FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Arriving in a new city for a new job was a lot for a shy young guy like Scott to handle on his own. In three months he'd made no friends and hardly left his tiny studio apartment for more than food or his mandatory two days in office a week. It hadn't bothered Scott that much with everything that was keeping him busy. Once he'd settled into his job and apartment it took only a few lonely nights to spur Scott to dip his toe into the dating scene.

Scott stood about average, with pale skin, short, dark hair, slim frame, green eyes, glasses, and guileless smile in most of the pictures he posted to his online dating profiles. He tried his best to fill out information about himself- working in tech, kind, giving, sometimes a little mousy, likes movies and tv like most humans- and tried to describe his preferred partner. What he was looking for was a woman that could pull him out of his comfort zone and take the initiative. They weren't his exact words but were there hidden between the lines for anyone keen to notice. It was another thing for them to be into that though as it turned out.

Three more months later and Scott hadn't landed a date yet. He'd shown interest in a lot of profiles and gotten far less in return. There were some women he did send some messages back and forth with on the dating sites. And there were two, an Amber and a Core, whom he was able to trade phone numbers to trade text messages. Both would go on to ghost him out of the blue. It was disheartening for Scott but not enough to stop him trying completely.

It was an unremarkable Thursday while Scott was working from home when he received an email invitation to a dating service that was exclusive to just a few cities. His being one of them and his desperation high enough, Scott figured there wasn't much to lose. Going by the name 'Ruby Dates' they asked a lot of the same questions Scott had answered a million times on other websites. He did notice that there were quite a few that centered around his willingness to be submissive in a relationship. Also a higher than normal amount of petplay questions but nothing that raised any eyebrows for Scott. He finished his profile and didn't even bother to look for matches. He just went back to work for the rest of the day and by that night had practically forgotten all about the website.

A simple notification to his phone changed that. Scott had received a message on Ruby Dates and was a bit shocked when he saw it was from an absolutely drop dead gorgeous woman. Her name was Rachael, two years older than him, an artist with a large place in the city, lots of hobbies, pictures with lots of friends, and for some reason she was very interested in meeting Scott. His gut reaction was that this was some bot from the website but her message read genuine and she really picked through his profile, asked a few thoughtful questions, and was waiting to hear back. She had black hair with dark green highlights that were, green eyes, sunkissed skin, a rather full chest, curves, a few inches taller than him, and a great smile Scott couldn't believe his luck.

Scott replied and she replied almost instantly with her phone number. Cue the next twenty-four hours being a whirlwind of texts, pictures, and finally a date set for Saturday night. He was pinching himself all Saturday that he had landed a date with someone he felt was out of his league. Rachael was a domineering woman for sure. It came through in her texts as well as her kindness and thoughtfulness. She seemed too good to be true and Scott's gut told him something was off. Wouldn't be the first time his intuition was wrong so Scott put his best foot forward.

The restaurant was one that Rachael had chosen on the opposite side of the city from where Scott lived and spent most of his time. So he wasn't very familiar with the area. When Scott arrived after a few subway transfers he was impressed by the clean, tree-lined street and all the lovely shops and cafes. The vibe here was properly gentrified. Took a couple blocks for him to remember looking at this area when apartment hunting. He couldn't afford a linen closet, let alone a place here. Still, it was definitely safer and better to look at than where he lived.

Scott reached the restaurant and was grateful for agreeing to split the bill with Rachael beforehand. The menu posted outside was proof of that. “Maybe I'll just have water and a salad," he muttered to himself as he entered the relaxed, high priced eatery.

He'd not made it a few steps inside when Scott spotted his date waving at him from a nearby table. “I'm with her," Scott said politely to the hostess as he passed by.

“I can see that. Enjoy your evening, sir," the young and attractive hostess greeted with a laugh.

As Rachael rose from her seat she proved her pictures hadn't done her justice. Scott felt even more outclassed than he already was but powered through with a shy smile.

“So happy to meet you, Scott!" Racheal swooned while giving him an unexpected embrace.

“Glad to meet you too, Rachael. A whirlwind few days and here we are already," remarked Scott with what wits he had in the moment. She wore a light green, tight fitting long-sleeve t-shirt dress that went down to her upper thighs. Her hair was up with a few strands down in the front, and white heels to complete the outfit. Scott in his button down shirt, black slacks, belt, and 'nice shoes' felt further outdone. Which said more about the state of his confidence than anything.

“I know, it caught me off guard too but we were really clicking so I thought why not ask him out? I'm the type of girl to just take the plunge rather than spin our wheels for a few weeks. Ya know?" explained Rachael as the two took their seats.

“I get it, yeah. I know for me I was just looking to get out for a change," Scott said with a barely restrained smile. For the first time Scott noticed Rachael had already ordered a bottle of wine, a red, and had two glasses already poured.

“I hope you don't mind but I brought this from home. One of my favorite merlots that I thought I'd share since you mentioned you liked wine," Rachael graciously offered.

“I did, yeah. And that's nice of you. I'd be happy to try," he said as he took up his glass. His wine remark came after Rachael had brought it up in their messages. Scott was fine with wine but only knew it came in different colors. He didn't want to seem rude and figuring it would help with his nerves he picked up his glass for a toast after Rachael had done the same. “What shall we toast to?"

“Let's be cautiously optimistic and say, 'to a wonderful night and maybe something more'," suggested Rachael. Who sat, legs crossed, looking relaxed, demure, and exuding confidence. Enough to make up for what Scott naturally lacked.

“I like the sound of that," agreed Scott as they toasted.

