No Favors

All you sinners stand up sing Hallelujah Show praise with your body Stand up sing HallelujahAnd if you can't stop s h a k i n g- Lean back let it move right through yaSay your prayers, Say your prayers Say your Prayers

[rvphi-blog]

“Would you mind if I drew you? Like… Nude? I swear I’m not trying to sneak a peek for free, I’m just really shitty at drawing bodies and need to start practicing more.”

[alexandra--harper]

“What? Really?” She gave him a skeptical look as she considered his request.

[alexandra--harper]

Alex’s seizure alert and response dog, Riley ♥

Alex has had seizures for most of her life. When she was twelve these seizures became so bad and frequent that her family started the process of getting her a service dog to respond to them. She and her family tried a variety of different medications and therapies, but were unable to find anything that worked for many years.

Her first service dog was named Deilah. She was a German Shepherd that was trained to stay by Alex’s side if she had a seizure as well as bark loudly to alert others of a problem. Delilah was Alex’s service dog until she became blind in her older years.

Two years ago Alex adopted Riley. She was hand-picked from a litter and as soon as she was weaned from her mother, she came to live with Alex and start her training as a service dog. Alex and Riley are extremely close, as are all handlers and their service dogs. Riley is also trained to stay by Alex’s side and bark very loudly to alert others. Over the years of being with Alex, Riley has since shown that she can detect Alex’s seizures as well. While this is a widely understudied science, it has become an invaluable tool to Alex and her family.

Just over a year and a half ago Alex was prescribed a new experimental medicine that the doctor’s hoped would help with her condition. Somehow it worked and slowly started to decrease the frequency and length of her seizures. 

It has been just over a year since Alex has had a seizure, other than one small one. As long as she takes her medication daily, Alex doesn’t worry nearly as much as she used to about her condition. She still keeps Riley with her at almost all times, but she has become more lax about it. She doesn’t mind people petting Riley as long as they ask first, and doesn’t always have Riley wear her vest.

Alex still deals with people asking what’s ‘wrong with her’ as well as tourists saying Riley must be a fake service dog because Alex doesn’t ‘look sick’, but Alex does pretty well with ignoring those people.

[lukcsawycr-deactivated20160617]

“Right, then I probably just stole someone else’s towel. Do you see any angry faces?” Luke looked around, not immediately spotting someone looking for their towel. “Oh well then she’s definitely a good dog.” 

[alexandra--harper]

Alex laughed sheepishly. “I don’t see anyone- I think you’re safe.” She looked down at Riley with a fond smile. “I really do. I’m Alex, by the way.”

[highkingbambi]

“Hmm..?” Emilia looked up to see the red head that spoke to her. “Oh… Uh… Yeah, I guess? Everyone’s on my case about it.”

[alexandra--harper]

“Well... Maybe it isn’t the best to be doing it for other people, but it’s better than not doing it at all.”

[amydawscn]

“A little more couldn’t hurt you, right?”

[alexandra--harper]

“You’re such a bad influence.” Alex laughed. “Fine, one or two more bites. But no more after that!”

[dylanbatcs]

“So you always have to be around for her to sleep? Most dogs do nothing but sleep. But I guess a service dog is different. I don’t know, not really someone to actually adore pets. At least not for myself. I’m sure the sun will dry you up.”

[alexandra--harper]

“I mean if I was killed or something I’m sure she’d find a way to sleep eventually, but in any normal circumstance she sleeps when I’m around. And we’re rarely apart anyway, so it really isn’t a big deal. Who are you, by the way? I’m Alex.”

[pearlvandenburg-deactivated2017]

The blonde nodded, still smiling, though her eye dropped down to the dog and she gasped. “Hi puppy.” she said waving to the animal, a moment later she looked back up. “Yeah! It’s totally fine, I’ve got another. It’s really no problem.” 

[alexandra--harper]

“That’s Riley.” Alex smiled brightly over at the blonde. “I would really appreciate it. Thank you so much.”

[emeraldwelsh-deactivated2016072]

“Really?! That’s perfect, I’ve got fresh bouquets, some colorful ones which you’ll probably love. Are you looking for anything in specific? Honestly, I’ve been too excited about this season… We’re getting wonderful lilies next week, and I might have to drag you back over here just to take a look.”

[alexandra--harper]

“Great! I personally love peonies and calla lilies, but I’m up for anything pretty. It would be perfect if it was a flower with a subtle scent, too. I’ll definitely have to come look!”

[alexandra--harper]

[Text]: I 'm gonna go stand naked in the kitchen with a knife (Lark)

[Text] That... Is mildly terrifying.[Text] That’ll totally make the creepy neighbor run away.[Text] Or he’ll try to come in. That plan might backfire actually...

[alexandra--harper]

Alex’s Instagram ↪

Featuring ↪ @larkxlikethesongbird @declanpcyne @abelreed @wtfdax @pvrkcr @emeraldwelsh

[alexandra--harper]

[emeraldwelsh-deactivated2016072]

“Personally – and I hope I’m not being a hassle, I believe red roses are always the best pick if you want to spice up your relationship, but the yellow ones are great for a ‘get well soon’ note. The orange roses are great for crushes, but I’d recommend the daffodils if they’re for a friend… Or maybe you’re looking for something else?”

[alexandra--harper]

Alex smiled up at Emerald. “You’re not a hassle at all. I’m just looking for a few bouquets for the entrance area over at the spa. We like having fresh flowers in there when we can.”

[highkingbambi]

“No, I’m good. I think I’m gonna cool it with the narcotics for a bit. Not quiting cold turkey or anything, but… Just slowing it down a little.

[alexandra--harper]

Alex looked up from her phone, frowning as someone walked away from Em. “I didn’t mean to eavesdrop, but that’s cool that you’re backing off those some.”

[amydawscn]

“Are you sure you don’t want any? If you leave this in front of me it’s going to disappear and I’m not going to feel even a little sorry.“

[alexandra--harper]

“You have no idea how tempting that is, but I just ate and really don’t need more.”

[pearlvandenburg-deactivated2017]

Ava was standing not to far away listening to the exchange, they didn’t mean to overhear but the girl’s body language had caught their attention and they couldn’t help bit listen. When they heard the red-head didn’t have a towel they picked up her spare, and walked over. “Here-You can always use mine.” they offered a small smile dancing on their lips

[alexandra--harper]

Alex looked up and smiled as she rubbed at her dog’s head. “Really? You don’t need it?” Not that walking home wet was a big deal, but it wasn’t an exciting thought either.

[scottyisms-blog1]

Scotty looked between the two of them, “Oh wow, really?” They ask, scratching under Riley’s chin with a giggle, “She’s a service dog then? Should I leave her alone then?”

[alexandra--harper]

“She is! No, you can pet her. She’s calm at the moment and she’s technically always working, so it’s okay. Thanks for asking though!”

[larkxlikethesongbird-blog]

“I know I am,” Lark said smugly. She dropped to sit on the beach, kicking off her shoes and digging her toes into the sand in satisfaction as she reached over to pet Riley as well. “Are you heading home soon?”

[alexandra--harper]

Alex loved that she and Lark had such a close relationship. She knew that they would be friends for life. “I was thinking about it. I just wanted to get a quick swim in since it’s so nice out today. What about you?”