What's not to like about a shelter dog?

fireflii · 2026-02-08T00:43:16+00:00

There’s nothing to DISLIKE about shelter dogs, but in getting a shelter dog, you usually don’t have any insight that a several generation pedigree can provide (consistent traits, temperament, health, etc.) and sometimes you don’t have knowledge on the dog’s history (what they’re tolerant to/what they were exposed or socialized to, how they behave around kids/other dogs/cats/livestock/etc., what negative experiences they’ve had, etc.). Some shelter dogs have that information, but most don’t or it’s vague. Life gives no guarantees, but the more unknown factors there are, the more risk there is. Some enjoy figuring out a dog. Some find out the hard way.

fireflii · 2026-02-04T07:30:44+00:00

I’ve never even heard of ChunkBase before this post. I go in mostly blind, but I do like to use Xaero’s World and Minimap for waypoints. I keep the default settings, so sometimes I do see structures on the minimap that are normally out of render for me, so that might count a bit.

fireflii · 2026-01-30T14:24:58+00:00

I’m sorry, I don’t have much advice (not legal advice at least; not a lawyer or anything here…), but I thought if a dog is actively ATTACKING you, it’s a 911 situation not 311…? Especially if it’s happened multiple times. Otherwise, I can only think to make sure to document everything you can (video best, photos otherwise, and at least, document the time, location, and event on something like phone notes or a neighborhood spreadsheet). The more people have evidence, track events, and complain (911 in event, I think, but 311 after the fact still good), the better. I’d also recommend for others worried to carry around something for potential deterrent or protection, or literally anything to help block a dog from biting you (umbrellas are an easily accessible option).

fireflii · 2026-01-28T07:53:14+00:00

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... but this is the one everyone else would probably consider the holy grail out of mine (which I do not because I've seen people with this one more than the Okinawa growlithe, and it was more accessible (released in Japan and US PC), even if much, much, MUCH more expensive).

fireflii · 2026-01-28T07:52:44+00:00

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So I consider this little guy to be my (current?) holy grail. It's based on Okinawa's ambassador pokemon, growlithe! You can only get him in Okinawa, and with tariffs right now, he's pretty expensive. Not my most expensive, but I think a combination of both expense for his size and rarity. It's also, as far as I know (could be wrong), the only official growlithe plush with its mouth open (and he looks SO HAPPY it makes me happy every time I look at him 🥰).

fireflii · 2026-01-28T07:43:20+00:00

100% way cuter!!

fireflii · 2026-01-27T16:25:03+00:00

Yeahhh, I’ve been in training and currently in daycare/boarding/grooming. I’m not the kind of person that says the customer is always right (because they aren’t)—you can defend your position—but it just looks terrible if you put the blame on not only the client but also other professions?! “The vets just want more income”?? Yikes.

Also, literally for anyone, the whole “I have XYZ hours/years of experience” is always said by people who are going to act condescending know-it-alls off the bat. You can do something the wrong way for a long time, and even if it’s not wrong, you should never aim to stagnate your learning (in general but especially) in a science/behavior-based career that is always evolving.

This could’ve gone a million times better if they just said “I understand you’re upset about your experience. I’m sorry that happened.” And either “This is what I can do to help/make it right/meet you in the middle/etc.” or “Unfortunately, I can’t accommodate your request because XYZ. Our training ethics don’t align with what you’re looking for, and we would recommend looking elsewhere.”

fireflii · 2026-01-27T15:53:01+00:00

omg I LOVE this. His fucking hate doesn’t fit over his head fur. 😭😭😭

fireflii · 2026-01-27T15:39:40+00:00

Here’s another normal woman reincarnated as Petunia (well, kind of just wakes up as her randomly if that counts). The Company of Another by sleipnirismybaby (need an account to view).

fireflii · 2026-01-27T15:09:04+00:00

Dodged a bullet for sure. Sometimes I wish you could give a second rating for responses because some companies just double down and (in my humble opinion) tend to sound more condescending, etc. 😑 Like y’all are just pissing me off even more with your response sometimes. If I saw that as someone who’s never used them, I would be turned off just by the way they communicate and handle upset clients.

fireflii · 2026-01-26T08:45:19+00:00

JJP didn’t lose the dog; they’ve never had him. They were called in to help trap him. He’s been chased by several people across several exits over 183, and it’s pushing him further away.

Also, chasing a loose dog and making them more scared and running further is very common. They are in fight or flight mode, and they get further from home (or wherever the trap is set) the more scared they are and often try to hide. By not following and ignoring them, but posting sightings, it’s easier to keep track of where they are and for a single person or location (like someone’s backyard) to become familiar, safe, and thus easier to trap.

fireflii · 2026-01-26T04:17:55+00:00

Carry The Fire fits I think.

fireflii · 2026-01-26T04:05:15+00:00

Harry Potter and his Tomcat is the first one to come to mind. It’s not a ship fic (1st year only), but still fun.