The wine proved a good choice for Scott as it helped ease his nerves and loosen up. It helped him keep up with the composed, self-assured, and gorgeous woman sitting across from him. Rachael was well spoken, empathetic, smart, witty, and was never at a loss for something to say. When the waiter arrived she suggested an appetizer and main for Scott which he agreed to as he thought it did sound good. The woman's charms and sincere fascination with getting to know him made his heart flutter. That she hardly took her eyes off him made Scott feel normal about hardly taking his eyes off her.

With such a beguiling beauty and robust sureness in herself it was easy for Scott to overlook how Rachael steered the conversation. Nothing that was too sinister or raised any red for the man but she was definitely focused on understanding his life as it was and what his dreams for the future were. There was no way to sugarcoat Scott's less than exciting, introverted life and Rachael insisted he be brutally honest. She'd add some relevant anecdote about herself so he learned some superficial things about her to keep him satisfied. All while humbly controlling all aspects of the date.

Come time to order dessert, Rachael naturally made the call. “Can we have the chef's chocolate mousse cake for two?"

“Certainly, madam. Would either of you like coffee with dessert?" asked the waiter.

“Oooo, that sounds nice. Two coffees, please," Rachael said without a thought.

Scott reluctantly cleared his throat. “I'm actually not much of a coffee drinker. I'm fine with water."

“Nonsense, it pairs great with the cake. Trust me," insisted Belle with the biggest of smiles.

The waiter and Belle waited for Scott.

“Oh, uhhh, sure. I guess if you really think so," he acquiesced reluctantly. Scott never liked coffee and had no idea why he agreed but he was committed to it now.

“Two coffees and one mousse to share coming right up," confirmed the waiter before hurrying off.

For the first time in the evening Rachael didn't jump to speak Instead waiting for Scott to say something. Not wanting to disappoint he went for a question that had been on his mind. About the ruby ring she had on her right index finger. The band appeared made of a meteorite with a single, unbroken loop of a deep red ruby that gleamed in the romantic candle light.

“That ring on your hand is really nice. The red one," Scott complimented.

“Oh this? It's one of my favorites too," gushed Rachael. “It does have some less than great memories attached. Funnily enough, it's sort of the reason we're here," she admitted candidly.

“It is? How's that?" Scott asked with interest.

“Don't take this the wrong way, but I had gotten it while I was with my recent ex when I thought he was the one. Turned out he was not the one. I dropped him but kept the ring. Decided I could always create some new memories with it and so I'm wearing it for the first time tonight. Since he didn't get to see it anyway before things ended, I don't see why we can't create some better memories to attach to it," she confessed carefully. “I know, I know, it's sappy but I'm a sentimental woman when you get right down to it, Scott," Rachael added boastfully.

“Aww, I think that's sweet actually. Not sappy at all. I just hope I'm up to the task, heh." Scott played it off for laughs to hide him gauging how he was really doing.

“Oh honey, you're doing way better than him. You don't have his two fatal flaws: you're not bull headed and you like dogs."

Scott laughed at what he figured was partially a joke. “I'm definitely not a jerk but I wasn't expecting the dog part. I didn't know that was a plus. You don't have a dog, right?" he recalled.

“Not yet, no, but I'll definitely be getting one and whoever I pick will need to be a dog person and be more open to listening to what I have to say. Something the last guy couldn't handle. But you? You're knocking it out of the park so far, Scott," she boasted to ease any doubts. Adding, “Speaking of parks, would you like to walk to the nearby one after dinner? There's a lovely, private spot with a great view."

“Sounds like fun. Glad I'm living up to expectations," Scott admitted.

“You're exceeding, Scott. Just keep being yourself and let me worry about impressing you," she said with a blush.

“Trust me, Rachael. If I'm exceeding expectations you're shattering them," Scott readily complimented with a smile.

“I am? I feel like I've barely talked about myself. I've been peppering you with questions," Rachael correctly pointed out in a bashful way.

“Really? I feel like I've learned a lot about you. It does say a lot but honestly, I don't meet a lot of people who have the kind of interest in getting to know me that you have, Rachael. You've gotten to know me better in a few days than any coworker since I've moved down here," blabbed Scott. His infatuation showed as he opened himself more.

“That's their loss then. I hope I don't come off too nosey about you. It's just after the last guy I was with I want to make sure there are none of those red flags. You get where I'm coming from, right, hun?" Rachael asked sweetly while reaching across the table to pet his forearm.

Scott melted at her touch. Everything but in his boxers. “Definitely, definitely. I mean, I wouldn't want to date someone who didn't like dogs either," he said humorously.

Her face lit up at the comment. “Right? You said you had a dog growing up, right? Was he a very good boy or girl?"

“Haha, a very good boy. Rusty was a golden retriever mix of some sort. Very friendly and loyal. Lived a long happy, very pampered life," recalled Scott.

“They deserve it, don't they? For all the loyalty and love and doggy cuteness that's a fair shake, wouldn't you say?"

“Most definitely! He loved life and eating bugs. I'd get a dog if my landlord wasn't against anything but fish," Scott remarked just as the waiter came with their coffee.

“That's gross and adorable, haha! Glad I already had my meal," tittered Rachael.

“Your dessert should be out momentarily," the waiter mentioned before seeing themselves off.

“Thank you," Rachael said politely to the waiter as she added cream to hers. “You would probably like sugar and cream in that if you're not usually partial to coffee. Go on, Scott," she kindly commanded. Then carefully watched to see what he'd do.

Scott sheepishly nodded and complied with Rachael, adding the sugar and cream to coffee before taking a sip. Seeing her smile and nod right up to when he sipped the coffee, Scott hid how much the taste still bothered him. Getting Rachael's approval made it all worth it.

