Part 38 of weird things that have only happened to me because I’m tall: the other day my friend’s mom said that her husband is 6’7 and I was surprised, but then I realised that he literally has to be because he’s at least 6” taller than me and I’m 6’1

Chapter 22: How I Met Your Mother

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“Okay, listen up my children!” Kiyoomi announces in the middle of the living room, the kids all looking up to him. “Your mother won’t be around for 3 days-”

Kin starts crying because of his father’s words, taking Sakusa aback. His boy must love you so much since he’s the only who seems affected that you are away. The girls... don’t care.

“Don’t cry! Don’t cry! We are only 30 minutes in and you’re already crying,” Kiyoomi sighs, picking Kin up from the ground.

“You should not have mentioned mama,” Kia scolds him. Kia takes a seat on the couch which Mina and Mira follows. She is their leader, not Kiyoomi. If a hierarchy is made in your house it would turn out like this:

You

Kia

Mina

Mira

Kin

Kiyoomi

Yes. Sakusa Kiyoomi, the provider and the pillar of the house, is at the lowest ranking in your house, simply because he isn’t around all the time. He only goes home once or twice a month, leaving all the childcare and managing of the house to you. The wedding planning is only the side dish of what’s on your plate. He has so much respect for you that he’s willing to lower his pride and hurt his ego.

Kiyoomi is more than happy to take care of the kids for you. You get to rest and he gets to spend time with your children. It’s a win-win situation for the two of you.

“Mama!” Kin cries harder, and Sakusa bounces him on his arm, hoping it will stop him.

“If you stop crying we will go see the fish!” Kiyoomi cheers and Kin stops crying. “We will change now and then go see fish.”

“Really?” Kia questions her father, already old enough to be aware of Kiyoomi’s fear of crowds and germs. She knows that there is no way that their dad will bring the four of them in the aquarium. Especially since it’s a weekend, so it’ll be packed with people.

And Kia was right. Kiyoomi didn’t bring them to the aquarium, but to a small fish market. Kia is disappointed but not surprised. At least Kiyoomi tried, right? “Where’s the fish?” Kin asks, looking around as he sits in his stroller. The place only has a few people and small stalls, which Kiyoomi really likes.

They stop in front of a stall where fish are laid on trays of ice, shocking the twins. Kia just face palms, and Mina is just standing there but is also in disbelief. “What? It’s fish.” Kiyoomi defends himself, shrugging.

“It’s dead,” Mina remarks as she stares at the deceased sea creatures in front of her.

“A fish is a fish,” Kiyoomi argues. Kia scans through the surrounding and spots a small tank with king crabs in it. She points at it so they go to it. Kin and Mira are now out of their stroller and are almost glued to the glass tank. The owner of the shop comes out asks if they’re going to it at the store. Kiyoomi says yes, since the kids look so excited to be seeing crab for the first time.

What he didn’t take in account is that the kids will recognize that the crab they were staring at outside is now their food. Cue the loud crying from Kin and Mira. The number of times Kia has face palmed because of her father is uncountable. Mina is chill, playing with the claws of the cooked crab, making her younger siblings cry even more.

“Stop crying. Try it!” Mina puts a piece of meat in Mira’s mouth and she stops. Kin halts as well, confused why his twin stopped wailing. Kia feeds him the crab and he falls in love with it. Kiyoomi sighs in relief, very thankful that he has reliable daughters.

One task done.

Their lunch finally ends and they head to the toy store. Kiyoomi has already planned to buy kinetic sand for the twins since he can’t bring them to the beach. It’s a scary place. He might be the most cautious guy in the country, but he’s still like any clumsy father. The chances of him losing one kid at that place is high.

“Do you wanna walk?” Kiyoomi asks the twins, not wanting to carry a stroller around. The two nod so he takes out the safety harness and puts it on them. Mina and Kia are holding hands, walking obediently beside their father. The family of 5 enters the store and the kids become excited immediately.

“We can buy anything we want?” Kia asks in awe, which Kiyoomi just nods to. “Let’s go Mina!”

“Don’t go with strangers, okay?” Kiyoomi tells them as the two run off somewhere in the store. He picks up tubs of kinetic sand, clay, and slime. Then, he follows the twins around the store, picking up whatever they seemed interested in.

“You want that toy car?” Kiyoomi asks Mira, picking them up from the ground so they can see a clearer view of the toys. Kin points at a toy gun at another shelf. “I’m sorry, buddy, but you can’t use that yet, and maybe your mama will shoot me using that if she finds out I bought you one.”

As Kiyoomi and the twins are picking more stuffed animals, Kia and Mina come running towards him. “Papa! Papa! Can I buy a bike?” Kia pleads, tugging on Kiyoomi’s pants. He takes a deep breath in before agreeing to his eldest daughter.

“Where are your toys?” Kiyoomi asks them, seeing that the two girls are empty handed.

“I only want a bike and Mina wants a picture book,” Kia answers. Kiyoomi furrows his eyebrows in disappointment, but in his mind he’s actually really happy that the girls seem to be taking saving into consideration.

“Are you sure?” Kiyoomi raises an eyebrow at them.

“Can I buy a skateboard too...?” Kia shyly requests, doing a cute pose. Kiyoomi chuckles and agrees with her.

“How about you Minari?” Kiyoomi asks the younger girl.

“I want paint,” Kia nonchalantly says and Kiyoomi does a thumbs up to her. After that, they start to run to wherever they can get their wants. Kiyoomi walks after his kids, the twins already asleep in his arms, their heads on his shoulder. He spots Kia, scanning through the wide catalog of bikes, a small skateboard already tucked below her underarms.

“Can I get the blue one?” Kia tells the employee who is assisting her, pointing at the baby blue bike she wants.

“You don’t want the pink one?” The employee asks, presenting the pink bike. Kia looks at him in disgust.

“Do you think girls only like pink?” Kia remarks, taking the employee by surprise. Kiyoomi smiles under his mask, amused by his daughter’s words. He internally taps the his back because he’s pretty much the reason behind her attitude. He’s proud to say that he has raised his children not to believe in gender norms.

Kiyoomi feels someone tug on his pants, so he looks down and sees Mina holding a small cart filled with coloring materials, picture books and papers. “Is that all you want?” Mina nods and holds his hand.

After checking Kia’s bike they head to the cashier to pay. Kiyoomi then realizes that he has done the one thing you told him not to do. Spend money on the kids. But you won’t know right?

One task has been failed.

As they reach the house, all the kids immediately go to the bathroom to wash. Kiyoomi knows that they adapted this habit from him, and he feels happy that they’re understanding his personality even at a young age. Kia even sprays alcohol in her sibling’s hand every time they come back to the car. It’s the little things his little kids are doing for him that makes him love them even more.

The four of them falls asleep after the bath so Kiyoomi arranges the stuff they bought. As he is arranging Mina’s books, he notices the abundant number of books that included dogs. “Does she likes dogs?”

Kiyoomi is tired. He has never felt this tired after intense games or practices. Childcare is a whole new level of tired. Just when he thought he can rest, Mina walks out of her shared room with Kia. “Hi, baby. Did you sleep well?” Kiyoomi asks Mina which she doesn’t respond to. Instead, she comes close to him and hugs his leg. Surprisingly, Mina starts crying. “What’s wrong?”

“I missed you, papa,” Mina explains. Kiyoomi sits on the foamed floor of the living room, giving Mina a hug.

Mina has always been quiet. She always waits for her turn silently. She never begs for attention even if she wants it deeply. Mina only shows affection towards you and Kiyoomi when she’s alone with you, but with her siblings around, she gives way to them. Sometimes, Kiyoomi feels guilty because of this. Unlike Kia, Mina has never spent time with you and Kiyoomi on her own. Plus, she was then followed by the twins when she was still a baby. He’s afraid that Mina might start thinking that she is less important than her siblings.

“I missed you, too, Minari,” Kiyoomi says back. He puckers his lips so Mina gives him a short kiss. He hugs her once again, calming her down from her cry. She calms down so Kiyoomi takes this as a chance to trim her bangs. “Should we cut your hair?”

The two of them go to your shared bathroom as quiet as they can, not wanting to wake the other kids up. Kiyoomi sits Mina down on the sink, then takes a pair of scissors out of the drawers. “Don’t move, okay?” He starts to cut her bangs, thinking he’s doing a good job. But once he lets go of her hair, the room becomes silent.

Sakusa messed up. Big time.

Mina checks her reflection at the mirror and giggles. “Weird,” Mina says in between laughter, causing Kiyoomi to chuckle as well.

“Your mom will be so mad at me...” He cuts some more length off, but no matter how hard he tries, it’s just an uneven. He then decides to stop, not wanting his daughter to look like an unidentified animal.

“I like it, papa. Thank you.” She doesn’t like it, but she doesn’t want to break her father’s heart. Mina hugs Kiyoomi after taking a look at the mirror. Kiyoomi kisses her cheek, then laughs at the result.

“You’re still cute.”

Two tasks done.

As they return to the living room, they see Kia sitting on the living room couch, staring at the wall emptily. She sees Mina’s new hairstyle and grimaces. “You’re bad at cutting hair, papa,” Kia says, unfiltered. Unlike Mina who is considerate like you, Kia is as blunt as Kiyoomi. He doesn’t say anything back since she was right.

“Can you teach Mina the alphabet while I make dinner?” Kiyoomi requests and Kia nods in agreement. Mina goes to Kia while Kiyoomi goes to the kitchen to make dinner. He’s thankful that he has such a reliable daughter. He would probably not make it without Kia around.

Three tasks done. Somehow.

At first, Kia was teaching Mina the alphabet, but then she had to go to Kiyoomi’s bathroom to wash her hands, and that’s when she saw Kiyoomi’s ripped jeans that he wore a day before in the laundry basket. She hurriedly called Mina and ordered her to bring paper and glue.

“Is papa poor?” Mina gasps as Kia presents the ripped jeans to her. They sadly look at the piece of clothing and feel bad for buying so much at the toy store while their father was wearing clothes with holes in it.

The older girl flattens the pair of jeans on the floor and starts to glue the colored paper over the torn parts. Mina mimics Kia and does the same thing to the other leg of the pants. Kiyoomi, still in the kitchen, wonders why he suddenly can’t hear his children. It’s never good when they’re silent.

“Kia! Mina! Where are you?” Kiyoomi shouts and he hears small footsteps coming from his room. He checks over the counter and sees his pants are now covered in decorative paper. He almost drops the knife he is holding from the sudden transformation of his pants.

“We covered the holes in your pants papa! You might get cold!” Kia reasons as she shows off their little project. How can he get mad at them when they are just worried about him?

“Thank you, Kia, Mina,” he laughs and snaps a picture of them on his phone. Things that his kids do that don’t make sense but is damn adorable.

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“Just go to bed. I beg you,” Kiyoomi pleads to his children who are still jumping on the bed. “It’s already almost 12AM. Please sleep.”

Kiyoomi is damn tired. How do you handle the four of them on your own? He suddenly feels bad for leaving you alone with them. And he hasn’t heard a complain from you even once. His love for you has become deeper just from taking care of the kids in one day.

“Bedtime story!” Kia cheers, putting herself inside the blanket, which her siblings follow. Kiyoomi sighs in relief. Finally.

“What kind of story do you want?” Kiyoomi tucks the blankets properly on their bodies, making sure that the four of them are comfortable in his bed.

“How did you meet mama?” Kia asks, causing Kiyoomi to smile.

“How I met your mother, huh?” Kiyoomi hums, thinking about how you first met. His smile grows, remembering every detail of how you met.

The first time Sakusa had met you was in Itachiyama. You were outside the volleyball gym, and he was on his way to practice. For some odd reason, you were smelling the roses by the wall. He thought you were the weirdest person he had encountered and judged you right then and there. After that, he would notice how you came to the same spot to smell the roses every single day. He didn’t even understand what smelled so good about them. He may or may have not tried smelling them after practice just to check why you kept smelling them.

It went on for weeks, but Sakusa never thought of talking to you. He just didn’t see see a reason why he should. Until one day, it rained so heavily that he became so worried for unknown reasons. On his way to practice, he stopped by the usual spot where you would smell the flowers and he didn’t see you there. Of course you wouldn’t be there, it was raining so hard. He didn’t care about you.

He was sure he didn’t care until he found himself carrying a bouquet of roses one morning to give it to you. He couldn’t believe it himself. But he couldn’t contain his feelings anymore.

You were a virus that slowly corrupted his mind that all he could think of is you. Maybe it be in class, during practice, on his way home, before he sleeps, after he wakes and sometimes he even dreams about you. Your virus then slowly travelled to his heart. He couldn’t explain it but every time he saw you, his heart would pound so fast he felt like he would suffer from cardiac arrest.

But it was also you who soothed him. When he was feeling down, he thought of your smile after you smelled the roses and he’s back up again. The calm he felt when he passed by you in hallways was enough to encourage him to do great in practice and in games. He didn’t even know your name but he already has a mission of taking your last name and replacing it with his.

You were his illness and his cure.

His cousin, Komori, wasn’t surprised to see him standing by the school gates with flowers in his hands. As the libero saw the roses, he immediately knew Sakusa was waiting for you.

Sakusa was never quiet about his feelings judgement towards you. Everyday the spiker would complain to the libero about how weird you were. Each day, Sakusa had something new to complain about. You cut your hair? He would say it Komori. You painted your nails a new color? Komori would hear about it. You were wearing a different bag? Komori definitely knew about it from Sakusa.

Komori had concluded that Sakusa had developed a liking towards you but the latter hadn’t notice yet. So when it rained hard the day before and Sakusa’s plays were bad, Komori knew Sakusa would do something about it. Sakusa was an honest man, even to himself, especially to himself.

You were on your way to school, when you saw Sakusa standing by the gates. Of course you knew him. He was famous in your school despite his too blunt personality and germaphobic tendencies. You had a little crush on him, but you also were aware he’d never like you back. You’d go outside their gym everyday to smell on the flowers and see him. He was a happy a crush. So, seeing him with flowers outside your school broke your heart.

‘So he had a lover, huh?’

You walked past him, head lowered in defeat. You heard murmurs and whispers as you continued to walk but you ignore them, head full of sad thoughts. Suddenly, you felt a hand on your shoulder so you turned your head and saw Sakusa standing before you, handing you the bundle of flowers. Everyone else was staring at you and Komori was hiding somewhere, taking a picture of the commotion.

“I think you got the wrong person,” you chuckled awkwardly, not knowing what to do since other students were looking at the two of you. And Sakusa Kiyoomi, the ace of the volleyball team, your happy crush, the man of your dreams, was handing you a bouquet of roses.

“You’re the girl who smells the roses outside our gym every afternoon, right?” Sakusa said as he pulled his mask down.

You literally short circuited. He was much more taller and more gorgeous up close. He smelled good, too. But what surprised you the most was that he lowered his mask to talk to you. Maybe you saved the world once in your past life to be able to experience this.

You nodded unsurely, glancing around you in nervousness, not able to look him in the eye. “Forecast said it’ll rain later in the afternoon so you won’t be able to smell the flowers outside the gym. So take this.” Sakusa explained to you.

You couldn’t believe it. The boy who you had a secret crush on since the first day of school had noticed you. You didn’t expect anything at all. Considering how he was with people, you thought you didn’t have a chance so you never made a move aside from stealing glances and watching from a far. To say that your heart was beating fast and that you felt butterflies in your stomach was an understatement. One more word from him and you would probably burst.

“Is that so?” A smile slowly grew on your lips, finally making eye contact with him. You were trying so hard to play it cool, but your reddening cheeks were giving you off. “Thank you. I’m (Y/N) by the way.”

“You can call me Kiyoomi.”

“And from that day on, I would bring your mother a rose everyday,” Sakusa tells Kia, fondly looking his children, the products of your love.

“So you liked mama ever since you met her?” Kia asks, seeing her father smile foolishly. A small giggle leaves Kiyoomi’s mouth and Kia teases him. “Papa is a simp.”

“Where did you learn that?” Kiyoomi gasps.

“Momo,” Kia answers and Kiyoomi takes a mental note to smack his cousin when he sees him again. “Papa, do you love mama?”

“We wouldn’t have the four of you if I don’t,” Kiyoomi answers with a chuckle. He checks his other kids and they have already fallen asleep. “Now go to sleep.”

“Good night, papa,” Kia greets him before closing her eyes. “I love you and mama so much. I am happy you are our parents.”

“We love you more.” He kisses their forehead one by one, before settling on the edge of the bed. He takes his phone out and messages you, hoping you were still awake.

All tasks complete.

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Facts:

Kia is already 5 years old at this, while Mina is 2 and the twins are 1.

Mina thinks dogs are cute because Komori looks like one and he is her favorite uncle.

Mira is the quiet twin while Kin is the more vocal one.

Kin likes fish because the last time Hinata came over, he showed him a picture of his gold fish. Hinata is Kin’s favorite.

Bokuto is Kia’s new favorite uncle/boyfriend because Atsumu has children and Kita is married. She doesn’t want to get in trouble.

Mira is loyal to Kiyoomi.

Taglist:  @elianetsantana​​ @aoi-turtle @ptv-hades  @aquzairus @a-applepi  @justoneofthefangirlsarianna-r13 @morenabambinii @chaelysian @loser-keiji​​ @mxngy @ne-kuroon1fangirlsblog @d-efend @missalicebaskervillemarvelousbakugou @agaashesmilktea​ @bonkyandloki @kimi09 @ntimacy @mkazuyuh  @ushi-please @minty-mangos-world @dearest-kiyoomi​ @yeehawslap  @onlyshinji @obsessedwhxre @adrasteiaxandromedaa @abuliawrites @song-of-storms162 @tnu-ree @keichainn  @bunnybitesthedust @lililiynx  @maitenight @prettyinblack231  @hyoonx23

RANDOM - Banana Fish Review, Vol. 1, Part Four

(This was one of my fav gifs looking for gifs of Shorter.)

*There will be pictures/gifs included tomorrow, because this is already late & loading them is taking forever, for some reason.

Haha, no, I actually prettied it up 1/5/21. Yes, I’m glorious.

No I’m actually Dio DIO in this situation, who am I kidding.

(This transition from Caesar to Dio fascinates me, by the way.) (The GIF.)

The JOJO reference is because I’ve finally finished Diamond is Unbreakable! It was fun! I enjoyed it a lot! Ready for the next part!

But back to Banana Fish.

Hope you enjoy this!

So my plans failed again. Who is surprised? (Not me.)

I apologize profusely for the gaping void of Banana Fish-ness left since last I posted.

No really. I now have an alarm set for every Wednesday.

Let’s see how this goes. News Update: Maybe next time.

Also, my internet is still blitzy & rotten, otherwise I would’ve posted this yesterday (the 15th).

Now on to the in-depth, delighted gushing - er, review, of Banana Fish!