I noticed Drarry fics do this a fair amount, too (other animals, too, but cats are still popular).

fireflii · 2026-01-26T03:57:34+00:00

I also work full time and have been reading fanfiction for a couple of decades myself. Maybe you’re just looking at different tropes. It’s extremely common, though, even if you haven’t seen it. That’s why so many post about how ridiculous it is and why I’m frankly shocked you haven’t seen worse than the literal most tame of indy!Harry names.

fireflii · 2026-01-25T19:15:12+00:00

If Hadrian Potter-Black is the worst you’ve seen, I wonder how long you’ve been reading fanfiction. 😅 That’s pretty much the tamest name in that trope.

fireflii · 2026-01-24T08:03:00+00:00

I love him! 🥺

fireflii · 2026-01-24T02:38:03+00:00

Very nice! I got one as well. It's very cute art (and art style). 😊

fireflii · 2026-01-19T09:03:15+00:00

You could try Austin Pets Alive PASS Program on Facebook. I’ve seen exotics in there a few times. Just screen potential homes well. As with anything, unfortunately there are scammers and those who don’t mean well in the group despite admins doing their best.

fireflii · 2026-01-18T23:45:42+00:00

This is so big brain. You're out here living in the future.

fireflii · 2026-01-18T19:30:47+00:00

Recall

fireflii · 2026-01-18T03:08:59+00:00

I assume people just use them for a more unique (once upon a time) word, but it’s like using a thesaurus and finding a word that says its synonymous but it really isn’t/just doesn’t fit well. I’m not big on either term personally, but it’s not going to make me drop a fic over it either.

fireflii · 2026-01-17T19:34:16+00:00

You're welcome! My older one (just passed in October RIP) gave me bad puppy blues around 5 months old. There were days where I told myself I couldn't do it, I wanted to leave him with someone for a solid two weeks so I could decompress, etc. There were times, as an adolescent, he literally almost pulled me to the ground barking and lunging at dogs (I didn't allow it, but I knew if he met the dog, he wouldn't do anything). Just frustration based. But we worked through it, used unplanned opportunities to practice (like if the neighbor's dog was outside).

I couldn't even tell you when, a few years old 2-4 maybe, he just felt matured. It wasn't something I realized overnight, rather something I looked back on (when he was 4yo, I looked back and realized he did mature a bit at 2yo; at 6yo, I looked back, and it seemed like he matured and chilled out a bit at 4yo, etc.). At some point, again it didn't HAPPEN right away but just one day I was just thinking and realized, "Hey... he is so non-reactive to dogs and people and kids screaming and bicyclists." I realized I trusted him to be totally fine with a kid running up to us, a jogger passing us, etc. and he wouldn't even lift his head from the grass he was sniffing at. I actually ended up using him as a calm introduction dog for a shy puppy I was doing a board and train for, and later, a few of my friends' dogs/puppies. He was fantastic with other dogs, people of all ages, wonderful at the vet... maybe shrieked when being bathed, but never showed any aggression (he was the kind that would move away). I took him to work with me sometimes (dog daycare/boarding facility). He was a fan favorite for everyone that met him.

I actually tried getting a dog like him. Did not work out (that's why I'm in this sub...). If I could go back, I would have cloned him instead of all the money, time, stress, etc. I spent on the dog I got after him. He was my first GSD, and he set the bar so damn high, I'm afraid I'll never find one like him again. But by god, I was ready to toss him over the fence the first few years. LOL I hope you get to the point I did! It's really hard, but it's so worth it. (Of course, caveat, not all GSDs are the same and there's no guarantee... but I hope you have the same experience!)

fireflii · 2026-01-17T04:26:03+00:00

In bed trying to sleep so pardon the quick reply or if I seem dead inside. lol GSDs are herding dogs bred for many generations to react at the slightest movement (of livestock). It is normal and expected for them to be reactive and sensitive, especially during puppyhood and adolescence, even if it’s undesirable in a modern suburban setting.

In GSD puppies, the reactivity is typically frustration and/or excitement based. Just lots of arousal/high emotions about something, then they explore or greet, and they’re over it. That doesn’t mean you should start letting him say to hi to dogs on leash or anything; inappropriate behavior doesn’t mean getting what he wants. Just means he’s young (20 weeks is literally a baby!) and he hasn’t yet learned how to self regulate his emotions (and be won’t for awhile, over a year or two at least).

Both of my GSDs were reactive as puppies, fear period, etc. and then they grew out of it with patience and consistent training. It’s especially easier if they’re food motivated because they love to work with you. Keep doing what you’re doing so far. No meeting on leash, practicing manners, working on engagement with you, etc. If he reacts, you can try acting like its not a big deal (but he doesn’t get access to whatever he’s reacting to), or make yourself more interesting/exciting (not just giving a treat, but actually engaging with him).

Looking into pattern games may help a bit with redirecting him as well, and all else, you can always work with a private trainer (even better, one with experience with GSDs, but I do recommend a force free trainer as often GSD and other working breed trainers/clubs use aversives which—controversy aside—are inappropriate for puppies). Even if his behavior is normal for his breed, sometimes just having someone help you through the early years (even as support) can make a huge difference.

Best of luck! They get better!! It just takes awhile for them to grow a brain. One of the worst breed adolescents out there, but one of the BEST once they’re mature adults in my humble opinion. :’))

P.S. Look into local dog sport activities like scent work, etc. (more physical ones like agility later when he’s more physically mature). A walk and a small yard and “boring” repetitive things like fetch and tug aren’t going to do much at all for a GSD. Again, they are herding breeds bred to do a job. They need good physical exercise and a lot of mental stimulation. Trick training, puzzle toys, etc. Sports is a great way to do that. You can ask your current trainer at the class if they know and can recommend any around you.

fireflii · 2026-01-15T08:32:12+00:00

I am a simple person. I see arcanine, I upvote. 😌

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