“See? That wasn't so bad. Such a good boy, Scott," Rachael praised, clapping her hands together cutely.

“Not too bad, no," Scott lied while basking in easy acclaim.

“It's good to be open to new things, Scott. I know I like seeing that in a partner. Probably because I'm always getting into one thing or another and want someone I can really trust with me. I'm sure you understand," Rachael gushed as she slid her hand across the table to stroke the man's wrist.

“Course, yeah. I just needed to give coffee a second try I guess. Glad you tugged me along," he smiled to hide the bitterness on his tongue. Rachael was attractive, kind, charming, and best of all, honestly interested in Scott. For that alone he was ready to offer paying for the whole meal and hoped it would earn him a second date. Or better yet a little action that night.

“You're welcome, Scott. A man like you is worth more than a few tugs," Rachael suggested in an innuendo laden tone. “Another important question for you: how much do you love walkies?"

Scott gave a cheeky smirk. “Did you just ask if I enjoy 'walkies'?" he asked facetiously.

“Oh gosh, did I? I feel like such a ditz!" Rachael laughed at herself. “I guess it's rather obvious I've been thinking a lot about getting a dog recently, huh? I meant to ask you, 'how much do you love going on walks'. I'm a normal person, really I swear!" she joked off.

“Heh, I believe you. Everyone is allowed a few slips of the tongue. Yours was a funny one though. Yeah, I do like long walks. On the beach, through the countryside, or hills, or whatever. When the company is great I could probably walk anywhere," Scott stressed.

“I love that! So you'd follow wherever I might want to lead you so long as the company and scenery are pleasant?" she politely probed.

“Well, within reason, sure. I might get a little suspicious if you lead me into some weird cult sacrifice ceremony," joked Scott just as the server approached with their dessert.

“How'd you know what I was planning for the third date?" Rachael wistfully replied.

“Third date, huh? We've barely finished with this one," he said playfully back across the table. The server was quick and unobtrusive in setting the dish in the center of the table along with two spoons and then was gone.

“Can't blame a girl for seeing nothing but potential in a guy and having high hopes of what will come of it," Rachael said with a shrug as she picked her spoon up. “For a second date idea, if you're up for it, I know some nice hiking trails outside the city that I think you would really love. I love getting out of the city whenever I can and like you said, having great company makes it all the better."

“I'm down for that. I haven't been on a hike in way too long. Stretching my legs would do me some good," agreed Scott with his spoon at the ready. But held back for Rachael. “Ladies first."

Pleased, Rachael allowed herself time to choose what part of the cake she wanted and was careful to eat it. Only once she chewed, swallowed, savored, and nodded to him did Scott take his first bite. They shared it down though Rachael definitely came away eating the larger share. Since it made her happy and had already secured two more dates with this wonderful woman it was worth it to Scott to not indulge his sweet tooth.

When the bill came Rachael snatched it right up. “I'll pay for dinner, Scott. I'm insisting and there's nothing you can do about it," she told him, handing the waiter her credit card.

Scott didn't argue. He put his wallet away and smiled while the waiter processed the payment and Rachael signed. Waiting for the waiter to leave to show his gratitude. “You didn't have to do that but that was very nice of you. Next meal we have I'll be the one insisting on paying. And there's nothing you can do about that, because I feel like I'm in your debt now, heh."

“Don't look at it like that, Scott. It was the least I could do for the great evening you've shown me so far. I was the one feeling like I owed you. Honest!" Rachael confessed. “I'm sure if it still dogs you'll find ways to make it up on future dates of ours."

“Don't worry, I will," Scott promised.

The pair gathered their things, thanked the staff, and started on their fifteen block hike to the park Rachael wanted. Along the way Rachael had more questions for Scott. Checking his thoughts on loyalty, devotion, and having children in the future. To the children's question he answered that he was open to the idea of a couple or more. He asked her the same and she could see herself 'having a litter' with him. They walked closely the whole time. Tempting Scott to try holding hands but he never could pull the trigger. The next thing he knew they reached the park walls.

Surrounded by a brick and high iron fence, the large park was mostly covered in trees, gardens, streams, ponds, and many quaint paths. Clean and well maintained on a picturesque evening the park was busy without being packed. As soon as they entered Rachael did what Scott couldn't and took his hand.

“There's a beautiful part of the park I'd love to show you," Rachael told him as she pulled him down a particular path.

“Oh? Someplace special?"

“Yes! The sort of special place you never forget," she promised while squeezing the man's hand. “I'm so happy I get to take you there, Scott. I wasn't planning on taking you so soon but I just have this feeling about you. Like, why bother waiting if I know already I want to take you? Trust me, it's worth the long walk. Trust me!"

“I'm with you, Rachael. Just promise it's not a cult sacrifice or witch's coven thing?" Scott joked then squeezed her hand back.

“Ha! Still on about that, huh? I promise, cross my heart, I'm not a witch or in a cult or planning to kill you. I'm just me, taking you someplace special to me. I'd love for it to be special to you one day too," she said with a budding affection.

“That sounds wonderful, Rachael. I'd love to see it. I'm loving the park already," Scott admitted. He couldn't hide the big smile and no longer tried. Not with the way Rachael was looking at him since they'd entered. It had to be love.

They walked swiftly, hardly taking in any of the sights. “We'll look later," she'd mentioned in passing and simply kept going. Scott wasn't about to complain when he was close to certain he was getting some action that night.

Their only detour came about when Rachael spotted someone she knew- a suave, roguishly handsome fellow who was fit, confident, and taller than even Rachael- and had to stop to meet him. The guy may have been good looking but Scott wasn't afraid since Rachael's attention was mostly on the man's dog. A very beautiful, slightly shy, and quite well-behaved German shepherd with a ruby collar that had a familiar sparkle.

