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id-rather-be-an-outsider · 3 years

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AOT Preference: Dogs

a/n: first time doing a preference in awhile, but I want to specifically say DO NOT EVER get an animal you are not completely prepared to care for. animals are animals and will act as animals do. if they act out that’s not on them, that’s on you. animals need to be in forever homes, and it’s your responsibility to create a suitable environment for them and to not put them in situations where they could potentially be harmed or harm others. know your animal, know their comfort zone, know their needs. don’t take an animal on unless you’re ready to parent a child that never grows up for 15+ years. be responsible pet parents!

edit: just realized I used she/her for Hange so I fixed it. apologies to all my nb folks!

masterlist

Annie Leonhart

Our girl Annie would have a Siberian Husky. Strong, agile, hyperactive and able to trek long distances, they’d be perfectly suited for one another. You would be invited to tag along, of course, but you would have to keep up, lest you fall victim to the whines of an overly dramatic husky who desperately wants you to get a move on.

Armin Arlert

English Springer Spaniel, for sure. He’d fall in love with their soft coat, and their size would make them the perfect lapdog for reading, and taking long walks outside... to do more reading. Definitely a bonus that they fit comfortably between you two in bed at night, and a bonus that their little tail looked oh so very precious when it wagged!

Bertholdt Hoover

A gentle giant himself, Bertie would end up getting a Great Dane. Unlike Reiner, he’s a lot better at managing his thoughts and feelings about their study abroad trip to Paradis gone wrong. All he needs is his gigantic lapdog and you, his adoring partner. Sometimes he’d pass out on the dog in the middle of a cuddle session, and the patient thing would stare at you with pleading eyes, waiting until Bertholdt finally woke up to escape from being stuck in his arms for another hour.

Colt Grice

Colt would get a pair of Dalmatians, one for each of you. He loves their spots, their sleek build, and their energetic, yet quiet temperaments. Picket fence and all, Colt would want the happy home life!

Connie Springer

Connie would insist on having two dogs, so they don’t get lonely when you’re away from the house. He would bring home a pair of puppies with floppy ears that were adorable - an American Foxhound and an American English Coonhound. To Connie, their howls at all hours of the day, only ceasing when he falls asleep, is absolutely glorious, but to his neighbors, it’s a sign they need to invest in earplugs. Sasha would regularly steal the pair away from you so she had a full squad to go hunting with, which you wouldn’t mind since they liked the trips and got their energy out that way.

Eren Yeager

Much like how Eren picks his friends, so too, would he pick his pets. Not caring much for pedigrees, nor where a dog came from, Eren would get a shelter mix pup, probably one that’s older and been sitting there for longer. He’d sense a kinship between them - two beings looking for peace, and they’d find it in one another. The dog being absolutely adorable in every way would only be a bonus.

Erwin Smith

Commander Erwin would have a wolf-dog hybrid. He’d find the creature out in the woods, abandoned by their mother, and see the strength in their limbs despite their fear, and their resolve to survive. He would take them on as his own and together, they’d be the perfect pair of leaders, alphas in their own rights. When you became the alpha female of the household, the little beastie took to you right away, hoping that maybe you would be the one to finally grant their wish of feeding them off your plate. Of course, you never did it, because that would be irresponsible! At least, you’d parrot what Erwin said until he was gone for the day. Then, if a few bites every week fell on the floor by some magic mistake, well, who else was gonna clean it up?

Hange Zoë

Hange would have a fox! They’d be so interested by their behavior, they’d end up testing them and doing fun (and very humane) experiments on them, like exposing them to different foods, toys and puzzles, to see how they’d react. Foxes aren’t a regular pet, and they’d be fully aware of that and even over prepared to care for them, doing research years ahead of time until they felt completely ready to take one on. Needless to say, you’d be fascinated by them, but would insist Hange keep a separate, pee-proof space for the little creature they rescued so long ago. As cute as they were, you preferred your house not be ruined by their inability to potty train.

Historia Reiss

Historia would intend to get a small dog. What she would end up with, however, would not be a small dog. She would fall in love with the warm, kindly brown eyes of a giant and adopt a Greater Swiss Mountain Dog right then and there, no hesitation. In the end, it would all work out. You couldn’t always be beside her in bed, but she was always guaranteed to have an enormous lapdog by her side at all times - her protector in the throne room, her helper on the farm, and her body pillow at night. Who needs a weighted blanket when you have a hundred-pound puppy sleeping on you?

Jean Kirstein

Jean would have a German Shepherd. He adopted them when he first wanted to join the Military Police, but after he changed his mind, he still cared enough to train his dog as militantly as he was trained. It actually helped him soften up a bit (which ended up catching your attention in the end), and who wouldn’t? With those big brown eyes and floppy ears, it’s hard to resist the urge to sweet talk... and maybe, just maybe slip one or two scraps of meat under the table. No one will notice, right? Other than you, of course, who notices everything, because Jean has never been good at hiding things from you.

Levi Ackerman

We all know Levi is a clean freak and would never want a small dog that does nothing other than bark. He’d have a Standard Poodle, probably an apricot color. They’re smart, good hunters, and most importantly, non-shedding! They also are very sweet, not unlike our Captain (even if he’s good at hiding it). The one thing he wouldn’t expect, however, would be to find a trouble maker in his home. Stolen shoes, stolen ties, stolen cravats, even - somehow they would all wind up somewhere his sweet dog seemed to frequent, but they were clever enough not to be caught, so what could he do?

Marcel Galliard

A chocolate lab! They’re sweet and adventurous, as well as protective, and are absolute cuties. Marcel would love having a fluffy companion, and would take his Labrador on long hikes every weekend.

Marco Bott

Marco loves to look forward to the future, and he’d love to experiment with a newer breed of dog. The Catahoula caught his eye with their well-muscled body, and your excitement over their coat pattern sealed the deal. When you both realized just how much energy they had, you ended up joining Annie and Marcel on their hikes and volunteering your pup for hunting trips with Sasha, so they weren’t up all night long playing.

Mikasa Ackerman

Mikasa is the only person out of this bunch that wouldn’t get a dog - she’d have two cats, at least one being a brown tabby. Mikasa’s so dedicated to her work that she wouldn’t see herself as a person with enough time for dogs, but she wouldn’t mind caring for two soft kitties who curled up on either side of you two every night, even if they somehow always managed to have their butts in your faces when you woke up. Cats have a way of doing that.

Pieck Finger

Pieck would own a Weimaraner. Curious, cute, and a standout, they both fit the mold of “dogs and owners who look alike” with their deep, inquisitive eyes and playful, loving natures.

Porco Galliard

Like Porco, Pitbulls can appear tough and menacing on the outside. Also like Porco, pitbulls are just big babies who want to be loved on. He’d likely already have one before you two fell for each other, and his pit would see the loving nature in you and start coming to you for snuggles - which might have made Porco feel left out, if he wasn’t always in the middle of it.

Reiner Braun

Pomeranian. This man has seen some shit, and what better form of comfort than you and a tiny puffball with googly eyes? Fortunately, his Pomeranian would be unusually mellow, understanding he relied on their calm to maintain his own headspace after everything that’s happened.

Sasha Braus

Sasha would get an Irish Setter and an English Setter. She would take her dogs on hunting trips to help her track down animals, and when they got home she’d sit up for a cuddle with her two favorite pups and her favorite partner, you. Cocoa after a long day of hard work is fantastic.

Ymir

Everybody knows that Ymir wouldn’t intend to have a dog. She wouldn’t want anything or anyone to depend on her, but one day, when a band of strays would come around her apartment and try to attack her, another random dog would come from out of nowhere, fight them, and chase the rest of the pack off. Upon seeing the heroic dog injured, Ymir would feel indebted and take them in. Just until they healed, of course - then, it would be off to the local shelter for them. But then, you would drop by for a visit and the dog would love all over you. And then, Ymir would keep waking up finding the dog had managed to crawl into her bed and sleep next to her every night. And then, one thing after another, Ymir’s heart would soften just enough to let the scroungy stray who saved her life have a spot, right next to the spot reserved for you, and your family of two would grow to be a family of three. And then, you would find a puppy on the side of the road and take them home to Ymir after you moved in with her, and your family of three would grow to be a family of four. And then, when the puppy grew up, Ymir would find her laying in a closet with a litter of semi-scroungy-looking pups, and your family of four would become a family of five, six, seven, eight... and so on.

Zeke Yeager

Zeke has wavy golden locks, and so do golden retrievers. They’re also both incredibly cute, sweet, and popular. Need I say more? Fine, if I have to convince you. They also both have very kissable, kind, and meddlesome faces. Don’t tell me you don’t see it there!

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tipsydipsydo · 5 years

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Hello!!

I’m going to start this BTS Dog Hybrid-Series soon and I hope you’ll be interested in it!

It’s gonna be mostly fem! reader fics, I think. (But maybe Jungkooks fic could turn out as gender neutral or for male readers!)

But before you start reading the first fic, you should read the prologue at first to be able to understand this universe and some of the specific names!

The most important Names to understand this Masterlist:

Hybrid: Dog Hybrid Shapeshifter, they’re able to shift their usually human form into a dog.

Vixen: Half-Hybrid. One parent is a hybrid, the other parents is a human. They’re not able to shift their shape, but they’re able to get “Hybrid pups” (fully formed hybrids) together with an other hybrid.

Human: …just a normal human. xD

[Dates]:

Published: 21th January 2020

Last Update: 21th January 2020

『© tipsydipsydo』

All listed and linked work (that includes my writings and my moodboards) in here is my intellectual property and belongs only to my blog tipsydipsydo.tumblr.com!

Do not repost, plagiarize, translate or use any of my work in general!

That includes reposting my content on other social media platforms too, even when you link me as the original author.

Please respect that. I’ll fight any illegal use of my work!

Thank you.

「Information: Only the unique combination of pictures, the colour schemata and editing of the moodboards is my intellectual work! I don’t own the pictures themselves and all credits are going to the rightful owners!」

Restaurant owner! Jin x Baker! & short/chubby! Reader

▪Jin: Gordon Setter! Hybrid

▪Reader: English Cocker Spaniel! Hybrid

Genre: Fluff, Smut

[Summary]

Just a year after the reopening of his grandfathers restaurant, Jin can hardly save himself from all the guests and the prebooked reservations. It’s simply an advantage of being a hunting dog hybrid. He can smell two miles against the wind, if the butcher delivered good, quality meat to him or not. And if it’s not good enough for him, he simply goes hunting by himself. How good that he doesn’t have to worry about you and your exquisite brownies and cupcakes that you always deliver him freshly baked to the restaurant every day. Just like him, you have a wonderful sense for good quality and a fantastic taste. Even if the urge to not only eat your sweet cupcakes, but also something else, to eat someone else out is getting bigger and bigger…

▪read here

Student! Namjoon x Student! & nerdy/virgin! Reader

▪Namjoon: Tamaskan Dog! + Wolf! Hybrid

▪Reader: Human

Genre: Fluff, Smut

[Summary]

Namjoon has often seen you in the library, but he had never dared to talk to you. Every time he sees you sitting at your regular place in the library, you seem so immersed in your book on the table in front of you that Namjoon didn’t want to be rude and interrupt your reading. He prefers to watch you from his seat in a safe distance and have a smile on his lips when he hears that you have hiccups again. The advantage of being a hybrid and even a half wolf! And then he sees his change to finally get to know you better when you desperately try to grab a book from a shelf you can’t reach. Namjoon is tall, he’s still a half Wolf!

…but he didn’t thought that this might be his fate.

▪read here

Soldier! Yoongi x Police officer! & Black/Poc! Reader

▪Yoongi: Belgian Malinois! Hybrid

▪Reader: Rhodesian Ridgeback! Vixen

Genre: Fluff, Smut, Angst

[Summary]

A few years after your high school graduation, on a friday night after your work, you unexpectedly meet your old school-crush Min Yoongi from your grade in the nearby bar. He joined the military after school and had a rapid uprising career as a soldier in a elite unit. And all that in the shortest possible time! After some small talk, a few beers here and a few shots there you get closer to each other than you ever dreamed of. When you stumble into your apartement, kissing each other with hungry lips, you get to know there are so many unspoken things under his cold, quiet and distant facade.

▪read here

Dance Therapist! Hoseok x Shy/Tall/Thin/Freckles! Reader

▪Hoseok: Golden Retriever! Hybrid

▪Reader: Dalmatinian! + Greyhound! Hybrid

Genre: Fluff, Smut, Angst (?)

[Summary]

Like every Tuesday afternoon, you pick your little sister from her weekly dance therapy lesson up. Like every Tuesday afternoon, you will meet the dance therapist of the small dance group, Hoseok. And like always, you will have the feeling that your heart is about to stop beating when he greets you with his bright, sunshine-like smile. Even if you don’t want to admit it to yourself, you’ve had a crush on this young man for already a half of a year or even longer. The person, who’s slowly getting your little sister out of her shell. You fell in love with an absolutely handsome, talkative and extrovert Golden Retriever Hybrid who wouldn’t see anything more in you, except the pretty noticeable appearance of a tall, skinny girl with too many freckles on her face (that couldn’t be called cute or attractive in any way, you think) and never speaks to him.

…right?

▪read here

Epilepsy Assistant! Jimin x Epileptic! Reader

▪Jimin: Samojed! Hybrid

▪Reader: Human

Genre: Fluff, Smut, Angst

[Summary]

He finally did it! After three years of living on a subsistence minimum, he still managed to successfully (and with top grades!) complete his training as an epilepsy assistant hybrid and now holding proudly this important certificate and with it his whole future in his hands. Even if his life was so far a single disaster, fate had been even a little bit kind to him, so that he was given with the rare ability to notice epilepsy attacks at an early stage and so being able to save the life of peoples.

…and now, a week later, he can hardly believe his luck that he was hired by one of the city’s wealthiest families as an assistant for their epileptic daughter. But he didn’t know that she’s at the same age with him and that she’s so pretty and lovely too…

▪read here

Shepherd! Taehyung x Florist! & Wearer of Glasses! Reader

▪Taehyung: Australian Shepherd! Hybrid

▪Reader: Collie! Vixen

Genre: Fluff, Smut, Angst (?)

