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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( it is huge and full of things he has never read before! he can't help when he's torn away from their little life!
... but vic sighs again. )
I've been arguing for you to get more space, I promise.
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--ah, a parlor would be nice! They can call it all yours, if it makes them feel better, adjoin us a room-- see THAT wall? They barely use the room on the other side.
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( admittedly, vic's room is big. it'd be opulent, even, if he wasn't so down to earth ultimately. mostly just immensely tall bookshelves, really. but is it enough for two grown-ass men? especially when one's a monkey.
vic's hoping to get someone to take kuja to a pet spa for a day sometime, so that he can install more features for his enrichment and entertainment. at least he takes books easily. maybe a television...?
his head hurts. )
... What would you like? In your ideal space.
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[ there's a light in his eyes, as he starts to rattle things off... ]
More books! Well, naturally, but I want to lose count. I want it to be hard to see them all at once even though they're properly displayed. Bookcases from the floor to the ceiling, high enough you need one of those rolling ladders. [ ...so, vic's are already a good start. ] And I know it's not safe, but...candles, burning, to keep it all lit. Red and black and white, depending on which ones I want out.
...Of course, I don't want to just read all the time, so there needs to be somewhere nice to sit, take tea, fuss at sewing if I'm really bored... Brocade. Nice, delicate colors. Except not too much blue. And fresh flowers, in all the vases, not just every now and then when it's timely!
..A rug by the fire, but that's it. No carpet. I like hearing my heels click. [ and he sheds like nobody's business, but he's not calling himself out on that. [ Wood floor, I think, stone's too cold.
I want paintings, but no landscapes. Oils. No watercolors. And it can't get too muggy inside in the summer, because I don't want my fur mussed up while I'm relaxing at home. And the tub needs to be at LEAST the size of yours. I want to be able to stretch out.
[ speaking of stretching-- he stretches his hands forward in front of him on the bed, the motion one long shfhfhfhfhh sound across the sheet.
Like the ocean. He stares at his outstretched hands. It seems like he's done, at first, but finally he adds, slower. ]
...And I want a window, big as a wall, that shows the Forgotten Coast. With the corals in the water piled like bones. And you can see the sun setting, from it.
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( but he listens quietly, watching as kuja gestures and speaks. it's cute. he'd hand everything he lists over and more right now, if he could. )
That does sound perfect for you, doesn't it?
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Of course. You wouldn't want to disrespect a pretty picture with a poor frame.
[ the pretty picture part with a twist of his body upon the bed, tugging surreptitiously at the blankets to get them up under him-- any move's a risk of getting caught in his mischief with the hidden photo album, but he can't stay laying on his belly forever. ]
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( ... though, that does remind him of how tired he is... with a sigh, he leans forward. )
Am I going to have to bribe you for access to my own bed? I've had a day and was hoping for a nap.
( he always has naps after "meetings". )
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he was, after all, a pet. there were cetain things he was simply
hard-coded to want. and lies were easiest to hide with crumbs of truth. he's the very picture of the defrosting look, don't touch pet that desperately really wanted someone to, actually, that had been delivered to Vic's house absolutely brimming with buried ledes. ]
...Pet the back of my neck again. Like the other day. Then it's all yours.
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( while he himself is going to flop beside kuja. 'come here' indeed. but vic is happy to dote- he simply doesn't touch much without kuja's consent, since he's such a fussy dear.
vic's fingers are gentle and the gesture is soft and affectionate, just like his smile. )