“Scott, this is Brody, a friend of mine. Brody, this very special person, is Scott," Rachael introduced the two while kneeling down and rubbing the dog's ears. “And this super good girl is Cora! Gosh, I still can't get over how great she looks!"

“Very special person, huh? Well in that case, great to meet you, Scott! You lucked out with Rachael. She's a keeper," Brody told Scott as the two shook hands.

“Nice to meet you too. And thanks. I've been feeling pretty lucky since I met her too," Scott said with modesty. “Real pretty dog too. Purebred?"

“What does it matter if she is or not? She's a pretty girl, isn't she?" Rachel continued to dote on Cora.

“It's a perfectly fine question, Rach. And yes, Cora is from great stock. Picked her out myself," gloated Brody as he watched Scott pet Cora.

“You did a good job. Like Rachael said, she's adorable," Scott said while petting Cora alongside Rachael.

“Thanks, Scott. She's a definite keeper," assured Brody whose smirking attention swung back to Rachael. “Am I to understand you're headed for somewhere secluded and, dare I say, special?"

“How'd you guess?" Rachael retorted as she stood up.

“I saw the ready box," Brody muttered under his breath to Rachael before Scott stood up. Quickly covering with, “You're headed in that direction and I'm just coming from there actually. I try to take Cora down at least once a week. She loves it there. Nothing but pleasant memories."

“That's what that place is known for after all! Was just telling Scott he'd never forget it either," Rachael grinned at the man.

“Then don't let me keep you both! It was nice to meet you, Scott. If you stick around with Rachael I'm sure we'll meet again. And always nice seeing you, Rach," Brody said politely. Adding to his dog, “Say goodbye, Cora."

The dog nuzzled Rachael's hand and when Scott reached his hand out for the same, snapped at him.

“Cora! Bad girl! I am so sorry, Scott! I swear, she never does that," Brody apologized profusely as he hauled Cora back by the leash.

“Are you all right, Scott? Did she get you?" a concerned Rachael asked her date.

“No, she missed. Maybe I scared her," reasoned Scott after the scare. He really didn't want the night spoiled with how it was going.

“Must have been that. I'm really sorry again, Scott. I promise the next time you see Cora she'lll make it up to you. Isn't that right, Cora?" Brody reprimanded.

Cora whimpered and appeared genuinely distraught looking up at Scott.

“It's fine, really. Don't worry about it. It was nice meeting you," Scott assured as he tried to get his date back on track.

“Bye, Brody. We should catch up soon. Until then!" Rachael said while taking Scott's hand again. “Come on! Let's go make those memories I promised!" she told her date.

Scott let himself be taken away without protest. Rachael's excitement was palpable now. She couldn't stop smiling and tried skipping a few times. For his part Scott would try to keep up but she'd inevitably get ahead, apologize, and slow back down. It was charming to Scott and he tried letting go of Rachael's hand. But she'd just tighten her grip and insist it was 'just a little further'.

It took twenty minutes of following the wall of the park to where it forked. One side continued on as the outer wall while the other became a thirteen foot high mostly brick wall with iron spikes that were as deadly as they were decorative. Almost the entire face of the wall was covered in a thick layer of ivy grown over a lot of years. This high wall went on for some time and had a single doorway cut into it. The stainless steel, high security door lacked a knob or handle or any sort of access point. You may not even assume it was a door if not for the seam of the doorframe.

“Here we are, Scott! Just have to find the keyhole…" Rachael searched in the ivy to the right of the door for nearly a minute when she spotted it. “There you are!" she cried out with relief. From her small purpose Rachel took out her keys and found a golden one with a ruby gem in its bow to open the door. With a click it unsealed and opened inwards to the sound of Rachael giggling madly. “Come on! You're gonna love this."

Rachael invited Scott to enter first and after passing through the thick doorway and cleared the wall he was properly surprised. Beneath very old elms and willows were grassy open spaces, faux red brick landscaped pathways, a pond with a waterfall, and several ornate, padded benches. The surprising part was that it all was laid out like a dog park with water fountains, waste bags and disposal stations, and even a treat dispenser over four spacious acres of private park. Discreet lamps lit the paths and cast enough light to cover the spaces in between. A sign not far from the entrance confirmed Scott's suspicions.

“'Ruby Club Dog Retreat'? Is this some kind of private… dog owners club?" Scott wondered aloud just as Rachael strolled up beside him.

“Some kind of club, yeah. It's been around about as long as the city has. Pay a little extra to have a private place to talk to your very special pooch that's an escape from the constant noise and smells of the city. It's still that but also kind of a social club too. I joined sort of recently in anticipation of getting a dog soon. Has allowed me to meet a new crop of friends. Like Brody and Cora," Rachael explained while taking Scott's hand again.

“I follow you. You won't get in trouble for coming here without a dog, right?" asked Scott, letting Rachael lead him along again.

She waved off his question as she herself laughed. “Trust me, we won't get in trouble. I'm fairly sure we won't see anyone else either. So we're free to walk around, take our time, and stretch our legs," Rachael told him.

“Is that all we're going to do?" Scott dared to ask with a sly smile and a wink.

Still smiling, Rachael gave Scott a kiss on the cheek. “What if it isn't?"

“Then I'd say let's find a nice place to sit down and get better acquainted. You're sure no one will be coming by at all tonight?"

“I'm positive. I may or may not have reserved the park for tonight in advance. It's something members can do every so often for the right occasion," she answered. Her hand was sweating as bad as his but Rachael definitely wasn't nervous.

“In advance? Were your hopes that high for me?" Scott asked with his cheeks blushing from the flattery.