[Summary]

Taehyung has always been the type for a big family with many children. He comes from a family with many relatives and countless cousins. You would have loved it to fulfill his wish to have a family with you already long time ago. But you have bad eyes, terribly bad eyes. And they are getting even worser, the ophthalmologist had to tell you on your last visit that you could go blind soon. You’d love to have a whole house full of kids with Taehyung, but you don’t want to burden your kids with having bad eyesight just like you and then blindness at an early age. You want your children to discover the whole world with all their senses and not be the reason why they couldn’t see all of this with their own eyes. But after another doctor’s appointment, you can bring Taehyung wonderful news…

▪read here

Mountain Rescue Service! Jungkook x Skier! & Ginger! Reader

▪Jungkook: Siberian Husky! Hybrid

▪Reader: Finnish Spitz! Vixen

Genre: Angst, Fluff, Smut (?)

[Summary]

Jungkook volunteers on the weekends in the mountain rescue service during the winter, because he loves the snow and the cold as a Siberian Husky Hybrid anyway and because he can see you on this way on weekends too in addition to normal school. You are a passionate skier and in a few weeks the most important competition of freestyle skiing of the season takes place, which is why you spend every free minute on the ski run to Train for it. And even the explicit avalanche danger doesn’t stop you from getting back on your skier without permission of the mountain rescue. Finnish Spitz are just like this, stubborn and with their own will. Of course it happens the way it has to be… how lucky you are, that Jungkook knows you well enough and as a precaution he also went that afternoon to the ski run in the hope you didn’t mess around with mother nature…

▪read here

Links:

My Imagines for your requests!

My official Masterlist!

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komorebii-s · 5 years

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Hello, lovelies! This is a bit late but thank you all so much for 300 followers! ♥

Since I volunteer at a shelter, I decided to make a cute “adoption service” for your sims as a gift, there’s even a form to fill out! Extra info under the cut.

Here’s some info on the pets, they’ve been loosely inspired off pets I’ve worked with at the shelter so they all have their own personalities and quirks.

Onyx: Pitbull | Active, Playful, Vocal | - A sweet boy with a very active personality, he loves everyone and everything. Suited for an active family without young children, as he’s prone to jumping.

Lisa: Chihuahua | Couch Potato, Stubborn, Loyal | - An old girl looking to spend her final years with a loving family. She’s blind out of her right eye from cataracts, but she still loves being spoiled.

Oliver: Greyhound | Sleuth, Hunter, Jumpy | - A retired racing greyhound, he was rescued from an abusive racetrack. He’s a curious boy but slightly skittish towards new people. Gentle and suitable for toddlers.

Rye: English Setter | Friendly, Couch Potato, Stubborn | - Rescued from a puppy mill, this boy had a rough start in life, but he’s feeling much better and ready for adoption. Perfect for a family looking to add a new family member.

Dixie: Mixed | Affectionate, Talkative, Curious | - A unique boy who loves company. Will do well in a home with other pets.

Kyla: Mixed | Glutton, Hunter, Sleuth | - A friendly girl found by locals roaming the volcano area in Mua Pel’am, she loves stealing food from the firepits. Only available to adopt within Sulani.

German: Oriental Shorthair | Lazy, Spoiled, Aloof | - A grumpy old boy whos looking for a home with plenty of couches to nap on and scratch!

Sushi: Ragdoll | Fluffy, Aloof, Prowler | - Rescued from a hoarding situation, his front right leg was amputated, but that doesn’t stop him from going out and exporing!

Pringles: Egyptian Mau | Skittish, Frisky, Talkative | - Found as a stray in Brindleton Bay with her mother and littlermates, she’s warmed up to people and ready for her forever home!

If you’re interested in one of the pets, you can apply here.

The form is mainly for fun, but they will be private downloads for whoever “applies” first. Since they’re from the “shelter”, each one is unique!

(also please don’t change their traits or look! you change the default eyes, but the idea is that you’re adopting an animal for who they are, with their flaws and all :”])

#ts4 #ts4 adoptions #ts4 adopt #ts4 pets #the sims 4 #i may put them up for public dl in the future hehe #we'll see #the sims

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littlegiantslight · 4 years

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Little Giants

After the success from the boys of the volleyball team, it’s time for the girls’ soccer team to take the spotlight and march their way to victory.

Under the command of Aiya Takahashi, this team will go through challenges, adventures, struggles and joy together. After all, the union leads to strength.

Part 1

The class seemed to take more than 4 hours for the young Hana and Yoko. Their impatient bodies wanted to go back outside, mess around the campus and just have some fun until the day was over. But while that didn’t happen, they just kept exchanging little notes to each other with drawings and jokes, that made the two laugh uncontrollably.

Behind them, a very annoyed Chikara Ennoshita watched the two laughing and joking around, not being able to understand a single word from the teacher thanks to them. That made Nishinoya, the talented libero from the volleyball team, pull one of Tachibana’s pig tails and tell her to shut up a little. At first, she was confused, since she knew that Nishinoya wasn’t the kind of student to pay that much attention either, but Yoko pointed towards Ennoshita, who was clearly angry with their behavior, making the small girl understand what was happening.

As soon as class was over, Hana got up from her seat and walked towards Ennoshita, grabbing his uniform tightly enough to make him stop his tracks and look at her. Again, the height difference between her and the boy made her feel slightly uncomfortable. There was no fear, whatsoever. It just felt weird to be like a little kid next to someone that is the same age as her. Not minding that, Hana looked up at Ennoshita, guilt covering her face for distracting him earlier in class.

“Look, Enno, I’m really sorry for my behavior earlier,” she apologized, “I was terribly bored, plus English is the easiest subject we have…” She interrupted herself realizing how dumb that excuse was. “What a dumb excuse! Goodness Tachi, you’re better than this…”

Ennoshita just held her shoulders, almost like trying to hold her from flying away. “It’s okay, Tachi. It’s not a big deal, just please try to control your giggles.” He asked sounding like a true gentleman, calming her down immediately. You know the power Enno holds when he can calm down an excited puppy like Hana. “I really don’t you to get in trouble for not paying attention, that’s all…”

The small girl nodded with a warm smile, letting go of the boy’s uniform and giving a quick bow in appreciation. She offered to have lunch with her, which he gladly accepted as long as he could bring some teammates as well. Hana looked at Yoko who nodded gladfully, enjoying the company from the volleyball team. Even Nishinoya looked way to excited to hear that.

When it came to the first years, Kenta’s sister was far to focused on her notes to even realize the class is dismissed. Her hair would fall softly over her forehead, making her look like she just woke up. Jin would only realize when a fellow classmate would poke her shoulder so she could notice the empty classroom. The girl apologized quietly to him, gathering her stuff carefully and organizing it in her bag.

Outside the classroom, a group of girls were waiting for her. Their looks weren’t so friendly, in fact, they had a threatening glare towards Jin, like they were looking to harm her somehow.

“Look if it isn’t Jin-chan!” The girl in the middle said stopping the young Satoshi in her tracks. “I heard your brother hurt my sister last week when she confessed to him.” She informed Satoshi, like it was her fault that it happened. “Does he have a girlfriend? Is it that ugly soccer girl that hangs out with him?” The same girl kept asking Satoshi stuff she didn’t even have an answer about.

Jin and Kenta were pretty close, but never got in each other’s business unless it was really needed. Right there and then, Jin felt like she needed her brother more than life itself. Her hands were trembling, barely holding her bag anymore. As the girls stepped further towards her, she stepped backwards until her back was finally against the wall. There was nowhere else to run and the three girls in front of her made sure to let her know that.

Right when Jin needed the most, two little guardian angels came to her rescue. Kiko and Kenta noticed the situation and quickened their pace towards the young girl. Kenta didn’t hesitate in holding his sister as soon as he was close enough to her. On the other hand, Kiko, motivated by old memories of the same situation, grabbed the bully’s collar and pulled her close enough to not cause a scene.

“Listen here, you little brat! She has nothing to do what her brother does or doesn’t. Threatening her won’t help at all your sister’s situation. Plus, I can assure you, he’s not interested in me or her or any other girl you see him with, got it, smartass?” Kiko spoke with a clear anger in her voice. Kiko and Jin knew something about Kenta that most people didn’t, including most of his family. “Now, beat it!”

The girls tried to play it off, fixing their uniforms and hair. They strutted away like a group of penguins, like they weren’t embarrassed of that scene.

Kenta was quite worried about his sister’s situation. She was still nervous and trembling a lot, but she felt much safer now that he was there. Kenta fixed her messy hair and wiped a little tear from eye, the one that was earlier threatening to fall down her rosy cheek. Kiko looked at them and patted Kenta’s back softly, stroking the girl’s hair the same way.

“Everything is okay, Satoshi-chan, they are gone, plus,” Kiko told the two of them, “if this ever happens again, I’ll talk to the principle or to Takeda-sensei.” She offered her help, receiving two nods from both of them.

While that, Takahashi was making her way towards old Ukai’s house. Casually whistling and riding her bike to the sound of the tall trees, dancing to the wind. It’s been so long since she was with Ukai Sr. in his home. She was a barely graduated student back then. Despite being younger than Keishin, the two of them would treat other like they were the same age and with the same jokes and with the same bickering. Ukai Sr. always found hilarious when the two of them would break in a fist fight, knowing that Aiya wouldn’t take Ukai Jr.’s insults towards girls and Keishin, in defense of his words, wouldn’t lose to a girl.

As soon as she arrived to his house, she could already hear his kids practicing in the old volleyball court in the old man’s backyard. They sounded so happy. It really brought memories of the old team days. She knocked on the door and waited for someone to open. It did take a while, but eventually one of the little boys came to the door and opened for her. The poor thing almost jumped seeing how tall she was compared to him. Takahashi simply greeted him with a high five, taking his hand and leading him back to the old court.

A volleyball came flying towards the little boy, but fortunately, Aiya caught it on time. She served the ball towards the old man, that turned it into a set and another little boy spiked in the other field, making another point for himself. As usual, the coach’s capabilities were still untouched by the old age. They seemed even better, actually.

“Okay, break time, little guys! Snacks are on the bench…” He spoke to his pupils, before walking to Aiya and greet her with an almost fatherly hug. His hugs always made her feel welcome to his house, like she was actually part of the family. “I hope you didn’t scare little Ishikawa over there…” He chuckled loudly in amusement.

“I think he was just surprised, coach. He looks like a brave boy. They all do…” she smiled towards the little kids sitting in the bench, drinking milk and eating milkbread. “You haven’t lost your talents, coach! I thought your old mind would be quite tired to remember the rules by now, but you’re better than me!” Aiya pointed out as a joke, but Ukai always took that jokes a little to far and smacked the back of her head. She still chuckled softly, rubbing the place of the smack softly.

“You’re still reckless. I like that! So, how have you been? Still coaching those girls?” He asked curious, dribbling the volleyball in a constant and slow pace. Aiya told him all about the new captain and the second years were still as feisty as usual and how excited the new first years were. “Finally a good coaching experience! I can’t say the same about Keishin, those boys aren’t easy to deal with, and you know his patience isn’t the best…”

“Oh, they are pretty good actually! They are getting better everyday according to the news.” She responded to his comment about Keishin’s capabilities. “You can’t be so harsh on him coach,” Takahashi almost asked him, “he really cares about what he does, he believes those knuckleheads more than he believes in himself.”

Ukai Sr. held the ball in his hands and looked at it, like some memory was playing in his head. He trusted his grandson’s skills, of course he did. He knew that that kid was an excellent setter, but sometimes he was too much like the old man and that was the thing he feared. He didn’t want his grandson to give up on everything and then hide away. He wanted him to shine, like he once did.

“Coach,” Aiya called for his attention, “he is an amazing coach, just like you. I promise he won’t let you down. Just have a little faith in him.” She asked him again getting her hair ruffled as a response. She giggled softly just like he did and took the ball from his hand. “Mind if I join? I’m not the best, but I can help. For the old days.”

Ukai couldn’t say no to such proposition from the girl’s side. He reunited the boys on the court again and separated. With him and Aiya would stay one of the boys, forming a team, leaving the other three on the other side for another team. Takahashi served once again and from the other side of the court, a brilliant receive from one of the boys. And just like that the game started. It lasted until the little boys had to go home.

However, Ukai Sr. and Takahashi didn’t seem tired in the slightest. So, they kept going. The ball flying from one side to another.

In the doorway, not far from the court, the younger Ukai stood there, watching those two idiots play together. She didn’t change a thing. Inside, she was still happy to learn a sport she would never really understand but enjoys it with all her heart. The lovestruck smile on his face quickly disappear, realizing how stupid it was to remember those things.

The last spike ended on the old man’s hands. He was breathless, beads of sweat covering his forehead and already feeling the cold of the night on his shoulders. His arms were pinkish from the receives and his hands were burning from all the spikes against the young girl. She was still incredibly energetic. That gave him life somehow. That pipsqueak. It didn’t take long for him to notice Keishin in the doorway, eyeing the two of them, noticing the dumb smile on his face.

Ikkei Ukai offered Takahashi to have a shower first and offered her an old yukata that belonged to his beloved wife from when she was younger. Aiya accepted the offer with a grateful expression, bowing towards the elder with appreciation. As she walked away, the old man smacked his grandson’s arm with the most amused expression the young one has ever seen.

“What’s with the dumb struck smile, huh?” He asked quite loudly, getting a mere huff as an answer from his grandson side. “I know you, Keishin, you’re not like this with women and yet you are for this one. The one that was, and I quote, like a sister…”

“You’re just a delusional old fart. You’re just seeing things.” He said sitting down on the floor in front of the table where he left the food, setting it on the table so they could eat. “She is like a sister to me, an annoying brat, that’s all she is.” That comment didn’t really convince the old man. However, Keishin was pretty certain of what he said. She was just another girl in his life, another one for him to ignore and just move on.

“I may be an old fart,” Ikkei stated, “but I lived enough to know what I see.” He finished with a warm smile towards his kid. He could be terribly wrong because it was hurtful see his own grandson behaving like that. He just wanted to believe otherwise. “She really supports you, you know? The girl that you find annoying thinks you’re an excellent coach, you should feel proud of that statement!”

“Oh, because she’s just like you! She knows how to coach a team like a pro, isn’t it? Well, let me tell you, I’m doing just fine! They trust me and I don’t need anyone else to tell me if I can or cannot coach that group of crackheads…” Keishin spoke loudly, tired of people trying to tell him that he is good when he knows it. Aiya heard him, but only showed up when he was done talking.

She sat by his side, out of respect for Ukai Sr.’s wife, thanking for the food before turning to Keishin. “I actually saw your practices a couple of times…” Takahashi admitted quietly. “The way you handled their differences was incredible. I took that as an example for my own team, Ukai…” Her words came out almost as a whisper when she spoke his name, almost like she was scared of being yelled at.

Yet, young Ukai simply nodded, not being able to form words after seeing her wear his grandmother’s yukata and hearing her use him as an example. Ikkei just ate as those two sat there looking at their food. Deep down, they all knew they were doing or they did their best. There were no regrets.

