also presented

•Easy and safe to use

•Full of innovative capabilities

Cons:

•May possibly exhaust carry

•Might not exactly go well with other users

Vital Highlights of Barx Buddy

Before you decide on a certain product or service or method to overcome your puppy and prevent his excessive woofing, it pays to learn about the characteristics shown with the gadget. This assists when making probably the most knowledgeable buying decision and makes you sense more happy and self-confident with your choice. Listed below are the fundamental options that come with Barx Buddy:

•On and Off Button-this tiny yet functional device starts through the on / off key in controlling the uncomfortable behaviors of canines. Upon beginning the option, your puppy will instantly sit on his toes.

•Ultrasonic Noise-This device employs great pitched shades which are undetected by mankind but specifically focus on dog’s seeing and hearing. You should use the ultrasonic sounds to sop your dog in the midst of undesirable actions like biting on shoes, barking, and a lot more. This attribute is a superb help in managing your dog’s loud seems.

•LED Flashlight

This piece of equipment consists of an LED flash light, that is very useful, specifically throughout evening strolls. You may also make use of the Directed flash light in introducing visible stimuli to stubborn dogs. You just need to push the work switch to “Light,” then press the “ON” switch. The flash light also works to make your puppies quiet when jogging and would not have the go to chew people or any other pet.

•Works Outdoors and Inside

Some dog management methods or gadgets work only on distinct put in place either outdoor or indoor. The good thing is this system functions in environments. You may make use of this piece of equipment everywhere. This can be more functional and practical than its rivals.

•Safety Features

This system was specially designed to never hurt your puppy in any way. The emission of frequency seem is perfect for your dogs to behave well. You can actually teach your puppies without harming their ear and your the ears as well. It is really an ultimately risk-free gadget which can be used often and around you need them without concern with triggering any severe discomfort and hurt. This product is probably not a good thing that your dog can listen to, but this may definitely obtain their consideration. The degree of basic safety of the product is an issue that other goods cannot assure you. Some even provide electric shocks.

Can Barx Buddy Work On All Types

A lot of people brought up popular questions about this system and thought about if the work on all sorts or varieties of dogs. You can find products which can be centered on preventing the dog’s too much barking but function only on the particular grow older, measurements of canines, or dog breed. Would this product have the identical limits and constraints?

Reports shown that this product operates on all types of pet dogs. This can be as outlined by researchers and people who have tried out this device at first hand. This device performs on all types, which include modest pet dogs, huge ones, and every sort and dog breed is going to be afflicted equally through the high pitch seem made by the device.

You could find that we now have dog breeds of puppies that are not very open, and in addition there are dogs that answer in many methods. This could partly be due to coaching as well as the consistency of being exposed to the same gadgets as opposed to simply being only an attribute on their breed.

Various sorts and breeds of puppies have actually been skilled applying this gadget like Yorkies, poodles, boxers, dachshunds, Labradors, beagles, huskies, German shepherds, and much more. No matter the dog breeds and kinds, dogs will certainly cease woofing as well as stop other annoying behavior.

Rankings and Tips of Barx Buddy

The product prices 4.6 out of 5, and this is clearly a great rating of fully satisfied folks. As being a pet manager, you surely would like to possess the finest product. To be fully convinced about Barx Buddy, you are highly recommended to test using the system. In such a way, you can have initial-palm that how valuable and powerful this piece of equipment is rather than just discussing them in critiques. This leading score and strongly suggested product or service can surely make your pet react and become relaxed.

What Will You Pay to the BarxBuddy?

In case you are curious about the expense of the product, the retail price commences at $39 as of as soon as. This is also what most barx buddy device testimonials uncover today and something that you can benefit from. Having a product or service as rich in demand as this a single, you can expect the retail price to enhance at any time, however it is hard to say if this will occur particularly.

The common retail industry expense is twice the present recorded charge, so that knows when it will come back to that increased selling price. Assess this device with its rival items. A large number of them cost hundreds of dollars and need a great deal of operate to put together. Some may even cost hundreds specifically, you will be picking electrified boundaries including an electric powered fencing or anything such as this product to manage your canines. You may get your pet dogs leveled out for significantly a lot less in the event you use this easy gadget for woofing cessation. This instantaneously operates and costs significantly less, relatively communicating.