*Also, this is part 4, and 4 is a special number for me. Because of this guy:

And I can spell his name correctly!!! (It’s Ulquiorra, from Bleach, my 1st anime fan gushing love.)

Yes, I’m strange. Moving on.

So, brief recap, since I’m not sure anyone has read Part 3, given how terrifyingly long it is. If you missed it, here’s the link:

https://imagine-fight-write.tumblr.com/post/632014616404344832/random-banana-fish-review-vol-1-part-3-my

Please love & like it & repost to the rest of the Web. I worked tremendously hard on it.

Yes it’s long, but oh, it was delightful! There was snark! Delicious food! Wine! Fabulous mustaches! Mysteries! I gushed so much!

(And snarled at the wonton waste of good breakfast food, which I will not forget & always condemn.)

*I mean, I know people who will throw up if they have breakfast in the morning. But it’s important to eat so you have energy to do things & feel good.

And Dino took a perfectly beautiful breakfast & essentially wasted it for no good reason. I was so mad.

We meet Dino Golzine, a.k.a., Ash’s worst nemesis /enemy (note, I can’t spell nemesis) and major reason for why his life sucks.

(Although society doesn’t help either. Though the police try. They really do. Except what’s his face who’s complete scum & thoughtless, but we won’t meet him til Vol. 2. Plus I don’t think he has a name?)

But yes, Dino Golzine. All around awful person, and not safe around children (or anyone, really.) He’s low-key in this scene, mostly using verbal assaults (to great effect) but just you wait. There’s a reason he’s a mob boss.

Ash snarks, to great effect, but he’s no match. Dino has all the cards and all the dice (cards & dice being metaphors for power, & how he involves awful, painful memories of Ash’s past & tries to manipulate & order him around. Brrr.)

But Ash rallies, and ultimately refuses returning to be Dino’s heir / toy.

We meet Shorter! Huzzah!

(End of recap.)

It’s clear right away Shorter & Ash are old friends. They exchange quips about Marvin. We learn Marvin holds a mean grudge, so savvy readers can guess it’ll come to play later (it does.)

Shorter’s last line is strange.

“Just don’t put me in the position of having to kill you.”

Which is kinda out of the blue. I don’t know what to make of it. It doesn’t spoil or fore-shadow anything (unless in a very confused, round-about way) because that never happens later. So I’m confused.

Ash laughs it off and goes zooming off on his motor-bike / motorcycle (not sure which).

Note, from this short scene we already learn Shorter has his own sources of information - he knows Ash went to Dino’s, fast enough to be there before their conversation ended (unless he was just lucky to be there already  - why was he there?). He already knows about Ash’s talk with Marvin, with enough detail to warn Ash about Marvin’s temper & that Marvin likes him, which is a bad combination.

Shorter is smart & cares about his friends, warning Ash about Marvin. 

Aren’t friends great?

Especially after meeting such a dominating if soft spoken monster like Dino?

The answer is yes.

Next, we get this hilariously great shot of Ash running up the steps to his dingy apartment (pg. 47.)

 It’s reminiscent for me of a scene in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Part 1, when Jonathan & Dino have their epic fight in the Joestar mansion.

There’s a part where Jonathan does this epic flip up to a second floor via sword (it’s epic) & it ends with this a few-seconds-longer-than it-needs-to-be shot of his butt. You can’t miss it. I’m usually oblivious to such things & I noticed it. I laugh every single time.

Anyway, back to Banana Fish.

(The atmosphere of grunginess (it’s not a word, I meant dirty, ugly, rough) & spartan furniture is great. Just look at those walls. I adore it. 

(But would never want to live there.) Ash is clearly not rich & after Dino’s rich mansion, this is a stark contrast.

Also, there are no pictures or posters on the walls (which are festooned with dirt and cracks instead.) In fact, there’s almost nothing in terms of personal effects at all.

This baffles me. I mean yes, I assume they’re all dirt poor, living in a gang & working for the mafia on the side isn’t something you do for the luxuries. But surely they’d have something.

Or maybe it has something to do with Japanese decorating aesthetics? Meaning, Japanese appear to be more spartan than Americans in terms of decor (see the book, In Praise of Shadows, for example.) 

* I can’t spell aesthetics. Why do I even use that word?

The apartment just looks extremely bare compared to others I’ve seen in movies depicting this era. Is what I’m saying.

Look at those bare walls. (It hurts me.)

Thoughts? Comments on how Japanese, Americans, and Europeans differ in basic decorating styles? Comment below!

Also remember as always, Banana Fish is both set & was written in the 1980’s, well before the “modern” style we have now.

Unless - wait. There is something very important to Ash which he’s clearly hiding in the apartment he goes to, which I assume only Skip & select members know about.

So maybe this isn’t actually Ash’s main base, where he sleeps & hangs out?

Yes, that must be it.

If you’re confused, I’ll explain once we get done with this section.

Moving on.

We meet Skip!!!! (Pg.47)

Black characters (and Latino) are still, alas, extremely rare in manga, anime, & other media, so all the cheers for including Skip so early & as such an important character.

Because Skip is very important. For multiple reasons. More on that later. Also note, 1 of the gang members Ash busts earlier is also black.

Again, the dialogue is great here between Ash & Skip, establishing Ash’s trust in him. Which is no small thing.

Skip is like Shorter, (agh, both their names start with S) sweet, but also has a nose for news.

Arthur’s going to get it, hah!

There’s yet another reference to it being early.

Though there’s no specific time mentioned . . . Nope, not since Ash found the poor, dying banana fish dude.

Does Ash usually sleep in? Is he a night owl? He was wandering around at 1 in the morning last night, after all.

*Yes, technically it was early morning, but it was still dark, so bite me.

But then, he was also suspicious & keeping tabs on his 2 gang members. So, who knows.

But I’m going to guess he’s a night owl.

Ash sits on the bed, and after Skip mentions everything is good, “him, too”.

 Ash gives his 1st real, genuine smile. Gentle, relieved, no hard edges. Just pure happiness & relief. It’s sweet.

(Also, I just realized the “him, too” is supposed to be a surprise / shock for the reader & I spoiled it earlier. I do apologize.)

Skip offers to get coffee but Ash declines, deciding to nap, which reminds me:

Actually, drinking coffee before you take a nap can, for some people, actually make you sleep better.

Also, short cat naps (15-30mins) can boost your energy and mood.

Naps are good for you!

I almost wondered if the comics Skip had on the table might’ve been manga, but remembered it was the 1980’s and, far as I know, manga wasn’t big the U.S. yet. Alas!

Which is funny if you think about this being in a manga.

Skip goes to leave. Ash puts his hand in his pocket and gets this intense, almost fierce expression on his face (middle panel, pg. 48).

I was absolutely baffled by this reaction for a long time, but finally figured it out. Ash’s reaction is supposed to be baffling, because what he realizes right here will be revealed in the next few pages.

Skip, concerned, asks what’s up, but Ash brushes him off and sends him off to buy coffee. (After which I sincerely hope he takes a nap, because he needs one, he’s been up all night.) Sleep is good for you!

Skip is able to buy coffee with a single coin. A single coin.

(Sorry, I couldn’t resist.)

All my tears, and curses on inflation and overpriced coffee! And Starbucks!

Anyway, we learn Arthur’s going to get it (and Skip is the best spy ever) and the scene cuts to:

Our favorite person (not) Dino Golzine, tending his orchids.

I like this. It’s a rather unique hobby for a villian. I assume to give him a refined, elegant, and exact air.

He’s interrupted by Angie & his fabulous mustache (snickers) and this delightfully comic scientist person (who might be important later? The face sameness makes it difficult to judge, & I’m too lazy to consult my other volumes, which are not close by.)

But his entrance is priceless (pg. 50). I mean seriously, please go find it if you haven’t already. It’s dramatic, with a big WHAM! & he looks so cartoonish. 

I love it.

Dino tells him, essentially, “don’t disturb my orchids” and me being an non-gardner person, I wonder: is it actually true loud noises can disturb flowers?

Comment below!

Anyway, Dino quickly establishes yes, he did send Ash’s gang members to kill the poor banana fish guy who started this whole mystery, and yes, it was important.

There’s a great panel (pg. 51) of scientist dude, drawn much less comedic, the whole panel black except for a white aura around him sweating and clearly in distress.

He whispers, “It - it’s gone.”

Dino snaps to attention with a leonine look, exactly like a cat who has just spotted another cat. It’s easily my favorite picture of Dino so far, very striking.

The dialogue is brilliant and snappy, short and direct.

“What is gone? . . . You’re positive? . . . Just a small amount.”

And we get the grand reveal:

Ash, taking out a bullet shaped capsule (was the shape intentional by Yoshida?). A capsule he’d clearly taken from the dying banana fish guy. There’s a great panel on the bottom of pg. 52 of Ash’s questioning expression and a ?

He unscrews the capsule and pulls out a tiny vial.

Thinks of the address the dying banana fish guy gave him.

Ash goes into the next room, where we see the silhouette of someone sitting with a plaid blanket draped across their knees.

He expresses his first real look of vulnerability, and gives a wonderful line:

“Go see . . . Banana fish . . . He said it and died. And you say it and you might as well be dead. Who did this to you? Griff . . . Please tell me, big brother.”

Everything clicks together (almost.)

Griff /Griffin is the soldier shown way back in the very beginning. The one who left for a few minutes and came back insane and shot up his squad.

Who’s now a human vegetable.

Banana fish is clearly responsible. Somehow.

And Dino is mixed in with it (of course). Pieces are coming together, but questions still remain.

Until next time!

The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

I’m very pleased to share that this old WIP is finally done!! I started writing it back in 2018 (I think) and when the WIP Big Bang @wipbigbang revved up for 2019, I knew it was a perfect piece for me to finish. Per the Bang rules, I’ll publish the last chapter on my posting date of August 17th. I’ll be updating every week until then.

This story is based on a 1991 children’s book of the same name by Andrew Helfer. When I heard about it, I thought it was such a great (and cute) plot that I wanted to try writing my own version! Major plot points and storyline are all credited to Andrew Helfer. New story text and new subplots are by me. Copies of the original book are available and the ISBN to find the book is 0307126218. Many thanks to @haveievermentioned for remembering this book and bringing it to my attention.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7    Music Fanmix by @pennywaltzy

Rating: Teen

Summary: All kinds of cats in Gotham are disappearing! When several expensive animals are stolen, Batman's top suspect is Catwoman. But is there more to these thefts than meets the eye?

The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

Forty squirming, squealing kids threw popcorn and chattered at each other in the rows below Bruce Wayne at Gotham City’s Circus Charity Night. Charity Night at the Circus had become a tradition in the Wayne household over the last few years. Shortly after adopting Dick Grayson, the young man had requested these circus outings for the children at his old orphanage. Bruce had readily agreed.

He always turned it into an event—playing at an exclusive park, followed by dinner, then the show under the Big Top. Curiously, Dick never attended. Bruce didn’t press him. He knew all too well the pain childhood memories could bring.

Bruce and his date sat wisely out of range of the concessions-turned-missiles. She turned to him, the elegance of her black velvet dress belying her giddy excitement.

“What’s your favorite part of the circus?” Tatiana asked him, tossing her lustrous dark hair over one shoulder.

“The big cats,” Bruce replied. “They’re so gorgeous and powerful.”

“Oooh, must be something of a kinship, I suppose,” she teased, batting her eyes flirtatiously.

Bruce tried not to roll his as he focused his attention back on the three rings below. Tatiana was an extraordinary beauty, just the kind of woman Bruce Wayne should be seen with around Gotham. Unfortunately, she was also an utter bore.

Music swelled and the children quieted as a spotlight focused on the Ringmaster in the center of the tent.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is our privilege to bring some of the finest creatures in nature to you. Watch carefully, and don’t be fooled! Our trainer would have you believe these lions and tigers are tame as house cats, but they are not to be trusted! Remark the ferocious gleam of their fangs and the sharpness of their claws. Please do not tempt their murderous appetites with a stray finger or hand! And now… on with the show!”

The crowd jumped to their feet to get a closer look at the cats, applauding the Ringmaster’s speech. All eyes were on the thick red curtains that led backstage, but minutes went by and no cats of any kind paraded forth. The pregnant silence was interrupted by shouts behind the curtains.

Bruce casually pressed a button on the side of his cell phone and it rapped forth an irritating, high-powered ringtone. He gave an exaggerated sigh for Tatiana’s benefit.

“Hang on, it’s the Board. I’ll be back in a minute. Hello…?” he said, affecting frustration as he pressed the phone to his ear.

Bruce stepped into the aisle, pretending to converse as he quickly made his way out of the stands. He stuck to the shadows, slipping around to the back of the big top. Outside the main tent, dancers, acrobats, and clowns walked to and fro, prepping for their acts or chatting with each other.

The argument had crescendoed; Bruce could hear the Ringmaster desperately shushing whomever was shouting. Bruce hid himself in the darkness between two tall wooden crates. He discovered he was fortuitously close to a seam in the main tent’s canvas. He put his eye to the opening and caught a glimpse of Commissioner Gordon’s familiar face. Commissioner Gordon stood straight as an arrow and looked down his nose at a rather unkempt man in suspenders and a stained undershirt.

“We’ll find your cats,” the Commissioner assured him. “There aren’t that many places in Gotham to hide lions and tigers. Or that many places to sell them. My men are on it already.”

“They better be! Those animals are expensive. If my cats aren’t back by tomorrow, I could lose my job!” the unpleasant man screeched.

The Ringmaster put a placating hand on the man’s arm, but he shrugged it off. Bruce watched as the Commissioner cast an observant eye over his surroundings.

“Now, just to be sure I have everything down correctly, these are the cages for the big cats?”

He indicated four or five surprisingly small wheeled trailers arranged in a semicircle. They looked like old fashioned animal cracker boxes, although they did have the addition of thick rolled draperies that could be let down over the iron bars to fully enclose their tiny spaces. Bruce could see, and even smell, that they hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

“Yes, yes,” the trainer replied impatiently.

“And you did not take them out prior to their performance?” The Commissioner frowned under his moustache as he looked at his notepad.

“No! I already told you that!”

“And you do not have any kind of yard or pen for them to stay in—other than the cages?”

The man didn’t notice the steely glint in Commissioner Gordon’s eye as he shook his head. “They stay in the cages if we aren’t training or performing. Seriously, are you even taking notes?”

“I have to ask to be sure, Sir. Police procedure.”

Bruce grinned as the Commissioner turned away from the man and focused on the Ringmaster, completely dismissing the trainer from the rest of the conversation. The man’s mouth opened and closed a few times and his eyes bulged. But the Commissioner resolutely refused to meet his eye. With an exasperated sigh and a few muttered curses, the trainer walked away to go scold his assistants at the cages.

“As I said,” Commissioner Gordon continued, still standing tall in his most imposing posture, “I already have people looking into all possible locations that can hold big cats. We’re checking all cargo transports out of the city and taking every precaution to find your animals. In the meantime, detectives will be interviewing your employees—to see if anyone saw anything.”

Bruce heard the unspoken notion that the detectives would also be interviewing the employees as potential suspects. The Ringmaster picked up on it too, but nodded frantically.

“Whatever it takes to get George his cats back. He’s difficult at the best of times, but he knows how to train the big cats. We simply don’t have a show without them!”

As the Commissioner made his exit, Bruce leaned back from the circus tent canvas. George might be good at training, but it seemed that he and his staff were terrible at caring for their precious animals. Dirty cages and no room to run or play? He’d had no idea the Gotham City Circus kept their animals in such squalid conditions. Maybe there was a way to put in an anonymous tip… but there was no guarantee an honest city worker would look into the case. Issuing citations wasn’t likely to fix the problem. There had to be a solution, though. He’d think on it.

Later that evening, Bruce cruised the streets of Gotham after dropping off Tatiana at her penthouse. The woman is part octopus, he thought sourly as he recalled his struggle to extricate himself from her amorous embrace at her door. He’d pleaded an emergency board meeting and made tracks, leaving her beautiful pouting lips and sultry eyes behind.

Bruce stopped at a familiar intersection to wait out the red light. He looked up at the building on his left and noticed Commissioner Gordon’s light still on in his office.

Five minutes later, the Batman tapped softly at the Commissioner’s window. The silver-haired man looked up, startled, then smiled. He slid open the window and moved aside to allow Batman to descend on silent feet. The line of his grappling hook whizzed quietly as it retracted into his utility belt.

“You’re up late, Commissioner. Everything okay?” Batman asked as the two shook hands.

Gordon ran a hand through his wavy hair, sighing. “Just working on a weird one, Batman. Cats. Missing cats. With all the missing people in this town, you’d think that would take priority, but here I am, trying to track down animals like a dog catcher. Or a cat catcher, as the case may be.”

“I heard about the no-shows at the Circus. Are you saying there are more missing?”

Commissioner Gordon laughed without humor. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. A lot more, in fact. We’ve gone past ‘hundreds’ and are closing in on a thousand or more. I don’t know if we’re looking at some kind of predator or—”

“Are there signs of predation? Claw marks or other clues of struggle? Any blood, bones?”

The Commissioner shook his head. “No, thank heavens. God knows I’ve got my cat Ruffy secured at home, though. I was letting him out to roam every once in a while, but now I keep him indoors. I’m a little spooked about him getting grabbed.”

Batman nodded, thinking. “That’s a good idea, Jim. If you aren’t seeing any signs of violence, it seems more likely this is theft.”

“That’s where I was leaning too, Batman. I just got a call from the Southminster Cat show; one of the show cats has been taken. The night watchman didn’t see a thing. I’m going to follow up in the morning and talk to the owner. You want to join me?”

“I’ll bring the coffee, Jim. See you there.” With that, Batman stepped onto the ledge of the open window and disappeared into the night.

Commissioner Gordon couldn’t help it; he leaned out to see which way Batman had gone. But just like every other time, he never caught a glimpse of the Batman after his dramatic exit. He sighed. There was nothing more he could do for the case tonight. He closed the window, packed up his briefcase, and headed home, where he hoped Ruffy would still be waiting.

Dick was laid out on a comfortable Italian leather couch, flipping idly through a magazine when Bruce came through the den.

“And how was the lovely Ms. Aurbach?” he asked, lifting his eyes only marginally from the page.

“Grabby,” Bruce replied.

He loosened his tie and removed his cufflinks, dropping them into the pocket of his slacks. Alfred never failed to check his pockets before washing.

Dick closed the magazine and leapt to vertical, an effortless motion his acrobatic background afforded him. “Oh, really? That doesn’t usually vex you.”

“Who says I’m vexed?” Bruce retorted, just as Alfred entered with a tray.

The nascent argument was forestalled by a late night snack the butler had prepared. The trio settled in around a deeply stained and well-polished coffee table. Alfred poured tea from a silver service and passed the cups around.

“I trust Ms. Tatiana is well,” the butler began, “and that the Circus was a delight.”

“Actually, Alfred, someone stole the lions and tigers. But yes, the rest of the night was fine.”