Back in Tachibana’s place, Hana was trying her best to do her Japanese homework with the help of her own old lady. Hana lived in a small farm since she was one year of age with her father and her grandmother. Her father was in Tokyo for work, so during that time, Hana would help her granny with housework and working on the farm as well. That was something Tachibana always loved to do and never complained when it came to feed the animals or even take care of the cows and goats.

“Lola, can you help me here? I don’t understand what this means exactly…” Hana asked softly, holding her grandma’s arm softly. Despite being almost an adult, Hana still behaves like a little girl around her grandmother. She didn’t have a reason for it, maybe it made her grandma happy and maybe it made herself feel happy. After the help from the older lady, Hana thanked her favor and gave her a quick hug before finishing her homework.

“Your dad is arriving tomorrow, dearie! I hope you finished cleaning your room and studying to greet him properly…” The old lady said with a little mischievous smile on her lips. She knew very well how Hana was. If the things weren’t done on time, she would spend all night fixing it if needed.

And so, it happened.

Yoko on the other hand sat on the top bunk bed reading quietly before falling asleep, while her little sister kept telling her about her day. Nakamura never really paid much attention to what her sister said, but sometimes when the little girl climbed to her bed and hugged her body oh so tightly, Yoko knew something was wrong. The little girl often heard some comments about her skin tone, since her darker skin wasn’t well seen in the school, and Yoko knew how it felt. Those comments were cruel and just so terrible.

“Yoko, why don’t they like me? You always say I look like a princess, but they say I look like a weird monster…” The little girl asked her sister, starting to climb up to the top bunk bed. “They say I’m not normal…” Her voice was shaky, and one could already see tears in her little eyes.

Nakamura didn’t waste a second setting her book down and picking up her sister, sitting her on her lap. The little girl’s sobs just made Yoko worry more about her and held her tighter hoping she would calm down a little. “You know, I also went through that. I know they are mean. But you really are a princess! The strongest one there is. And next year, you’re going to another school, meet a more princesses like you, okay?” The goalkeeper assured her little sister. “You can’t give up though!”

The little girl simply nodded, her head still on her sister’s chest, hugging her tightly. Almost asleep. Yoko placed her softly by her side, covering her with the bedsheets and holding her close to her body. Eventually, their mother walked in and saw the two of them like that, a warm feeling taking over the woman’s body. They were safe together. Her sweet girls.

Back in the Satoshi household, Kenta and Jin were still finishing their homework. He kept looking at her writing and it looked way wigglier than what was normal. She was still nervous. However, not a word was said.

Later that night, when the two were in their rooms, Kenta started sobbing quietly against the pillow. He wishes he could just end that suffering that was destroying him in the inside. And now, it was starting to be a problem for Jin as well, which was the last thing he wanted. The end of that was so close and yet so far.

Jin, on the other end, tried to calm herself before falling asleep. Sometimes she just wanted to be free from that secret as well, just end all the mystery and free both her brother and she from those chains. Not yet though, they needed to be ready for every consequence.

Suddenly, a knock was heard on Jin’s door. Kenta asked permission to walk in and join her. She answered quickly, allowing him to walk in. Her calm expression changed in a blink of an eye, jumping out of bed and rushing towards her brother, holding him into a hug. Kenta just sobbed more and more. She was so understanding towards him.

“This will end soon, okay?” She assured him, brushing her fingers through his hair. “You can do this, Kenta, I know you can!” Jin spoke again quietly. Her nerves were now eased and so were his. They sat a little with each other, talking and studying a little longer, until Kenta was sure that the two were alright. He only left the room after kissing his sister’s forehead gently and tucking her in.

“Good night, little sis! Thank you for understanding…” he said, watching her drift away to the land of dreams. He could never thank her enough for what she would go through because of that stupid secret, but he’d make sure she knew how he felt and how he appreciated her help.

It was pretty late at night when Takahashi left old coach Ukai’s house. This time she wasn’t riding the bike back home, she simply took it by her side and walked under the moonlight. The cold wind making her shiver under the old yukata. It was almost like an old movie scene. It’s been too long since she felt that pretty. By her side, Ukai Jr. made her some company since his house wasn’t far from hers. Sometimes she would joke saying that he just slept in the store, but she knew it wasn’t the truth.

“Look, thank you for accepting to visit the old man. I haven’t seen him this energetic in a while…” Ukai spoke quietly, his hands in the jean’s pockets. She said it was more than fine for her. She would gladly visit the old man more often if needed. “Invite him to one of your games, maybe. I bet he’d love to see your work on those girls.”

Takahashi would say that it wasn’t such a bad idea, but the fact that they could lose and would lead to a false judgement from her side terrified her. So, Aiya simply made an excuse.

“Tell you what, when we go to Tokyo from the mid-season championship games, I take him. I’m sure he’d love to see old Nekomata as well…” she chuckled, waiting for Ukai’s jokes to start.

“I can’t imagine anything else but those two old farts complaining at each other as they drink. I can’t believe I’m going to face them next week…” He sighed, clearly scared and even tired to say the least. Takahashi rubbed his back to calm his nerves and assured them that everything would be fine. “Yeah, let’s hope for the best…”

“Keishin, you are an amazing coach, and you have an incredible team. The odds are on your side. This isn’t like when you were a setter, this is new blood. Sure, there’s no Tenma, no Akiteru, but you’re there and the boys are there to support you back.” She said stopping him in his tracks. “I’m not letting you out of all people go down before going to a challenge…”

Ukai took a deep breath exhaling to the sky and nodding towards Aiya, showing his appreciation for her words. She was really still the young manager. The unconditional support wasn’t only for her team, but for everyone that surrounded her. No matter the talent, the experience, the age, the skin color, no matter what. Aiya would be there in the cheer, supporting them.

“Now, wipe that frown out of your dumb face, coach. Think about your break tomorrow. Being in the store, alone, smoking your disgusting cigarettes and just relaxing.” Takahashi reminded him, making him smile a bit as they started walking once again.

Everything would be okay.

#haikyuu #hinata shouyou #ennoshita chikara #asahi #OC #soccer #fanfic #karasuno #haikyuu ukai #coach ukai #daichi sawamura #sugawara koushi #kageyama #au #team #tenma udai #tanaka saeko #tsukishima akiteru

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welcott · 4 years

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Meet Wes

BASICS

Name: Wesley Emerson Alcott

Age: 18

Grade: Senior

House: Fenwick

Cabin Room: Cabin 1, Room 4

How long have they been at Broadripple: four years

Where are they from originally: Lorehill, MA

Extra curricular: gardening club (formerly) field hockey, drama department (set design)

TRAITS

Positive Personality Traits: sensible, utilitarian, hardworking, faithful, even-tempered

Neutral Personality Traits: simple, nature-loving, outdoorsman, quiet, athletic

Negative Personality Traits: unambitious, resentful, inhibited, judgmental

FACTS

The Alcott family has always had a strange relationship with Broadripple Academy. With roots winding back to Lorehill’s settlement, their family name holds a good deal of respect among members of the area. During Broadripple’s inception, Rebecca Alcott was a beloved nun who played an instrumental role in the Academy’s success, serving with the clergy until her passing. Although her death is long in the past, the legacy she left behind was never forgotten, paving a place for all members of the Alcott family to attend the university with limited tuition fees. It is due to this family history that Wesley is able to walk the halls of Broadripple at all, let alone afford a uniform.

Raised on the fringes of Lorehill, the Alcott’s worked as fur traders, then loggers. With the sudden decline in the logging industry, the family was pitched into poverty that lasted several generations. Wesley Alcott, in many ways, is exactly what anyone would expect from an Alcott boy. He learned how to handle a gun the moment he was able to hold one, he spent his days digging through the woods for plants, hunting with his father, and helping at the mechanic’s shop owned by his uncle.

Having grown up without much, Wesley learned to always make the best with what little he had. He developed a skill for carpentry, often working with his father to complete odd jobs for the townsfolk, repairing broken furniture, decks, and occasionally building something entirely new. He’s never been the brightest of the bunch and has little desire to be. He continues to attend Broadripple because it has always been his mother’s wish for him, but he can’t shake feeling like he doesn’t belong in a world of polished floors and stuffy classrooms. He is content to live the rest of his life in the same town the rest of his family lived and died in, one day taking up the keeping of his father’s farm.

But financial insecurity has pushed Wes away from his desires for the sake of bettering his family’s prospects. He doesn’t know what he wants to do with his life or if he’s any good at anything other than who and what he currently is, but he shoulders the responsibility of this uncertainty none-the-less. He can’t imagine himself succeeding in college or choosing an academic major, but he has been convinced that is the route he has to take in order to provide for his family. Although he often struggles in school, Wesley puts effort into everything he does. Serious and mature for his age, he has never been the type to goof around, participate in petty gossip or bully others. If anything, he keeps to himself or the small group of friends he’s collected over his time at Broadripple.

On weekends he spends most of his time at home and often returns to school with a plastic bag of venison jerky he offers to anyone he considers a friend. He helps out the drama department building sets and regularly volunteers to help the groundskeepers with any tasks they’ll allow him to participate in. A skilled field-hockey player, Wes has earned a sport’s scholarship his mother hopes will lead to similar advancements in the college sector, although this doesn’t inspire his genuine interest.

A simple person, Wes tends to take things at face value. Or at least he did until the sudden disappearance of Maggie. Having known her since childhood, Wes can’t shake the suspicion that something awful happened to her. While he may feel more at home in the cabins than he ever did in the dormitories, her absence continues to haunt him. Worry festers in his chest like a wound he can’t heal.

While he gives little heed to rumors and ghost stories, Wes fears for her wellbeing, regardless of whatever excuses the school came up with. It has made him rather protective of his fellow classmates, often looking out for them when they otherwise wouldn’t look out for themselves.

HEADCANONS

Wes knows how to play the acoustic guitar. he usually sings off key, but that won’t stop him from doing it around the campfire

definitely a dog person. he grew up around dogs for his entire life, specifically hunting dogs that helped his father track and trap prey. while the family has had several dogs throughout the years, the one Wes has bonded the most with is an English Setter named Birdie.

Wes knows his way around a car and usually has to spent decent amounts of time touching up the engine on his truck. A hand-me-down from his father, Berenice is a Ford pick-up-truck from the 1970s. She was once blue but time, wear, weather, and a few car accidents have left her scuffed up, patched together and hastily painted over. she isn’t exactly pretty to look at, but even with a white replacement door on the driver’s side, she’s very reliable.

Wes usually spends his summers doing odd jobs or working as a camp counselor at the lake a few miles out of town. due to his childhood in the area, experience hunting, camping etc. he knows the area pretty well and could easily feel comfortable wandering off and finding his way back.

Wes almost always has a small pocket knife on hand ( when he can get away with it ). he usually stuffs it in the neck of his hiking boots, using it for small repairs, cutting branches and other small tasks.

wes is actually very good at sewing and has a small, portable sewing kit he keeps in his cabin. having grown up without much money, his mother taught him the importance of maintaining the goods he already owns. if anyone ever needs a patch up, wes can have a busted seam, tear, or hem fixed in a jiffy.

his family owns horses, his grandfather and father always believing it wise to keep a few good work horses on hand in case their tractor broke down. while expensive, wes is fond of the horses and grateful he grew up knowing his way around one. His mother even managed to make a modest income giving horseback riding lessons to the kids in Lorehill and a few eager students of the Academy.

the eldest of several siblings, Wes learned responsibility from a young age and has an unconscious habit of slipping into the role of ‘caretaker’ without meaning to.

his little sister, a junior named Annie, also attends broadripple. they have a close bond, although she does get annoyed with what she calls his ‘older brothering’ her.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RETREAT

What do they think about The Retreat

Wes doesn’t mind the retreat. he actually feels much more at home in the cabins than he ever did in the dorms at the academy. he prefers the noises of the woods and the way the world looks so much bigger when it isn’t standing opposed to tall brick walls. he believes there truly was a locust infestation in the dorms, but remains suspicious about the disappearance of maggie. having grown up together, Wes feels deeply concerned about her disappearance and nervous about other students wandering around the woods with little to no survival knowledge ( or sense of direction ).

Do they have any previous experience with camping or other outdoors?

Y E S. Wesley has sO much experience camping it’s honestly egregious. he and his family spend a good portion of their summers in tents, cooking up cans of beans over the fire and skipping stones at the lake. Wes has gone on hiking trips, slept under the stars, and fished for his own dinner. If he ever broke his leg during a hiking accident and was left stranded in the woods, he has sufficient knowledge of how to survive in the wilderness to put himself in the best possible position to preserve his life and be rescued. he truly is That Bitch.

What does their cabin bunk look like? How will they decorate their space?

Wes’s bunk space is decorated minimally, as he keeps most of his personal items at home. Knowing his classmates might be feeling bored without access to the internet, he did bring along a couple board games from his house in the hopes that they might find enjoyment in it. Other than this, he has a few potted plants he takes care of and a home made quilt on his mattress. He would have been content to sleep in a sleeping bag but his mother insisted on getting him proper sheets and bedding.

Do they believe in the supernatural? To what degree?

No. Wesley knows all about the rumors and ghost stories but has rarely paid them any heed. he is suspicious of events going on with the school and Nighmore, especially since his family has had negative feelings towards the academy for generations, but supernatural beings were never the source of that concern. he’s the type to listen to ghost stories around the campfire, but tell people to talk about something else when it’s clear someone is getting scared.

Are they easily spooked?

Not really. Wes can be wary, especially knowing the potential dangers of the woods, but he was raised in an environment where keeping a level head is necessary. he still experiences fear, but he tends to manage it well and keep it concealed. he probably wouldn’t be the type to panic at a shadow in the woods and start running, but it would catch his attention and he’d respond accordingly.

AND FINALLY,

A very dumb but (hopefully) fun quiz made by your admins, please share what result you got

“you will sacrifice yourself for someone else.” he would tho tbh

#retreat:task1 #hcs #about

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seriouslyhooked · 6 years

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Lost Souls and Reveries (Part 6)

18 part AU written for @cssns. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4, Part 5. Story available on AO3 Here and FF Here. Banner created by the amazingly talented @shipsxahoy!!

Killian Jones is a wolf shifter without roots, without plans, and without a pack. He’s a rogue, someone humans should avoid and shifters should be wary of given his lineage. But one night years back set him on a path he didn’t realize he was taking, a path leading to a future he is destined for. That future is tied up in one woman – a human named Emma Nolan. Together Emma and Killian will find not only answers, but a love that’s truly fated. But will love be enough to set them free, or will past demons win out in the end? (Answer: love always wins – I am writing this so despite some tiny pockets of angst it’s basically a fluff-filled insta-love fest). Rated M.