“You could definitely say that, sweetie. I figured best case, this, and worst case I'd have a place to go for a long walk by myself afterwards. Can't tell you how happy I am that things worked out and we're here together, Scott. I couldn't imagine anyone else here with me but you," Rachael conveyed tenderly.

“Me either, Rachael. I'm happy you brought me here," he said to her lovingly.

Too happy for words, Rachael cozied up to Scott and stayed that way until reaching what turned out to be their destination.

“Here we are," Rachael said atop the marble Greek amphitheater built down into a small hill. It was only seven levels but had ample seating and a wide stage area surrounded by flowering bushes. Several large elms provided shade overhead. From how eager Rachael was leading him down to the stage, Scott knew something big was waiting for him.

“You sure know how to pick great places," Scott stammered while he ascended the short steps to the stage from the pit area.

“Don't I? This place has been here since the Society took over this plot of land. During that time when the Classics were so popular they built things like this to show how cultured they were. Glad they've kept it in such good condition after all these years. It's strange to imagine this happening anywhere else," Rachael stated, finally letting go of Scott's hand. Leaving him to look out at the empty seats while going to a glass cabinet atop a silver pole.

Scott had really turned from Rachael to hide the giddy grin he had going. He was rather certain he'd hit it off with Rachel. Better than he had with any woman in whole life. It was only the first date but he was definitely falling for Rachael hard. She was the hottest woman he'd landed, was smart, witty, well off financially, and a personality like a warm, comfortable blanket. They were planning future dates and Scott could see himself really being with Rachael for a long time. So when he felt her hot breath at the nape of his neck his heart was racing as he turned.

“Scott, do you trust me? Like, really, truly trust me?" Rachael asked bluntly, their faces separated by inches. She was holding something down out of sight with both her hands but Scott's eyes were fixed on hers.

“I do," Scott answered without hesitation.

“Good," nodded Rachael after letting out a relieved sigh. Bringing up her hands, the item she was holding turned out to be a red leather, ruby encrusted dog collar. One that he'd seen before around Cora's neck but was too caught up in the moment to properly remember that. “May I put this on you? Yes or no? I promise I won't make it too tight. And if you have questions about why, I promise to tell you after. Right now I just need a simple yes or no, Scott."

“I, uhhhhh," stammered Scott at the unexpected question. He didn't want to lose her over something that, while odd, seemed easy enough. “Yes. You can, so long as you tell me what this is about at some point," he replied while nervously laughing.

“I promise," assured Rachael.

The collar flashed with the same glimmer at the ring Rachael wore as she effortlessly affixed the collar around Scott's neck. As promised it was tightened without hurting or affecting his breathing. Rachael backed away with a fiendishly wild energy. Scott realized there was also a dog bone tag clipped to the collar with writing on it. Unaware the letters he was feeling on the tag with his fingers spelled out his name.

“That, looks, absolutely, PERFECT on you! I already know this was the right thing to do. It wouldn't have fit so well otherwise, right?" she asked the wind. Rachael pulled out her cellphone next to snap a few pictures. “I want to remember this moment. That look on your face is priceless. Priceless!" Rachael reiterated. Sounding like an overexcited parent on their kid's first day of school.

“Am I missing the joke or something else here, Rachael?" a dumbfounded Scott asked while itching at the collar.

“Sorry, Scott. No jokes. This is very serious and before things get too heated, I want you to know this is all coming from a place of love. It won't feel like that at first but that'll change," Rachael explained with cryptic sincerity as she finished taking her pictures. Drawing up again on Scott she regarded him closely from a few steps away. “Feeling anything, umm, unnatural?"

“Unnatural? I don't think so. I feel out of the loop and kinda embarrassed but those are really unusual for me," Scott laughed off. “Collar is a little itchy and- wait, it's not poisoned or a gag thing, right? I'm really confused about what this is about, Rachael. You've been acting strange ever since we stepped on stage," he added as Rachael began circling him with a scrutinizing gaze.

“You're just seeing me free of all the anticipation and built up stress I've been hauling around all day. Longer than that even. Finally having my time up on this stage with my soon to be ruby collar pet has me wanting to pinch myself! Are you sure you don't feel the least bit strange?" Rachael asked pointedly.

“I feel- Hey!" Scott yelped when Rachael groped his ass and lower back.

“Nothing there," remarked Rachael with fleeting disappointment. “If not there then it's usually… Ooooh! Yes! YES! I didn't fuck it up!" she cheered while jumping up and down.

Immediately Scott pulled away from his date's orbit. “Rachael, what the heck is wrong with you? Please, you gotta tell me what is going on or maybe we should end this date now. Before it gets weirder." Scott tried to sound magnanimous. Yet it came out a shaky whimper from his quivering lips.

“Oh hun, it was never really a date. I love you, Scott, but come to better understand what I mean soon enough. But first, my very good boy, you're going to have to go through the wringer. I promise, Scott, you'll take to it faster than you think. It's really the initial shock of the transformation that's the roughest part from my experience," Rachael told him, having stopped in front of him. Her eyes were darting from one side of the man's head to the other while avoiding eye contact. For reasons Scott was getting fed up not knowing.

Of everything she said, Scott's was stuck on one. “Good boy? Did you call me-"

“A good boy, Scott. A very good boy about to become an even better dog," Rachael lovingly remarked. “Do you really not feel anything strange or weird or different happening to your body? No numbness? Tingly tugging? Anything?" pressed the woman with wide, wild eyes.

“I… I'm not sure," Scott said hesitantly after she repeated the moniker. Though as Rachael peppered him with questions an icy, prickly numbness trickled into his lips, ears, and down his spine.