Dick nearly spat out his tea and eyed Bruce incredulously. “The lions and tigers? Seriously? That’s kind of... specific. And heavy. It would be heavy.”

Bruce sipped his tea with perfect form, ignoring Alfred’s approving glance at his lack of slurp. “That’s not all. Tomorrow I’m meeting Jim Gordon to interview the owner of a missing show cat at the Southminster Cat Show.”

“Stolen as well?” Dick raised an eyebrow.

“I hate to make assumptions…”

“I know you do. I’ll wait for your conclusions upon examination of the evidence,” Dick replied, rolling his eyes. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Just be on call. You have anything else going on this week?”

Dick shrugged. “It’s summer break, Bruce. Other than a couple hot dates, I’m free.”

“Not too hot, I hope.”

“Alfred’s run background checks on them already. Well-bred young ladies from Gotham Academy, not a rebel among them. I’m just trying to be a normal teenager, Bruce. Promise.”

Bruce popped a water cracker topped with gruyere cheese into his mouth and leaned back, chewing. He swallowed. “I know, Dick. I’m glad. It’s not always easy with me, I’m aware.”

Dick grinned. “Easy is boring, anyway. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks,” Bruce replied.

He stifled the urge to ruffle his ward’s hair. Dick wasn’t a child anymore; he was a young man of sixteen. He was often impulsive, but he had matured greatly over the six years he’d been Bruce’s ward, both as Dick Grayson and as Robin. Bruce was grateful for their friendship and partnership, though he couldn’t deny Dick kept him on his toes. Thank goodness for Alfred’s impeccable timing and mitigating influence.

“Well,” said the butler, breaking the silence as he gathered the tea service and stood, “I’m off to bed. And you should consider the same, Master Bruce. You have an early morning in the office—”

“And an even earlier meeting with Jim Gordon,” Bruce finished, standing and dusting off his knees. “Thanks, Alfred. Good night.”

“Good night, you two.” Dick settled back onto the couch with his magazine as the older men left the room.

Best Friend, Children, and Click: A shy mouse, delicate, petite, and oh so sweet! Brandy AHI A Playgroup STAR! Happily leaps & runs with her peers ld 31840 @ 2 Yrs., 27 lbs Manhattan Acc TO BE KILLED 6/29/18 Doe-like, shy as a mouse, petite and oh so sweet – Brandy is dreaming of a family to love (if you have other dogs, all the better! This girl is a doggy playgroup star! <3 A volunteer writes: “A long legged runway model! This is Brandy, a young lady, cute and petite that I first took for a puppy, laying all shy on her kuranda bed. Come out, come out. You are so pretty. Everyone needs to see you! Brandy made huge progresses since her arrival at the care center. Her peers helped a lot . She is no timid mouse in playgroups where she leaps happily and excitedly with boys and girls through open pens. She is still a bit tentative with us, humans but take your time with her and she will come around, welcoming caresses and eating treats from your hand. Brandy is gorgeous, trim and very delicate looking in her flame color coat. She owns a lovely smile that she uses sparingly but more and more as we spend more time together. She so reminds me of a mini doe who strayed away from the woods into my backyard. Brandy is dreaming of a home and a loving owner , the perfect cure for her mousiness. Come to the Manhattan Care Center, get to know her and take her home as your forever best friend!” PRIVATE MESSAGE our page or email us at [email protected] to foster or adopt this super sweet, petite beauty. Brandy has a video! https://youtu.be/Hw4A04jcK4s BRANDY, ID # 31840, @ 2 Yrs. Old, 27.8 lbs. of Love Manhattan acc, Medium Mixed Breed, Tan / White, Unaltered Female Owner Surrender Reason: stated as person circumstance- landlord won't allow. Shelter Assessment Rating: experienced Intake Behavior Rating: Green Behavior Assessment Date of intake:: 6/20/2018 Spay/Neuter status:: No Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender Previously lived with:: Adults and four large dogs Behavior toward strangers:: Shy but warms up and is playful Behavior toward children:: Relaxed and playful Behavior toward dogs:: Playful and gentle Resource guarding:: None reported Bite history:: None reported Housetrained:: Yes Energy level/descriptors:: Brandy is described as friendly, excitable, and a little shy with a medium level of activity. Date of assessment:: 6/21/2018 Look:: 2. Dog's eyes are averted, body posture is stiff and fearful, tail is low and not moving. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity:: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, tail is between legs, body stiff, mouth closed, lip long, ears likely back, may lip lick. Tag:: 2. Dog is fearful but unresponsive when touched. Approaches the Assessor when the game ends. Dog is likely crouching, may have a long lip or lip lick. Paw squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Paw squeeze 2:: 1. Dog does not respond at all for three seconds. Eyes are averted and ears are relaxed or back. Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted Toy:: 1. No interest. Summary:: Brandy did not walk on the leash and had to be carried. She had a low body and tucked tail throughout the assessment, but had a soft body when handled and solicited attention by nudging the assessors hand. She allowed all handling. Summary:: The previous owner of Brandy describes her behavior around other dogs as "playful and gentle". She was reported to live in the home with four other large dogs. In the care center, Brandy has opened up to socializing and engaging in play with other dogs. Slow introductions are recommended between Brandy and other dogs who are playful and social. Summary (1):: 6/21: When introduced off leash to the male greeter dog, Brandy is soft and polite when greeting. Summary (2):: 6/22-23: Brandy is soft and polite when greeting male and female dogs. She opens up and engages in brief bouts of soft play with the male dog. Summary (3):: 6/24-25: Brandy engages in more exuberant style running play. She offers correction for mounting. Summary (4):: 6/26-27: Brandy is soft and social in a group of small dogs. Date of intake:: 6/20/2018 Summary:: Brandy had a tense body but allowed all handling. ENERGY LEVEL:: Brandy is described as having a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Potential challenges: : Fearful,Other Potential challenges comments:: Fearful: Brandy is described as shy with new people is fearful at the care center. It is important to always go slow and give Brandy the option to walk away from any social interaction. Brandy should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Brandy’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Brandy would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. Does not walk on leash: Brandy does not walk while on leash. She may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach her to on the leash. She should never be forced to walk or pulled. My medical notes are... Weight: 27.8 lbs Vet Notes Post Surgery Note: [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Upper Respiratory Illness] 23/06/2018 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: 1 Microchip noted on Intake? n Microchip Number (If Applicable): n History : OS Subjective: BARH Observed Behavior - gentle timid Evidence of Cruelty seen -n Evidence of Trauma seen -n Objective T = - P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 4/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: teeth in good cond - mild calculus on canines PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated U/G: INTACT – externally normal MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: externally normal Assessment: Healthy Prognosis: Excellent Plan: OVH SURGERY: Okay for surgery 28/06/2018 Pt scheduled for surgery at ASPCA today; coughing and nasal discharge seen at ASPCA and surgery was cancelled. Start doxycycline 125 mg PO SID x14 days Start Cerenia 24 mg PO SID x4 days *TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * If you would like to adopt a dog on our “To Be Killed” list, and you CAN get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process *within 48 hours of reserve*, you can reserve the dog online until noon on the day they are scheduled to die. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) nycacc.org HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Fic: Wednesday’s Child (21/23)

Title: Wednesday’s Child Summary: The next time Emma Swan wanted magical help, she was on her own. Because now they were stuck with a pint-sized savior who clearly had an attitude problem and a terrified but pretending not to be pre-pirate. Spoilers: If you’re current, we’re good. Rating/Warning: PG-13, mostly for safety. Family angst/fluff, as per usual. Disclaimer: Once Upon a Time and its characters were created by Eddy Kitsis and Adam Horowitz and are owned by ABC. I’m just borrowing them but I’ll put them back when I’m finished! Author’s Note: We all know by now that I never apologize for any feels I might give you, right? O:)

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{1} {2} {3} {4} {5} {6} {7} {8} {9} {10} {11} {12} {13} {14} {15} {16} {17} {18} {19} {20}

At ff.net and below.

Tagging @shealivedarnit (If anyone else wants to be tagged, let me know!)

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If working as a fourth-grade teacher for twenty-eight years had taught Snow anything, it was that ten-year-olds could not do a single thing quietly. No better had this point been brought into stark relief than when the harsh whispers of her new favorite ten-year-olds attempting to be quiet tore Snow from her peaceful slumber.

"Wait, if you won't let me carry the tray, at least let me take the glass of milk off of it. I'm surprised it's all still in the glass, the way it's sloshing around in there."

Though she kept her eyes closed, Snow smiled. That sounded like Emma.

A breathless Killian answered her. "All right, yes. Will you take it, please?"

"Yeah, I got it." There was a pause and when Emma spoke up again, her nervousness was apparent even in her whisper. "You really think she's not going to get mad that we're waking her up?"

"David said she wouldn't." Snow could imagine the shrug little Killian must have given Emma just from his tone. "Why? Do you think she will?"

Another beat went by as Emma seemed to consider her answer. "No, not really. I've just … never done anything like this before. Waking up the grownups, even to do something nice, isn't usually a good thing."

Oh, how Snow's heart ached at Emma's admission. The poor little girl had never been close enough with any of the adults in her life to warrant not getting in trouble for disrupting their sleep. Those people were all damn lucky that Snow had no idea who they were because if she did, well, she might not be responsible for her actions.

"Well, I've never done anything like this before, either. At least, not that I can remember. So we'll just have to do it for the first time together."

Despite her pain and anger at the reality of her baby girl's upbringing, again Snow smiled. Killian Jones, in any of his forms, always stood behind Emma Swan. He constantly supported her and encouraged her and took down those walls she'd hidden herself behind and helped her truly feel the love that was extended to her.

And Emma Swan, in any of her forms, responded positively to his encouragement. For even here, standing outside the bedroom door and facing a situation that had seemingly always ended in punishment for her, she took a deep breath and said, "Okay, let's go."

The enticing aroma of cooked peppers and onions, along with the earlier mention of a glass of milk and a tray, left no doubt as to what the children were doing outside Snow's bedroom door. While part of her wanted to remain still and let the children surprise her, as had clearly been the intention, the hesitance of Emma's little whispered voice forced her to sit up and prop the pillows up against the headboard. Hopefully Emma and Killian would feel a little more comfortable if they didn't feel like they were disturbing her.

Soon enough, the bedroom door creaked open to reveal a tiny Killian, his dark hair still sticking out at odd angles from sleep, holding a breakfast tray with two slices of cinnamon toast, a couple strips of bacon, and a somewhat messy pepper and onion omelet. Emma stood behind him, blonde waves falling around her shoulders, with a glass of milk in one hand and a mason jar containing a single daisy in some water in the other. Emma's sheer relief to discover Snow already awake and sitting up was palpable.

As such, Snow injected her tone with a light lilt. "Well, good morning! Dare I ask what I did to deserve two of my favorite children serving me breakfast in bed?"

Killian's cheeks flushed a light shade of pink, which Snow found utterly adorable. Emma shrugged almost shyly. "David showed us how to make omelets and he said you'd like it."

Ah ha. Now the lack of Charming's usual omelet perfection made sense. He'd had four little hands helping him with this one.

Despite Snow's enthusiasm, both children appeared unsure that their gesture would be as appreciated as Charming had suggested. "I don't just like it," Snow assured them with a smile. "I love it! Thank you both very much! What's on the menu today?"

"Bacon, an omelet, and toast," Killian said as he stepped fully into the room and propped the tray up over her knees. "Emma has the milk because walking up the stairs with a full glass on a tray is hard."

A chuckle escaped Snow's lips at the honesty of Killian's answer. "I bet it is," she said as Emma set both the milk and the daisy on the tray with the rest of the meal. "Everything looks delicious!"

Still, the children seemed uncomfortable and a discouraged Snow had no idea why. In an effort to set them at ease, she patted the empty side of the bed. The smiles that lit the children's faces at the silent invitation to climb up with her made her heart sing.

As was typical, Charming had sent up more food than Snow could possibly eat in one sitting so she handed each child a strip of bacon. "What have you two been up to this morning?"

Soft but excited little voices filled her in on Emma's and Killian's early morning adventure feeding the animals. By the time they got to the part about little Neal accidentally feeding the chickens a Cheerio, Emma was giggling. "It was really funny," she said, making Killian giggle as well. "You'd think we'd given them candy or something! They really, really liked the Cheerio."

"Do you like Cheerios?" Snow asked, though she already knew the answer.

Emma wrinkled her nose. "They're all right but I like Froot Loops a lot better. Or Cocoa Puffs. Or Lucky Charms, which are really just Cheerios with marshmallows."

In other words, she preferred a breakfast of sugar with a side of grains to give it an air of legitimacy. It was nice to know some things didn't change.

"What do Cheerios taste like?" Killian asked.

"Cardboard," Emma answered quickly.

"Now, Emma, they taste better than cardboard," Snow laughed.

"Not by much."

Thankfully, a smiling Killian did not at all appear turned off by Emma's not-so-glowing recommendation. "You can try some when we go downstairs," Snow assured him with a smile of her own. "You can decide for yourself if they taste like cardboard."

"They totally do," Emma stage-whispered, once again making both Killian and Snow laugh.

As Snow ate, the children filled her in on their cooking lesson. "David said we did a wonderful job," Killian said, pride evident in his voice. "He told us to bring this one up to show you what we learned and that he'd make ours while we were up here."

Now Snow was happier than ever that she'd given away her bacon. The poor kids hadn't even eaten yet! Still, the way Charming had lovingly taken them under his wing and let them in on the secret of his perfect omelets touched her more than words could express. "You two did do a wonderful job. This is delicious!"

That was the truth, too. While the omelet had come out a little messy, as the kids clearly hadn't gotten a handle on flipping it properly, it tasted perfect.

Both Emma and Killian beamed, melting Snow's heart.

After she finished her breakfast, she lifted the tray off her legs and climbed out of bed. "Come on now. I bet I know two children who are positively famished!"

"I know I am," Emma said with a sage nod. "Everything smells so good that my stomach is all growly."

How Snow didn't wrap her in the hugest hug known to man due to the adorableness of that statement, she would never know.

The kids bounded down the stairs, leaving Snow in their wake. Oh, how on earth could she possibly let them go? They filled her with so much joy, so much love. Watching them blossom under her and Charming's loving care had been nothing short of a miracle. It had only been a couple of days of Emma and Killian being little – hell, not even a full forty-eight hours – and the six of them already become a family.

Of course, they were also a family with Emma and Killian as adults, too. Snow had been struggling with the conflict of missing the adults and wanting them back but also wanting to keep the children since Regina had knocked on her door two days ago. She wouldn't miss the confusing feelings coursing through her but damn, she would miss these kids.

Henry had awoken at some point and was setting the table when the three of them entered the kitchen. Charming stood at the stove putting the finishing touches on the rest of the family's omelets and Neal sat in his high chair, happily squishing some of the scrambled egg on his tray between his fingers. The baby was also fully dressed because Charming apparently didn't mind extra laundry.

"Yeah, we're apparently having a two-for-one sale on eggs today," Henry smirked when he spotted his grandmother's arched eyebrow.

"That's 'cause we collected two tons of eggs this morning," Killian nodded sagely, making Emma giggle.

Snow wished she could bottle the sound of her baby girl's laughter and keep it for all eternity.

After first exchanging good morning kisses with her husband, Snow, true to her promise upstairs, strode to the cabinet, retrieved the box of Cheerios, and poured a small handful into Killian's waiting palm. The boy popped a Cheerio into his mouth, chewed, and swallowed. "These definitely taste much better than cardboard," he proclaimed after a moment.

"Nuh uh," Emma teased. Her apparent distaste for the cereal didn't stop her from snagging a couple of Os from Killian's hand, Snow noted with amusement.

"They're not as good as garlic bread or the cookies we made," Killian allowed, "but they're a fine food for early in the morning."

Just before everyone sat down to eat – or observe her family, in Snow's case – a tiny little voice asked, "Mary Margaret?"

A surprised Snow looked down at the sound of her little girl's tentative voice. "Yes, Emma?"

The girl glanced at Killian, who nodded encouragingly. After taking a breath, she said, "We're sorry for falling asleep in your room last night."

And right there, Snow's heart clenched in her chest. Children fell asleep in their parents' rooms all the time. How lonely these poor children must have been to believe they needed to apologize for such a natural, everyday thing. She crouched down in front of the children and took each child's hand in hers. "Oh, sweetheart, you don't have to be sorry, either of you. It actually made me very happy."

"It did?" Killian asked, his little brow furrowed in a frown.

Snow nodded. "Emma, I don't know if you remember because you were very sleepy but you actually cuddled up with me. I swear to you, my heart was dancing on air. We love you both and it warmed my heart to know that both of you were comfortable enough with us to relax and let yourselves fall asleep."

To Snow's utter shock, both of them wrapped her in a hug at exactly the same time. And as she hugged them back, she found herself fighting tears of joy and of comfort and of love. After taking a moment to think about how the gesture would be received, she placed a kiss on each of their cheeks. Their arms tightened around her, making her glad she'd taken the leap of faith.

After a moment, she felt Charming and Henry join the hug. Everyone held the embrace and Killian was the first to whisper, "I love you all."

"I love you all, too," Emma added.

"And we love you both," Snow and Charming murmured in unison, tears spilling over now. This was what they'd longed for. This was what they'd hoped and dreamed and desired. This was everything they'd wanted to accomplish during this time of Emma and Killian being little. These two lonely little children now knew beyond a shadow of a doubt what it was like to love and be loved.

An insistent knock at the door interrupted the lovely moment. A stone forming in the pit of her stomach, Snow pulled out of the embrace first, sniffled back her tears, and wiped her eyes. She knew exactly who was at the door and what would have to happen next and she was not looking forward to it in the slightest.

Her hunch was proven correct when she pulled the front door open to find Regina standing on the doorstep, a small black velvet bag in her hand. Snow's heart sank. "You figured it out?"

"We figured it out," Regina said, holding up the bag. The faint clinking of the glass potion bottles inside provided even further confirmation.

More tears leaped into Snow's eyes but these were not tears of joy this time. Their time with the children had come to an end and she was not at all ready to say goodbye.

-----

Chapter Twenty-Two

Day 1-2

Melissa and I touched down in Costa Rica around 10 PM, took a shuttle to the rental car facility to get our car (a Nissan Versa), paid for rental liability insurance ($300, and required by law), and we were on our way…to downtown San Jose.

The drive from San Jose airport to San Jose is a bit like the drive from Newark airport to Newark. There’s some trucking facilities, a chemical plant—that kind of thing.

Our hotel was located in “central” San Jose, but you wouldn’t know it from looking around. For a Friday night, the area was bereft of pedestrians, and most businesses looked closed.

We dropped our bags at the hotel and walked the empty streets (Melissa said she wouldn’t have walked them alone) looking for something to eat. We came upon a casino with a boisterous crowd outside. We go inside, find a bar and an open kitchen, and order a “typical” plates—rice, beans, salad, plantains, and chicken.