A/N: Hello all! So I debated when drafting this fic how fast I wanted things to go, and I gotta say part of me is kicking myself now. Making this fic so much longer than I originally thought means we are going a little slower than my usual rate, but I really think it will be worth it in the end. That being said, we are at chapter six and you can rest assured more pieces are coming together in the past and in the present. Hope you guys enjoy and let me know what you all think!

“So this morning’s office schedule is pretty light as of now, knock on wood. Just that litter of kittens who need their shots, Lionel Johnson’s iguana who isn’t eating as much as usual, and the Smith’s dog who needs a restitch.”

Emma heard the words that Gus, the clinic’s administrator, was saying, but it all felt very far away even though she stood right beside him. Subconsciously she internalized the information being told to her, and at some level she’d picked it all up, but still Emma was distracted, and distraction and her work simply did not mix. She had to have the facts and focus or her patient’s could suffer, so she silently shook herself and tried to pay better attention, speed-reading the chart Gus handed her that said the exact same things he’d just imparted.

“Chester needs a restitch?”

“Yup. Your Dad checked him earlier on his way out, and the wound was still clean after you patched him up yesterday, but a few of the stitches broke overnight. We think he does that pseudo-running thing some dogs do in their sleep. Doesn’t look like he purposefully messed with it.”

“Got it,” Emma acknowledged, knowing that Gus was right. It was likely just a dream-induced injury, and not something more to worry about. “And Dad’s all good on the farms today? He doesn’t need any back up?”

“No word yet. Last I heard all things were going well, but he’s not at the farms as it turns out. He’s somewhere outside Augusta. Got a call this morning from a remote patient and they said it couldn’t wait.”

“Another referral?” Emma asked and Gus nodded. “Someone should really give him an award or something. He’s got to be the most popular vet in Maine at the rate.”

“You’re telling me,” Gus said motioning towards the schedule in a way that said managing it was no cakewalk. Emma laughed and watched as Gus walked back out front to the waiting area and she knew she should follow suit and head to the exam rooms where her charges were waiting.

Before she could do that, however, she needed to get herself in order, and part of that meant looking through old files to make sure they were giving the best form of treatment. Gus had given her all of the medical histories they had on their regular patients, but for the kittens Emma wondered what exactly would be the best treatment option. They had a number of paths to choose from, and though she could make the decision on her own and be confident in that, she felt a need to be her father today and handle things as he would. To do so, she headed into his office, seeking out the files in the back cabinet that had all his information on strays and rescues.

As she looked for the files, Emma found her eyes moving over to her father’s desk, which was meticulously ordered but comforting at the same time. He had the same familiar pictures standing up there. There was one of her parents at their wedding, one of her Dad and his best friend Lance who Emma considered an Uncle, ones of both Emma and Neal as very small kids, and a recent snapshot of the four of them at Emma’s graduation. But there was only one picture on the table with a person Emma had never met and it was the one of her father and his mother. He was only a newborn in the shot, since his mother hadn’t lived very long after having her father and his twin brother, but it was one of Emma’s favorites all the same. The love in that photo was completely undeniable, and though the loss was heart wrenching and honestly so sad, she’d found her father smiling at it many times before, taking comfort in a mother he never got the chance to know.

Emma’s fingers traced over the frame absentmindedly as she looked at the shot, but before her mind could wander too far on her family history, she heard the tell tale sound of chaos. A chorus of meows that could only be made by very young and rambunctious kittens was sounding out, and the sooner she got to work, the sooner those little cuties could get back to the shelter and the volunteers who would no doubt want to dote on them.

As the day progressed, Emma let herself relax into her work, losing herself in the familiar and unexpected parts of the process. She started by seeing to their nosiest tenants, the half dozen kittens who’d been brought in a few days back. They were ready for their four-week shots, and all of them were well behaved given the circumstances. Turned out all they wanted was some attention and affection, which Emma was very happy to give before and after she administered their vaccinations.

After the kitties, Emma shifted over to iguana care, which, as expected, turned out to be a rather benign case. The iguana was absolutely fine – he was just changing what food he wanted. It turned out normal old romaine could get boring, and Emma was able to get him to eat much more when she offered him a little fruit and some cherry tomatoes. She’d keep him over night for observation, but she was certain he’d pull through. And as for Chester, the lovable if overactive English setter, his stitches did in fact need tending to but he was a good boy as she did the work. She didn’t even need to call in Gus for back up, and soon enough he was all stitched up and good to go.

This smooth sailing was arguably great, seeing as it made Emma’s life easier, but the lack of intensity in her day opened Emma up to wandering thoughts again. Because there was no real risk involved, her mind could do its own thing as her body did the work she knew by heart, and it turned out that when given the chance all she could think of was Killian Jones and the way he kissed.

And damn could he kiss! Just thinking about it sent a thrill of anticipation up Emma’s spine. That elated sensation reverberated outwards, filling her with this energy that felt almost electric and he wasn’t even with her. Emma was completely by herself, but the room was still filled with anticipation and wanting all the same. It was crazy to be so affected by someone, but that seemed to be how the story went where Emma and Killian were concerned. She’d been drawn in since they first saw each other, and there’d been a build in her wanting him since that first moment, but after that kiss outside the Rabbit Hole… well, leave it to say there was just no way to resist anymore. She had to give in, and damn if giving in didn’t feel so freaking good.

It was so good, in fact, that Emma had caved to that desire more than once in the past few days. The weekend had been filled with little moments, almost of all of which began, ended, or consisted wholly of kissing this man who made her feel so much. There was some talking scattered in between, mostly Killian saying these amazingly sweet or sexy things that just made Emma want him even more, but the kissing was the defining part of every interaction. They were honestly acting like teenagers, finding each other and sneaking away to make out like it was going out of style, but Emma found that she loved it and that she couldn’t get enough.

The excitement of not knowing when she would see him but being certain that he would find her filled Emma with this rush she’d never known before. Part of her was dying to ask Killian exactly what this was between them. She wanted to put labels on the attraction that they clearly shared, but another part of Emma wanted to stay caught up in the moment. It felt so freeing to just be impulsive and take what she wanted, and Emma didn’t think she had ever felt more alive than she did in those fleeting instances. Still, there was only so long that this pattern could hold. At some point her tendency towards needing a plan and craving direction would win out, and when it did she and Killian would have to talk about what was next and when ‘next’ would be here.

The thought of what all of this meant had been weighing on Emma to some degree, and though she tried to keep it to herself throughout the weekend, Emma did confess her slight misgivings to Elsa and to Anna. It was hard not to, especially since she told them about the first kiss. Since being informed of the new direction of Emma and Killian’s relationship, her best friends had been starved for more news and more updates, and because they were like sisters to her, Emma was confident that anything she said would stay between them. She told them honestly about all she felt – about how for right now this was enough, but that she wanted more with Killian eventually – and their insights and perceptions had been most eye opening.

For Anna, this whole dance was a build up that Emma should be enjoying. It had been forever since Emma had shown interest in anyone, and never to this degree, and she’d been so busy with school and now working at the clinic that she hadn’t had time for any kind of flirtation. Anna saw Killian as a means to a delicious and healthy end, and if things lasted in the long run that was great. But more than anything, Anna believed that Emma needed the adventure and a little more spice in her life. Emma agreed with that last part, but she found it hard to be so cavalier about the future. She loved the current dynamic of waiting and wondering, but the thought that somehow this wouldn’t work out or move forward hurt Emma’s heart and had old protective walls wanting to come up again.

Elsa, meanwhile, saw things very differently. To her the worry was not needed, not because Emma wasn’t really putting her heart on the line or feeling more than she ever had, but because it wasn’t actually a risk. Time had only further cemented Elsa’s instinct that Killian was a keeper, and she held him in this esteem that made Emma feel like he would be a permanent fixture in her world and in Storybrooke too. Elsa’s feeling before meeting him had blossomed after his coming to the bar. She’d met him and sized him up completely, and her results gave Emma this incredible hope. Knowing Elsa felt like this was right for her gave Emma room to really believe that it could be, and though she trusted her own instincts to lead her in the right direction, Emma had been counting on Elsa’s gut with even more faith for years…

After everything that happened last night in the alley, Emma felt like she couldn’t tell what was real and was a dream anymore.

She’d come back inside after the attack and had taken her time to find her family again, and when she did it was on the tip of her tongue to say something. She had to tell them, right? They needed to know that two giant wolves had just had a massive showdown in the back of the Boston Children’s Hospital. But for some reason Emma couldn’t say the words. Maybe it was because her parents looked so relieved to see her after she’d run off, or maybe it was the fact that she could see how tired they were from all of their stress, but in the end Emma ended up saying nothing, holding onto memories that confused her and alarmed her.

Emma tried to sleep that night, hoping maybe in the morning it wouldn’t seem quite so crazy, but her dreams were filled with glimpses of those insane moments played over and over again. Panic that her life was ending would shoot through her, only to be ebbed away when the black wolf showed up to save her. She woke up time and again, tossing and turning in her sleep, until finally Emma gave up, rising with the sun and heading back with her mother to the hospital first thing.

Her hope was to see Neal and feel better. She was praying her brother would be in better shape, and that he’d distract her from what had happened. But being in that building again was like living through the trauma all over again. Emma was jumpy and on edge, and she didn’t know how she could make it through this morning, never mind the rest of the day. Her parents asked her if everything was all right, and again she had the chance to come clean and to tell them what had happened, but she just… couldn’t. It felt impossible to say, and though her parents could still tell that she was off, Neal was just as happy to see her as he ever was. He was still frail and fragile, but his smile when Emma was near lit up the whole room. That happiness Neal had became her anchor, and she stayed with him for hours, choosing to remain even when her parents were called away for more meetings with the doctors.

“Oh thank God, I found you guys.”

For a moment Emma thought she must be imagining things, because she heard her best friend’s voice clear as day. That was impossible though. Elsa was in Storybrooke, more than two hours away, but then Neal’s eyes went wide with excitement and he sat up in bed eagerly.

“Elsa! You came to see me! I knew you would come!”

“You did?” Emma asked of Neal, before turning back to Elsa, her eyes growing wet with tears. “You came?”

“I had to. I had a feeling this morning when I woke up that I should be here, so I hopped on the bus and here I am.”

Emma hugged her friend fiercely, trying desperately to keep from crying though her tears broke through all the same. Elsa held onto her tight, infusing in the embrace all the love and compassion they shared as best friends. It meant the world that Elsa was here, that she’d come without even having to be asked, and today of all days Emma needed her most. She’d been feeling so terribly alone, but now she had someone to confide in and to trust her true feelings with for the first time in forever.

“No Anna today?” Emma asked, wondering how in the world Elsa had managed to come alone. She and Anna were practically attached at the hip, and there was no doubt in Emma’s mind that Anna would want to be here to support them too.

“She doesn’t know I came. She’ll be furious when she finds out, but you know she hates to lie, and she’s just terrible at it. I couldn’t trust that she wouldn’t tell Mom and Dad we were coming, and I couldn’t risk not getting here.”

“I can’t believe you’re here,” Emma said as they both took a seat, with Elsa coming next to Neal and exchanging their special handshake they’d formed a few years back at Neal’s insistence.

“It was time,” Neal said, like that was the most obvious thing in the world and both Emma and Elsa laughed at his assured statement.

“Yeah buddy, it was. Sorry I took so long,” Elsa said and Neal accepted her apology as they got to talking.

Elsa filled Neal and Emma in on all the happenings in Storybrooke. Most of it Emma already knew from her daily calls with Elsa and Anna, but Neal ate every update up completely. He asked roughly a million questions and Emma swore she hadn’t seen him this perked up in weeks, but eventually he did get tired again. It was natural that he would get weary as the day went on, and though he had to succumb and go to sleep, he pleaded with Elsa not to go without saying goodbye. Elsa promised, and when Neal was definitely out, Elsa turned to Emma with an expectant look.

“Okay, so you’ve had some time now. You have to tell me what’s going on.”

“You mean other than this?” Emma asked, waving her hand around the room. She didn’t need to say the words aloud. It was obvious that Neal’s illness was taking a toll, but Elsa looked persistent, and Emma knew once her friend was on a case, she never let it go without answers.

“Yes. Something happened. I know it did, I can feel it.”

Emma debated for another moment whether or not she should say anything but eventually she confessed it all to Elsa. She told her about the wolves and the fighting, about her fear and the calm that came thereafter. She didn’t leave any of it out, even the weirdest parts about not being afraid of the second wolf, and when it was all over Elsa didn’t look at her like she thought she was crazy or she was judging her. She just took Emma’s hand in hers and spoke her mind.

“Oh my God, that sounds terrifying. I can’t believe that happened and in the city no less.” Elsa whispered the words but her alarm made it louder than it should have been. Emma worried they would wake Neal, but another look at her little brother showed he was still soundly sleeping.

“But you believe me, right?” Emma asked, needing her friend to believe that she wasn’t as crazy as she felt.

“Of course I do, no question.” Elsa said without hesitation. “But that doesn’t mean I have any idea why it happened. It must have been just a freak thing, but you think someone else would have seen them. They didn’t just disappear.”

“You’re right, they couldn’t have,” Emma said, standing suddenly, feeling like she had to go back to the alley. It was the only way she’d be able to prove what had happened really took place, since there had to be evidence. The battle between the animals out there was brutal, so there must be a trace of something. “Stay here a minute. Okay?”

“Stay? But where are you going?” Realization dawned on Elsa’s eyes a second after she asked the question and she soon stood too. “No Emma, you shouldn’t go down there alone. You can’t. You need -,”

“Elsa, what I need is for you to stay with Neal, okay? I don’t want him to be alone. I promised him he wouldn’t be and I don’t know when my parents will be done with their meeting.”

“But Emma -,”

“Elsa, please?” Emma begged and finally Elsa nodded.

“Fine. I’ll give you five minutes, but if you aren’t back by then I’m coming after you. Got it?”

Emma agreed before bolting from the room. She moved as fast as she could without running, and she wasn’t sure if it was because she had an eerie feeling retracing her steps from last night or because she was so desperate for answers. Either way she was out in the alley way again in no time. Again it was empty, though now she could see everything so clearly and she took care to keep the door open so she wouldn’t get locked out again. Then she moved forward, her breathing heavy and her hands shaking as she entered the space that was once so charged.

