[audio]

[kestreldawn]

It seems that having small, sentient companions is rather common here on Earth. Can someone explain why so many people seem to want and/or have them? Especially when they are incredibly small and seem to serve no purpose in terms of protection or strength?

Comments

audio;

[onlydoubts]

So that's a no on us getting a dog, then?

[ Guess who's seen how cute earth dogs are. This guy. ]

[kestreldawn]

[She lets out a quiet laugh.]

Not at all; I'd be interested in pursuing it. I'm curious why Earthlings seem to be so enthusiastic about keeping them, though.

I have also only seen one variety of Earth dog, and it was .. interesting.

[A few moments later, Bodhi receives a picture.]

[onlydoubts]

Companionship seems to be the big thing. I've heard that there are some aspects where they can help people, too.

[ But his response to the picture is this: a burst of laughter. ]

Not quite the dog that I've seen... what did they do to his fur?

[ A minute later, he sends this picture. ] He's cuter. :)

[kestreldawn]

Apparently it's born that way! That's how its fur, or lack thereof, grows in.

Oh, that one is very cute. What tiny little legs! It must have a difficult time going up stairs. [She lets out a laugh.] Yes, it seems some can be trained to be a rather important and life-saving companion for a human. Though I don't know if we would need such training, if we were to have one mostly for companionship.

[onlydoubts]

The fur is for more than just appearance, it's about warmth and protection as well. Maybe because they're pets that's not as much of a requirement?

Agreed, I think if we got one, it wouldn't need the special training. [ though it's been suggested they can be of help to people with anxiety. ]

I never had any pets, either. My neighbor had a dog, we'd visit it from time to time, but -- wasn't really viable to have any pets in the Academy, and they don't like ships. I once had to transport livestock and the mess I had to clean up afterwards is just, yeah... that's a memory I could do without.

[kestreldawn]

Perhaps! Apparently, according to this world's version of the HoloNet, it's quite warm in much of Mexico, so perhaps it overheated with a full coat and adapted to having less fur.

No, unless we felt it was necessary. I wonder if it might not be better to get a dog who is trained, in cases of emergency, as opposed to getting an untrained dog and then possibly needing assistance it can't provide later down the line.

Did you like it? Your neighbor's dog? I never encountered one before, aside from the few I'd see here and there as I was travelling throughout the galaxy. Being a homeless, parentless nomad isn't exactly great for having a pet of any kind.