If you buy this through a 3rd party seller or internet site, you may be investing in much more. Those sellers need to somehow produce a earnings, and they can achieve that by asking more or through giving you a substandard piece instead of the real deal. Any BarxBuddy review talking about inferior, poor, or poor styles, craftsmanship, or reduced value compared to what is on the recognized internet site are likely knocking off items or tying to mislead what this piece of equipment can definitely do.

Final Verdict

Abnormal dog barking can be a significant problem. Instruction your pet dogs to prevent barking as well as other bothersome difficulties, the Bar Friend is, for that reason a best value and worthy expense. Using this type of item, pleasure is utterly certain. This gadget certain that you are fully pleased with your acquire. For a more affordable expense, you can add a 3-calendar year guarantee.

If you are intending to get a top quality product produced mainly for woofing cessation, then you may not get it wrong with this particular gadget. This can be a merchandise deserving of your hard earned dollars as well as a must-have purchase that could gain your pet dogs in several ways. The merchandise is already available on the internet, but ensure that you get this product only from your legit provider or on the web vendor offering the most reasonable barx buddy cost. This can be the best way to shield your attention as being a consumer and ensure that you will find yourself with a genuine and good quality merchandise.

[barxbuddy201-blog]

barx buddy dog barking device reviews

Barx Buddy Review

Should you individual a pet dog, you might agree that there will almost always be instances that you simply will take care of your pet’s excessive barking. Puppies actually bark at nearly anything or every little thing. They can bark at absolutely nothing whatsoever. Woofing may be temporary, but this may also go on for extended hours to the degree it will become annoying and unsettling for you and to your neighbors. It may also be humiliating by you if you fail to get the canine cease barking, thinking about that you will be the dog owner to begin with.

Exactly what are the Popular Reasons for a Dog’s Woofing?

Woofing is dogs’ regular habits, but this can also be their means of interaction. Many reasons exist canines barks, and the most prevalent are the following:

•Dullness

•Phoning out other pet dogs

•Sound

•Making contact with their pet owners

•Simply being left on your own

•Worry

•Enjoyment

•Territorial conduct

•Seeking focus

•Reputation of other wildlife from the locality

•Climate

•Thirst or cravings for food

•

Barking could be a way to obtain stress, disruption, and annoyance. The great news is that now there is something generally known as Barx Buddy that assists a good deal in order to keep your dog in order and prevent its excessive barking. This also helps in coaching your dog the way  barx buddy dog barking device reviews to be silent and react properly.

What Is BarxBuddy?

Barx Buddy can be a system engineered to be used in dogs associated with a particular breed of dog to obtain its interest immediately and quiet it lower, therefore it will stop barking excessive. One of the best reasons for this device is the fact that this performs in almost any pet and in any sort of scenario. A lot of puppy owners have actually tried out this, and many of them distributed their optimistic barx buddy reviews. These nice barxbuddy reviews show that this product or service really works and can supply a significant difference in animal dog possession.

This barx buddy device also has the power to ascertain connections between the pet along with the owner. This specific device can produce higher-pitch sound that merely the puppies can hear. This assists in snapping them out in any condition or problem they may be in and divert their consideration and concentrate to you.

Besides pet owners, this can be the supreme gadget which helps puppy trainers obtain exceptional effects and boost the conduct in their puppies. This is the most up-to-date ultrasonic product that could manage dogs’ woofing and transform them in a nicely-behaved furry buddy.

This gadget is safe for use and won’t lead to any ache in your puppies. It’s easy to use and operates effectively and immediately. You can find no very long and complex functions and challenging to follow directions. All you need to do is press a button to quit your dog from woofing.

Using this type of item, you will no longer need to truly feel stressed out, agitated, and stressed since your pet barks excessively and makes an irritating sound. One thing that exist from the dog is obedience instead. This is just one of the numerous stuff which make it worthy of requesting the barxbuddy price. You can also reference much more barx buddy reviews to obtain more and much better understanding of the barx buddy cost.

How Exactly Does the Barx Buddy Functions?

You wait until these kinds of time that your puppy begins with the behavior which you wished to stop. In addition to excessive woofing, this may be excavating openings within the yard, assaulting guests, ripping soft cushions away from each other, plus more. As soon as your puppy started these undesired behaviours, go in between what is causing these kinds of conduct and the dog, then click and support the barx buddy device key. This may captivate the dog’s focus at the same time and back away from it.