“You're sure. Come on, speak!" she encouraged playfully.

“Stop that, Rachael. What is really going on here? Why am I feeling something funny coming over me? I think I'm getting chills," Scott revealed. He could feel goosebumps spreading over him, hair standing up everywhere, and the numbness lingered on his lips, tailbone, and ears. The latter of which had started in the tips of the ears, spread down to his lobes, and into the canal. A painless but concerning throbbing in both ears followed that Scott couldn't ignore he winced. “The heck is happening? Did you do something to me? Seriously?"

“Seriously? Touch your ears first and then I'll explain. Otherwise you won't believe what I'm going to say," Rachael told him with her arms folded in front of her.

Scott was reluctant but did as Rachael suggested. His hands made the disturbing discovery she had wanted. They were bigger, more fleshy, with the tips actively shifting up into a point. Even the base of the ear was wrong and getting worse as the flesh and cartilage changed amid a vague, cool numbness. The tiny, numerous crunching and cracking noises Scott's transformation ears were uncomfortably close.

“What the-? Rachel wh-what is happening to my ears?" Scott sputtered out in very real fear.

“They're changing, Scott. It's just the first step," said Rachael.

“First step towards what exactly?!"

“First step towards becoming a dog, my very good boy. The rest of you are about to follow. And I'll be here with you through it all. I promise," Rachael assured.

“Changing into a dog? You're joking. You have to be. This, this isn't- Ah! Fuck! It's getting worse!" Scott complained as his ears went through a spurt of growth. One that left the man's ears so very dog-like.

“Not worse, better! You'll make a great dog, Scott. I know you will! You just have to get there. That's where the change comes in. That's why we're here after all, boy. If you only knew how many people have been changed right here on this stage. We're a part of history now," Rachael confessed with sentimentality.

For a moment Scott was too flabbergasted to say anything. He really would have thought her just crazy if not for the bizarre fact of his inhuman ears. Seizing on his shock, Rachael took her phone out again. She held it up as a mirror with the front facing camera. “That's… me?" Scott asked in disbelief of the distinctly canine ears.

“For the time being it is. The changes should keep coming until Scott the man is replaced by Scott he German shepherd! Doesn't that sound like fun, boy? You said it yourself you'd love a dog's simple life. Remember how happy Rusty and Clara were? That'll be you-"

“Stop! Stop saying that! I'm not your dog, Rachael! I'm not anyone's dog!" Scott asserted between winges of dismay. From feeling and seeing his ears morph away. Which ate away at his hair with hairs receding away from the ears growing base. While not necessarily painful Scott's panic sure had him hurting. Especially as the throbbing escalated in a bad way at the base of his spine. “No, no, no! This can't- I shouldn't be able to- why is this happening?!" yelped Scott as he moved a hand to feel behind him.

Seeing where the man was reaching, Rachael couldn't hurry behind Scott fast enough. “Is it your tail? Has it finally sprouted?" she asked. Rachael felt up his backside and easily found the bulge of his shifting tailbone. “It has! Haha, good boy! Let's get your pants down so it has some room to grow."

Faster than Scott could protest, Rachael reached around, hastily undid the man's belt, unbuttoned, and then tugged down his zipper. “H-Hey! Stop that!" Scott demanded, weakly resisting her and failing.

“Dogs don't wear pants," Rachael jokingly remarked once the man's pants were around his ankles."I'll start getting these shoes off next so try not to move, hun."

“My shoes? N-No! Let go of me! And stop this! Get this damn collar off me, Rachael!" Scott demanded as he wobbled in his underwear.

He'd let go of his changing parts to balance himself and left his two inches of extending tail free to grow over his white briefs. New bones were propagating magically from the rest of his spine slowly growing Scott's newest appendage. The strangest part being that even with the brisk numbness dulling most of the pain, Scott could feel and was aware of the tail as a part of him.

“One shoe, and the other, leave the socks for now and… there!" announced Rachael when she'd walked Scott clear of his pants. Seeing him about to trip back, Rachel jumped up and steadied him at the wrist. “Woah! It's okay, boy. I got'cha. I won't let anything happen to you."

Scott pulled away with what strength he had. “You're letting this happen to me now!" he argued, hands going back to his collar. “How do I get this off? I want it off me! I don't want this! I don't care what you think about me!"

“The collar never comes off, Scott. Good thing it looks so good on you, boy!" grinned Rachael.

“Stop with that 'boy' stuff too! I'm not your boy!" Scott told Rachael emphatically. Though with trembling legs, a hunch, cold sweat, and confused expression. Things had escalated too quickly and gone into the realm of the unreal. He would have tried to run if not for his lack of pants and the disconcerting cold cramp arising in both his feet.

“Tradition is once the ruby collar is on, you're a dog. I'm getting used to it. You should too, boy," Rachael reassured. “You should probably give up on standing too. You're shaking like a wet dog, Scott. I can help you lay down," she readily offered.

Scott backed away from her, unsteadying himself further out of fear. “Don't you t-t-t-touch me!" he clamored in a wheezing voice. Only to drop to one knee.

It put him close enough to see the gaunt outlines of the bones and tendons on his stretching white cotton socks. Made all the more prevalent the foot's growing length. The sensitivity of his canine ears lets Scott hear the bones shifting inside of his feet in sync with the sickening sensations. Each toe was somehow shrinking and swelling at the same time. Except for Scott's big toes which were shrinking away into the extending flesh. All his nails were visibly darker and had narrowed while growing to rip their way free of his socks.