It was delicious.

We chased our meals with silly cocktails, plus a papaya juice to share. The meal comes out to $30 with tip.

The next morning we wake up around 9 AM, have a complimentary breakfast in the hotel, and go for a jaunt around town. We stop off at Movistar—a Costa Rican phone store—and get new SIM cards that allow us to use our phones as we usually would in the states for the duration of our visit (9 days).

The cost is $10.

Walking around San Jose is a bit underwhelming. It feels like a city that randomly sprung up because they needed a central location for things. The concierge at our hotel explained that very few people actually live in San Jose—they just commute there for work and to party on the weekends (although we didn’t see too much of that).

There were a few pretty buildings and tiny parks that fit into a square block. The church in the center of town is also quite impressive, as is the Central Market, where fresh meat and fish abound. But by noon we were ready to hit the road to La Fortuna in the northwestern part of the country.

The drive to La Fortuna takes about 3.5 hours on one-lane roads. The first leg of the trip requires going up a mountain and down the other side. The elevation is so high that the road becomes shrouded in mist from the clouds. And because we’re so high up, rain falls suddenly and lasts anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours.

But because of this, the mountain was filled with lush vegetation and waterfalls cascading down onto the road (Costa Rican roads have little gulches on either side to capture all the runoff). The lack of visibility combined with the scenery makes for an engaging ride—especially since few roads in Costa Rica have shoulders to pull off onto or guardrails to prevent your vehicle from shooting off the edge of a cliff.

Basically you just need to keep your hands at 10 and 2, move your head as close to the windshield as possible, and hope the car in front of you knows what they’re doing.

Once we got off the mountain and began driving through farmlands, things felt more familiar. It personally reminded me of the Dominican Republic, which I visited last year, or some more isolated parts of Florida.

Basically your driving on one-land roads through farms, fields of grazing cattle, and small towns. Most of these towns consist of brightly painted houses lining the sides of the road, followed by a school, a soccer field, and a church (always the nicest looking building in town). A couple of random dirt roads also shoot off from the main road towards other houses.

Save for that, it was pretty trees, sodas (mom-and-pop restaurants with delicious local cuisine), and places where fresh produce and coffee was sold from little cars by the side of the road (Costa Rican coffee is delicious).

We reached La Fortuna around 3 PM. The town lies in the shadow of Mount Arenal—an intimidating structure. From the ground you cannot see the top for it’s hidden in the clouds. The volcano isn’t active, but it isn’t inactive either. It’s considered “dormant.” It last erupted in 2010, and shouldn’t be a liability to erupt anytime soon.

It’s most famous eruption occurred in 1968, which wound up killing 87 people (and led to the formation of the man-made Lake Arenal, which now helps supply a majority of the country’s electricity).

Our hotel was located about 20 minutes outside La Fortuna at the top of a long, windy, and treacherous road that is definitely not made for a Nissan Versa (as you’ll see, a lot of roads in Costa Rica aren’t made for a Nissan Versa).

The Casa Torre Eco Lodge, as our hotel was called, is perched on a hill looking out towards Mount Arenal and offering beautiful views of the valley below. The facility features tiny cabins with beds and electric outlets. There’s one communal bathroom (much to Melissa’s chagrin), an outdoor sink for the brushing of teeth, and an outdoor patio with a kitchen and tables for dining.

After getting settled, we headed back into town to book some activities at Jacamar Naturalist Tours, which we read online was one of the more reputable tour operators in the country.

We ended up booking a river boat safari and hiking expedition of Mount Arenal for the next day, and then a canyoning expedition for the day after that. For two people, the combined cost of all three was $440. We then booked a trip to a hot springs for the evening. This is a must for anyone visiting La Fortuna, as hot springs are what the region is most known for (pretty much every resort in the are has their own hot spring).

The hot springs we visited was called Baldi Hot Springs, which is the largest one in La Fortuna. Baldi is something of a cross between a hot spring and a waterpark. There are 31 different springs of varying temperatures, some of which are connected via a series of hidden waterways. There’s also a natural sauna, swim-up bars, ice baths, four different waterslides, and lots of children running around.

For $40 we stayed at the hot springs from 5 PM to 10 PM with dinner included. We did our best to explore every pool, but spent the majority of our stay getting drunk at a swim-up bar with a couple visiting from Alaska.

We left happy.

Day 3

Today we were up at 6:30 AM for the river boat cruise. They picked us up in a bus in the center of town, and it promptly started raining. We hopped off the bus at the Rio Penas Blancas, threw on some ponchos, and jump into an inflatable raft with our tour guide Miguel.

It rained for most of the two hour tour, which prevented a lot of animals from coming out. However, eagle-eyed Miguel was still able to show us some Howler Monkeys, sleeping bats, toucans, a few iguanas, and a dead piraña (but no sloths!).

After the tour he took us to a little soda where we were served fried plantains, coffee, some homemade cheese and banana cake, and tamarin juice.

Once we arrived back in La Fortuna, on Miguel’s recommendation, we head north out of the area to a place called Tobacon—home of the Chollin hot springs. Unlike the Baldi Hot Springs, which is a manmade facility, Chollin is a naturally occurring hot spring. In other words, heated water from Mount Arenal flows several miles down into this area to make the river water comfortable enough to sit in all day—which is exactly what hundreds of people do.

I’d compare it to a warm water version of Barton Springs in Austin, Texas.

Melissa and I wandered up and down the river a few times, then settled in and talked to this nice American family who had decided to move down to Costa Rica full-time five years ago (the three kids now speak fluent Spanish, but the parents still don’t know a word). They live in a town on the Pacific coast called Tamarindo, which they say is full of expats and fairly Americanized. The father provided us with some interesting tidbits about Costa Rica. For instance, he claimed that the Costa Rican government doesn’t truly care about the environment. But because eco-tourism is a big part of the Costa Rican economy, they pay lip service to it for travelers.

As we chatted, we passed around a large plastic bottle of Costa Rican jungle juice—a mixture of wine, rum, some sweet tasting syrup, and (if the father is to be believed) hallucinogens.

I didn’t hallucinate, but the juice was really good.

That afternoon we took a bus to Mount Arenal for the hike. The hike isn’t up the mountain per se, but rather a large lava flow created after the 1968 eruption that has now dried and hardened (Mount Arenal itself is too dangerous to hike, due to volcanic gases). The top of the lava flow offers stunning panoramic views of both Mount Arenal and Arenal Lake.

The most interesting aspect of the hike for me was all the vegetation that had grown out from between the brittle, black rock. Our tour guide explained this occurs because the rains erode the lava and allows soil to grow underneath.

When we got back to the base of the mountain we were greeted with watermelon and pineapple (the fruit in Costa Rica is on-point) then driven back to La Fortuna—where Melissa and I got dinner at an upscale restaurant called Don Rufino. Melissa ate a yummy cauliflower steak, and I enjoyed some of the best risotto of my life. We also split a hummus dish, and some cocktails.

The total cost with tip? $59.

Day 4

These are the kinds of mornings I love most on vacation: Sleep in, have a late breakfast (fresh eggs and fruit), then hang out and read. Even better if you have a spectacular view of a volcano from your hotel patio.

Around 11 AM we made our way into town for the day’s activity: Canyoning (a.k.a. repelling down waterfalls). We were picked up by a bus in the center of town, then taken to a resort out of town to pick up our fellow cayoneers. Lunch consisted of tender BBQ chicken with rice and beans. With our nervous bellies full, another van took us to an area south of La Fortuna, where we were transferred to yet another vehicle (a flatbed pickup truck), which drove us down a rocky road into the canyon.

Once there, we were outfitted with harnesses, helmets, and gloves (to grip the ropes), and led down into the canyon.

If you’ve never repelled before, the worst part is waiting. After a (very) brief safety presentation, we lined up in groups of two. Our guides strapped each of us to a rope (meaning we couldn’t escape) and walked us to the edge of a cliff. They snapped our harness to another rope, had us grip the rope with two hands (one hand at the top and the other hand down near our waist), and told us to jump.

Against every survivalist instinct in my body I obliged…and I fell approximately two feet. That’s because you need to loosen your grip on the rope to actually drop. This takes some getting used to, since you feel that if you loosen your grip you’ll tumble to your death. Experienced canyoneers can bound down the side of a rock face in two jumps. But for me, that first rappel took about 12 baby jumps.

The expedition led with the largest drop (160 meters), so that subsequent drops wouldn’t feel as intimidating. By our fourth and final rappel, I actually got down the side of the 95 meter drop in two leaps.

Overall it was well worth the $101 dollar price tag, even if our Costa Rican tour guide kept making fun of us for how scared we were (it was all in good fun). We actually met several nice American couples on the tour whom we bonded with over our shared fear of dying (there were a lot of “well, it I don’t make it…” jokes).

By the time the bus took us back to La Fortuna, we decided we had earned another hot springs. So we purchased a second voucher to Baldi, snuck in some of our own alcohol, and lazed around in the pools all evening.

Day 5 

Melissa woke up at 6 AM to use the bathroom today and saw a sight we hadn’t seen since we arrived in La Fortuna—the top of Mount Arenal. In the early morning stillness, the clouds had briefly dissipated from the top of the volcano.

However, that view was soon to be beat when we left La Fortuna about three hours later and headed southwest towards Monteverde (translation: green mountain).

Monteverde is about 25 miles from La Fortuna in terms of distance. However, there are no direct routes there (you can take the ferry across Lake Arenal, but cars cannot go on these ferries). So the drive takes about three hours, and leads you on a long, winding, one-lane road around the lake.

It was one of the most beautiful drives I’ve ever been on. The roads are covered with lush, green, vegetation, and the views of Mount Arenal behind the lake are even better than what you see in La Fortuna (of course, by this time the top of the volcano was again poking into the clouds). Along the route, there are lots of sodas to pull over at, drink a juice, and look out across the landscape. There are also dozens of wind turbines dotting the landscape, helping produce clean energy for the region.

If I had to compare it to another landscape I’ve seen, I’d say the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, sans the volcano.

Once you get about 40 miles outside Monteverde, the lake views give way to green rolling hills and tiny rural villages. The road also turns from asphalt to dirt and gravel. This is fun in an SUV, but anxiety inducing in a little Nissan. We drove very slowly and were able to make it without issue.

Monteverde is high up—approximately 4,662 feet above sea level (for contrast, La Fortuna is 883 feet above sea level). For this reason, Monteverde is surrounded by cloud rain forests.

After we dropped our bags at our hotel (a charming place called the Jaguarandi Lodge), we headed into this unique landscape for an afternoon hike.

Needless to say, the landscape is breathtaking (and extremely vulnerable to climate change). In a cloud rain forest, everything grows on top of everything. There were trees growing out of trees, flowers sprouting from other flowers, and shrubs cannibalizing other shrubs. It’s like a giant nature orgy.

The most interesting flora we came upon is the fig tree. These are trees with hollow trunks. People make sport out of climbing into the trunk and scaling the tree from the inside!

The cloud forest is also home to the Quetzal, a very beautiful bird with bright green and red feathers that only lives in high elevations like the Monteverde Cloud Forest. We were lucky enough to see one with the help of a tour guide.

Our hotel room was a little cabin surrounded by trees (with it’s own bathroom!). We showered and sat out on our porch reading and listening to chirping birds.

We ate dinner at a place called Sabor Tico (kind of like a TGI Friday’s restaurant in Costa Rica, don’t really recommend). Then we found a much more interesting restaurant in downtown Monteverde called Tree House (the restaurant is three floors with a giant tree growing in the middle) where we played cards and drank Pina Coladas.

One thing about the town of Monteverde: It’s got a fairly modern feel. It’s small but has a cute little town center with lots of modern looking restaurants and a few bars. There’s a shopping mall, paved roads, sidewalks, and lots of traffic. It’s almost like a suburb you’d find in the US, but surrounded by jungles.

After leaving Tree House, we found a Discotheque next door called Rio Amigos that had a room downstairs with four pool tables. So Melissa and I shot some pool with the locals, then called it around 10 PM. We begged a closing restaurant to serve us some ice cream (most of Monteverde closes around 10 PM), then went to bed.

Day 6

Today we slept in and spent the morning on our porch reading. Then we headed to a place called Sky Trek adventures for zip lining in the cloud forest. This wasn’t quite as nerve wracking as canyoning because, unlike canyoning, you have no control over whether you live or die.

But you get over the anxiety of flying through the sky with no control whatsoever, it’s actually pretty awesome. The clouds make it so you can’t see three feet in front of you, but far down below you can see the canopy of the trees.

By the end of the zip lining course your face is soaked with mud (I don’t know why, maybe there’s mud in the clouds?). But before your guides let you leave, you have to bungie jump down from a suspended platform. This was a lot scarier than canyoning or zip lining, but somehow I did it—and I’ll never do it again.

In the afternoon we relaxed at the hotel, then headed to another cloud forest for a night hike. Of all the hikes we did, this was undoubtedly the coolest because you see so many more animals at night. Our tour guide pointed his flashlight at tarantulas in there tiny caves, a scorpion, multiple colorful sleeping birds, and deadly snakes napping on branches. But the highlight was a giant furry sloth scaling down a tree with its baby to poop (sloths only come down from their trees to poop every 10-15 days, so this was very lucky).

We finished the night at Tree House, and passed out early.

Day 7

This morning we woke up bright and early and headed to the beach. The drive down the mountains was as beautiful as the drive up the mountains. At some points, you can even see the Pacific Ocean. Once we made it down, we drove along the coast through little beach towns, then made a right turn west out to the peninsula of Quepos and the beach town of Manuel Antonio.

Our hotel was called the Selina Manuel Antonio, and it was lovely. It’s comprised of dozens of little villas spread across an acre of land, three different pools, three bars, a yoga studio, and a restaurant. At night, the main bar turns into a club, and folks from all over town come to dance.

After all the adventures, Melissa and I agreed that in Manuel Antonio we would relax on the beach as much as possible. This way, we could return to New York tanned and refreshed. So after checking in, we promptly drove to the ocean.

More so than any other place we’d been to in Costa Rica, Manuel Antonio is full of folks trying to separate you from your money. When you arrive at the beach, there are dozens of men telling you to park in certain locations along the road, then demanding you pay them for the public parking spot.

The parking isn’t private, so there’s no reason to pay these men. They’re just hoping uninformed tourists will do so anyway in order to get the men to stop heckling them (we also heard the men may vandalize your vehicle if you refuse to pay, although this didn’t happen to us). Once you reach the beach, there are other men trying to sell you beach chair rentals. The going rate is about $10 for the day—which is a bargain. However, we bartered anyway and got a few dollars knocked off.

Once you’re set up in your spot, other men come around trying to sell you surf lessons, parasailing (which looks really cool, but costs over $100), jet skiing, and various little trinkets and souvenirs. It’s pretty annoying, and different from anything we experienced in La Fortuna or Manuel Antonio.

However, it can’t take away from the beauty of the beach. The waters are warm and blue, the sun is always shining (as opposed to inland, where it was mostly cloudy), and the sand is soft.

We spent three hours on the beach, then spent the late afternoon lazing around the hotel pool. For dinner, we went to a place within walking distance of the hotel, and met a European couple recently engaged. Vad hailed from Russia, and his fiancee Flora was from Italy. They both lived in London now, and Vad had recently quit his job so that they could travel around South America for the next four months (they had already been to six countries in three weeks when we met them).

We chatted with them over dinner, then went back to the Selina and played cards with them at the bar. Around 11 PM we parted ways and went to bed.

Day 8

Today we were on the beach from 10 AM to sunset—and what a sunset it was. The sky turned a brilliant shade of crimson and purple, and the clouds appeared as if they were suspended just above sea level and extended far off onto the horizon. Easily a top 10 sunset of my life.

For dinner we went to a nearby restaurant called Jolly Roger, which was essentially an American sports bar in Costa Rica. We ate cauliflower wings and burgers, watched the Lakers game on the YTV, and listened to the live band. After dinner we crowded around a pool table in the corner of the bar and made friends with a bunch of fellow travelers.

There was Jay and Cole, cousins we were in Costa Rica with 23 other relatives on a family reunion of sorts. There was also a pilot from Canada, a mother and her 18-year-old daughter (who was getting hit on by much older Costa Rican men) visiting from Canada, and two girls our age getting away from the cold weather in Seattle.

We all made fast friends, and ended up closing down the bar after numerous games of pool and beer pong.

We then headed to the Selina and did a little dancing, finally retiring around 2 AM.

Day 9-10

On our last full day in Costa Rica, we stayed on the beach until 3 PM. By the time we left we were burnt to a crisp—three full days under the Costa Rican sun will do that to you.

We did the 3.5 hour drive from Manuel Antonio to Costa Rica, and checked into the same hotel we had stayed at the first night. To be perfectly honest, ending the trip in San Jose is a bit of a downer, as it’s not a particularly charming city.

But we were in for one last treat, as we found a well-reviewed Argentinian steakhouse near our hotel, and had a phenomenal meal (after a delicious tenderloin in goat cheese sauce, I resolved to go on a diet when I return to New York). Then we passed out early, woke up early, dropped off the rental (tip of the cap to Nissan—we put that car through a lot and it never wavered), and grabbed our flight home.

Some Thoughts/Travel Tips on Costa Rica

The People

Aside from the annoying vendors in Manuel Antonio, the Costa Rican people we encountered were by in large extremely friendly and accommodating. It does help to know a little Spanish, as not every Costa Rican is fluent in English, even in the major tourist areas (Melissa spent a lot of time practicing the Spanish she picked up in high school).

You’ll also obviously meet many travelers if you head to the major tourist areas. We personally met Americans, Italians, Russians, Canadians, Brits, Mexicans, and French people. All were very lovely—save for the French couple in the room next to us in Monteverde, who complained to reception that we were too loud (then pretended they didn’t speak English when I confronted them about it).

The Food

There’s no real delicacy in Costa Rica, but all the food we had tasted fresh—probably because most areas are surrounded by farms. I had delicious chicken, tender steak, and lots of rice and beans (plus that amazing Risotto in La Fortuna).

You’ll also find a lot of restaurants in Costa Rica that serve traditional fare—burgers, hotdogs, pasta, pizza etc. It’s all very good, but try and seek out the more unique places if you can (especially the roadside sodas).

In terms of drinks, there’s no shortage of sweet cocktails. The beer variety is a bit limited, though. I mostly drank Imperials, which I think is there version of Budweiser. The best drink is the coconut water they sell on the beach in Manuel Antonio (it’s a cold coconut sliced open with a machete full of sweet water).

The prices you pay for meals can’t be beat—an appetizer, two drinks, and two mains will only run you somewhere between $30 and $50.