Then the next thing you need to do to get the most from this device’s functionality would be to release the switch and ensure that your pet will be given some deal with or incentive to significantly strengthen its great conduct. If your pet dog appears stubborn, the device’s blinking and dazzling Directed light-weight can help a lot in getting its focus. You can find canines that greater answer graphic coaching, and Brought will guarantee the Barx Buddy is entirely effective in these types of puppies. Lighting fixtures can also be used as being a flashlight during night time strolls.

This device also works on unfriendly dogs outdoors. If some peculiar dogs work aggressively in your direction, just click the button and maintain it apart. Among the best pieces regarding this device is this was proven and tested to operate on almost all breeds of dogs for example:

•Large Puppies (Labradors, German Shepherd, Akita plus more)

•Medium Puppies (Bolognese, Beagles, Australian Terrier)

•Intense Varieties ( Pitbull, Boxers, Pinschers, Rottweilers)

This system operates by developing ultimately high-regularity audio at around 130dB. The unit is likely to produce these kinds of noise at the regularity that’s inaudible to people. As mentioned, these devices gives off blinking lighting at the same time, which assists to get the dog’s consideration. When you push the device’s switch, the seem will be sent, and therefore the gentle will blink. All of these points help the dogs to understand where sounds are precisely originating from, especially if you are standing upright from the collection of sight of the pet. It is highly suggested to use this piece of equipment where your pet can easily see it.

Exactly What Makes the Barx Buddy Distinctive?

Barx Buddy is undoubtedly an specifically developed and highly created device that works well in managing and training pet dogs through the help of higher-pitch frequencies and ultrasonic sound. These frequencies are only heard by dogs although not human beings. This is probably the aspects that make this device distinctive. This gadget was a scientifically produced coaching gadget helping pet owners in puppy training, which mainly utilize intense frequencies.

Yet another factor that makes this system unique is that it never harms dogs’ overall health. Instead, this is focused on fixing the dogs’ actions. It is possible to use this product in controlling loud barking, scratching, excavating openings, rushing to strangers, and many other annoying and crazy activities. You simply need to push the switch, and also the ultrasonic sound will definitely get your dog’s consideration, and you will then be permitted to train your pet to get rid of its awful behavior. The practical dimensions of this device causes it to be easily fit in the wallet and portable in order to bring this together with you anywhere you go.

This product was developed by skilled dog trainers regularly endeavoring to closely keep an eye on very poor or terrible behaviours of canines. The top-pitch whistle has an important role in managing the dog’s routines. You really should publication this system now through its formal website and can take full advantage of their special discount offers.

One more thing that can make Barx Buddy unique is that it does not modify the total health in the canine. This really is no-aggressive and damaging to dogs. The noises is not overbearing and won’t hurt the canines or make sure they are go nuts.

Advantages of Barx Buddy

When you opt for the product, you are going to encounter and enjoy the subsequent positive aspects:

•Control the Dog’s Habits Successfully

This tiny but powerful gadget works well for controlling your dog’s distressing actions within two or three months. With this particular device, your pet dogs may not start barking in a automobile or some other individuals. Aside from that, they are trained to end attacking other people, visitors, or nearby neighbors. These devices was built to ensure that your canines are calm and calm.

•Security

This product could also save you from the intense and brutal canines of the nearby neighbors. By turning the unit on, you may also guard yourself from risky dogs. This really is light in weight and easily transportable, so you can provide this together with you where you go.

•Powerful Training Your Dog

You do not have to teach canines from time to time to protect yourself from the home limit. This dog handle device trains the canine automatically and teaches it to keep within their restrictions. This product will tell you if your canine crosses the limit.

•Functions Anywhere

One more awesome benefit of this piece of equipment is that it operates anyplace. This can be utilized by any dog anytime and might definitely be utilized on other pooches besides your own personal pooch. You will even find people with no pet who definitely are employing this item and experiencing and enjoying the positive aspects it gives them.