From what she could tell nothing looked out of place. The ground was strangely clean. There was no gravel even, and Emma was confused. She knew there should be signs of damage, and there should be a body somewhere too, but when she looked around the corner of the dumpster there was nothing. No blood, no body, nothing out of place. Emma felt even more confused than she had before and a prickle of foreboding climbed up her back. She looked back towards the entrance way, but there was nothing, only the occasional person walking by, completely unaware of her existence.

Emma shook her head, at a loss for words. There was really nothing here. So it had to be a dream right? She’d just had an episode – a mental break people called it. God she was crazy! She was actually losing her mind and –

From the corner of her eye she caught a glimmer of something and she turned to look at it more closely. Stooping down to the ground, she reached for the metal object that was left here, and when her fingertips first made contact she felt a flash of something she couldn’t quite name. It was a white hot surge of awareness, and the only thing she had to compare it to was the moment when she’d first seen the black wolf. It was foreign and bizarre, but also intriguing, and as Emma flipped the pendant over, letting the chain attached fall loosely over her hand, she marveled at the design she found, knowing, even if all signs spoke to the contrary that this was a part of the puzzle currently playing out in her mind.

After a few moments of taking in this mysterious artifact, Emma headed back inside, knowing if she lingered any longer she would have Elsa to answer to, but when she arrived back at the doorway of Neal’s room she was surprised by what she saw: somehow, in the time she’d been gone Elsa and Neal’s roles had been reversed. Her brother, for his part looked wide-awake and totally reenergized, and Elsa seemed to have fallen asleep at his bedside. Emma immediately moved towards her checking she was all right, and her friend came awake with a start.

“Emma? Oh crap, did I fall asleep or something?”

“Yeah you did. You were out like a light. Must have been the early bus ride.”

“It must be,” Elsa said, sounding like she wasn’t quite convinced even though it was the most rational explanation. “Wow I have a headache – what do you think the chances are they have acetaminophen in a hospital?”

Emma laughed at Elsa’s joke, taking comfort in the fact that her friend was returning to herself. “I’d say pretty darn good.”

“What’s acid-o-mini-fin?” Neal asked curiously and Emma responded with a brief explanation causing Neal to wrinkle his nose. “Medicine? But you don’t need medicine Elsa. You need grilled cheese. Emma says everything can be cured with grilled cheese and she knows everything.”

It touched Emma to hear her brother’s high opinion of her, and she tried to fend off the tears that formed in her eyes at his sweet words. God, he was the best kind of kid, and he just had to pull through. Luckily, today he seemed to be doing so well, especially since Elsa had gotten here.

“Did someone say grilled cheese?”

The three of them turned to find her parents holding bags of food that Emma knew would hold their favorite meal inside them and she watched as their eyes grew big at seeing Elsa, but just as Emma expected their shock turned to love and appreciation swiftly. For as much as Emma was a part of Elsa and Anna’s family, Elsa and Anna were just as much a part of hers…

“Knock knock,” two familiar voices said from the doorway of the exam room and Emma turned to find her best friends bearing similar bags to the ones in the memory she’d just been reminiscing over. “Did someone order grilled cheese and onion rings?”

“Uh, no,” Emma answered honestly. “But if you brought them to me I’ll love you forever.”

“Oh you already love us,” Anna said with an eye roll before pointing down the hall towards the back door. “We were thinking picnic tables today, since it’s so nice out.”

“Well first we were thinking we’d ask if you were free for lunch,” Elsa said with a smirk. “But then Anna decided that you would forsake any plans for a grilled cheese.”

“Historically yes, that has been the case,” Emma replied with a laugh cleaning up a bit before following her friends out into the beautiful summer afternoon.

“I said we shouldn’t assume, especially with the way things are going with a certain new neighbor,” Elsa supplied, making Emma blush at the mention of Killian. She tried to conceal it by brushing off some of the stray leaves from atop the picnic table that her parents had put back here years ago.

“And then I told Elsa that it’s not an issue because there was no way you’d plan a real date without telling us first.”

“So all those breakfasts just don’t count?” Emma asked trying to sound like she was teasing and not fully affected by this conversation, and Anna shook her head firmly as she took a seat.

“No ma’am they do not. Until that man sweeps you off your feet with a romantic dinner or trip or something, I’m not counting it. Diner pancakes do not a love story make. You need a proper date.”

Emma wanted to respond that all of those mornings spent with Killian kind of did feel like the start of a love story. She felt the same nerves and excitement every time she and Killian had shared breakfast that people claimed to feel on a really good date, but approaching footsteps on the path here at the side of the clinic stopped her. Emma guessed it would be Gus with an update, or maybe Belle coming to join them or something, but when she saw their guest was Killian she was struck with an instant anticipation that made her almost dizzy.

“Well speak of the devil, and he shall appear,” Anna chortled with delight. “Not that I think you’re the devil,” she explained to Killian. “You seem very nice and not at all hellish or evil.”

Emma knew that Anna’s words, though radically out there and kind of wild, would be seen as no threat to Killian. He had a good sense of humor, and he seemed to understand her bestie’s tendency to turn a strange phrase now and again. But she still felt relief when she heard his throaty chuckle and saw the smile on his face. She’d been fighting back a groan, and she exhaled a sigh of contentment as she looked back at him, finding herself hypnotized by his ocean-colored eyes.

“I appreciate your assessment, Anna. I’ll have you know I see no devilish qualities in you either.”

“Really? Because I do,” Elsa replied, her joking tone making everyone laugh again as Emma awaited whatever moment was about to come.

“So, what brings you out this way?” Anna asked, clearly digging for the information Emma wanted and Killian only spared her a second’s glance before looking back to Emma.

“I’m actually hear to ask Emma on a ‘proper’ date if you can believe it.”

“You are?!” Anna asked excitedly as Emma asked a question of her own. “God, you heard that?”

“Yes I did, and yes I am. I had thought it would go a bit differently,” Killian confessed, and Emma knew he was referring to their audience. It occurred to her then that she wanted things to be different as well, and as much as she loved Anna and Elsa, she didn’t want this moment to come with so little privacy. So when Killian looked like he might press on and still ask her, she grabbed his hand and tried to turn things in a new direction.

“Maybe we could just…” she trailed off looking back at her friends. “Could you give us a second?”

“Absolutely,” Elsa said for both Anna and Elsa. But where Elsa looked totally fine with Emma and Killian leaving for a bit, Anna looked downright disappointed. In this moment she looked like a little girl again, and Emma found she had to muffle a laugh as she pulled Killian towards the door to the clinic, and back inside, away from prying eyes.

“Well this is an unexpected pleasure. I finally get to see where you work.”

“Oh, right,” Emma said, forgetting that he hadn’t been here before. Over the past week he’d become the focus of so much of her time and thinking that Emma weirdly felt like he’d always been here. “Do you want a tour?”

“Maybe another time, love. I’ve already crashed your lunch with your friends. Probably best to keep things brief or we may face repercussions.”

“Good call,” Emma agreed as she led him into his office and shut the door behind them.

When they were finally alone Emma felt her already present excitement amplify and she waited to see if he’d let go of her hand or get right to the point, but he didn’t. Instead he moved closer to her, his hands running over her body in that now so familiar way. In their wake they left trails of arousal and desire, and Emma arched slightly closer, looking for something to take off this edge of need that he brought her every time. She looked up at him, her eyes tracing the curve of his lips, and she wanted him to kiss her right now. She wet her lips just thinking about it, and she swore she felt a growl come from his chest at the action. But instead of giving in, he held back, his hand coming up to cup her cheek in a sweat and steady gesture.

“I came here today with the intention of asking you out, love.”

His confession was laced in a husky tone that told Emma Killian was similarly in need of some kind of release. She honestly didn’t know if kissing would be enough. She wanted so much more, it was like her body and her common sense had disengaged from each other. They were at the clinic where she worked, and though the door was closed any number of interruptions could come, but it didn’t seem to matter to Emma. She still wanted more… only after a moment did she realize he was waiting for her to respond and she swallowed harshly, forcing the words out though her throat was tight with her emotion.

“So I gathered. Are you still planning to?” she asked, as her hands trailed lightly over his chest.

“I know I should, but I don’t think I can,” he said, surprising her, but before she could feel the sting of rejection he clarified. “I don’t think I can risk you saying no. I’m tempted just to tell you that we are going out, because I want you too much.”

“I won’t say no,” Emma promised, trying but failing to suppress the thrill of his words. They were dominant and demanding, but Emma knew he would never wield that power against her. Killian was a man who took what he wanted, but he also respected her, cherished her even, and all his admission did was stoke the flames more and more.

“Thank God for that. So tonight then?”

“I’m off here at six. Pick me up at seven?”

“Aye, love. Nothing could keep me away.”

With that agreement settled between them, Emma arguably could have moved to return to her lunch. Her friends were waiting on her and she only had so long for a break before she had to return to her duties of the day. Yet she couldn’t let Killian go without taking some of what she wanted. She pulled him in for a kiss, but where she might have instigated the embrace, Killian soon took over. It was hot and heavy and full of inexplicable promise, and Emma wasn’t too proud to admit that she lost her head a little bit. Killian transported her out of time and space, and he made her forget herself and where they were until he finally let her go, reminding her that though they had to stop for now, there was always tonight.

“I don’t know if I can wait that long,” Emma confessed, knowing she should be embarrassed by saying that but she couldn’t seem to muster that emotion. She was too blissed out on good feelings to let anything bad in.

“It will be a trial for sure, but I believe you capable of anything, Emma, once you set your mind to it.”

The compliment washed over Emma and she brought him in for one last kiss. This one was fleeting and swift, but she couldn’t help herself, and from the gleam in his eyes, Emma knew Killian felt the same way. Without any more words he offered her his hand to lead her back outside, but when they left the office door, they were greeted by an unexpected face in the hallway.

“Emma?”

Shit! Her Dad was here. Shit! Shit! Shit!

“Uh… hi Dad,” she said awkwardly. “I thought you were out on a call.”

Emma didn’t know what to do here and she looked at Killian for some kind of reaction. The only thing she saw in his expression was openness. He was looking for her to lead and he cemented that by squeezing her hand slightly. Only then did she realize they were still holding hands, but as she looked to her father, she saw he had definitely noticed. Instinctively Emma let go, but she felt the loss the moment that she did, and she found herself regretting that decision.

“I was, but it didn’t end up being the emergency they thought.” Her Dad looked over to Killian for a minute, clearly sizing him up, and Emma repressed the urge to groan at how blatantly over protective he was being.

“Doctor Nolan, I’m Killian Jones. It’s nice to meet you, finally.” Killian offered his hand in greeting, and though Emma was scared her Dad wouldn’t accept it, he immediately did. Thank God – Emma didn’t know what she’d do if there was a scene right now. She was mortified enough as is.

“You too. I’ve heard a lot about you and I suspect we’ll have to have a talk at some point about your intentions.”

Okay, now Emma was really embarrassed. Killian had literally just asked her on a date and her Dad was pulling this? It was way too early for talks like that, right? It wasn’t fair to pressure Killian into anything. There was a good chance the date wouldn’t go well, or maybe Killian would change his mind. But just the thought of either of those things happening made Emma’s stomach sink painfully.

“Aye, I’m not going anywhere, sir, so I look forward to it.”

It was hard to mute her reaction to those words, but Emma tried her best. They filled her with this insurmountable hope, because she knew Killian was a good man. If he said he was staying he was staying, and if he said he’d someday subject himself to that talk with her Dad then that meant he really say a future for them. Thank goodness for that, because with every passing day Emma felt herself falling deeper and deeper into this and into him. Killian Jones was impossible to resist, and he proved that by being a rock and support for her even in this trying moment.

“All right, well now that you two have got that all figured out… I’m going to see Killian off and get back to my lunch. I’ll see you in thirty minutes?” she asked her Dad nodded before saying good bye to Killian and heading into the exam room. With that, Emma led Killian out the door once more.

“I’m so sorry about that. If I had known my Dad would be here…”

“It’s more than okay, Emma. I was glad to meet him. I imagine we’ll be seeing more of each other in the near future.”

“But we haven’t even had the first date yet,” Emma said with a smirk. “What if it goes terribly?”

“Will you be there?” Killian asked and Emma nodded, not tracking his logic until he spelled it out for her. “Then by definition it will be perfect.”

Emma felt herself melt a little more at his promise, and as he said his goodbyes she was tempted to go after him, but she had already made her friends wait too long. It hadn’t been any more than ten minutes or so, but still, they deserved her full attention, or at least as much of it as she could give.

“So… how did it go?” Anna asked innocently. Emma blushed and her friends both drew their conclusions immediately. “That good huh?”

“Oh yeah. He asked me out for tonight, and it was going really, really well, at least until we ran into my father.”

“Your Dad is here?!” both Anna and Elsa yelled and Emma nodded. “God this just keeps getting better.”

“He’s going to want to talk about it,” Emma said, not knowing how to handle it if her father did ask her about Killian.

“Of course he is,” Elsa agreed. “But it’s going to be okay either way. Your Dad is a reasonable man over all. Just tell him what you want when you want, and remember, the day has to end eventually.”

And when it does, I’ll get to see Killian again, Emma thought to herself, feeling the rush of excitement and nerves all over again. And as the day went on, Emma held close to that anchor of excitement, wondering where they night might take them and what kind of magic a date with this man would bring to her world.

Post-Note: I cannot even tell you guys how excited I am for the date chapter. It’s been something I have been looking forward to for a while for a number of reasons, one of which being that the flashback is actually a happy one. Can you imagine?! Yes, you read that right, next chapter is basically a fluff fest, and it will be here in two weeks. Anyway I hope you enjoyed the story and I would love to know what you guys thought. Underneath the flashbacks and the present story, I’m putting in little crumbs of what’s to come, and they might be really obvious to you guys but as someone who never writes stories with any kind of twist or anything, it’s a big deal for me. Hope to see you all again in two weeks!

Tag list (if you would like to be added, please let me know): @jennjenn615 @winterbaby89 @kmomof4 @teamhook @ultraluckycatnd @coliferoncer @resident-of-storybrooke @artistic-writer @snowbellewells @snarkycaptainswan4 @allofdafandoms-blog @eastside-divebar

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ao3feed-hqrarepairs · 7 years

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Not So Secret Secrets

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2iRmgMi

by Loralyi

Yahaba's trying to figure out how to turn himself and Kyoutani into a functioning setter and ace team and everyone is suggesting that they get to know each other better, which is easier said than done. And as if that wasn't enough this strange golden dog comes to his rescue and starts following him around and he's fairly certain it's more sentient than a dog is supposed to be.