Driving

This was personally one of my favorite parts of the trip. The countryside is beautiful, and getting to see it by car is a real treat. If I was to do it again, however, I’d get an SUV. There are quite a few dirt and gravel roads (especially in Monteverde), which was anxiety-inducing in our four-door sedan. More treacherous is the fact that pretty much every road has large gulches on either side to capture rainwater.

This means if you veer off the road even a little, you’ll find yourself wrecked in a ditch. Fortunately this didn’t happen to us, but I did wind up high-sided several times, and had to have some locals help push me out.

Money

It’s SUPER cheap. An 8-day trip with hotels and car rental ran us about $2500 combined. I booked my flight using points, but the typical cost is around $300 – $500.

You should carry around a little bit of cash for tolls and tipping (although many places have tip built into the bill). Also make sure to ask for your bill at restaurants, as many places won’t bring it to you unless you ask them to (because of this, Melissa and I actually walked out of two different restaurants without paying. Each time a waiter had to call to us to remind us that we didn’t yet pay).

Clothes

Inland it can get cold at night and there is intermittent rain, even once the rainy season (May – December) has passed. We got by mostly with shorts, t-shirts, and bathing suits. However, it’s a good call to bring a pair of pants and a raincoat, plus a pair of hiking boots or closed toed shoes if you plan on doing any excursions.

Sunglasses, flip flops, and a hat are a must.

How to Travel

I’m a planner, so I booked all our hotels beforehand. However, I got the impression that you could probably show up at most hotels and get a room that night, and I don’t think it would be much more expensive than booking ahead of time. Any excursions you want to do can be booked day of, usually for the same price that you would have paid if you booked online.

In other words, if you’re not a planner, that shouldn’t be an issue. You can wake up each morning without a plan, and still find a good time.

Final Thoughts

Overall it was a wonderful vacation—especially considering the amount of things that could have gone wrong (the rental car breaking down, having our stuff stolen, losing our passports or credit cards, getting into a big fight with Melissa, and all the other stuff I like to freak out about).

Costa Rica is both beautiful and affordable. It can work for those seeking adventure, to laze around on the beach, or both.

That combination, plus the wonderful company (hey Melissa!) makes this a trip I will remember very fondly.

Costa Rica Day 1-2 Melissa and I touched down in Costa Rica around 10 PM, took a shuttle to the rental car facility to get our car (a Nissan Versa), paid for rental liability insurance ($300, and required by law), and we were on our way…to downtown San Jose.

The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

I’m very pleased to share that this old WIP is finally done!! I started writing it back in 2018 (I think) and when the WIP Big Bang @wipbigbang​ revved up for 2019, I knew it was a perfect piece for me to finish. Per the Bang rules, I’ll publish the last chapter on my posting date of August 17th. I’ll be updating every week until then.

This story is based on a 1991 children’s book of the same name by Andrew Helfer. When I heard about it, I thought it was such a great (and cute) plot that I wanted to try writing my own version! Major plot points and storyline are all credited to Andrew Helfer. New story text and new subplots are by me. Copies of the original book are available and the ISBN to find the book is 0307126218. Many thanks to @haveievermentioned​ for remembering this book and bringing it to my attention.

Chapters: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Rating: Teen

Summary: All kinds of cats in Gotham are disappearing! When several expensive animals are stolen, Batman's top suspect is Catwoman. But is there more to these thefts than meets the eye?

The Purrfect Crime: Chapter 1

Forty squirming, squealing kids threw popcorn and chattered at each other in the rows below Bruce Wayne at Gotham City’s Circus Charity Night. Charity Night at the Circus had become a tradition in the Wayne household over the last few years. Shortly after adopting Dick Grayson, the young man had requested these circus outings for the children at his old orphanage. Bruce had readily agreed.

He always turned it into an event—playing at an exclusive park, followed by dinner, then the show under the Big Top. Curiously, Dick never attended. Bruce didn’t press him. He knew all too well the pain childhood memories could bring.

Bruce and his date sat wisely out of range of the concessions-turned-missiles. She turned to him, the elegance of her black velvet dress belying her giddy excitement.

“What’s your favorite part of the circus?” Tatiana asked him, tossing her lustrous dark hair over one shoulder.

“The big cats,” Bruce replied. “They’re so gorgeous and powerful.”

“Oooh, must be something of a kinship, I suppose,” she teased, batting her eyes flirtatiously.

Bruce tried not to roll his as he focused his attention back on the three rings below. Tatiana was an extraordinary beauty, just the kind of woman Bruce Wayne should be seen with around Gotham. Unfortunately, she was also an utter bore.

Music swelled and the children quieted as a spotlight focused on the Ringmaster in the center of the tent.

“Ladies and gentlemen, it is our privilege to bring some of the finest creatures in nature to you. Watch carefully, and don’t be fooled! Our trainer would have you believe these lions and tigers are tame as house cats, but they are not to be trusted! Remark the ferocious gleam of their fangs and the sharpness of their claws. Please do not tempt their murderous appetites with a stray finger or hand! And now… on with the show!”

The crowd jumped to their feet to get a closer look at the cats, applauding the Ringmaster’s speech. All eyes were on the thick red curtains that led backstage, but minutes went by and no cats of any kind paraded forth. The pregnant silence was interrupted by shouts behind the curtains.

Bruce casually pressed a button on the side of his cell phone and it rapped forth an irritating, high-powered ringtone. He gave an exaggerated sigh for Tatiana’s benefit.

“Hang on, it’s the Board. I’ll be back in a minute. Hello…?” he said, affecting frustration as he pressed the phone to his ear.

Bruce stepped into the aisle, pretending to converse as he quickly made his way out of the stands. He stuck to the shadows, slipping around to the back of the big top. Outside the main tent, dancers, acrobats, and clowns walked to and fro, prepping for their acts or chatting with each other.

The argument had crescendoed; Bruce could hear the Ringmaster desperately shushing whomever was shouting. Bruce hid himself in the darkness between two tall wooden crates. He discovered he was fortuitously close to a seam in the main tent’s canvas. He put his eye to the opening and caught a glimpse of Commissioner Gordon’s familiar face. Commissioner Gordon stood straight as an arrow and looked down his nose at a rather unkempt man in suspenders and a stained undershirt.

“We’ll find your cats,” the Commissioner assured him. “There aren’t that many places in Gotham to hide lions and tigers. Or that many places to sell them. My men are on it already.”

“They better be! Those animals are expensive. If my cats aren’t back by tomorrow, I could lose my job!” the unpleasant man screeched.

The Ringmaster put a placating hand on the man’s arm, but he shrugged it off. Bruce watched as the Commissioner cast an observant eye over his surroundings.

“Now, just to be sure I have everything down correctly, these are the cages for the big cats?”

He indicated four or five surprisingly small wheeled trailers arranged in a semicircle. They looked like old fashioned animal cracker boxes, although they did have the addition of thick rolled draperies that could be let down over the iron bars to fully enclose their tiny spaces. Bruce could see, and even smell, that they hadn’t been cleaned in a while.

“Yes, yes,” the trainer replied impatiently.

“And you did not take them out prior to their performance?” The Commissioner frowned under his moustache as he looked at his notepad.

“No! I already told you that!”

“And you do not have any kind of yard or pen for them to stay in—other than the cages?”

The man didn’t notice the steely glint in Commissioner Gordon’s eye as he shook his head. “They stay in the cages if we aren’t training or performing. Seriously, are you even taking notes?”

“I have to ask to be sure, Sir. Police procedure.”

Bruce grinned as the Commissioner turned away from the man and focused on the Ringmaster, completely dismissing the trainer from the rest of the conversation. The man’s mouth opened and closed a few times and his eyes bulged. But the Commissioner resolutely refused to meet his eye. With an exasperated sigh and a few muttered curses, the trainer walked away to go scold his assistants at the cages.

“As I said,” Commissioner Gordon continued, still standing tall in his most imposing posture, “I already have people looking into all possible locations that can hold big cats. We’re checking all cargo transports out of the city and taking every precaution to find your animals. In the meantime, detectives will be interviewing your employees—to see if anyone saw anything.”

Bruce heard the unspoken notion that the detectives would also be interviewing the employees as potential suspects. The Ringmaster picked up on it too, but nodded frantically.

“Whatever it takes to get George his cats back. He’s difficult at the best of times, but he knows how to train the big cats. We simply don’t have a show without them!”

As the Commissioner made his exit, Bruce leaned back from the circus tent canvas. George might be good at training, but it seemed that he and his staff were terrible at caring for their precious animals. Dirty cages and no room to run or play? He’d had no idea the Gotham City Circus kept their animals in such squalid conditions. Maybe there was a way to put in an anonymous tip… but there was no guarantee an honest city worker would look into the case. Issuing citations wasn’t likely to fix the problem. There had to be a solution, though. He’d think on it.

Later that evening, Bruce cruised the streets of Gotham after dropping off Tatiana at her penthouse. The woman is part octopus, he thought sourly as he recalled his struggle to extricate himself from her amorous embrace at her door. He’d pleaded an emergency board meeting and made tracks, leaving her beautiful pouting lips and sultry eyes behind.

Bruce stopped at a familiar intersection to wait out the red light. He looked up at the building on his left and noticed Commissioner Gordon’s light still on in his office.

Five minutes later, the Batman tapped softly at the Commissioner’s window. The silver-haired man looked up, startled, then smiled. He slid open the window and moved aside to allow Batman to descend on silent feet. The line of his grappling hook whizzed quietly as it retracted into his utility belt.

“You’re up late, Commissioner. Everything okay?” Batman asked as the two shook hands.

Gordon ran a hand through his wavy hair, sighing. “Just working on a weird one, Batman. Cats. Missing cats. With all the missing people in this town, you’d think that would take priority, but here I am, trying to track down animals like a dog catcher. Or a cat catcher, as the case may be.”

“I heard about the no-shows at the Circus. Are you saying there are more missing?”

Commissioner Gordon laughed without humor. “That’s exactly what I’m saying. A lot more, in fact. We’ve gone past ‘hundreds’ and are closing in on a thousand or more. I don’t know if we’re looking at some kind of predator or—”

“Are there signs of predation? Claw marks or other clues of struggle? Any blood, bones?”

The Commissioner shook his head. “No, thank heavens. God knows I’ve got my cat Ruffy secured at home, though. I was letting him out to roam every once in a while, but now I keep him indoors. I’m a little spooked about him getting grabbed.”

Batman nodded, thinking. “That’s a good idea, Jim. If you aren’t seeing any signs of violence, it seems more likely this is theft.”

“That’s where I was leaning too, Batman. I just got a call from the Southminster Cat show; one of the show cats has been taken. The night watchman didn’t see a thing. I’m going to follow up in the morning and talk to the owner. You want to join me?”

“I’ll bring the coffee, Jim. See you there.” With that, Batman stepped onto the ledge of the open window and disappeared into the night.

Commissioner Gordon couldn’t help it; he leaned out to see which way Batman had gone. But just like every other time, he never caught a glimpse of the Batman after his dramatic exit. He sighed. There was nothing more he could do for the case tonight. He closed the window, packed up his briefcase, and headed home, where he hoped Ruffy would still be waiting.

Dick was laid out on a comfortable Italian leather couch, flipping idly through a magazine when Bruce came through the den.

“And how was the lovely Ms. Aurbach?” he asked, lifting his eyes only marginally from the page.

“Grabby,” Bruce replied.

He loosened his tie and removed his cufflinks, dropping them into the pocket of his slacks. Alfred never failed to check his pockets before washing.

Dick closed the magazine and leapt to vertical, an effortless motion his acrobatic background afforded him. “Oh, really? That doesn’t usually vex you.”

“Who says I’m vexed?” Bruce retorted, just as Alfred entered with a tray.

The nascent argument was forestalled by a late night snack the butler had prepared. The trio settled in around a deeply stained and well-polished coffee table. Alfred poured tea from a silver service and passed the cups around.

“I trust Ms. Tatiana is well,” the butler began, “and that the Circus was a delight.”

“Actually, Alfred, someone stole the lions and tigers. But yes, the rest of the night was fine.”

Dick nearly spat out his tea and eyed Bruce incredulously. “The lions and tigers? Seriously? That’s kind of... specific. And heavy. It would be heavy.”

Bruce sipped his tea with perfect form, ignoring Alfred’s approving glance at his lack of slurp. “That’s not all. Tomorrow I’m meeting Jim Gordon to interview the owner of a missing show cat at the Southminster Cat Show.”

“Stolen as well?” Dick raised an eyebrow.

“I hate to make assumptions…”

“I know you do. I’ll wait for your conclusions upon examination of the evidence,” Dick replied, rolling his eyes. “Anything I can do to help?”

“Just be on call. You have anything else going on this week?”

Dick shrugged. “It’s summer break, Bruce. Other than a couple hot dates, I’m free.”

“Not too hot, I hope.”

“Alfred’s run background checks on them already. Well-bred young ladies from Gotham Academy, not a rebel among them. I’m just trying to be a normal teenager, Bruce. Promise.”

Bruce popped a water cracker topped with gruyere cheese into his mouth and leaned back, chewing. He swallowed. “I know, Dick. I’m glad. It’s not always easy with me, I’m aware.”

Dick grinned. “Easy is boring, anyway. I’m here if you need me.”

“Thanks,” Bruce replied.

He stifled the urge to ruffle his ward’s hair. Dick wasn’t a child anymore; he was a young man of sixteen. He was often impulsive, but he had matured greatly over the six years he’d been Bruce’s ward, both as Dick Grayson and as Robin. Bruce was grateful for their friendship and partnership, though he couldn’t deny Dick kept him on his toes. Thank goodness for Alfred’s impeccable timing and mitigating influence.

“Well,” said the butler, breaking the silence as he gathered the tea service and stood, “I’m off to bed. And you should consider the same, Master Bruce. You have an early morning in the office—”

“And an even earlier meeting with Jim Gordon,” Bruce finished, standing and dusting off his knees. “Thanks, Alfred. Good night.”

“Good night, you two.” Dick settled back onto the couch with his magazine as the older men left the room.

Being Alone, Animals, and Apparently: amond d 61723 7 Yrs., 43 lbs Manhattan ACC INTAKE DATE: 05-02-2019 I'm shy, I'm pretty, I'm unique I'm affectionate. My favorite activity is playing fetch with children and running around the park. When in the house I follow people around and enjoy being in the same room with them. My favorite toys are balls, stuffed animals, and chew bones. My favorite games are fetch, chase, and tug. I'm housebroken, I love long walks, I previously lived with 2 adults, 2 children and 1 dog. But they betrayed me, and now I'm alone and lonely and dreaming of a new family to love me forever. A volunteer writes: "Diamond Goodall is just as precious and well-behaved as her name suggests, a gentle family dog whose affectionate heart opens up more and more each day. Keen to explore the park and meet new four-legged friends, she walks like a champ on leash, seems very house trained and is always ready to show off her impeccable sitting skills for a tasty treat. I was lucky enough to share some snuggles with Diamond during our photo shoot, and she gave me thank you kisses in return--too cute! We've yet to see this shy beauty's silly side at the Care Center, but we're told her hobbies include playing fetch with the kids and running around the park, that her favorite toys are balls and stuffed animals, and her favorite games are fetch, chase and tug. A priceless treasure just waiting to be polished to her brightest self by the unconditional love of a forever family, Diamond Goodall can't wait to go home sweet home. Look for this hidden gem at our Manhattan Care Center today. DIAMOND GODELL, ID# 61723, 7 Yrs., 43 lbs., Spayed Female Manhattan ACC, Medium Mixed Breed, Tan / White Owner Surrender Reason: Shelter Assessment Rating: LEVEL 3 No children (under 13) Medical Behavior Rating: OWNER SURRENDER NOTES - BASIC INFORMATION: Diamond Goodall is a large mixed breed, altered, female. She came in as an owner surrender. She previously lived with 2 adults, 2 children and 1 dog. Diamond Goodall is said to be shy for a few minutes with strangers. It is said that with some she will bark and others she will warm up quickly. When playing with adults it is said that she plays gently. Diamond Goodall has previously lived with children of all ages, ranging from new born to teenagers. It is said that she is usually tolerant and respect towards children but has recently been barking at a baby in the house hold. Diamond Goodall previously live with a small mixed breed dog, who is 1 years old. It is said that she was respectful and playful with the dog, and that she plays gently with him. When on leash and on walks, it is said that she will growl, bark, and lunge at dogs in a seeming non-friendly way. Her behavior around cats is unknown. She has no known resource guarding and no bite history. Diamond Goodall is housetrained and her previous owner describes her energy level as high. Other Notes: It is said that Diamond Goodall is non-reactive with storms and fireworks. It is also said that she is non-reactive when her food, toys, and treats are being taken away, when being taken off of furniture, when being restrained, when being disturbed while sleeping, being given a bath, and when unfamiliar people approach family members. It is said that she is afraid when having her coat brushed, and will bark when unfamiliar people approach the house. It is unknown how she will react to having her nails trimmed. She has no known medical concerns. For a New Family to Know: Diamond Goodall is described as shy, affectionate, and anxious. It is said that her favorite activity is playing fetch with children and running around the park. When in the house it is said that she will follow people around and enjoys being in the same room as the family. Her favorite toys are said to be balls, stuffed animals, and chew bones. Her favorite games are said to be fetch, chase, and tug. She was kept indoors and is use to sleeping in a crate. It is said that she is comfortable in a crate for up to 8 hours. She as fed dry food that was always available. It is said that she is house trained and will rarely have accidents in the house. When left alone in the house, it is said that she is well behaved. She knows the commands sit, stay, and come. For exercise she is use to slow walks on leash or runs in the park. It is said that she doesn't pull when on leash and will wander but come when call off leash. SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES - Date of assessment: 5-May-2019 Leash Walking Strength and pulling: Light Reactivity to humans: None Reactivity to dogs: None Leash walking comments: Sociability Loose in room (15-20 seconds): Fearful, tail tucked, trembles Call over: Approaches with coaxing Sociability comments: Handling Soft handling: Accepts contact, leans in, trembles Exuberant handling: Accepts contact, leans in, trembles Handling comments: Arousal Jog: Follows, low bodied, fearful Arousal comments: Knock Knock Comments: No response Toy Toy comments: Minimal interest INTAKE BEHAVIOR - Date of intake: 2-May-2019 Summary: Fearful, tail tucked MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial: 3-May-2019 Summary: Tense, shaking, tail tucked ENERGY LEVEL: Diamond Goodall is reported to have a high energy level in her previous home environment. We recommend daily mental and physical stimulation as a way to direct her energy and enthusiasm. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: Level 3 Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments: No children (under 13): Due to Diamond Goodall's overall level of fear and timidity, we feel as though she would be best set up to succeed in an adult only home environment. Potential challenges: Fearful, Anxiety, On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration. Potential challenges comments: Diamond Goodall is reported to lunge and bark at dogs while on leash in her previous home environment, this behavior has not been observed in the care center, however please refer to handout on Leash Reactivity. Diamond Goodall remains highly fearful in the care center and is reported to be shy in her previous home environment, observed to bark at strangers at times, please see handout on Fearful and Defensive aggression. Diamond Goodall is reported to be anxious in her previous home environment; in the care center she appears to pace and whine during interactions at times. Please see handout on Generalized Anxiety. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 3-May-2019 DVM Intake Exam. Estimated age: ~7yrs based on O hx. Microchip noted on Intake? scanned negative. placed by LVT History : Owner surrender due to patient being reportedly dog reactive and barking at home. Subjective / Observed Behavior - BAR; tense and shaking during exam. Ears pinned back. Tail tucked tightly between legs and with the tip wagging rapidly when soft talk or petting occurs. Muzzled for exam. Evidence of Cruelty seen - none. Evidence of Trauma seen - none. Objective: BCS 5/9, EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. Oral Exam: did not examine due to muzzle being in place. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: No murmur ausculted; CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Tense, Non painful. difficult to palpate due to tense muscles. U/G: spayed female. scar seen. MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat. some staining and pressure sores on feet. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities. Rectal: externally normal. Assessment apparently healthy. Prognosis: excellent. Plan: recommend behavioral assessment. SURGERY: spayed *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** If you would like to adopt a NYC ACC dog, and can get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process, you can contact the shelter directly. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) If you CANNOT get to the shelter in person and you want to FOSTER OR ADOPT a NYC ACC Dog, you can PRIVATE MESSAGE our Must Love Dogs page for assistance. PLEASE NOTE: You MUST live in NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Northern VA. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a NYC ACC dog. Transport is available if you live within the prescribed range of states. Shelter contact information: Phone number (212) 788-4000 Email [email protected] Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309 *** NEW NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM *** Level 1 Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes. These dogs are not displaying concerning behaviors in shelter, and the owner surrender profile (where available) is positive. Some dogs with Level 1 determinations may still have potential challenges, but these are challenges that the behavior team believe can be handled by the majority of adopters. The potential challenges could include no young children, prefers to be the only dog, no dog parks, no cats, kennel presence, basic manners, low level fear and mild anxiety. Level 2 Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience. They will have displayed behavior in the shelter (or have owner reported behavior) that requires some training, or is simply not suitable for an adopter with minimal experience. Dogs with a Level 2 determination may have multiple potential challenges and these may be presenting at differing levels of intensity, so careful consideration of the behavior notes will be required for counselling. Potential challenges at Level 2 include no young children, single pet home, resource guarding, on-leash reactivity, mouthiness, fear with potential for escalation, impulse control/arousal, anxiety and separation anxiety. Level 3 Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters, and the ACC strongly suggest that the adopter have prior experience with the challenges described and/or an understanding of the challenge and how to manage it safely in a home environment. In many cases, a trainer will be needed to manage and work on the behaviors safely in a home environment. It is likely that every dog with a Level 3 determination will have a behavior modification or training plan available to them from the behavior department that will go home with the adopters and be made available to the New Hope Partners for their fosters and adopters. Some of the challenges seen at Level 3 are also seen at Level 1 and Level 2, but when seen alongside a Level 3 determination can be assumed to be more severe. The potential challenges for Level 3 determinations include adult only home (no children under the age of 13), single pet home, resource guarding, on-leash reactivity with potential for redirection, mouthiness with pressure, potential escalation to threatening behavior, impulse control, arousal, anxiety, separation anxiety, bite history (human), bite history (dog) and bite history (other).

