#apocalypse dog

[crypt-void]

Phantom tail shift at work 😔

This shit ain't even waggin. It's just hanging there limp out the back of my chair. Ridiculous >:

[apocalypse-dog]

Hey there, travelers,

That summer sun is finally beginning to fade, with it bringing a fresh breeze and with it comes a feeling of change.

I've always been a believer that there is always room for change. At any given point in your life, you can choose to do what you like. That's the beauty of free will. In honor of that change, I've picked up a new hobby, and I've made a new friend. There isn't much I know of her yet, but I'm thinking that we're getting along swell.

Maybe one day we'll have a call with her and I'll introduce her to you all. Until then, let's keep striving for good change.

And now, a little music.

This is, Tomorrow Comes Today by Gorillaz!

[crypt-void]

One nice thing about my hyperfixations that I noticed recently is that alongside the nice happy/excited feeling I get when interacting with them, I also get phantom shifts! I can feel my tail wagging and my ears pricking up. I didn't notice what it was for a super long time until I watched my dog's body language when she got excited about me coming home a few months ago and was like: Hey! That's me! I do that!!

[crypt-void]

Sometimes, I think about how, for a lot of my life, I was someone else's dog. It wasn't always a bad thing. Sometimes, I was a protector, guarding someone from harm, or a comforter, letting someone sit next to me so they could feel more at ease.

Sometimes, though, it was horrible. Sometimes, I felt like I had a muzzle strapped over my snout or that my paws had been bound together. Sometimes, I was someone's pet that they could keep restrained with a leash. Other times, I was the rescue dog someone regretted taking in, and eventually abandoned.

Then, for a short while, I had no handler, and I had never before felt such complete freedom and isolation. I could do whatever I wanted: speak or remain silent, bite, growl, sleep, sing.

I couldn't function fully, though. I ran through hallways, trying to stay away from people, and bit if someone got too close to me. It feels like, after everything, I lost the part of myself that knew how to behave normally without someone there to show me how. I feel guilty about that sometimes, that I can't just do it anymore or that others hate me for it. I try not to be incompetent.

I have a pack now, something I lacked for a long time. Sometimes, they feel like good handlers, ones that understand I need occasional guidance. They know when to back off, too, to let me guide myself for a bit. Sometimes, they need me to guide them as well, which makes it better. A pack feels more equal, with all of us learning to rely on and care for one another.

[crypt-void]

Some renfaire pics from my birthday trip (I'm going for the world record for oldest dog ever)

Feat. My brother and my partner (I made the tortie mask hanging off her hip >:3)

[crypt-void]

Mask updateeeee!!! 🐕☢️

I touched up the paint a bit and gave myself some more fluff >:]

[crypt-void]

Thinking about the stingray squeaky toy I saw at the pet store a few days ago. I don't have any squeaky toys, nor have I ever really wanted one (chew toys are another conversation), but this one was really nice. It had a good soft and ribbed texture that I liked rubbing my knuckles across, and it crinkled but only on its fins. It also had a much quieter and lower pitched squeak than a lot of the other toys, which I appreciated. It was also a STINGRAY!!! The coolest animal! I didn't get it, but I did dream later that I ran around with it in the backyard.

[apocalypse-dog]

unfortunately, i haven't been able to find a gas mask..and i don't want to go too far from my shelter, because anyone can sweep in and steal everything...

a pretty bad fog is expected to roll in soon. i might have to relocate. really hope i don't have to, because it makes my samples really vulnerable, and if they break, my life is over.

thank you for the advice. stay safe.

-🔬

Hey there, traveler,

If this is the case, I'd say your best bet is to try casting out a distress signal for any local groups that could escort you to a new location.

I usually encrypt any messages I broadcast that I'd prefer the general public not to know. Not many scavengers know morse code these days, or they take it as a sign that you'd be harder to target.

I've heard that, at times, groups of travelers will help others move to either their camps or others. The most they tend to ask for in return is for you to lend a hand in some way. Or at times, if you'd rather be left by your lonesome, they'll ask you to spare some food. Usually, vegetables, if you have the means, and at times, they'll ask for water if they're truly desperate.

Lots of good folks in those groups. There ain't many of them, but I've heard they'll travel far to help those in need. May be worth a shot.

Who knows, could meet someone to help with your research.

Safe travels, friend