Words: 2217, Chapters: 1/?, Language: English

Series: Part 1 of We're In This Together

Fandoms: Haikyuu!!

Rating: Teen And Up Audiences

Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings

Categories: M/M

Characters: Kyoutani Kentarou, Yahaba Shigeru, Iwaizumi Hajime, Oikawa Tooru, Watari Shinji

Relationships: Kyoutani Kentarou/Yahaba Shigeru

Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Werewolf, Slow Burn, Pining

read it on the AO3 at http://ift.tt/2iRmgMi

#kyoutani kentarou #yahaba shigeru #kyouhaba

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lindyloo5980 · 5 years

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Somebody really wants me to get out of my chair and let him outside!

#duffy #a better setter english setter rescue #english setter #englishsetterlove #lovespots #prettyboy #goldeneyes #beautifuldog #beautifuleyes #puppylove #sillyboi #english setter love #englishsetter #abettersetter #silly puppy

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ezatluba · 5 years

Photo

Dog fertility clinics soar as celebrities drive trend for designer pets

February 7, 2020

Fertility clinics which create ‘designer dogs’ from breeds that can no longer mate or give birth naturally, are on the rise and may be acting illegally, vets have warned.

In 2015 there was just one canine practice in Britain, but the number has now leapt to 37, fuelled by the celebrity trend of owning breeds such as French Bulldogs and Pugs.

Animal welfare experts have called for an end to the breeding of brachycephalic dogs, which have short noses and flat faces, and consequently struggle to breathe.

But most of the new clinics are offering to carry our assisted reproduction for brachycephalic breeds, which vets claims is not only unethical, but possibly illegal.

Animals such as French Bulldogs are now so poorly bred that they can no longer give birth naturally because they have narrow hips and large heads, and usually need to be delivered by caesarean section.

Yet the new research by the Kennel Club and Vet Record, found that many of clinics did not have vets registered on their staff, and so may be performing caesareans illegally.

Madeleine Campbell, a specialist in reproduction and European diplomat in animal welfare from the Royal Veterinary College, said: “If artificial insemination is being used to achieve pregnancies in animals which for heritable anatomical reasons are not capable of either breeding or giving birth naturally, then that has negative welfare implications and is of ethical concern.

“Furthermore, if Vet Record’s investigations imply that non-vets may be undertaking acts of veterinary surgery such as caesarian sections, then that is obviously worrying, and would be illegal.

“Concerns about non-vets undertaking acts of veterinary surgery should be reported to trading standards and the police.”

Beloved by celebrities, such as the Beckhams, Holly Willoughby and Millie Mackintosh, the French Bulldog took over from Labradors as Britain’s most popular breed in 2018, despite concerns about their welfare.

Between 2009 and 2018, there was a 153 per cent increase in the number of English bulldogs registered with the Kennel Club and a 3000+ per cent increase in the number of French bulldogs.

Kennel Club data also shows that in the past three years at least 1604 puppies were born using artificial insemination compared with 1153 during the 17-year period from 1998 to 2015.

The number of AI births is also rising year on year from 434 in 2017, 577 in 2018 and 593 in 2019, the investigation showed. And the authors say the problem may be far worse as most puppies are not registered with the Kennel Club.

Rescue charities have also seen a huge rise in brachycephalic breeds which often have a string of health conditions that their owners cannot afford.

The latest investigation also found that two clinics were also advertised canine surgical artificial insemination, which is a banned procedure.

And some of these clinics appeared to advocate ‘self-whelping’ – whereby the mother is not taken to the vet in order to give birth, even where this might be advisable – as well as raw feeding.

In an accompanying editorial, Josh Loeb, senior news reporter at Vet Record, said the government should consider regulating clinics.

“Whereas the NHS offers treatments such as artificial insemination (AI) and in vitro fertilisation to women as a kind of ‘last resort’ in certain circumstances AI and caesareans have become the norm for certain breeds of dog,” he said.

“Perhaps it’s time the UK created its own laws to better regulate the burgeoning canine fertility and reproduction industry?

“At very least, there needs to be greater attention paid by the profession to how these clinics are conducting themselves and whether, in some cases, they should be considered not as veterinary but rather as ‘pseudo veterinary’ clinics.”

The Kennel Club has urged prospective owners to consider choosing vulnerable British and Irish breeds which are at risk of dying out because their numbers are so low.

Breeds on the list include Cardigan Welsh Corgi, Otterhound and the Irish Red and White Setter, whose numbers are below 300 annual puppy registrations.

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theramseyloft · 7 years

Note

My mom thinks pigeons are gross and stinky and stupid. How do I prove her wrong? How do I tell her that these animals are beautiful creatures in need of help?

Aesthetic appeal varies widely between individuals and misinformation is rampant, but here are some photos of different breeds of healthy pigeons and just a SHIT TON of links about pigeon intelligence and service to humanity.

This is my Feral service pigeon, Ankhou.

I have severe ADD and social anxiety, am on the autism spectrum, and struggle with depression.

When stressed or overstimulated, I shut down and lose time. I can go for hours with out moving, eating, or drinking, but am not asleep, and if responsive, may be nonverbal.

My husband prevents me from shutting down when he’s home, but when I’m home alone, I may just be stuck like that.

Ankhou doesn’t like it when that happens to me, and taught himself to prevent it or snap me out of it if preventing it wasn’t possible through escalating cuddles and harassment.

He starts by cuddling up against me and grunting to get my attention, then preens my hand or ducks his head under it for petting. If that doesn’t work, he escalates to pinching until something makes me respond and then snuggles with me until I relax and am able to start moving and doing the normal Dani things.

This is Gastby, one of our rescues who has since gone to his new home. ^v^ Best guess, he’s a homer x roller cross.

Grayson and Spirit are Racing Homers, both found crashed out after their bodies had burned their own muscle in the mad dash home.

The impulse to stop and eat during a long flight home has been bred out of racers, so they fly nonstop and once they run out of food in their crops and bellies, their body burns their muscle for fuel until they either get back home or drop out of the sky, too thin and exhausted to move.

Spirit was a funeral bird, blown off course in a storm. The funeral was in Atlanta. She ended up three hours away in Augusta, crashed out in a parking lot and mistaken for a dove.

Sylver and Apollo are Burmingham Rollers, bred to perform areal acrobatics in sight of their loft. They can home, but not very well, and occasionally get lost.

As they are rarely banded, it is hell to trace them back to their breeders.

They are bred to start backflipping mid flight and roll, pulling up as close to the ground as possible with out actually striking it.

Man, Pugsly wouldn’t station to save his life. XD

He’s a Portuguese Tumbler, another (tiny!) performance breed that does brief, exheuberant little flippies in midair.

These are non standard color Archangels. Bred for a specific color and pattern, being miscolored and mismarked is a SEREOUS show fault. for these!

I stopped breeding them because they are a very high strung, flighty breed that does better in a spacious loft than indoors.

Friar Tuck is a Black Nun.

LOVE the look of this breed, but they absolutely refuse to brood eggs, often laying them on the floor and wandering off.

One of the least intelligent breeds of pigeon, they are, however, EXCEPTIONALLY docile and friendly, and would make wonderful pets for any one uninterested in breeding.

Orel is a Luscerne Gold Collar.

OH these broke my heart! These were my DREAM pigeons! Just as sweet tempered and easily handled as they are beautiful!

But their squeakers are SO quiet and docile that the parent’s feeding response is never triggered!

Young pairs have to be primed using a baby of a different breed with a longer beak that yells louder, which puts them at a firm NO on my list of potential breeds to perpetuate.

Like the Nun, they are WONDERFUL pets, if you don’t want to breed! SWEETEST temperament! Even if they don’t like you, they will still let you pick them up and pet them.

Loaf is a Frillback I fostered for another breeder, shown as a peep and in her breeder’s loft as an adult.

Frillbacks are HUGE! Over a pound! And their fluff and muffs can need trimming for successful copulation. I... may reconsider these if I end up with enough space to comfortably house a pair...

They are a SUPER mellow breed!

This is one of my Old Dutch Capuchine hens at the vet.

One of the first breeds I ever researched, they are famously sweet tempered, tight setters, devoted to their chicks.

Their mane is glorious, but not SO exagerated that it impedes their vision or feeding their young.

Great pet. Good breed for beginners that want to raise some pretty pidge.

Brunhilde, may she rest in peace, was an Old German Owl, another of the first breeds I researched when I got into pigeons.

The Owl family of domestic pigeon breeds are named for their round faces, short beaks, and great big eyes.

And let me tell you, that sweet expression is no lie! The owl breeds are renowned for their tractability.

Antonio was a Valencian Figurita, the world’s smallest breed of pigeon.

These little pixies among pidge are also considered an Owl breed. Jaunty, bouncy, energetic, and curious, these are friendly little birds about the size of a Ringneck dove, and about the closest you really get to a cage bird among the purebred pigeons.

Aaand saving the best for last, the Classic Old Frill is not only my favorite among the Owl breeds, but my favorite breed of pigeon PERIOD!

There will NEVER come a time where I do not want to raise this breed!

They are the total pidge package! Sweet, friendly, mellow, tractable, EXCELLENT parents! and the icing on this perfect little treat of a bird is its breath taking beauty!

Look at it!

That breed is a work of living art and they KNOW! Oh, I could gush for ever about them!

As for why the stray Ferals need help, I’ll let Ankhou tell you.

Ankhou was NOT pretty when he got here.

He was about four weeks old.

For reference, this is what a four week old pigeon SHOULD look like.

This baby is one of my COFs, but she is the same age as that sad naked skeleton above her.

Ankhou was found in a parking lot, running in circles around the base of a lamp, crying or his parents, who were present, but not able to anything to get him to safety.

Here is Ankhou again, doing his job at my Sister in Law’s house and preventing me from going into shut down.

And once more, here he is so that you can see that his lack of feathers is not genetic. With regular feeding and a good diet, he grew feathers in. It took six months, which should really tell you what bad shape he was in when he got here!

So what happened? His parents had clearly not abandoned him.

The process of domestication changed pigeons in some pretty fundamental ways.

Pretty much all wild birds have a breeding season, where hens are triggered to produce egg making hormones by the length of the day or change in the weather.

That’s been bred out of domestic (and thus also feral) pigeons. If they aren’t literally starving to immediate death, they are biologically wired to produce peepers NON STOP!

Ankhou was so emaciated that his body lacked the fuel to grow feathers.

Pigeons are more devoted to raising their squeakers than they are to keeping themselves fed.

Even with more than enough food to go around, in the loft of a breeder that cares for them so they don’t have to go anywhere to forage, four week old baby pigeons OUTWEIGH their parents at weaning time!

Think about that, and look at that pitiful living skeleton again.

In order for him to be so thin that HIS BODY HAD TO PRIORITIZE GROWING MUSCLE OVER GROWING FEATHERS, BECAUSE IT COULD NOT DO BOTH!!!, his parents must have just not been able to find enough food.

Not surprising, since it’s pretty hard to find grain and seed mix in a city.

Feral pigeons are as domesticated as show birds. They are not wild animals, and deserve the same concern you would show a lost or stray puppy, because that is what they are.

There are not enough homes to take in all the stray pigeons, and being trapped would do the adults way more harm than good.

But if you see a pigeon that is visibly injured, has visibly tied up feet, or lets you get really close to it with out trying to get away or tries but has trouble keeping its balance or getting airborn, THAT bird needs immediate help and will not be ok if left alone.

Here are some links that may help prove that pigeons aren’t stupid. Some of these I’ve posted before, but here they are all together.

The stupid reason people hate pigeons.

http://www.audubon.org/news/the-origins-our-misguided-hatred-pigeons

Pigeons natural pattern recognition abilities can be used to help diagnose breast cancer

http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/pigeons-can-spot-breast-cancer-medical-images-180957323/?utm_source=facebook.com&no-ist

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0141357

Pigeon hearts are helping us understand human heart disease.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2006/07/060729133950.htm

Pigeons are an accurate enough model of human brain function to be used to understand the way our brains work.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120302101541.htm

Pigeons are capable of higher level cognition on par with baboons.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090212141143.htm

Pigeons are more self aware than toddlers.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080613145535.htm

Pigeons learn to categorize the same way as toddlers.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/02/150204184447.htm

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/04/140402095107.htm

Pigeons can learn to READ IN ENGLISH and KNOW WHEN A WORD IS NOT REAL!!!

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/09/160919111535.htm

Homing pigeon flocks are genuinely democratic, choosing whether or not to follow based on their assessment of the leader’s competence.

http://www.audubon.org/news/in-homing-pigeon-flocks-bad-bosses-quickly-get-demoted

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/06/150609213053.htm

Pigeons have a genuinely democratic society.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/04/100416214045.htm

They have been utilized to monitor air pollution.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2016/07/160719144733.htm

They recognize faces exactly the same way we do.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/04/110411171847.htm

Because their brains are wired like ours.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/07/130717095336.htm

Pigeons have the cognitive capacity to appreciate art.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090630075622.htm

Pigeons understand and make regular use of public transit.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2013/01/130108122724.htm

Their understanding of risk vs reward is alarmingly similar to ours.

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/08/140827092105.htm

In conclusion, it is a FACT that pigeons are intelligent domestic animals.

Be kind to them.

785 notes · View notes

kathydsalters31 · 4 years

Text

Best Dogs for Running

This post on the best dogs for running is based on my opinions. If “your” breed is not mentioned, just add it in the comments!

This post is meant to be fun, and any breed can make a great running buddy or a terrible running buddy.

Breed is one factor. Each dog, regardless of breed or breed mix, is an individual.

And mutts often make the best running buddies of all!

I chose these best dog breeds for running based on:

Here’s what’s covered in this post:

Best dog breeds for distance runners

Best dogs for medium and shorter distances

The best small dogs for running

Worst 5 dog breeds for running

10 Best dogs for running long distance

Best dog breeds for ultrarunners, marathoners and half-marathoners

1. Best dogs for running – the Border collie

The one dog we know who has double the energy of our weimaraner is our family’s border collie, Rusty. This breed is light on its feet, medium sized and can go, go, go all day long!

Border collie

The border collie might be the absolute best running breed there is for any distance but especially the longer distances. The border collie’s coat also helps protect it from the cold and heat. They’re a working breed able to handle the elements and keep going all day long.

2. Belgian malinois

The malinois is known for its intensity, with energy that often exceeds the border collie, believe it or not.

Belgian malinois

The malinois breed is often used for protection, police work, military work, search and rescue and other jobs. They definitely need work to do and an owner willing to put in the time for training and serious exercise. Running alone is not enough of a “job” for a malinois.