•Undamaging

Other sorts of puppy management products injured the puppies and make them feel uneasy and distressing. This device is ultimately distinctive. This is a noisemaker, nevertheless the amazing point is the fact human beings cannot pick up the disturbance. The noise is only audible to pet dogs. This can be made achievable with the special technologies that works well within this system. Mankind is definitely not disrupted, but the canine will surely notice the 130dB noise that might end him and acquire him to pay attention to you. This is among the most significant advantages you can get to place your dog in check without resulting in any harm. There are numerous products such as this presented available in the market right now, only this brand name offers something like this.

•Straightforwardness

A lot of really like how simple to operate this piece of equipment is. It was built to aid commence successful but non-brutal dog management. You don’t really need to master the instructional handbook or get your canines to an professional trainer to utilize this piece of equipment. This performs the moment you change the unit on. This characteristics smoothly on dogs on any collection.

•Affordability

The product is among the most economical, yet quality gadgets offered these days. This really is half the conventional price and can be lower than the buying price of other contesting merchandise, however you will definitely obtain a good worth if you pick this piece of equipment. You would probably definitely have to get this product as it is cost-effective.

•Is Useful with Any Puppy

One of the crucial shows that customers really like about BarxBuddy is the manner in which it works extremely well on any canine and not simply your very own. Your dog is probably an easy task to manage and polite. Possibly your pet dogs pay attention effectively for your needs and obey you if you instruct him to give up woofing. Nevertheless, what about one other puppies? They probably won’t be so polite and properly-behaved, and the moment that you simply go to a dog inside a recreation area or possibly where you live, you may get those to efficiently cease barking instead of to be so competitive towards you specially when employing this product.

•Lightweight Design and style

You are able to conveniently consider this gadget with you. This really is sufficiently small to suit in your wallet, which basically would not feasible with some other products developed for barking cessation. There isn’t any complicated product to acquire and hold with you. The simple and functional gadget can fit into your tote case successfully and will be transported conveniently in the playground, throughout extended strolls, or where you go as a method to keep track of and overcome your canine or any other puppies that might be causing difficulties.

•Audio and Aesthetic Signals

Certainly not forms of techniques to cease your dog from barking, the Barx Buddy utilizes two kinds of signs to captivate the interest of your own canines-the the mp3 sign as well as the aesthetic a single. The Guided lighting is incredible in centering on dogs’ interest, as well as the extra-high audio consistency is effective in preventing your dog’s extreme barking. These 2 types of signs come together to execute one particular huge function, and that is certainly to avoid the dog’s woofing and set him in charge.

Barx Buddy Benefits & Disadvantages

This device also features its own groups of pros and cons, which are highlighted below:

Pros:

•Works on all dog breeds

•Low-brutal product for dog coaching

•Suggested by professional pet personal trainers

•Merchandise savings also offered

•Easy and safe for use

•Filled with superior characteristics

Negatives:

•May well exhaust supply

•Might not match other customers

Vital Attributes of Barx Buddy

Before you decide with a certain product or service or technique to control your dog and stop his abnormal barking, its smart to discover the options displayed through the system. This helps in making one of the most well informed buying decision and making you sense far more content and confident with the option. The following are the fundamental highlights of Barx Buddy:

•On / off Button-this tiny however functional gadget commences from your on and off key in controlling the embarrassing actions of canines. Upon starting the button, your dog will quickly sit on his ft ..

•Ultrasonic Seem-This device utilizes substantial pitched hues that are unnoticed by human beings but specifically objective dog’s seeing and hearing. You can use the ultrasonic appears to be to sop your puppy in the middle of undesirable behaviors like biting on footwear, woofing, plus more. This characteristic is an excellent assistance in managing your dog’s noisy sounds.

•Guided Flash light

This piece of equipment contains an LED flashlight, which can be beneficial, particularly throughout nighttime strolls. You can even make use of the Directed flash light in incorporating aesthetic stimuli to hard to clean dogs. You just need to slip the function move to “Light,” then click the “ON” switch. The flashlight also operates for making your puppies calm when strolling and would not make the go to nibble mankind or another puppy.

•Performs Outdoors and Inside

Some puppy handle techniques or gadgets work only on specific put in place either outside or inside. The great thing is this system performs in surroundings. You can make use of this product everywhere. This is certainly a lot more practical and practical than its rivals.

