Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2016 3:36:31 GMT -8
Okay, so this is actually based on activities I participate in with my real-dog. He's my entire life and he's everything I could of asked for in a dog. We have done Obedience, Basic Agility and 'Fun Tricks' in our spare time to keep him mentally and physically worn out, though we've recently taken up "Man Work". This means he is being trained to detect suspicious behavior and defend his handler upon presentation of a threat. The methods used do no actually cause pain, and he actually LOVES these outings. He knows when it's time to head out and usually sits and waits for his leash and collar to be placed on, and he always gets excited when we pull up to the training grounds. He is also HIGHLY people friendly, not a mean bone in his body until aggressive actions or the trigger word are presented, he always goes up to his 'attacker' at the end of each session and gives cuddles and kisses with the waggiest of all tails. I am only placing him through this training because: 1. It is a great mental and physical work out for him (he is a mix-breed of both Hunting and Herding), and 2. Where I live some people can be quite nasty; so when I go on walks or am home alone, it is nice to have the knowledge he's here for me.
I hope you like it ... and I have no idea if it's any good or not (or if it makes any sense) because it wasn't really a planned piece.
So please, I'd love any feedback (UD)
I hope you like it ... and I have no idea if it's any good or not (or if it makes any sense) because it wasn't really a planned piece.
So please, I'd love any feedback (UD)
You know, the greatest thing about having a family is having people to rely upon. And in this family, there is that one person I entrust with my constant companionship and undying loyalty. This person, she’s my mistress, my owner and my best friend. She took me in when I was ripped from my mother, she eased the pain of losing all I ever knew, she made me see the best parts of being around her. She gifted me with a name, a name that she would use anytime she required my presence and she taught me new behaviors to perform and with those she gave me simple words to recognize.
She gave me a warm bed, cushioned and big enough to sprawl upon my back, she even let me in her own bed on occasion; now that was always a treat. This mistress of mine was my everything, I devoted myself to performing every task she asked of me, always being there to lick away the tears and provide her comfort in times of anxiety. She’d hold me close, fingers intertwining within my fur, eyes clenched shut and words being muttered as she spoke unknown language in my direction, and yet, it was all I wanted. I desired to be there.
This life, it was fantastic. It was all a dog could ask for, spending day after day yearning to know what my human planned to do today, seeking pleasure in knowing she returned after outings to the shops, work or anywhere that didn’t involve me following at her heel. Eventually though, what I knew wasn’t enough, she wanted more, more than I could offer in my natural friendly disposition. That is when the new games started, I met some new people, they were all great friends, they helped my mistress and I strengthen our bond. Working on new tricks and furthering my competence of those I already knew. I adored these lessons, each scheduled trip I awaited my collar and lead.
But, this enjoyment wasn’t to last. I graduated this particular training, happy to stay by my human’s side, responding to her words and ignoring the other dogs in my class. Even though I really wanted to say hello. These men, all tall and wonderful, shifted. Their arms were engulfed in this sack-like sleeve, their remaining hand taking grip of bamboo stick. These men that I placed my fondness within soon began to jab my sides, their sticks bringing discomfort and their words baring pure aggression as they started playing a new game.
But, I didn’t know this game… My ears fallen back, tail sinking low and head dropping, my clear irritation and unknowing of this activity being screamed in their direction. Yet, they continued. My worries ignored as my owner began to encourage, her voice layered with excitement though this was tainted by similar aggression to those men before me. What did she want me to do? I couldn’t bite them; I wouldn’t bite them. I am a friend, a partner, a dog… But I wasn’t a defender, I hadn’t ever known what it was to be mean. And then it hit me again, that bite to my side bringing yelp from my lungs, forest brown eyes watching the man shifting side to side, arm flicking this way and that threatening me, but worst of all my mistress.
She was my life; I would do it for her. His third strike, taking me yet again by surprise, wrapped arm being shoved closer and I, without warning would lung. Fear in my mind, uncertainty in my motions and determination in my bark. Each shout, each prod and each encouraging praise from my leader’s mouth driving me forward, and yet, I couldn’t bring myself to continue after my offender. It would be after my first true snap, grabbing and immediately releasing the man’s sleeve that my mistress praised me greatly, pulling me away and releasing me from this torment. It was over.
Or so I thought. We returned every week and I enjoyed the start of the day. Practicing our walking, sitting, laying and waiting. That was always so much fun. And then, I was placed within a chain-link kennel; numerous dogs surrounding me up and down the halls length all barking and growling in continual protest. My human left me here, for hours it felt, with a bucket of water and mere cold concrete as a bed. I would reach a point in which I'd think I was being abandoned; until she would return, clasping that thick rope leash to my collar, firm hand holding tight and I understood immediately where we were going.
He was standing there again as we approached, his arm wrapped by heavy-duty sack, spare hand re-grasping his stick and his eyes baring challenge as my mistress began to encourage me again. She sent clear message of what I had to do, I had to attack him, grab him by that unusual arm-sleeve and hold tight. And yet, I still could not do it. This man was my friend, he greeted me before each lesson, a sparkle in his eye and kindness in his touch, but he always changed, he always came back to rile me up with this discomfort.
I still to this day, participate in this game, my mistress always coming to comfort me and praise me at the end of each session. Part of me is growing to enjoy it, though I could not find it within myself to truly harm anyone, this game seemed like fun when it was scheduled and the right equipment was presented. Maybe one day I would be able to do whatever it was my mistress truly wanted. Maybe one day, I could fill that gap I must have not yet filled. One day, I would be everything she wanted and every day I will continue to strive, strive harder than I did the day before to please her.