Being Alone, Bailey Jay, and Cats: Patche KEPT A PRISONER INSIDE HIS HOME, NEVER TAKEN OUTSIDE EVEN FOR A WALK, A LONELY, ANXIOUS YOUNGSTER HOPES FOR A LIFE HE'S ONLY DREAMED OF. 9 TO BE KILLED - 2/28/2019 “He was too much for me to handle, so I never took him out of the home on walks” The unbelievable words that blurted out of the parent of poor PATCHES. He had to just do his business inside the house on the floor, he had to be happy with the four walls that were his prison, his few toys that he would hang on to, and sometimes “howl” over. Sometimes we can’t contain ourselves here at MLD and get so angry. Poor Patches, he just wanted to be a dog like every other young dog. He wanted to go outside and play. He tried, he really did, to get outside and see the world, but every time he would be dragged back inside. It’s no wonder he was anxious, barking and acting up. He needed exercise, he needed mental stimulation, he needed parents that would give him the time, patience and training every puppy needs. He needed a friend. Now Patches finds himself out in the world, the world he always wanted to see, but it is not what he had dreamed or hoped for. Instead it is a small windowless kennel, barking and whining dogs who miss their families all around him, and the terror of strangers he has never met, and was never allowed to meet during his life with his parents. This kid needs a chance, he needs to be a dog, he needs to be loved and given the life he has only dreamed of, and not death on Thursday, 2/28. Please save his life. If you are an experienced foster or adopter, in an adult only home, hurry and PM our page or email us at [email protected] to foster or adopting her now. PATCHES, ID# 55662, 3 Yrs. Old, 63.43 lbs, Unaltered Male Brooklyn ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Brown / White Owner Surender Reason: Owner deployed overseas Shelter Assessment Rating: Animal Behavior – Aggressive to People Medical Behavior Rating: 4. Orange AT RISK MEMO: Due to the number of behavioral concerns reported in his previous home environment combined with the behavior observed in the care center, we feel as though Patches would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue group. Patches remain highly uncomfortable with most handling as well as the approach from strangers, escalating to threatening behavior. Patches was diagnosed with dental disease. INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE, 2/24/2019: Upon intake counselor did not do any handling with Patches. An animal behavioral Specialist took him from owner and took it to medical to get examined. SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Patches id approx.2 1/2 years old. He was surrendered to BACC due to behavioral issues. He previously lived with 3 adults and 1 child. Owner stated Patches behavior around strangers is unknown because it depends on the person he is with. Sometimes he will want to play and others he will bark at. Owner stated Patches lived with a 5 year old and he was fearful of the child. Has not been around other dogs, so his behavior around other dogs is unknown. Has not been around cats so it is unknown of his behavior. Owner stated Patches do resource guard his food and toys. If you try to take is away while he is eating or playing he will growl and try to snap at you. He has no bite history. He is not housetrained. He has a very high energy level. Other Notes:: Owner stated Patches uses the bathroom inside because they do not take him for walks. He get anxious when left alone. Patches is hard to control. Tries to escape the house. He barks too much and he will try to snap at people. For a New Family to Know: Owner stated Patches is a playful, confident, pushy, fearful and anxious dog. He howls with squeaky toys. He follows you around when your in the house. He like to wrestling, play tug and alert bar. He is mostly indoors. He eats both dry and wet food twice a day. He like to eat biscuits and bone treats. He is not house trained. He have accident daily in the house because owners never took him on walks, he was too much to handle. He will destroy thing in the household when left alone. He never been crate trained. He is hard to walk outside he will pull hard on the leash. SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES – Date of assessment:: 2/27/2019 Summary:: In the care center Patches has tolerated some light handling, however, he does appear to escalate rapidly to growling, lunging and snapping if startled or uncomfortable. Out of concern for his stress level and handler safety, an assessment will not be attempted at this time. PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: Patches previous owner reported that he has not been around other dogs. 2/25: A brief gate greet was performed due to the handling sensitivity Patches has displayed in the care center thus far. Upon approach of the novel female dog, Patches slows his movements, freezes, hard stares, growls then barks once. The novel dog is moved away and no further interaction is conducted. INTAKE BEHAVIOR - Date of initial:: 2/24/2019 Summary:: See "in shelter observations" ENERGY LEVEL:: Patches is reported to have a high energy level in his previous home environment. IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: 2/24 Medical behavior During his initial medical examination, Patches was trembling and panting though approached handler to lean in, appearing loose bodied. He allowed some petting and allowed most of the exam though began to struggle upon restraint; when second handler approached, Patches lunged and snapped. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments:: Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the number of behavioral concerns reported in his previous home environment combined with the behavior observed in the care center, we feel as though Patches would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue group. Patches remains highly uncomfortable with most handling as well as approach from strangers, escalating to threatening behavior. We recommend exercising safe and appropriate management when introducing or exposing Patches to new and unfamiliar situations. Guidance from a professional trainer or behaviorist is highly advised. No children (under 13): Due to the intensity of Patches' escalation, we feel he should be placed into an experienced adult only foster home at this time where he can acclimate and decompress at his own pace. Potential challenges: : House soiling,Destructive behavior,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 24/02/2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Approx 3-4 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive - 911002001470267 History : Owner surrender Subjective: BARH, trembling initially, panting, approaches and sniffs hand when placed near him, approaches handlers and leans into petting, wagging tail and sometimes lose body. Allows petting of face and head, allows oral exam. Allows most of exam with minimal restraint, but starts to struggle against restraint when attempted to hold still. Suddenly snapped and lunged without warning when doctor came near and reached towards him to distract/pet during exam. Evidence of Cruelty seen - none Evidence of Trauma seen - none Objective P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mostly clean dentition, some tartar caudally PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: No obvious distention, did not perform abdominal palpation U/G: Male intact, did not palpate testicles but both appear to be descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: did not examine Assessment: Mild dental disease Prognosis: Good Plan: Neuter. Behavioral assessment. SURGERY: Okay for surgery 24/02/2019 Large amount of blood noted in cage by ACS staff. Visual exam revealed broken left forelimb dew claw with some clotted blood dangling from the wound. Kennel floor and bedding bloody. Rechecked 2 hours later and wound is still bleeding, Patches in very active/pacing/barking in kennel. Plan: Start Rimadyl 50mg PO BID x 4 days Gave second dose of trazodone 100mg Start on trazodone 200 mg BID x 7 days Monitor wound 25/02/2019 HX: Noted to have broken dewclaw on intakes SO: Visual exam only BAR, unremarkable appetite and defecation no sneezing or cough noted no drainage, discharge reddening or swelling noted on left forelimb surroundings have scant blood staining that is not recent A: healthy patient P: will passively monitor for any further bleeding *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** PATCHES IS RATED NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY. You must fill out applications with New Hope Rescues to foster or adopt him. He cannot be reserved online at the ACC ARL, nor can he be direct adopted at the shelter. PLEASE HURRY AND MESSAGE OUR PAGE FOR ASSISTANCE! HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://ift.tt/2ynocEZ Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Being Alone, Andrew Bogut, and Bailey Jay: Patche KEPT A PRISONER INSIDE HIS HOME, NEVER TAKEN OUTSIDE EVEN FOR A WALK, A LONELY, ANXIOUS YOUNGSTER HOPES FOR A LIFE HE'S ONLY DREAMED OF. 9 TO BE KILLED - 2/28/2019 “He was too much for me to handle, so I never took him out of the home on walks” The unbelievable words that blurted out of the parent of poor PATCHES. He had to just do his business inside the house on the floor, he had to be happy with the four walls that were his prison, his few toys that he would hang on to, and sometimes “howl” over. Sometimes we can’t contain ourselves here at MLD and get so angry. Poor Patches, he just wanted to be a dog like every other young dog. He wanted to go outside and play. He tried, he really did, to get outside and see the world, but every time he would be dragged back inside. It’s no wonder he was anxious, barking and acting up. He needed exercise, he needed mental stimulation, he needed parents that would give him the time, patience and training every puppy needs. He needed a friend. Now Patches finds himself out in the world, the world he always wanted to see, but it is not what he had dreamed or hoped for. Instead it is a small windowless kennel, barking and whining dogs who miss their families all around him, and the terror of strangers he has never met, and was never allowed to meet during his life with his parents. This kid needs a chance, he needs to be a dog, he needs to be loved and given the life he has only dreamed of, and not death on Thursday, 2/28. Please save his life. If you are an experienced foster or adopter, in an adult only home, hurry and PM our page or email us at [email protected] to foster or adopting her now. PATCHES, ID# 55662, 3 Yrs. Old, 63.43 lbs, Unaltered Male Brooklyn ACC, Large Mixed Breed, Brown / White Owner Surender Reason: Owner deployed overseas Shelter Assessment Rating: Animal Behavior – Aggressive to People Medical Behavior Rating: 4. Orange AT RISK MEMO: Due to the number of behavioral concerns reported in his previous home environment combined with the behavior observed in the care center, we feel as though Patches would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue group. Patches remain highly uncomfortable with most handling as well as the approach from strangers, escalating to threatening behavior. Patches was diagnosed with dental disease. INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE, 2/24/2019: Upon intake counselor did not do any handling with Patches. An animal behavioral Specialist took him from owner and took it to medical to get examined. SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Patches id approx.2 1/2 years old. He was surrendered to BACC due to behavioral issues. He previously lived with 3 adults and 1 child. Owner stated Patches behavior around strangers is unknown because it depends on the person he is with. Sometimes he will want to play and others he will bark at. Owner stated Patches lived with a 5 year old and he was fearful of the child. Has not been around other dogs, so his behavior around other dogs is unknown. Has not been around cats so it is unknown of his behavior. Owner stated Patches do resource guard his food and toys. If you try to take is away while he is eating or playing he will growl and try to snap at you. He has no bite history. He is not housetrained. He has a very high energy level. Other Notes:: Owner stated Patches uses the bathroom inside because they do not take him for walks. He get anxious when left alone. Patches is hard to control. Tries to escape the house. He barks too much and he will try to snap at people. For a New Family to Know: Owner stated Patches is a playful, confident, pushy, fearful and anxious dog. He howls with squeaky toys. He follows you around when your in the house. He like to wrestling, play tug and alert bar. He is mostly indoors. He eats both dry and wet food twice a day. He like to eat biscuits and bone treats. He is not house trained. He have accident daily in the house because owners never took him on walks, he was too much to handle. He will destroy thing in the household when left alone. He never been crate trained. He is hard to walk outside he will pull hard on the leash. SHELTER ASSESSMENT SUMMARIES – Date of assessment:: 2/27/2019 Summary:: In the care center Patches has tolerated some light handling, however, he does appear to escalate rapidly to growling, lunging and snapping if startled or uncomfortable. Out of concern for his stress level and handler safety, an assessment will not be attempted at this time. PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: Patches previous owner reported that he has not been around other dogs. 2/25: A brief gate greet was performed due to the handling sensitivity Patches has displayed in the care center thus far. Upon approach of the novel female dog, Patches slows his movements, freezes, hard stares, growls then barks once. The novel dog is moved away and no further interaction is conducted. INTAKE BEHAVIOR - Date of initial:: 2/24/2019 Summary:: See "in shelter observations" ENERGY LEVEL:: Patches is reported to have a high energy level in his previous home environment. IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: 2/24 Medical behavior During his initial medical examination, Patches was trembling and panting though approached handler to lean in, appearing loose bodied. He allowed some petting and allowed most of the exam though began to struggle upon restraint; when second handler approached, Patches lunged and snapped. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: New Hope Only Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments:: Place with a New Hope partner: Due to the number of behavioral concerns reported in his previous home environment combined with the behavior observed in the care center, we feel as though Patches would be best set up to succeed if placed with an experienced rescue group. Patches remains highly uncomfortable with most handling as well as approach from strangers, escalating to threatening behavior. We recommend exercising safe and appropriate management when introducing or exposing Patches to new and unfamiliar situations. Guidance from a professional trainer or behaviorist is highly advised. No children (under 13): Due to the intensity of Patches' escalation, we feel he should be placed into an experienced adult only foster home at this time where he can acclimate and decompress at his own pace. Potential challenges: : House soiling,Destructive behavior,Fearful/potential for defensive aggression,Anxiety MEDICAL EXAM NOTES 24/02/2019 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Approx 3-4 years Microchip noted on Intake? Positive - 911002001470267 History : Owner surrender Subjective: BARH, trembling initially, panting, approaches and sniffs hand when placed near him, approaches handlers and leans into petting, wagging tail and sometimes lose body. Allows petting of face and head, allows oral exam. Allows most of exam with minimal restraint, but starts to struggle against restraint when attempted to hold still. Suddenly snapped and lunged without warning when doctor came near and reached towards him to distract/pet during exam. Evidence of Cruelty seen - none Evidence of Trauma seen - none Objective P = wnl R = wnl BCS = 5/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: mostly clean dentition, some tartar caudally PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: No obvious distention, did not perform abdominal palpation U/G: Male intact, did not palpate testicles but both appear to be descended MSI: Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: did not examine Assessment: Mild dental disease Prognosis: Good Plan: Neuter. Behavioral assessment. SURGERY: Okay for surgery 24/02/2019 Large amount of blood noted in cage by ACS staff. Visual exam revealed broken left forelimb dew claw with some clotted blood dangling from the wound. Kennel floor and bedding bloody. Rechecked 2 hours later and wound is still bleeding, Patches in very active/pacing/barking in kennel. Plan: Start Rimadyl 50mg PO BID x 4 days Gave second dose of trazodone 100mg Start on trazodone 200 mg BID x 7 days Monitor wound 25/02/2019 HX: Noted to have broken dewclaw on intakes SO: Visual exam only BAR, unremarkable appetite and defecation no sneezing or cough noted no drainage, discharge reddening or swelling noted on left forelimb surroundings have scant blood staining that is not recent A: healthy patient P: will passively monitor for any further bleeding *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** PATCHES IS RATED NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY. You must fill out applications with New Hope Rescues to foster or adopt him. He cannot be reserved online at the ACC ARL, nor can he be direct adopted at the shelter. PLEASE HURRY AND MESSAGE OUR PAGE FOR ASSISTANCE! HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://ift.tt/2ynocEZ Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications. Shelter contact information Phone number (212) 788-4000 Email [email protected] Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309 *** NEW NYC ACC RATING SYSTEM *** Level 1 Dogs with Level 1 determinations are suitable for the majority of homes. These dogs are not displaying concerning behaviors in shelter, and the owner surrender profile (where available) is positive. Some dogs with Level 1 determinations may still have potential challenges, but these are challenges that the behavior team believe can be handled by the majority of adopters. The potential challenges could include no young children, prefers to be the only dog, no dog parks, no cats, kennel presence, basic manners, low level fear and mild anxiety. Level 2 Dogs with Level 2 determinations will be suitable for adopters with some previous dog experience. They will have displayed behavior in the shelter (or have owner reported behavior) that requires some training, or is simply not suitable for an adopter with minimal experience. Dogs with a Level 2 determination may have multiple potential challenges and these may be presenting at differing levels of intensity, so careful consideration of the behavior notes will be required for counselling. Potential challenges at Level 2 include no young children, single pet home, resource guarding, on-leash reactivity, mouthiness, fear with potential for escalation, impulse control/arousal, anxiety and separation anxiety. Level 3 Dogs with Level 3 determinations will need to go to homes with experienced adopters, and the ACC strongly suggest that the adopter have prior experience with the challenges described and/or an understanding of the challenge and how to manage it safely in a home environment. In many cases, a trainer will be needed to manage and work on the behaviors safely in a home environment. It is likely that every dog with a Level 3 determination will have a behavior modification or training plan available to them from the behavior department that will go home with the adopters and be made available to the New Hope Partners for their fosters and adopters. Some of the challenges seen at Level 3 are also seen at Level 1 and Level 2, but when seen alongside a Level 3 determination can be assumed to be more severe. The potential challenges for Level 3 determinations include adult only home (no children under the age of 13), single pet home, resource guarding, on-leash reactivity with potential for redirection, mouthiness with pressure, potential escalation to threatening behavior, impulse control, arousal, anxiety, separation anxiety, bite history (human), bite history (dog) and bite history (other). New Hope Rescue Only Dog is not publicly adoptable. Prospective fosters or adopters need to fill out applications with New Hope Partner Rescues to save this dog.