•Security Features

The product was specially engineered to never cause harm to your pet in any respect. The emission of regularity audio is ideal for your dogs to take action effectively. You can actually teach your pet dogs without harming their ear along with your ear at the same time. It becomes an ultimately harmless product which can be used frequently and up to you require them without anxiety about leading to any critical soreness and cause harm to. This system is probably not a good thing your puppy can pick up, but this will definitely obtain their attention. The level of protection of this item is an issue that other items cannot assure you. Some even provide electric powered shocks.

Can Barx Buddy Work Towards All Breeds

Many individuals increased frequent queries about this system and wondered if this type of focus on all kinds or types of puppies. You can find gadgets that happen to be aimed at quitting the dog’s extreme barking but job only on a distinct grow older, measurements of puppies, or breed. Would this device have similar restrictions and limits?

Scientific studies stated that this piece of equipment works on all breeds of canines. This is certainly according to research workers and people who have experimented with this device at the beginning fingers. This product works on all types, which include small dogs, large kinds, as well as every sort and particular breed of dog will be affected equally from the high pitch audio produced by the device.

You can definitely find that you have dog breeds of dogs that are not very responsive, and in addition there are puppies that respond in some methods. This may partly be as a result of training and the regularity for being subjected to a similar products as an alternative to getting only an attribute with their particular breed of dog.

Different kinds and varieties of dogs have actually been skilled employing this product like Yorkies, poodles, boxers, dachshunds, Labradors, beagles, huskies, German shepherds, plus more. Irrespective of the varieties and types, canines will certainly quit barking and also cease other bothersome routines.

Reviews and Suggestions of Barx Buddy

The merchandise prices 4.6 away from 5, and this is clearly an excellent ranking of fully pleased individuals. Like a pet manager, you surely would like to hold the finest system. To be fully confident about Barx Buddy, you might be highly proposed to test while using gadget. In a manner, you will find initial-hands that how helpful and powerful this gadget is rather than just talking about them in critiques. This best rating and recommended product can surely make your puppy react and also be quiet.

What Will You Have To Pay for the BarxBuddy?

When you are curious about the fee for this device, the purchase price commences at $39 since as soon as. This can be what most barx buddy device reviews reveal right now and something that you can make the most of. By using a product as loaded with demand because this one, you can anticipate the retail price to boost at any given time, yet it is tough to say when this can happen precisely.

The common retail industry expense is double the amount existing saved cost, so who knows when it will come back to that greater selling price. Examine this product with its competitor things. Numerous them expense large sums of money and require significant amounts of operate to set up. Some may even price hundreds specifically, you happen to be opting for electrified limitations including an electric powered fencing or something that is this way gadget to regulate your canines. You can get your puppies leveled out for significantly a lot less if you employ this straightforward gadget for barking cessation. This instantly works and costs much less, comparatively communicating.

If you buy this through a third party seller or website, you might be purchasing much more. Individuals sellers must somehow come up with a earnings, and they can accomplish that by charging more or by providing you with a substandard object rather than the real thing. Any BarxBuddy review mentioning substandard, low quality, or inadequate patterns, workmanship, or far lower price compared to what is listed on the formal site are probably knocking off products or tying to mislead what this device can definitely do.

Last Verdict

Excessive pet barking could be a significant problem. Instruction your puppies to prevent woofing and also other bothersome issues, the Club Good friend is, for that reason a greatest value and worthy purchase. Using this type of product, fulfillment is utterly certain. This piece of equipment guaranteed that you will be fully pleased with your acquire. For any cheaper charge, you can add a 3-year warrantee.

If you are planning to get a top quality item made mainly for woofing cessation, then you might not fail with this product. This really is a product deserving of your cash along with a must-have investment that can gain both you and your pet dogs often. The merchandise has become available online, but ensure that you have this product or service only from the legit supplier or on the internet retailer supplying the most acceptable barx buddy cost. This is the best way to protect your fascination being a customer and ensure you will find yourself with a geniune and high quality product.

[loveisonlyforthebrave8]

Can you write a fix where Micheal finds a beagle and gifts it to Alex who lives , of course, alone in a cabin. At first Alex does not know who left the dog until he overheard Michael talking to it. Pretty please 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️

Ooh never written a fic with a dog in it before (I’m a cat person, sorry) but here we go- hope you like it. (P.S Totally had to google ‘beagle dog’ as I had no bloody clue. Very cute dog indeed, love the floppy ears).