The initial shock of his transformation gave way to the reality of his very reality transformation setting in. The gravity of it setting in, Scott tried to sit but got a painful reminder that he had a growing tail- nine inches and growing. He yelped in pain then hastily and rather clumsily fell onto right hip cheek with a sickly thud. Rachael hurried over, ignoring Scott's attempts to wave her off this time.

“Awww, puppy! Are you okay? That was a nasty tumble you took. Fell right on your little tail!" Rachael honestly asked, helping him settle.

“Am I okay? Are you seriously asking me that? I'm turning into a dog, Rachael! Why would you even do this to a person?" the desperate man pleaded. Scott couldn't muster any volume to his words thanks to dampening from the collar. To him it was more numbness in his throat that robbed him of the hope that he could call for help. Not that anyone but Rachael was around.

“Just because I'm doing this to you doesn't mean I want you to hurt yourself. I do really care about you, Scott. I know, I know. You don't think so now but you wouldn't be here with me if I wasn't willing to make a commitment to care for you for the long haul. The Ruby Collar Society, whose park you're in, stage you're on, and collar you're wearing, have pretty high standards for their owners. I really want us to be model members, Scott. We don't get there without love and trust," Rachael explained at length. Her initial giddiness passed and Rachael's tenderness returned. “Does it help at all to know Cora was where you are now seven months ago? Brody brought her here like I did with you, using some deception, and put on the same collar you saw her in earlier. She changed, she was angry, she was shocked, and she was scared. But you know what? By the end of the transformation Brody had her eating out of his hand and they walked home without a leash. I know that because I was part of a small audience that was lucky enough to get to watch. You have no idea how much I want that to be us, Scott. You're going to be such a good boy! You just have to let your body change and let go of these pretenses about being Scott the man, and start loving Scott the dog."

As Scott breathlessly listened he watched his feet morph inside his socks. Rough patches of skin developed under his remaining set of toes while the foot stretched back towards his throbbing ankles. When Rachael finished, Scott tried to look at her but couldn't bring himself to. “You still didn't answer my question about why you'd do this to me, Rachael. Why do this to anyone?" he implored.

Sighing and sitting down next to Scott, Rachael knew the question before he asked the first time. “I can only speak for the two of us, hun, but I'm here because I want a special companion to share my life and have adventures with. You're here because your personality, your soul, is made for companionship. You're a good, loyal, earnest, caring, and truly lovely soul at heart, Scott. But as you were you would have never found the happiness and belonging you truly needed. Deep down, you know it. But with me and that collar you can do it all, boy. You won't be limited by a dog's lifespan and you'll have your wits. Just with some shepherd seasoning. Like these cute paws," Rachael affectionately remarked while plucking off one of his socks.

Many of her words were copied wholesale from the answers Brody and others gave to their changing companions when asked. Having had to watch three such transformations in person to earn the right to change her own companion, Rachael knew well what to say and how to act. Especially as she'd gone beyond the mandate and had been to seven collaring ceremonies leading up to that night.

“No, don't…" Scott winced and whimpered at her. Not that Rachael listened, and soon both socks were off.

“They're coming along so well! They'll be so cute when they're fuzzier too! But don't they look right on you, Scott? I know it's an adjustment but-"

“Please, you're trying to make this sound normal and like, like… like I would want this. You're taking my life from me, Rachael. Don't you see that?" he challenged in desperation.

“I don't, Scott. But I'm looking at a bigger picture that you're currently too in the weeds to see for yourself. The man I met had no family, friends, or real connections in the world. No direction in life. No prospects. Limited skills and even more limited chances. I can give you a pampered, easy, and stress free life where you will have direction, a purpose, and all the skills you need to be the best dog anyone could ask for. You think you're losing yourself, Scott, but you're not," Rachael stressed as she carefully lifted his chin to meet her gaze. Scott's eyes were glazed over with tears. While his sniffling nose was bulging and blackening in a canine fashion. “You're still a very good boy."

Whatever the mixture of emotions Scott was feeling throughout, hearing those last words said to him with such love made his tail wag for a short time. Stopping when the tail hit another growth spurt.

The rest of Rachael's assessment of him was an uncomfortable peeling back of his life. She was right about his life in almost every respect. Maybe all of them if Scott had the ability to see it. What he did see was his nose plumping up black and wet like a dog's. And past that was the smiling face of the woman responsible. Scott wanted so badly to hate Rachael for lying and doing this to him. Yet there was no hate or maliciousness behind her eyes. Nor any cruel intentions that he could sense. But Scott had misread her before.

“Why can't we be together as people? Why do I have to… change?" he asked in a feeble, nasally voice. One that got worse as the bridge of his nose widened.

“Know that I'm saying this with love, Scott," prefaced Rachael as she let go of his chin. Using her hands to unbutton his dress shirt starting at the collar. “You're not my type when it comes to a romantic partner. But as a canine companion? I couldn't imagine anyone more perfectly suited to me, Scott. You'll be my best friend, confidant, my buddy, my baby, my very good boy, and best of all, I take care of you. We'll be the perfect pair. And don't worry, when I do look for a guy it'll be a must that he's into dogs," she was pleased to inform.

Rachael finished unbuttoning his shirt and let fall off his slumped shoulders. The thin, white cotton undershirt he'd been wearing was completely soaked through with sweat. His sternum and ribcage were plain to see as the changes seeped gradually into more and more of him. Such as the subtle appearance of dark circles lining down in two rows below his nipples. Or his growing canine teeth. What had Rachael's interest, and had Scott suddenly deeply embarrassed, was the stirring in his briefs. Namely the pre-cum leaking erection he currently sported.