This breed also has a coat that helps protect them from the heat and cold better than the shorter-coated breeds like weimaraners and vizslas.

3. Pudel pointer

I never see this breed mentioned on running lists and it should be at the top! It’s just not a well-known breed in the United States.

I wanted to list the pudel pointer because it’s a less common pointing breed that most people don’t know about. It is not a breed recognized by the AKC. It is recognized by the North American Versatile Hunting Dog Association.

Pudel pointers have a wiry coat and are often mistaken for a labradoodle or a German wirehaired pointer.

Annie the pudel pointer

The most fit dog running client I had when I used to run with dogs full time as my job was Annie the pudel pointer.

Annie and I ran 1,000 miles together over a few years and at that point I stopped keeping track. She was a trained hunting dog and could run forever. Truly impressive.

4. All other pointers

German wirehaired pointer, German shorthaired pointer, English pointer

Pointers are bred to be out in the field hunting all day so they have the energy and speed for long distance running. They’re also happy to crash with you on the couch afterwards.

German shorthaired pointer

Sometimes pointers might need to wear a coat in the winter if you live in a cold climate. You may want to consider a wirehaired pointer if you run in the cold since their coats are longer.

5. Weimaraner

Weimaraners are awesome long distance running buddies, and this is the type of dog I have (Remy!). They have serious endurance, speed and drive. Like the other breeds on this list, they are great for long distance because 3 or 4 miles simply will not tire them out!

Remy the weimaraner

Weimaraners are a generally healthy breed and decent off leash other than their strong drive to search for birds!

Because of their short hair, this breed can’t handle extreme cold for very long. My Weim Remy did go on one 18-miler last winter when it was around 12 to 15 degrees F with his neoprene vest on. If it’s much colder than that, he only goes out for short runs.

Also, the weimaraner’s short, light-colored fur doesn’t protect them from the sun as well as other breeds.

6. Vizsla

So similar to the Weimaraner but a bit smaller and with a reddish coat.

vizsla

Like weims, vizslas also need some protection in the winter. It’s also nice that they’re usually a bit smaller than weimaraners and German shorthairs, so they might be easier to handle (or not!).

7. Husky

The longer the better for these guys. See our post on training for the Iditarod!

Husky

Most huskies will not appreciate running in warmer weather, although I saw a TON of huskies at the dog beach when we lived in San Diego.

Of course, huskies love to pull, and they’re bred for it! That can be a good thing if you want to do canicross or skijoring. These are sports where the dog runs out ahead pulling you in a harness with the other end of the leash around your waist as you run, bike or ski.

8. Australian shepherd

Australian shepherds are extremely smart, easy to train and very loyal.

Ruby the Australian shepherd

This breed is very popular right now, as well as the “American shepherd” which is really a mini Australian shepherd. They make GREAT long distance running buddies! They also tend to do really well in agility!

9. Brittany spaniel

These dogs are meant to run all day long in the field and their speed, energy and endurance is impressive in a smaller package. They generally weigh only about 35 pounds so they are a great option if you’re looking for a medium sized running buddy.

Brittany spaniel

Of course, they are bird dogs with a strong prey drive. They will need ongoing off-leash training to learn to stick closer to you.

10. Jack Russell terrier

The Jack Russell terrier is my absolute number one choice for a small breed running buddy. These guys can handle rough and tough terrain.

Jack Russell terrier

They can handle long distances and speed and the wirehaired Jack Russells can handle some cold weather. (There is a smooth coat variety of this breed and a wirehaired variety.)

One potential drawback is that Jack Russells are known as one of the most difficult breeds to train (whether it’s true or not they have a bad rap, haha!) They love to chase prey and have an independent streak, so some may be challenging for off-leash running.

Other breeds among the best dogs for running long distance:

Since I can’t include them all on my list, here are some other great candidates for distance running:

Malamute, Australian cattle dog (blue heeler), Doberman, foxhound, fox terrier, coonhound (and many other hound breeds too), English springer spaniel, all setter breeds, all of the pointing and flushing breeds, duck tolling retriever, standard poodle, Ibizan hound, some field bred Labradors (hopefully our future pup!) and many, many mixed breeds!

Let me know in the comments what other breeds should be on the list for distance running. If we get enough “votes” I’ll edit my list.

Now, onto …

Best dogs for running and jogging medium distances

Best dogs for those training for 5Ks, 10Ks and maybe even some half-marathons

Literally any breed or mixed breed can be a great running partner in the 2- to 5-mile range. It’s more about the individual dog than the breed, but here are some of my favorites:

1. Best dogs for running medium distances – the Doberman

Their long legs and high energy make them a great choice! Some Dobermans may even make great longer distance running partners.

Doberman

My second-fittest dog running client was a Doberman named Bentley. The only dog who had more endurance than him was Annie the pudel pointer.

2. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Some ridgebacks will also make great distance runners. They were originally bred for hunting big game animals in South Africa so they definitely have some endurance as well!

Rhodesian ridgeback

This breed is on the larger size of around 85 pounds for the average male.

3. English springer spaniel

Another breed that can also handle some longer distances!

I put them here on our medium distance category because to me their energy is not quite as intense as a border collie or a pointer in my opinion. But they are still high energy and make awesome running partners.

Sophie the English springer spaniel

My parents have a 14-year-old springer named Sophie, and she and I went running many times together in her younger years. She still goes for walks at age 14! Read more about springer spaniels here.

4. Standard poodles and all other poodles

Don’t let their looks fool you. Poodles of all sizes are very fit, high-energy dogs!

Standard poodle

They were originally bred for hunting ducks and many poodles love to retrieve! Read about miniature poodles below.

5. German shepherd

Obviously German shepherds are bred for some serious endurance as they are often used in police work, search and rescue and other important jobs.

German shepherd

Some German shepherds can also make great distance runners but I feel they are better for “medium” distances. Read my interview with a German shepherd owner who does nosework with her dog.

6. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are great athletes as they were originally bred as “coach dogs” to protect the horses.

Dalmatian

The only drawback is they might get sunburned easier than some other breeds due to their thinner, light-colored coats. They’ll also need some protection from the cold.

7. Labrador retriever

I’m generalizing again, but I recommend you go with a field bred Lab as they are generally athletic than “show” labs. Regardless, Labs vary in energy. Some make great runners and others … not so much. We’re getting a field bred Lab next year and I plan to run with this future dog!

Labrador

I’ve seen many couch-potato labs and I’ve seen labs that could easily compete with my Weimaraner. So, do your research and find the right Lab for your running style.

8. Golden retriever

Goldens also vary so much in their size, energy and personality. Some are very “big boned” and heavy while others are very fit and lean.

Brittni, my old golden retriever (RIP)

Again, I’d recommend a “field bred” golden if you are looking into doing some serious running. My family has had goldens for most of my life and made great running partners up to the 6-mile+ range. Read about why people love their goldens!

9. English setter

Also Irish setters, red and white setters and gordon setters.

These dogs are meant for hunting all day and are great running companions.

English setter

10. Pitbull

Pitbulls also vary tremendously in energy, size and personality. I’m not necessarily referring to the American Staffordshire terrier breed but any breed or mixed-breed referred to as a “pitbull.” Pitbull mixes are popular dogs and many of them make perfect running buddies!

Penny the pitbull mix

Some heavier set pitbulls might be better with a few slow, steady miles while others can easily handle 6+ miles. I’ve ran with many, many awesome pitbull mixes. They are among the best runners!

Other breeds among the best dogs for running:

Other breeds or mixed breeds to consider as running partners include:

Samoyed, goldendoodle, labradoodle, flat coated retriever, Chesapeake Bay retriever, Portuguese water dog, the Feist dog, curly coated retriever, beagle, American Eskimo dog, Elkhound, Cairn terrier and all other terriers and many mixed breeds!

Basically, most terriers, hounds, retrievers, spaniels and many mutts will make great running partners!

10 best small breed dogs for running

Some of these breeds have been mentioned already but I felt small dogs deserved their own category. They are often overlooked as runners even though some small dogs are among the best!

Don’t underestimate small breeds as great running dogs. Some of these little guys can easily outrun larger breeds. They can easily run 3+ miles at a time and some can even run 6-10+ miles!

1. Best small dog for running – the Jack Russell terrier

Absolute number one choice for a small breed running buddy.

Jack Russell terrier

I already mentioned the Jack Russell terrier in the distance category above but wanted to add them here as well.

2. Border terrier

Border terrier

Another high-energy small dog with the endurance to keep up on longer runs!

3. Rat terrier

Rat terrier

Are we noticing a pattern here with the terriers?

4. Shiba Inu

These dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs in Japan, according to their AKC page.

Shiba Inu dogs

Today they are the most popular companion dog in Japan and are growing in popularity in the U.S.

5. German pinscher

This breed is another small breed originally bred to hunt rats. Today they make active companions and watchdogs.

German pinscher

According to the AKC standard, this breed ranges from about 25 to 40 pounds.

6. Boston terrier

You’ll want to be careful running in the heat with a Boston terrier. Because of their “short” face some can have a harder time breathing and they can overheat easily.

Mack the Boston terrier

However, they certainly have the energy and enthusiasm for a run!

7. Schipperke

Schipperke

These little dogs are capable of hard work, according to their AKC page. They make great watchdogs and can catch rats.

8. Beagle

Beagle

Beagles love to run, follow their nose and track game!

9. Miniature poodle

Alice the moyen poodle

I already mentioned the standard poodle above, but all sizes of poodles are active dogs who make great running buddies.

Pictured is our friend Alice who is actually a moyen poodle (or medium poodle) between the standard and mini size. Follow Alice the Pupper on Instagram here.

10. Papillon

Papillons thrive in agility, and they make great, little runners!

Papillon

I’ve been eyeing the papillon breed as a future dog for myself! I’ve never owned a toy breed, and I love how athletic these guys are.

Other small breeds among the best dogs for running

Shelties, American Eskimo dog, Corgi, miniature pincher (min pin), cairn terrier, Westie, cocker spaniel and many mixed breeds.

List your favorite small dogs for running in the comments and I’ll add them to the post!

5 worst dog breeds for running

Every dog is an individual and I’m unfairly generalizing here. I hesitate to even list out the “worst” running breeds because there are definitely pugs that make great running buddies just as there are border collies who are lazy.

That being said, I would not recommend you get one of these breeds with the intention of making him your running buddy. You might luck out, but don’t count on it!

These breeds might be up for a brisk walk or even a slow 1-2-mile run. I just would not recommend these breeds if you are a serious runner and want your dog to tag along.

The laid-back energy of these breeds is one of the reasons they make great pets! Many people prefer a laid-back dog.

1. Pekingese

The Pekinese has a flat face, short legs and a thick coat.

Pekingese dog

They make great companions and may be one of the oldest breeds. While they are cute little characters, they are not a top choice for a running companion!

2. English bulldog

Though we all love them, let’s face it, they are better suited for brisk walks than runs due to their short, squatty bodies and flat face.

Zeus the bulldog. Seriously cute. Seriously not a runner.

They can overheat easily so if you do decide to run with your bulldog, head out early in the morning when it’s cooler and bring water along.

3. Newfoundland

I used to have a neighbor who said she ran with her Newfie and I could not believe it! The way he waddled along on walks with such low energy, I have no idea how they ran together.

Newfoundland dog

Newfies are “big boned” dogs with thick coats. They may be happy to walk 2-3 miles on occasion, but they would not be a top choice as a great running partner due to their size.

4. Pug

Simply because of their “pushed in” faces and short, heavier-set bodies, these guys may not be the best running buddies.

Adorable. Not a runner.

They may enjoy a brief 1-2 miles around the neighborhood on occasion or a brisk walk or hike, however!

5. Basset hound

Again, they might be happy to run a mile or 2 on occasion. However, they have short legs and long bodies so they enjoy walking and hiking. Remember that bassets are still hounds, after all, and they do love to be out following their noses!

Lucy and Patty. Love them! Not runners.

Other dogs that may not make the best runners:

Chow, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Shitzu, Lhasa Apsa, Chihuahua, French bulldog.

Generally, very small breeds, very large breeds and breeds with flat faces are not your ideal running dogs but again, I’m generalizing.

There are definitely exceptions to the norm! Let me know your opinion in the comments!

Did I miss any of the best dogs for running?

Add your breed or mixed breed recommendation in the comments and I’ll add them to my lists!

Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about dog training and behavior, healthy raw food for pets and running with dogs.

source http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/best-dogs-for-running/ from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.blogspot.com/2020/07/best-dogs-for-running.html

0 notes

barryswamsleyaz · 4 years

Text

Best Dogs for Running

This post on the best dogs for running is based on my opinions. If “your” breed is not mentioned, just add it in the comments!

This post is meant to be fun, and any breed can make a great running buddy or a terrible running buddy.

Breed is one factor. Each dog, regardless of breed or breed mix, is an individual.

And mutts often make the best running buddies of all!

I chose these best dog breeds for running based on:

Here’s what’s covered in this post:

Best dog breeds for distance runners

Best dogs for medium and shorter distances

The best small dogs for running

Worst 5 dog breeds for running

10 Best dogs for running long distance

Best dog breeds for ultrarunners, marathoners and half-marathoners

1. Best dogs for running – the Border collie

The one dog we know who has double the energy of our weimaraner is our family’s border collie, Rusty. This breed is light on its feet, medium sized and can go, go, go all day long!

Border collie

2. Belgian malinois

The malinois is known for its intensity, with energy that often exceeds the border collie, believe it or not.

Belgian malinois

This breed also has a coat that helps protect them from the heat and cold better than the shorter-coated breeds like weimaraners and vizslas.

3. Pudel pointer

I never see this breed mentioned on running lists and it should be at the top! It’s just not a well-known breed in the United States.

Pudel pointers have a wiry coat and are often mistaken for a labradoodle or a German wirehaired pointer.

Annie the pudel pointer

The most fit dog running client I had when I used to run with dogs full time as my job was Annie the pudel pointer.

Annie and I ran 1,000 miles together over a few years and at that point I stopped keeping track. She was a trained hunting dog and could run forever. Truly impressive.

4. All other pointers

German wirehaired pointer, German shorthaired pointer, English pointer

Pointers are bred to be out in the field hunting all day so they have the energy and speed for long distance running. They’re also happy to crash with you on the couch afterwards.

German shorthaired pointer

Sometimes pointers might need to wear a coat in the winter if you live in a cold climate. You may want to consider a wirehaired pointer if you run in the cold since their coats are longer.

5. Weimaraner

Remy the weimaraner

Weimaraners are a generally healthy breed and decent off leash other than their strong drive to search for birds!