***

Alex woke up to what sounded like a yapping dog outside his bedroom window. He had no idea how that was even possible. He didn’t own a dog. And he lived in the middle of nowhere. The nearest neighbour (if you could even call them that) were at least a 20 minute drive away. 

Alex rubbed the sleep out of his eyes and managed to pull his prosthetic on in two seconds flat. Grabbing his crutch he quietly limped towards the front door where he spotted a gorgeous little beagle puppy scratching away at his fly-screen door. The dog had mostly a black coat of fur, with a white belly and splodges of ginger all over. It’s floppy ears perked up when it saw Alex opening the door. It sprinted past him as soon as the door was opened.

Alex watched the dog go, not entirely convinced he wasn’t losing his goddamn mind, when he heard a voice behind him. A very familiar voice grumbling away to himself. 

“Goddamnit, I turn my back for 2 minutes and she’s gone. Stupid dog. Stupid idea.” Alex heard a few high pitched whistles follow as he saw Michael walk round the corner with a dog basket in hand, looking completely distracted, windswept, and like he’d just run a marathon. “Come here girl.” He whistled one more time before he stopped dead in his tracks feeling eyes on him. 

“Uh…hi.” Alex waved with his crutch-less hand. “You looking for a four-legged fur ball by any chance?” He asked, smirking at Michael’s bewildered face, “Coz it ran inside. Think it wanted to get out of the heat.”

Michael nodded and stepped closer to the porch. “Yep, little shit got out of her basket. Didn’t mean to wake you.” Michael said, nodding towards Alex’s state of undress. Alex noticed how he nervously bit his lip and averted his gaze as he avoided eyeing Alex’s bare chest. Alex blushed. 

“It’s fine. So what brings you all the way out here… with a dog. Pets never really seemed like your thing?” Alex asked, observing him up suspiciously. Their last interaction at the drive-in hadn’t exactly ended on the best terms and this whole situation just seemed rather…odd.  Michael wasn’t helping the situation either. He looked like a nervous ball of energy ready to explode at any given moment.

Michael shuffled awkwardly from one foot to the other, “Uh, well…I found the dog abandoned at the junk yard, got her checked out- she’s got no owner, no chip…and I remembered you always wanted a dog when we were kids and thought maybe, that you’d want to take her and I just really wanted to see you- see if you wanted her, I guess?” Michael stuttered, rambling his way through his half-hearted explanation, his hair in complete disarray from the amount he’d been running his trembling fingers through the wild locks.  

“You got me a dog, Guerin?” Alex blanched, the thought very hard to comprehend. 

Michael simply shrugged in reply, giving up all pretences. “Thought she might be able to keep you company out here. Loneliness is a bitch sometimes.”

Alex watched Michael’s face fall. The man had really gotten him a dog so he wouldn’t be alone. Michael was too good for him. After the way he’d been playing back and fourth recently Alex needed to make a decision. To stay away from Michael to keep him away from his father’s rage? Or to finally stand up to the man and fight for what he wanted?

 Alex looked back over at the dog through the open door and smiled wildly. She was lay on her back with her legs in the air, panting happily away. Alex’s heart melted. His decision was made.  “She’s beautiful. Thank you, Michael.” Alex turned to look back at Michael who was now staring at his feet so intensely it was like he was trying to force a black hole to open up beneath him and swallow him up; a nervous tick he always used to have when they were kids when things got bad. It broke his heart to see Michael so unsure of himself. Especially around him. He knew it was because of him. Because he’d been forced to walk away again. He was so sick and tired of walking away from this beautiful, kind-hearted man. So, he did what he had wanted to do for over a week since they had last spoke. He invited Michael inside.

“Yeah, all right then.” Michael followed willingly, as he always did. 

The dog yapped away happily as the two men fell into easy conversation. Apologies and explanations on their tongues, and tears of sadness, followed by tears of joy on their faces. 

Some hours later the beautiful little dog curled up next to the sleeping pair who were wrapped tightly around each other on the sofa. She snuggled in close and fell promptly to sleep right along with her new owners. The first time any of them had felt safe enough to properly fall asleep. They were home.