LJ Idol S11: Week 3. Everything Looks Like a Nail

[ellison]

James had awoken not long after his Papa. He pulled a stool over to the counter, and climbed gingerly up to the counter. He put the coffee beans in the grinder, then the grounds in the pour-over above the mug

Comments

[ellison]

Note: Lethal White Puppies is the nickname for the all white puppies created when Merle Australian Shepherd dogs are bred with other Merle coated Aussies. They're called "Lethal whites" because it's often a death sentence. Entire litters are euthanized in shelters. One such litter came into a shelter where my sister in law worked, and they immediately adopted one of the puppies and named her Aeryn. She was the snuggliest, best dog - fully deaf, and half blind. And just a joy to be around - played with toys, chewed on bones, loved walks, just like any other dog. My sis in law would wake her up when they got home by softly blowing on her face, because Aeryn couldn't hear them come in. She was always so happy once she realized her people were home! :)

[uselesstinrelic]

Awwwr, that's so sad! D:

[ellison]

I know right? I think more and more, rescues and shelters are trying to give these dogs a chance. They all have some degree of blindness and/or deafness to deal with. And it's one of many reasons breeding should be left to professional breeders who actually understand how these things work and not foolish backyard breeders looking to make a buck off all white puppies.

I did think it was cool how we could use signs with Aeryn, like a thumbs-up close to her face to say "good dog". I still give Ashton a thumbs up as a "good dog" sign. Dogs are so great in the stuff they can learn and understand!

[uselesstinrelic]

Honestly, I just feel like... also people could just let dogs be dogs and NOT try breeding them..? XD But anyway, it's good that there are people who are doing work with the dogs. When the dad was talking about just burying them, it made me think of the way people would put other people away in facilities if they had disabilities or "difficult" personalities. We know how effed up that is to do now, yet people can still be that way with animals.

Side note: I was also like... DANG, I wish I had a kid who just cheerfully said 'okay' when it's chore time. That's how you KNOW this piece was fiction ;)

[bleodswean]

So very sweet! You brought a smile to my morning, M!

[ellison]

Hooray! Thanks :D

[adoptedwriter]

This is so sweet. I love it.

[ellison]

I'm so glad, thank you!

[uselesstinrelic]

I'm so glad this story turned out well. I was really worried it was going to go dark... but you being the animal lover you are, I should have not needed to worry so much c:

[ellison]

Aw thank you!! :D

[me_sonrei]

This is so sweet - I love it!

[ellison]

Thank you so so much!