Also, the weimaraner’s short, light-colored fur doesn’t protect them from the sun as well as other breeds.

6. Vizsla

So similar to the Weimaraner but a bit smaller and with a reddish coat.

vizsla

Like weims, vizslas also need some protection in the winter. It’s also nice that they’re usually a bit smaller than weimaraners and German shorthairs, so they might be easier to handle (or not!).

7. Husky

The longer the better for these guys. See our post on training for the Iditarod!

Husky

Most huskies will not appreciate running in warmer weather, although I saw a TON of huskies at the dog beach when we lived in San Diego.

8. Australian shepherd

Australian shepherds are extremely smart, easy to train and very loyal.

Ruby the Australian shepherd

9. Brittany spaniel

Brittany spaniel

Of course, they are bird dogs with a strong prey drive. They will need ongoing off-leash training to learn to stick closer to you.

10. Jack Russell terrier

The Jack Russell terrier is my absolute number one choice for a small breed running buddy. These guys can handle rough and tough terrain.

Jack Russell terrier

They can handle long distances and speed and the wirehaired Jack Russells can handle some cold weather. (There is a smooth coat variety of this breed and a wirehaired variety.)

Other breeds among the best dogs for running long distance:

Since I can’t include them all on my list, here are some other great candidates for distance running:

Let me know in the comments what other breeds should be on the list for distance running. If we get enough “votes” I’ll edit my list.

Now, onto …

Best dogs for running and jogging medium distances

Best dogs for those training for 5Ks, 10Ks and maybe even some half-marathons

Literally any breed or mixed breed can be a great running partner in the 2- to 5-mile range. It’s more about the individual dog than the breed, but here are some of my favorites:

1. Best dogs for running medium distances – the Doberman

Their long legs and high energy make them a great choice! Some Dobermans may even make great longer distance running partners.

Doberman

My second-fittest dog running client was a Doberman named Bentley. The only dog who had more endurance than him was Annie the pudel pointer.

2. Rhodesian Ridgeback

Some ridgebacks will also make great distance runners. They were originally bred for hunting big game animals in South Africa so they definitely have some endurance as well!

Rhodesian ridgeback

This breed is on the larger size of around 85 pounds for the average male.

3. English springer spaniel

Another breed that can also handle some longer distances!

Sophie the English springer spaniel

My parents have a 14-year-old springer named Sophie, and she and I went running many times together in her younger years. She still goes for walks at age 14! Read more about springer spaniels here.

4. Standard poodles and all other poodles

Don’t let their looks fool you. Poodles of all sizes are very fit, high-energy dogs!

Standard poodle

They were originally bred for hunting ducks and many poodles love to retrieve! Read about miniature poodles below.

5. German shepherd

Obviously German shepherds are bred for some serious endurance as they are often used in police work, search and rescue and other important jobs.

German shepherd

Some German shepherds can also make great distance runners but I feel they are better for “medium” distances. Read my interview with a German shepherd owner who does nosework with her dog.

6. Dalmatian

Dalmatians are great athletes as they were originally bred as “coach dogs” to protect the horses.

Dalmatian

The only drawback is they might get sunburned easier than some other breeds due to their thinner, light-colored coats. They’ll also need some protection from the cold.

7. Labrador retriever

Labrador

I’ve seen many couch-potato labs and I’ve seen labs that could easily compete with my Weimaraner. So, do your research and find the right Lab for your running style.

8. Golden retriever

Goldens also vary so much in their size, energy and personality. Some are very “big boned” and heavy while others are very fit and lean.

Brittni, my old golden retriever (RIP)

9. English setter

Also Irish setters, red and white setters and gordon setters.

These dogs are meant for hunting all day and are great running companions.

English setter

10. Pitbull

Penny the pitbull mix

Some heavier set pitbulls might be better with a few slow, steady miles while others can easily handle 6+ miles. I’ve ran with many, many awesome pitbull mixes. They are among the best runners!

Other breeds among the best dogs for running:

Other breeds or mixed breeds to consider as running partners include:

Basically, most terriers, hounds, retrievers, spaniels and many mutts will make great running partners!

10 best small breed dogs for running

Some of these breeds have been mentioned already but I felt small dogs deserved their own category. They are often overlooked as runners even though some small dogs are among the best!

Don’t underestimate small breeds as great running dogs. Some of these little guys can easily outrun larger breeds. They can easily run 3+ miles at a time and some can even run 6-10+ miles!

1. Best small dog for running – the Jack Russell terrier

Absolute number one choice for a small breed running buddy.

Jack Russell terrier

I already mentioned the Jack Russell terrier in the distance category above but wanted to add them here as well.

2. Border terrier

Border terrier

Another high-energy small dog with the endurance to keep up on longer runs!

3. Rat terrier

Rat terrier

Are we noticing a pattern here with the terriers?

4. Shiba Inu

These dogs were originally bred as hunting dogs in Japan, according to their AKC page.

Shiba Inu dogs

Today they are the most popular companion dog in Japan and are growing in popularity in the U.S.

5. German pinscher

This breed is another small breed originally bred to hunt rats. Today they make active companions and watchdogs.

German pinscher

According to the AKC standard, this breed ranges from about 25 to 40 pounds.

6. Boston terrier

You’ll want to be careful running in the heat with a Boston terrier. Because of their “short” face some can have a harder time breathing and they can overheat easily.

Mack the Boston terrier

However, they certainly have the energy and enthusiasm for a run!

7. Schipperke

Schipperke

These little dogs are capable of hard work, according to their AKC page. They make great watchdogs and can catch rats.

8. Beagle

Beagle

Beagles love to run, follow their nose and track game!

9. Miniature poodle

Alice the moyen poodle

I already mentioned the standard poodle above, but all sizes of poodles are active dogs who make great running buddies.

Pictured is our friend Alice who is actually a moyen poodle (or medium poodle) between the standard and mini size. Follow Alice the Pupper on Instagram here.

10. Papillon

Papillons thrive in agility, and they make great, little runners!

Papillon

I’ve been eyeing the papillon breed as a future dog for myself! I’ve never owned a toy breed, and I love how athletic these guys are.

Other small breeds among the best dogs for running

Shelties, American Eskimo dog, Corgi, miniature pincher (min pin), cairn terrier, Westie, cocker spaniel and many mixed breeds.

List your favorite small dogs for running in the comments and I’ll add them to the post!

5 worst dog breeds for running

That being said, I would not recommend you get one of these breeds with the intention of making him your running buddy. You might luck out, but don’t count on it!

These breeds might be up for a brisk walk or even a slow 1-2-mile run. I just would not recommend these breeds if you are a serious runner and want your dog to tag along.

The laid-back energy of these breeds is one of the reasons they make great pets! Many people prefer a laid-back dog.

1. Pekingese

The Pekinese has a flat face, short legs and a thick coat.

Pekingese dog

They make great companions and may be one of the oldest breeds. While they are cute little characters, they are not a top choice for a running companion!

2. English bulldog

Though we all love them, let’s face it, they are better suited for brisk walks than runs due to their short, squatty bodies and flat face.

Zeus the bulldog. Seriously cute. Seriously not a runner.

They can overheat easily so if you do decide to run with your bulldog, head out early in the morning when it’s cooler and bring water along.

3. Newfoundland

I used to have a neighbor who said she ran with her Newfie and I could not believe it! The way he waddled along on walks with such low energy, I have no idea how they ran together.

Newfoundland dog

Newfies are “big boned” dogs with thick coats. They may be happy to walk 2-3 miles on occasion, but they would not be a top choice as a great running partner due to their size.

4. Pug

Simply because of their “pushed in” faces and short, heavier-set bodies, these guys may not be the best running buddies.

Adorable. Not a runner.

They may enjoy a brief 1-2 miles around the neighborhood on occasion or a brisk walk or hike, however!

5. Basset hound

Lucy and Patty. Love them! Not runners.

Other dogs that may not make the best runners:

Chow, Cavalier King Charles spaniel, Shitzu, Lhasa Apsa, Chihuahua, French bulldog.

Generally, very small breeds, very large breeds and breeds with flat faces are not your ideal running dogs but again, I’m generalizing.

There are definitely exceptions to the norm! Let me know your opinion in the comments!

Did I miss any of the best dogs for running?

Add your breed or mixed breed recommendation in the comments and I’ll add them to my lists!

Lindsay Stordahl is the founder of That Mutt. She writes about dog training and behavior, healthy raw food for pets and running with dogs.

from Lucky Dog Solutions http://www.luckydogsolutions.com/best-dogs-for-running/ from Lucky Dog Solutions https://luckydogsolutions.tumblr.com/post/623823495179223040

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bouncingtigger10 · 6 years

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New Post has been published on http://www.tiggerreviews.com/animals-and-farms-whats-not-to-like-the-author-explains/

Animals and Farms - what's not to like? The author explains

Questions for Authors:

How long do you think about a topic before deciding to write about it? Do you have a set of notes or a note book where you write down topics that appeal before making a decision as to which topic this time?

There’s been no set time-frame for thinking through novel ideas. Once an idea seems to have legs, I set up a “fermenting file,” which will collect odd bits of research (90 percent of it never used) and random notes to myself. My initial idea may change dramatically even before I start writing, as well as during the writing process. I’ve published four novels now (and am currently working sporadically on two at the same time) and with every one, I start out knowing how the novel should begin and how it should end. So far, that certainty has not changed. It’s that large space in the middle that gets tricky. After the first few chapters, I inevitably get stuck. This is probably because my novels are so character-driven and the characters start having minds of their own and taking me places I didn’t anticipate going. If I let them talk to me, without my losing control completely, the workflow changes halfway through the novel. At that mystical halfway point, I suddenly know how to get to that previously envisioned final chapter. Suddenly, I’m able to chart out six or seven chapters at a time. The main challenge then becomes keeping up with the flow. I may still get stuck occasionally, but nowhere near as profoundly or frequently as in the first half of the writing process.

How long does it take to research a topic before you write? And for this book?

The research time frame varies with every book. My first two books were non-fiction, ghostwritten with a deadline and overall subject area someone else proposed. That was a much more structured process than for fiction writing. With both of those non-fiction projects, I had six months to deliver the draft. In both cases, I spent four of those months researching and two months writing. Although there was some spillover, the research and writing phases were largely segregated.

With fiction, there’s much less compartmentalization. Reinventing Hillwilla required the least amount of research time of any of my books. Even though I wrote it as a standalone, it is, after all, the third in a series, with the same venue and same principal characters. So those characters were well-developed by the time Chapter 1 ended up on paper. Nevertheless, there were lots of facts I had to check — for example, about the legal system, about the exotic locales Tanner visits, etc. And before I plunked Clara in the middle of Wellesley College, I trekked up to Massachusetts and chatted with students to get a better sense of the current campus culture. That way I had something firmer than memories of my own college years, and I learned about some key changes in campus venues and dormitory life.

One final comment about research… My most valuable research tool is bald observation. A favorite pastime is to park myself, solo, in a restaurant, in a region that will be the venue for part of a novel. Then I shamelessly eavesdrop on conversations at nearby tables. I’ll make mental notes of vocabulary choices, pronunciation, phrasing. At one point, I overheard a local speak about the need to “ponder” something before finding the solution to a problem. That verb struck me as downright eloquent, uniquely West Virginian. And you’ll hear it coming out of Ben Buckhalter’s mouth.

What is your favourite genre?

My favorite genre? Hmmm, depends on my mood. I’ve certainly had my cop-shop whodunit phase, cozy mystery phase, family saga phase, biography/autobiography phase and period novel phase. Literary novels are a constant, however. Especially those involving flawed, complicated characters with dark pasts. Not surprisingly, those are the kind of novels I want to write, too.

If you recommend a living author – who would it be? A dead author?

Recommendation of a living author? When it comes to wordsmithing chops, the first name that pops up is Alexander McCall Smith, author of the Botswana lady detective agency series and the Scotland Street series (my favorite), among many, many others. That man can string words together so eloquently, combining both economy of language and lyrical flow, he just makes my jaw drop. He also has a talent for delicately tweaking certain social trends, without coming across as preachy.

As for dead authors, oy, so many. If I focus on economy of language, John Cheever and Emily Dickinson come to mind. Both could pack so much into so few words, in very different ways. Both had an appealingly dark sense of irony, too. Writers who stretched my brain — but made that painful effort worthwhile — include such greats as Shakespeare, Goethe, Rilke, Eliot. I’m sure I’m forgetting others who had a major influence on me.

Have you ever tried to imitate another author’s style? And if so, why?

No, I’ve never tried to imitate another writer’s style. But I’m sure I’ve subconsciously absorbed elements from other authors. Perhaps because I spent most of my professional life as a nonfiction ghostwriter, it’s really important for me to speak in my own (unique, I hope) voice as a novelist.

Do you have any pets?

Do I have pets? Is accounting boring? The numbers are down to a precious few these days: one soft-eyed English setter who looks a lot like Ralph (but was born years after Ralph); one English cocker spaniel with the swagger of a rhinoceros and a great sense of irony; and one gray barn cat who has staff.

If so, what are they?

Over the years, my life has been blessed by llamas; a string of English setters, one Old English Sheepdog (hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here of English-bred dogs), one mutt; one ginormous Newfoundland; a bunch of rescue and feral cats; a series of fancy long-haired cats (Himalayan and Birman); one Peruvian guinea pig (whom I named Fash, short for Fascist Pig); and two parakeets, who got me through the terrible five-year era when my childhood family was dogless.

Do they help you write?

Yes, my pets help me write. I can’t remember how many dog-walks have freed up writer’s block. Mainly, my animal companions have safeguarded my sanity, which fiction-writing constantly undermines.

Do you want to add a photo of them to this Q&A?

If you’re interested in pictures, you need look no further than the cover of Reinventing Hillwilla. My current setter Finnegan ably stepped up to portray the spectral Ralph. But, yes, I had to bribe him with treats.

Author Details:

Melanie Forde is a veteran writer, ghosting in diverse formats—from academic white papers to advertising copy. Under her own name, she has published numerous features and commentaries about the natural world, as well as the first two novels in the Hillwilla trilogy (Hillwillaand On the Hillwilla Road). She lives in Hillsboro, West Virginia.

Connect with Melanie:

Website: https://bit.ly/2Aokmfm

Facebook: https://bit.ly/2LLPOsj

Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2Vnr2TS

Twitter: https://bit.ly/2C0dJjA

Purchase Reinventing Hillwilla on Amazon: https://amzn.to/2QkqLgH

#animalsanctuary #authorinterview #blogtours #llamas #MelanieForde #workingdogs #writing #xpressotours

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