Being Alone, Beautiful, and Bones: "Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'" Kenyatit Id 50152, a 12 Yrs., 46 Lbs. Manhattan ACC *** TO BE KILLED - 12/21/2018 *** “I am an elf and I learned how to comport myself among trolls, hobbits or goblins. I learned that a friend can be lost to greed and avarice. I learned that solving riddles may be as important a survival skill as bowmanship. I know how to talk to a dragon, and that it's best not to.” Beautiful, sweet senior Kenyatta was dumped at the shelter after 12 years of love and loyalty. She was then adopted, and returned only 4 months later because after all she had been through, she didn't want to be alone in her new home. She barked and the landlord complained and said, "out." Now this poor lady is back at the shelter, being her usual, gentle and affectionate self, but wanting desperately to find her forever family. Wont' you help her out? As a Volunteer Writes: “Volunteers write her mash notes on a board that read things like, "So sweet!" "Nice girl!" If Santa is looking for another reindeer, this perfectly behaved girl is ready for the job: She is gorgeous on a leash, knows how to sit, appears house trained, and loves pleasing the person who has asked her to do anything. She's snuggly yet spunky, gentle and affectionate. An ideal family dog, Kenyatta may not be called up by Santa to do the Christmas Eve run this year, but maybe she can join your family for the holidays for the rest of her life? It would be the best gift Kenyatta could have, and certainly yours.” If you can adopt Kenyatta, please MESSAGE our page or email us at [email protected] MY VIDEO: The sweetest little elf <3 https://youtu.be/tz675djNmng KENYATTA, ID# 50152, @ 12 Yrs. Old, 46.6 lbs. Manhattan ACC, Medium Mixed Breed, Tan / White, Unaltered Female Owner Surrender Reason: After Kenyatta lost her original home 4 months ago, her new owner’s landlord complained about her barking (entirely due to separation anxiety) Shelter Assessment Rating: Medical Behavior Rating: 2. Blue OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Kenyatta was brought into our facilities as an owner surrender due to complaints from the landlord about her barking. Kenyatta's most recent owner had had her for four months after being given her by a friend who could no longer keep her. Kenyatta is a white and brown large mixed breed intact female dog. She currently has a mass on her chest, but has reportedly been healthy otherwise. She last saw a vet for a rabies vaccine about 4 months ago. Kenyatta previously lived with 2 adults. Around strangers, Kenyatta is friendly and outgoing. She will play exuberantly with adults. Kenyatta has been around children and is described as being relaxed, respectful, and tolerant. She did not play with children. Kenyatta has been around dogs of all sizes. She reportedly gets along with them, but according to the most recent owner, she will "loom" overtop of them and it makes some other dogs nervous. Kenyatta has not been around cats before. Kenyatta does not have any resource guarding behaviors. Kenyatta has never bitten another animal or person. She is housetrained and has a medium to high energy level. Other Notes: Kenyatta reportedly will bark the entire time when left home alone. She is not bothered by loud storms or fireworks. She is not bothered when pushed or pulled off of furniture and will jump down when told "get down," when held or restrained, when disturbed while sleeping or resting, when her nails are trimmed, or when someone unfamiliar approaches her owner or their family. She is afraid of baths and will run away. Her most recent owner did not brush her. Has this dog ever had any medical issues? Yes Medical Notes: Kenyatta currently has a pendulous mass on her chest. The most recent owner did not seek medical attention for it. For a New Family to Know: Kenyatta is described as being friendly, affectionate, playful, and pushy. When you are home, she likes to follow you around. Her favorite toys are tennis balls. She likes to play fetch. She has been kept indoors only. She slept on her dog bed in the living room. She was fed Nutro brand dry food twice a day. Her favorite treats are bones. She is house-trained and never has accidents. She will use the bathroom on any surface outside. When left home alone, she will bark the entire time she is alone. She has never been left alone in a yard or crate trained. She knows the command sit. She is used to walks on the leash and running in the dog park for exercise. She pulls lightly on the leash and has never been walked without a leash. Kenyatta's favorite thing to do is run outside. Her most recent owner's favorite things about her are how she is very loving and how she likes attention from people. INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE, 12/9/2018: Upon intake, Kenyatta allowed all handling. She had a loose, wiggly body and was easy to collar, scan for a microchip, leash, and photograph. She leaned in for pets and would press her body against counselor's legs. SHELTER ASSESSMENT – DATE OF ASSESSMENT, 10-Dec-2018 Look: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog's mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Paw squeeze 2: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Flank squeeze 1: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2: Item not conducted Toy: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away. Summary: Kenyatta approached the assessor with a soft body. She was social during the assessment, allowed all handling, and displayed no concerning behaviors. PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: Summary (1): 12/10: When introduced off leash to dogs Kenyatta is tense and avoids. Summary (2): 12/13: Kenyatta is tense and keeps to self. ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Kenyatta so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. At the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Potential challenges: Separation anxiety Potential challenges comments: Separation anxiety: Kenyatta is reported to bark continuously when left home alone, =indicating there is a possibility she may have separation anxiety. We recommend that potential adopters feel comfortable with separation anxiety behaviors and are prepared to manage and positively modify them should they appear in a home environment. She would do best in a home where a person is home for a large part of the day or with a plan so she is not alone for long periods of time. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES DVM Intake Exam. Estimated age: Reported 12 years old - exam is consistent with 7-12 years. Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative. History : Surrendered. Pt has two masses on her chest - one large soft fatty mass which pt has had for 4+ months, and one small scabbed mass which will occasionally burst and bleed. Subjective: Alert, energetic. Observed Behavior - Runs into exam room, skitters around. Initially allows handling and close exam of face, then gets agitated and starts to bark at us, ducks away from handling. Pt was muzzled easily, and this actually calmed her down. Evidence of Cruelty seen – None. Evidence of Trauma seen – None. Objective: BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 5/9, EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. Oral Exam: Severe tartar esp on PMs. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic, no coughing or sneezing ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated, not distended U/G: Female, mature nipples, no mammary masses or vulvar discharge MSI: Large pendulous mass on ventral chest, along midline - approx 4 cm dia, soft and squishy, cold to the touch, normal overlying skin. Small scabbed mass on left side of cranial chest - approx 1 cm dia, crusty and black. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, healthy hair coat. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities. Rectal: Normal externally. Assessment: 1. Pendulous soft mass, 2. Small scabbed mass - concern for cutaneous hemangioma/hemangiosarcoma, 3. Dental disease. Prognosis: Good. Plan: 1. Recommend FNA/excisional bx of both masses, especially small scabbed mass. 2. Recommend dental cleaning and daily tooth brushing. SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age] It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate. * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! * STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Being Alone, Beautiful, and Bones: "Go not to the elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'" Kenyatit Id 50152, a 12 Yrs., 46 Lbs. Manhattan ACC *** TO BE KILLED - 12/22/2018 *** “I am an elf and I learned how to comport myself among trolls, hobbits or goblins. I learned that a friend can be lost to greed and avarice. I learned that solving riddles may be as important a survival skill as bowmanship. I know how to talk to a dragon, and that it's best not to.” Beautiful, sweet senior Kenyatta was dumped at the shelter after 12 years of love and loyalty. She was then adopted, and returned only 4 months later because after all she had been through, she didn't want to be alone in her new home. She barked and the landlord complained and said, "out." Now this poor lady is back at the shelter, being her usual, gentle and affectionate self, but wanting desperately to find her forever family. Wont' you help her out? As a Volunteer Writes: “Volunteers write her mash notes on a board that read things like, "So sweet!" "Nice girl!" If Santa is looking for another reindeer, this perfectly behaved girl is ready for the job: She is gorgeous on a leash, knows how to sit, appears house trained, and loves pleasing the person who has asked her to do anything. She's snuggly yet spunky, gentle and affectionate. An ideal family dog, Kenyatta may not be called up by Santa to do the Christmas Eve run this year, but maybe she can join your family for the holidays for the rest of her life? It would be the best gift Kenyatta could have, and certainly yours.” If you can adopt Kenyatta, please MESSAGE our page or email us at [email protected] MY VIDEO: The sweetest little elf <3 https://youtu.be/tz675djNmng KENYATTA, ID# 50152, @ 12 Yrs. Old, 46.6 lbs. Manhattan ACC, Medium Mixed Breed, Tan / White, Unaltered Female Owner Surrender Reason: After Kenyatta lost her original home 4 months ago, her new owner’s landlord complained about her barking (entirely due to separation anxiety) Shelter Assessment Rating: Medical Behavior Rating: 2. Blue OWNER SURRENDER NOTES – BASIC INFORMATION: Kenyatta was brought into our facilities as an owner surrender due to complaints from the landlord about her barking. Kenyatta's most recent owner had had her for four months after being given her by a friend who could no longer keep her. Kenyatta is a white and brown large mixed breed intact female dog. She currently has a mass on her chest, but has reportedly been healthy otherwise. She last saw a vet for a rabies vaccine about 4 months ago. Kenyatta previously lived with 2 adults. Around strangers, Kenyatta is friendly and outgoing. She will play exuberantly with adults. Kenyatta has been around children and is described as being relaxed, respectful, and tolerant. She did not play with children. Kenyatta has been around dogs of all sizes. She reportedly gets along with them, but according to the most recent owner, she will "loom" overtop of them and it makes some other dogs nervous. Kenyatta has not been around cats before. Kenyatta does not have any resource guarding behaviors. Kenyatta has never bitten another animal or person. She is housetrained and has a medium to high energy level. Other Notes: Kenyatta reportedly will bark the entire time when left home alone. She is not bothered by loud storms or fireworks. She is not bothered when pushed or pulled off of furniture and will jump down when told "get down," when held or restrained, when disturbed while sleeping or resting, when her nails are trimmed, or when someone unfamiliar approaches her owner or their family. She is afraid of baths and will run away. Her most recent owner did not brush her. Has this dog ever had any medical issues? Yes Medical Notes: Kenyatta currently has a pendulous mass on her chest. The most recent owner did not seek medical attention for it. For a New Family to Know: Kenyatta is described as being friendly, affectionate, playful, and pushy. When you are home, she likes to follow you around. Her favorite toys are tennis balls. She likes to play fetch. She has been kept indoors only. She slept on her dog bed in the living room. She was fed Nutro brand dry food twice a day. Her favorite treats are bones. She is house-trained and never has accidents. She will use the bathroom on any surface outside. When left home alone, she will bark the entire time she is alone. She has never been left alone in a yard or crate trained. She knows the command sit. She is used to walks on the leash and running in the dog park for exercise. She pulls lightly on the leash and has never been walked without a leash. Kenyatta's favorite thing to do is run outside. Her most recent owner's favorite things about her are how she is very loving and how she likes attention from people. INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE, 12/9/2018: Upon intake, Kenyatta allowed all handling. She had a loose, wiggly body and was easy to collar, scan for a microchip, leash, and photograph. She leaned in for pets and would press her body against counselor's legs. SHELTER ASSESSMENT – DATE OF ASSESSMENT, 10-Dec-2018 Look: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, with tail wagging and ears back. Allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog's mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Paw squeeze 2: 1. Dog gently pulls back his/her paw. Flank squeeze 1: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2: Item not conducted Toy: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away. Summary: Kenyatta approached the assessor with a soft body. She was social during the assessment, allowed all handling, and displayed no concerning behaviors. PLAYGROUP NOTES – DOG TO DOG SUMMARIES: Summary (1): 12/10: When introduced off leash to dogs Kenyatta is tense and avoids. Summary (2): 12/13: Kenyatta is tense and keeps to self. ENERGY LEVEL: We have no history on Kenyatta so we cannot be certain of her behavior in a home environment. At the care center, she displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Potential challenges: Separation anxiety Potential challenges comments: Separation anxiety: Kenyatta is reported to bark continuously when left home alone, =indicating there is a possibility she may have separation anxiety. We recommend that potential adopters feel comfortable with separation anxiety behaviors and are prepared to manage and positively modify them should they appear in a home environment. She would do best in a home where a person is home for a large part of the day or with a plan so she is not alone for long periods of time. MEDICAL EXAM NOTES DVM Intake Exam. Estimated age: Reported 12 years old - exam is consistent with 7-12 years. Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative. History : Surrendered. Pt has two masses on her chest - one large soft fatty mass which pt has had for 4+ months, and one small scabbed mass which will occasionally burst and bleed. Subjective: Alert, energetic. Observed Behavior - Runs into exam room, skitters around. Initially allows handling and close exam of face, then gets agitated and starts to bark at us, ducks away from handling. Pt was muzzled easily, and this actually calmed her down. Evidence of Cruelty seen – None. Evidence of Trauma seen – None. Objective: BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 5/9, EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted. Oral Exam: Severe tartar esp on PMs. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic, no coughing or sneezing ABD: Non painful, no masses palpated, not distended U/G: Female, mature nipples, no mammary masses or vulvar discharge MSI: Large pendulous mass on ventral chest, along midline - approx 4 cm dia, soft and squishy, cold to the touch, normal overlying skin. Small scabbed mass on left side of cranial chest - approx 1 cm dia, crusty and black. Ambulatory x 4, skin free of parasites, healthy hair coat. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities. Rectal: Normal externally. Assessment: 1. Pendulous soft mass, 2. Small scabbed mass - concern for cutaneous hemangioma/hemangiosarcoma, 3. Dental disease. Prognosis: Good. Plan: 1. Recommend FNA/excisional bx of both masses, especially small scabbed mass. 2. Recommend dental cleaning and daily tooth brushing. SURGERY: Permanent waiver due to age [Spay/Neuter Waiver - Age] It is the policy of ACC not to perform surgery on any animal over the age of 8-10 years due to the higher risks incurred in a shelter setting. The veterinarian is hereby issuing a permanent spay/neuter waiver, from the spay/neuter requirements of the City of NY due to the estimated age of this animal. ACC does recommend you consult with your veterinarian to determine if surgical sterilization is appropriate. * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! * STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account \ Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU CANNOT GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Andrew Bogut, Children, and Click: WIGGLY, SOFT, FRIENDLY, SOCIAL, SWEET BOY Milo ID 39772, e 5 Yrs. Old, 45 lbs. of Love, Dreaming of a loving home, at Manhattan ACC TO BE KILLED – 9/12/2018 A stellar SAFER, loose, wiggly, friendly social and incredibly sweet, MILO has been a model guest at the Care Center since his arrival on August 28th. Found as a stray, he was brought to the shelter by the person who supposedly found him, but we don’t know how long he was in that person’s home, or what that home was like. But it obviously was stressful for little Milo, so we have to assume that he didn’t get the chance to decompress from his being lost in the streets, not allowed a quiet, calm, structured environment where he could relax and then warm at his own pace to his new digs. This poor pup also had a seizure while at the shelter, and this can be very disorienting, and will need some follow up medical to discern the cause. Little Milo is looking for a wonderful new home, an adult only home with children over the age of 13, where he can finally find the happiness that seems to have eluded him. He’s a little sweetie, so please give him a chance. PRIVATE MESSAGE our page or email us at [email protected] for assistance fostering or adopting him. MILO, ID # 39772 @ 5 Yrs. Old, 45.2 lbs. Manhattan ACC, Medium Breed, Beagle, Tri-Color, Unaltered Male I came to the shelter as an Agency on 8/28/2018 Shelter Assessment Rating: New Hope Rescue Only Intake Behavior Rating: AT RISK MEMO: We recommend Milo go to an adult only environment prepared to manage behavior reported in previous home. While at ACC he has had one seizure. We recommend he go to a partner prepared to follow up with any further diagnostics that may be needed. . INTAKE NOTES – DATE OF INTAKE, 9/7/2018: Upon intake, Drake had his tail lowered and a slightly tense body. Drake allowed the counselor to collar him and walked well on the leash. Drake walked into the kennel on his own. SHELTER ASSESSMENT – DATE OF ASSESSMENT, 9/6/2018 Look:: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, ears are back, tail is down, relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity:: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog's mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item. Tag:: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Paw squeeze 1:: 2. Dog quickly pulls back. Paw squeeze 2:: 2. Dog quickly pull back. Flank squeeze 1:: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 2:: Item not conducted Toy:: 2. Dog takes toy away, keeps a firm hold. His/her body is between you and the toy, and is loose and wiggly. No growling or stiffness. Summary:: Milo approached the assessor with a soft body. He allowed all handling and displayed no concerning behaviors. MEDICAL BEHAVIOR - Date of initial:: 9/1/2018. Summary:: Slightly tense, allowed handling ENERGY LEVEL:: Milo displays a medium level of activity. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: NEW HOPE ONLY Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Bite history:: Yes, Milo has bitten his owner four times. The most recent bite was to the owner's finger when the owner was trying to take him out, which left one small puncture. Recommendations:: No children (under 13),Place with a New Hope partner Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to Milo's multiple bite history, we recommend an adult only home. Place with a New Hope partner: Due to Milo's multiple bite history, we recommend placement with a New Hope partner who can provide any necessary behavior modification (force-free, positive reinforcement-based) and re-evaluate behavior in a stable home environment before placement into a permanent home. Potential challenges: : Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression Potential challenges comments:: Multiple-bite history/risk of future aggression: Milo bit his owner four times in his previous home. The last bite was to the owner's finger when the owner attempted to take him out and left a shallow puncture. We do not know the circumstances or severity of the previous three bites. Guidance from a professional trainer/behaviorist is recommended to assess behavior after decompression in a new home environment. Force-free, reward based training is advised when introducing or exposing Milo to new and unfamiliar situations. MEDICAL NOTES: 1/09/2018 DVM Intake Exam Estimated age: Estimated 3-8 years old based on dentition and overall appearance Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History : DOH-B. Had a seizure this morning around 8am. Subjective: Alert, resting in kennel Observed Behavior - Slightly tense, allows all handling Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None Objective BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 6-7/9 EENT: Scleral hemorrhage, especially right eye. Clean ears. Mild SND. No ocular discharge. Oral Exam: Moderate tartar and gingival recession. PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Reverse sneezing. Lungs clear, eupnic. ABD: Soft, non painful, no masses palpated, not distended U/G: Male intact, testicles S/S MSI: Ambulatory x 4, stands with elbows abducted. Skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally CBC/chemistry: Mild hyperglycemia (153 mg/dl), mild alk phos elevation (218 u/l). Normal RBC, WBC, electrolytes, BUN/creat, proteins Assessment: 1. Seizure this AM - R/O one-time event vs. epilepsy (idiopathic vs. congenital disease vs. neoplasia) 2. Overweight 3. Dental disease 4. Scleral hemorhhages - R/O self-trauma during seizure vs. other Prognosis: Fair-good Plan: 1. Monitor for further seizures. If pt has another seiuzre, recommend starting anti-epileptic medication, consider MRI. 2. Recommend weight loss of 5-10 lbs 3. Recommend daily tooth brushing and regular dental cleanings 4. Monitor scleral hemorrhages for resolution SURGERY: Okay for surgery - IN HOUSE due to sz hx 1088 6/09/2018 SO QAR in kennel. Reported to be coughing or sneezing for 2 days. EN -- eyes are clear. Mild serous nasal discharge from nose. No coughing or sneezing seen. A CIRDC P move to ISO doxycycline 100mg tablet -- give 2 PO q24h x 14 days Enrofloxacin 136 mg tablet -- give 1.5 tablet PO q24h x 14 days -- added due to high risk of pneumonia in shelter at this time cerenia 60mg tablet -- give 0.5 tablet PO q24h x 4 days 11/09/2018 S/O - No coughing or sneezing. No ocular or nasal discharge. a - Pt stable. CIRDC Resolving. P - Move to adoptions *** TO FOSTER OR ADOPT *** MILO IS RESCUE ONLY. You must fill out applications with New Hope Rescues to foster or adopt him. He cannot be reserved online at the ACC ARL, nor can he be direct adopted at the shelter. PLEASE HURRY AND MESSAGE OUR PAGE FOR ASSISTANCE! HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) nycacc.org HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications. Shelter contact information Phone number (212) 788-4000 Email [email protected] Shelter Addresses: Brooklyn Shelter: 2336 Linden Boulevard Brooklyn, NY 11208 Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 Staten Island Shelter: 3139 Veterans Road West Staten Island, NY 10309

