Hello, and welcome to The Care and Keeping of Your Pet! As you surely know, a pet is a big responsibility, and we're so glad you've decided to be a concientious master. A safe pet is a happy pet, and this handbook is certain to keep your precious lifelong friend as content as can be.
The history of the animal person is a long and difficult one, with their origins not being known even to this day. However, scientists believe that despite our common appearance - most animal people have humanoid forms except for the ears, tails, and sometimes teeth - we share no common ancestry, even if the ascent of this species corresponds with that of the homo sapien. We gained dominance over each breed thousands of years ago, beginning with the dog type, who have long been considered "man's best friend." Most breeds these days are docile and perfect for owners of any speed.
Of course, it is our duty as the superior species to take care of these animal creatures, and this is inherent in their genetic makeup. Everyone knows that an animal person, when matched with their correct human master, is loyal for life - a true "soulmate," if you will. Far be it for us to turn this away! Ever since the Great Domestication, these intelligent and loving animals have served us as friends, workmates, guardians, servants, and sexual companions and will for years to come. Despite recent hubbub from so-called "Pet People's Rights Activists," this way of life is wholesome and good. Scientific research shows that the natural desire of the pet person is to be owned and cared for by a human.
So, it's your first pet. What do you need to know?
As previously stated, pet people come in as many breeds as you can possibly think of. By far and away the most popular are the dog and cat types, but exotic birds and lizards have been gaining popularity among trendsetters from L.A. to Tokyo!
All pet types are best suited for certain jobs, and when hunting for one, it is best to search for a type that suits your needs best.
However, a "True Match" - when a pet person bonds with you and only you for the rest of their natural lives - comes naturally, and sometimes takes time before you can find the pet you will be able to give a forever home to.
According to all current research, pet people are completely sentient and like us in many ways. However, it is important to remember that they have many animalistic and feral characteristics. Do not be foolish and think that your pet is a person, despite the facts that many are clothed and may be allowed to read, write, and have "hobbies." Some traditional pet owners may eschew these frivolities, and that is within their right.
Pet people age more quickly than humans, at least physically, and many types have long lifespans. It is not uncommon for pets to be passed through the family. When getting your child their first pet, it's important to keep in mind that just because the pup is tiny now, a grown pet can be jumpy around a small child.
It is important to train a pet. Discipline will be necessary. This does not make you a bad owner. Failure to train early will result in a rebellious pet. Training is especially important if you want your pet to serve as a household servant.
Remember, your pet will be extremely protective of you, especially if you are Truly Bonded. It is best to socialize them early. A socialized pet is a perfect family pet.
These days, unowned and unbonded pet people are allowed to live as strays or "Frees" in certain designated areas. Some even hold "jobs." This is against their best interest, and owners who adopt these strays are to be rewarded. Still, the best place to get pets are from liscenced kennels or breeders.
Some masters find it beneficial to participate in activities with their pets, such as shows and other competitions.
Finally, much has been made about the sexual relationship between pet and master. This is a normal facet of the bond, and humans are sure to find pet people sexually alluring. But beyond that, it is only responsible and prudent for owners to care for their pet's needs. It is a well-known fact that the libidos of pet people are remarkably strong, and when they go into heat, it is usually more convenient for a master to relieve them. There is no risk of pregnancy. All rumors of hybrids are urban legends.
Despite this, masters must remember to not view their pets as romantic partners. Humans should stay with humans.
With that said, thank you and welcome to your first day as a pet's master! |
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Pets... They really were different, weren't they? Atsushi hoped that Yukisada had gotten clean before he'd come to the bathroom, himself. Oh well, he supposed it wasn't a huge problem if not. If a blizzard was really coming, they'd have plenty of time.
Lathering up and rinsing off quickly, he soon made to join Yukisada in the bath.]
Ahhhh, so warm~
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I'm glad you came home....
[Yukisada worried when he went out that he might never see him again.]
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[Atsushi was probably missing the point, but then, he'd long since stopped thinking about work. They did important things, but when he went home, he was able to leave work behind. Most of them did, he suspected: he doubted that anyone (except maybe Kunikida) would last very long, otherwise.]
Besides, it's always nice to come home to you.
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[He rested his head on Atsushi's shoulder with a heavy sigh. Their lives were so easily snuffed out by others for meaningless reasons.
But a smile came back to his lips when Atsushi told him he was always happy to come home to him.]
You are....?
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[He should probably tell Yukisada more about himself, but at first it had seemed weird to tell a pet, and after that, it had been so long already that bringing it up now seemed weird.]
Of course! It's... like the first home I've ever had.
[That was kind of embarrassing to say. But he wasn't going to lie about it.]
RIP wolf daddy
[His previous owner was very fragile and because of that. He was gone. There was little anyone could say to comfort the owl when he was told.
What had been a normal kiss goodbye and see you soon, had become a permanent farewell.]
Did it not feel like a home before?
nooooo!!
[He'd go into more detail if he knew about Yukisada's past, but he didn't, so he left it at that.]
Not really? It's nice to have a roof over your head, but if you're there all alone... it's not really a home.
It was a matter of time
[He hugged him tightly, not caring they were both naked, his face in his shoulder.]
Promise me you'll always come home. [If he could do that, then Yukisada would try not to worry so much.]
nooo don't tear the family apart!!
A little surprised at the sudden physical contact, Atsushi still put his hands on Yukisada's arms, returning the hug.]
... There's no need to worry. We're up against some pretty dangerous people - but we're pretty dangerous ourselves, you know.
TOO LATE
[His last owner relied on him so heavily. While Atsushi....was able to stand on his own two feet. Sometimes it felt like he was only bothering him with everything.
He had only known what it's like to have a partner who constantly needed his reassurance and care.]
Perhaps I should give you more space?
wolf daddy... we never knew you
That was why that question came as such a shock.]
Space? What do you mean?
[He might only barely have a clue, but he was definitely picking up on some less-than-positive vibes.]
Now it is tiger dad's turn
He pulled away.]
You know, space. Maybe not do so much for you and leave you be...? You're not like my old owner, he needed me for everything.
You're.....very capable of standing on your own two feet. You're surely annoyed by everything I'm doing... [Who wouldn't be annoyed by having someone treating you like a helpless child and doing everything for you.]
rawr
[Atsushi was always inclined to blame himself in cases like this, and now he felt guilty. Guilty, and a little lonely for the sudden lack of contact.]
10/10 brave and mighty rawr tiger husband
[Yukisada couldn't stay away for long, as he spoke, he rested his head on his shoulder again.]
Am I wrong?
actual tiger version of simba
You don't have to do everything for me, but it's not like I have any reason to mind the help! As long as you genuinely want to do all those things.
[If Yukisada felt he had to do everything, Atsushi would feel bad. If he just wants to do it, though? Well, he's welcome to, of course.]
Rip Mufasa
[His cheeks flush a little as Atsushi wrapped his arm around him, resting against him a little more.]
The others don't bother you over the bento boxes? [The ones with cute faces and a note on it that says 'Go get them tiger.' with a little drawing of a tiger.]
... sudden chapter 39 feels
[Which is true, especially after someone stole some of the food and tasted it. Given who it was, though, that may have been the whole point.]
Ouch--
[He'd need to know who it was and what food they liked. Owlmom mothers all.
That way his beloved master could have all the special bento box contents to himself and no one would bother him.]
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Hmm, I suppose we could try to make something for everyone together when the weather's better, though.
[Picnic time!]
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Excellent, I'll be sure to make something very special for everyone.
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[Sigh. He loves his coworkers, but really...]
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[It'll be easier and Atsushi will be properly fed.]