Beautiful, Best Friend, and Children: @manhattan ace walting for loue 17072 -2 yeard old, 54 lbs Beautiful, young, friendly, smart Spayed & Ready To Go Homel! **** TO BE KILLED - 8/14/2018 **** SHE'S GOT THE CUTEST SMILE <3 A volunteer writes: If Mallory was shy when she came in, it is all gone...And when she knows you, she is "all out"! Mallory is a beautiful young lady, so well cared for by her former owners who did not have time for a pet anymore. She comes with outstanding comments, though, lived and played with four children, was welcoming of strangers and was across the board a friendly, affectionate, playful and loyal family dog. I love Mallory and look forward to take her out each time I am at the care center. She gets good reviews from other volunteers, too! Mallory is a strong girl, a fast walker, is very house trained and has a tendency to pull toward other dogs. She is at her best leash-free in the yard, where she shows her skills. Mallory comes when called, sits on command, gives the left paw on demand, and hops on my lap, most of the time unexpectedly, to give kisses. She is very polite taking treats and loves to play ball. She is so gorgeous when she smiles, showing her genuine happiness to be in company. Yes, I love Mallory, she is "Life" in person, and "Companionship" takes its true meaning when I spend time with her. Come and meet Mallory at the Manhattan Care Center. I hope that you will see what I see and take her home as your forever best friend! MALLORY@MANHATTAN ACC Mallory ID# 17072 Manhattan Animal Care Center Sex: Female Age: 2 years old Is Vaccinated: Yes Primary Color: Tan Secondary Color: White Weight: 54 lbs. Intake Date: 08-02-2018 Medical Behavior: Green Spayed / Neutered Yes My health has been checked. My vaccinations are up to date My worming is up to date I have been microchipped Please take note of the Animal ID before contacting shelter Behavior Assessment Date of intake:: 8/2/2018 Spay/Neuter status:: Yes Means of surrender (length of time in previous home):: Owner Surrender (In home for 8 months) Previously lived with:: Adults Behavior toward strangers:: Friendly and outgoing Behavior toward children:: Relaxed and playful Behavior toward dogs:: Barks at dogs she sees outside Resource guarding:: None reported Bite history:: None reported Housetrained:: Yes Energy level/descriptors:: Mallory is described as friendly, affectionate, playful, and loyal with a medium to high level of activity. Date of assessment:: 8/5/2018 Look:: 2. Dog's eyes are averted, body posture is stiff and fearful, tail is low and not moving. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity:: 2. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, tail is between legs, body stiff, mouth closed, lip long, ears likely back, may lip lick. Tag:: 3. Dog repeatedly turns quickly away when touched, or repeatedly spins toward the touch, and repeatedly tries to exit. Dog may be crouching, tail is tucked, mouth closed, body stiff. Paw squeeze 1:: 3. Dog closes mouth, becomes stiff. Paw squeeze 2:: Item not conducted Flank squeeze 1:: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Flank squeeze 2:: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Toy:: 1. Minimal interest in toy, dog may smell or lick, then turns away. Summary:: Mallory approached the assessor with a tense, low body. She was tense during the assessment, moving away and avoiding handling at times. She appeared very uncomfortable with up close handling. Summary (1):: 12/28: When introduced off leash to the male greeter dog, Mallory is uncomfortable, trembling, and moves away from approach. Summary (2):: 8/3: Mallory is fearful when introduced to a male greeter dog, and prefers to keep to herself. Date of intake:: 8/2/2018 Summary:: Hid at first then allowed handling Date of initial:: 8/4/2018 Summary:: Tense, active, resists restraint, allowed limited handling ENERGY LEVEL:: Mallory is described as having a medium-high level of activity. We recommend long-lasting chews, food puzzles, and hide-and-seek games, in additional to physical exercise, to positively direct her energy and enthusiasm. IN SHELTER OBSERVATIONS:: Mallory remains calm in the shelter environment and social with handlers. She maintains a loose wiggly body throughout interactions and solicits attention from handlers. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION:: ADULT ONLY HOME Behavior Asilomar: TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations:: No children (under 13) Recommendations comments:: No children: Due to how uncomfortable Mallory is currently with touch and novel stimuli, we feel that an adult-only home would be most beneficial at this time. Potential challenges: : Fearful,On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration Potential challenges comments:: On-leash reactivity/barrier frustration: Mallory is reported to bark at other dogs she sees while walking on leash. Mallory may need positive reinforcement, reward based training to teach her to look at you rather than other dogs. We recommend a front clip harness or head halter to help manage this behavior. Fearful: Mallory appears very fearful at the care center, especially with up close handling and with quick movements. It is important to always go slow and give Mallory the option to walk away from any social interaction. Mallory should never be forced to approach anything that she is uncomfortable with or to submit to petting or handling. It should always be Mallory’s choice to approach a new person or thing. Mallory would do best in an initially calm and quiet home environment and should be given time to acclimate to her new surroundings. My medical notes are... Weight: 54 lbs Medical Assistant 28/12/2017 [LVT Intake Exam] Microchip Scan: negative, placed 981020025020818 Evidence of Cruelty: no Observed Behavior: allows all handling, bouncy and friendly Sex: intact female Estimated Age: appx 1-2y Subjective: underweight but otherwise seemingly healthy dog, small pressure sores on feet Eyes: clear Ears: clean Oral Exam: minimal staining Heart: WNL Lungs: WNL Abdomen: WNL Musculoskeletal: 3.5-4/9 BCS Mentation: BARH Preliminary Assessment: seemingly healthy dog * TO FOSTER OR ADOPT * If you would like to adopt a dog on our “To Be Killed” list, and you CAN get to the shelter in person to complete the adoption process *within 48 hours of reserve*, you can reserve the dog online until noon on the day they are scheduled to die. We have provided the Brooklyn, Staten Island and Manhattan information below. Adoption hours at these facilities is Noon – 8:00 p.m. (6:30 on weekends) HOW TO RESERVE A “TO BE KILLED” DOG ONLINE (only for those who can get to the shelter IN PERSON to complete the adoption process, and only for the dogs on the list NOT marked New Hope Rescue Only). Follow our Step by Step directions below! *PLEASE NOTE – YOU MUST USE A PC OR TABLET – PHONE RESERVES WILL NOT WORK! ** STEP 1: CLICK ON THIS RESERVE LINK: https://newhope.shelterbuddy.com/Animal/List Step 2: Go to the red menu button on the top right corner, click register and fill in your info. Step 3: Go to your email and verify account Step 4: Go back to the website, click the menu button and view available dogs Step 5: Scroll to the animal you are interested and click reserve STEP 6 ( MOST IMPORTANT STEP ): GO TO THE MENU AGAIN AND VIEW YOUR CART. THE ANIMAL SHOULD NOW BE IN YOUR CART! Step 7: Fill in your credit card info and complete transaction Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) nycacc.org HOW TO FOSTER OR ADOPT IF YOU *CANNOT* GET TO THE SHELTER IN PERSON, OR IF THE DOG IS NEW HOPE RESCUE ONLY! You must live within 3 – 4 hours of NY, NJ, PA, CT, RI, DE, MD, MA, NH, VT, ME or Norther VA. Please PM our page for assistance. You will need to fill out applications with a New Hope Rescue Partner to foster or adopt a dog on the To Be Killed list, including those labelled Rescue Only. Hurry please, time is short, and the Rescues need time to process the applications.

Being Alone, Andrew Bogut, and Animals: name is Gua O and I'm a good little boy C ana Im a good little bo Please Adopt Can we say holy cuteness? Yes, we sure can!! A VOLUNTEER WRITES: "What's the most adorable thing about 6 year young Guapo His little batty ears? The way he wiggles uncontrollably towards you? Or his penchant for snuggling with stuffed Christmas heroes? Christmas may be a ways away but you l wake up to a gift every morning with this little nugget by your side." Most adora ble little Guapo waits for you to save his life at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Inquire about him now! **FOSTER or ADOPTER NEEDED NOW** Can we say "holy cuteness?" Yes, we sure can!! A VOLUNTEER WRITES: "What’s the most adorable thing about 6 year young Guapo? His little batty ears? The way he wiggles uncontrollably towards you on sight? Or his penchant for snuggling with stuffed Christmas heroes? He’s described as a cheerful boy, who is very calm, sociable, friendly, playful, respectful & relaxed around children. Christmas may be a ways away but you’ll wake up to a gift every morning with this little nugget by your side." Most adorable little Guapo waits for you to save his life at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Inquire about him now before it is too late! ✔Pledge✔Tag✔Share✔Foster✔Adopt✔Save his life! For a New Family to Know: Chubbilly adorable 6 year young Chihuahua boy Guapo was surrendered due to his owner moving somewhere he is not welcome, His owner has nothing but good things to say about him. He’s described as friendly and playful, respectful and relaxed around children, and to be a bit nervous when it comes to loud noises or when it’s time to have his nails trimmed. He's a very friendly, very sweet, very well-behaved, playful little guy hoping you will fall in love with him and take him to your home, sweet home. This little sweetheart waits for you to save his life at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Inquire about him now before it is too late! A VOLUNTEER WRITES (full version): "What’s the most adorable thing about 6 year young Guapo? His little batty ears? The way he wiggles uncontrollably towards you on sight? Or his penchant for snuggling with stuffed Christmas heroes? He’s described as friendly, playful, respectful & relaxed around children, & to be a bit nervous when it comes to loud noises (Chihuahuas, amirite?). Guapo is a cheerful boy, very calm, sociable & friendly who has some special needs having been born with what appears to be luxating patellas in his hind legs & also a pelvis that is too small. Guapo is also a bit overweight & has never been to the vet, so the first order of business for his new family will be to get our little guy properly checked out & slimmed down so he can go on to live a long, happy life. Christmas may be a ways away but you’ll wake up to a gift every morning with this little nugget by your side." === TO FOSTER or ADOPT ==== To foster or, even better, adopt, direct adopt at the shelter or, to foster, or if you cannot get there in person, apply with rescues. If needed, message Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance. Thank you for caring. <3 ... BUT... hurry please, time is short, and the rescues need time to process the applications. The general rule is to foster you have to be within 4 hours of the NYC ACC approved New Hope partner rescues you are applying with and to adopt you will have to be in the general NE US area; NY, NJ, CT, PA, DC, MD, DE, NH, RI, MA, VT & ME (some rescues will transport to VA). ✔Pledge✔Tag✔Share✔Foster✔Adopt✔Save a life! Thank you for caring! ================================= Guapo 24319 Small Mixed Breed Second Chihuahua Sex male Age 6 yrs (approx.) Weight 10 lbs My health has been checked. My vaccinations are up to date. My worming is up to date. I have been micro-chipped. I am waiting for you at the Manhattan, NY ACC. Basic Information: Guapo is a 6 year old unaltered Chihuahua that the owner got from a friend about four years ago. The owner is surrendering due to his living situation changing and him not being allowed pets at his new residence. The owner has never taken Guapo to the vet since he has had him. Previously lived with: one adult How is this dog around strangers? The owner describes Guapo as very friendly around strangers. How is this dog around children? Guapo is described as very relaxed and respectful around children, he plays gently with them. How is this dog around other dogs? Guapo has never been around other dogs. How is this dog around cats? Guapo has never been around cats. Resource guarding: Guapo barks when his food bowl is touched while he eats. Bite history: Guapo has never bitten or scratched another animal or person. Housetrained: Yes Energy level/descriptors: medium Other Notes: Guapo is nervous during loud noises and will run away from the sound in fear. The owner has never taken a bone or treat away from Guapo or disturbed him while he sleeps. Guapo is not bothered when he is taken off furniture, restrained, disturbed while he sleeps, bathed, or brushed. Guapo is afraid when his nails are trimmed. Guapo barks when the doorbell rings. Has this dog ever had any medical issues? No Energy level/descriptors: Guapo is described as friendly and playful with a medium level of activity. Behavior Assessment:: Date of assessment: 3-Apr-2018 Look: 1. Dog's eyes are averted, ears are back, tail is down, relaxed body posture. Dog allows head to be held loosely in Assessor's cupped hands. Sensitivity: 1. Dog stands still and accepts the touch, eyes are averted, and tail is in neutral position with a relaxed body posture. Dog's mouth is likely closed for at least a portion of the assessment item. Tag: 1. Dog follows at the end of the leash, body soft. Flank squeeze 1: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Flank squeeze 2: 1. Dog does not respond at all. Toy: 1. No interest. Summary: Guapo approached the assessor in the assessment room. He allowed all handling and displayed no concerning behaviors. Flank was used due to medical. Date of intake: 2-Apr-2018 Summary: Guapo approached the counselor when called. BEHAVIOR DETERMINATION: EXPERIENCE (suitable for an adopter with some previous dog experience, especially with the behaviors outlined below) Behavior Asilomar TM - Treatable-Manageable Recommendations: No young children (under 5) Recommendations comments: No young children: Due to his previous owner reporting that Guapo barks when his food bowl is touched, we recommend a home without young children. Older children who can be trusted to leave Guapo alone while eating can be considered. Resource guarding: Guapo's previous owner notes that he may bark when his food bowl is touched. We recommend that Guapo be left along while eating, and that food guarding behavior modification steps (available at ASPCApro.org) be utilized if this behavior is problematic in his future home. Nothing should ever be taken directly out of Guapo's mouth, and any time something is removed he should be rewarded with a high value treat or toy. He should be taught the "drop" cue and trade-up games. DVM Intake Exam:: Estimated age: Reported approximately 6 years old - exam is consistent with a middle-aged dog Microchip noted on Intake? Scanned negative History : Surrendered. Previous owner had pt for 4 years - did not take him to a vet in that time. Subjective: Alert, jumpy, skitters around the floor and runs away from handling. Ambulates very strangely - hind legs are heavily flexed and crouched. Observed Behavior - Tense, jumpy, allows handling. Struggles with nail trimming. Evidence of Cruelty seen - None Evidence of Trauma seen - None BAR-H, MMs pink and moist, BCS 6/9 EENT: Eyes clear, ears clean, no nasal or ocular discharge noted Oral Exam: Mild tartar PLN: No enlargements noted H/L: NSR, NMA, CRT < 2, Lungs clear, eupnic ABD: Soft, non painful, no masses palpated U/G: Male intact. Paraphimosis on intake - distal 2 cm of penis was exposed and slightly dry. Testicles S/S. MSI: Walks with hind legs heavily flexed and crouched underneath his body - most of weight on front legs. Both stifles are thickened and the patellae seem to be medially luxated and not mobile. No crepitus in either stifle on flexion/extension. Good hip extension. Nails very long with many of them curved underneath and approaching the pads. Skin free of parasites, no masses noted, healthy hair coat. CNS: Mentation appropriate - no signs of neurologic abnormalities Rectal: Normal externally. Assessment: 1. Severe osteoarthritis or congenital abnormality in both stifles, possible bilateral CrCL tears 2. Paraphimosis - was able to correct this during the exam 3. Long nails - trimmed during the exam Plan: 1. CBC/chemistry 2. Joint Rescue 1 tab PO SID or other glucosamine/chondroitin supplement 3. Consider NSAIDs pending CBC/chem results 4. Sedated stifle rads SURGERY: Okay for surgery ... NOTE: *** WE HAVE NO OTHER INFORMATION THAN WHAT IS LISTED WITH THIS FLYER *** ... – please email [email protected] for additional info - SUBJECT Line: Enter animal ID number and the shelter location - Don't forget to add your email address and phone numbers where they can reach you to your email as well. ============ Shelter address ========== - Manhattan Shelter: 326 East 110 St. New York, NY 10029 - Phone number (212) 788-4000 (automated only) Operating hours: Monday through Friday 12.00pm to 8.00pm, Saturday & Sunday: 10.00am to 6.00pm. Closed on all Holidays.. == About Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs == We are a group of advocates (NOT a shelter NOR a rescue group) dedicated to finding loving homes for NYC dogs in desperate need. ALL the dogs on our site need Rescue, Fosters, or Adopters & that ASAP as they are in NYC high-kill shelters. If you cannot foster or adopt, please share them far & wide. Thank you for caring!! <3 Rescue <3 Foster <3 Adopt <3 Love 4-ever <3 ******************************************** To FOSTER or ADOPT, SPEAK UP NOW, message Must Love Dogs - Saving NYC Dogs for assistance. ******************************************** http://www.nycacc.org/adopt/guapo-24319 ++++ http://nycaccpets.shelterbuddy.com/animal/animalDetails.asp?s=adoption&searchTypeId=4&animalType=3%2C16&datelostfoundmonth=4&datelostfoundday=2&datelostfoundyear=2018&tpage=5&submitbtn=Find+Animals&pagesize=15&task=view&searchType=4&animalid=72454 Jody Harris-Stern Michele St Laurent Caro Hocker Carolin Hocker Beamer Maximillian