“That's perfectly normal, boy. Your body is in a very excited state. Don't feel ashamed about that. Or this." a smirking Rachel giggled as she tugged the man's briefs down to his knees. Allowing his modest cock and balls to bobble out. Another hard tug ripped the brief's clean off. “You don't have to be shy, boy. No one will bat an eye seeing your doggy parts out in the open. And not that I was going to, but the Ruby Collar Society doesn't let us fix our chosen companions. So you'll keep your doggy balls once you actually have them. Based on how red your penis is getting, Scott, that won't be much longer," she told him tenderly. Rachael kept close as she moved to his side to remove his shirt. Getting herself free of the splash zone. “Go on. I can see you holding back, Scott. Let it happen."

Her casual frankness proved oddly disarming even mid-transformation while undressing him. She'd also gathered that Scott was at the edge of an orgasm that had come on fast. Scott couldn't think of what to say. Using what little control he had of himself to grab and point his vividly red cock away as he began cumming harder and longer than he ever thought possible. He whimpered and moaned while Rachael removed his glasses and shirt. Using the latter to wipe Scott's brow without a hint of judgment. Rachael stepped away to gather up the man's discarded clothing. Leaving Scott to his intimate spilling of the entirety of his human seed.

In his privacy Scott witnessed his cock change species. Mounding flesh around the base of his cock was the beginnings of his sheath. A pulsating wave of change up the length of his shaft brought a deepening of the red shade of the veiny skin. Above where the sheath a bulbous knot budded like a canine. Just as the tip of his cock grew to a more pointed head fitting for a dog. These changes brought added length and girth to his member. The normal coldness of the changes so far was replaced by a not unpleasant warmth. And after the last few watery drips of cum were squeezed free of him, Scott's balls churned while swelling in size and being the first place to sprout hairs of his approaching breed. A thin coat of white-tan fur prickled over his scrotum and sheath as Scott's humanity was chipped away.

“Well, well, well! Did I catch someone almost enjoying themselves there?" Rachael asked with a wily smile as she once again stood beside him. She'd disposed of Scott's clothes and belongings into a prepared bin to be taken care of by the society. Rachael had seen his tail wagging on her way back.

“Wh-What? I wasn't enjoying anything! It's just these, these… changes. They're messing with my head," a panting Scott objected.

“There's no shame in it, Scott. Your brain was always wired for a doggy life. Now it's starting to make sense and that would bring a smile to anyone's face. Speaking of, can you open your mouth for me? Or give me a smile? I wanna see how your teeth are coming along," she politely requested.

Scott shook his head sharply. Causing his big ears to wobble.

“Open your mouth, boy. I'm not gonna hurt or tease ya. Come on," Rachael kindly told Scott she bent down and lifted his chin again. He started to shake his head but his willpower wavered to her touch. Scott reluctantly opened his blackened lips and then his sharpened maw. “Oh wow, your teeth are really coming in nicely! Now let me see your tongue, boy."

This time Scott complied without resistance and as Rachael smiled seeing his longer, wetter tongue he felt a small amount of pride for getting her approval. All of his teeth showed some signs of transitioning to their canine counterpart. Helped by the very gradual resculpting of his face, which already had him sporting a vague muzzle. Rachael's inspection saw her tilting his head to either side before letting go.

“You're looking great already, boy. I don't think we'll need to wait long for the final result. You're getting a little furrier too, huh?" Rachael commented of the numerous fur patches breaking out on his stomach and chest.

“I do?" whimpered Scott. Who was troubled but not surprised to see Rachael was right. He'd never had much body hair so the prickling growth of so many hairs traveling up from his crotch. They'd also shown up on his inner thighs and could be felt sneaking up around his ass. “I dro. I'verr got furrr- rhwat? My vroice ris. No, no… Rrrachel dron't trake mm-mm-mm-my v-v-vrrvoice," he struggle to say with a mouth less able to speak properly. For a human anyway.

“The voice has to go too, boy. You'll get a new one and have wonderful new ways to express yourself. You'll get used to it," she calmly reassured in a level voice.

“Brut… I'm… I-I-I want t-to… rrrrrooowoof!" Scott couldn't manage a sentence as his tongue, lips, and numbness in his throat made it harder with every breath.

Rachael pet the man's head to ease some of the distress clear in his expressions. In each stroke she felt less of the short brown stuff he'd walked into the park with. In its place the black and dark brown of a German Shepherd. For a time Scott just sat there, letting her pet him, feeling his body changing, voice failing, and wondering over the madness of his situation in silence. He'd remain that way until the totality of either leg, including much of his pelvis, was taken by the numbing magic of the collar. Scott groaned and with Rachael's hand on his head he laid onto his back.

“Ry'm scarrrredrrrr," Scott whined as he looked down at his transforming lower half. Seeing his legs lose mass and muscle, losing their form and suiting themselves to a life on four legs. There was also a twenty inch, lighty furring tail in his view. As the numbness faded from the new appendage, Scott could exhibit some control of it in addition to the tail feeling like a part of him now. A thought that made him shiver more than he already was.

“It's just a fear of the unexpected and unknown you're feeling, Scott. Perfectly understandable with how things happened. Once you see how naturally you take to being a dog and how lovely life can be, you'll wonder what you were ever afraid of. Sometimes to take a plunge you need a little push," assured Rachael tenderly from on high.

Scott wanted to say something to that but chose to not fumble through more words. His unchanged eyes still conveyed a wide-eyed puppy dog fearful sorrow to melt any heart. Rachael was touched and to her own line of thinking believed fully that she was doing the right thing by Scott. She'd turned down having an audience of other society members and hopefuls in order to give them both the privacy to get over this necessary rough patch. Plus Rachael wanted it to be clear to Scott that she alone would always be there for him.

As Scott's legs and ass shifted nearer to proper canine hindquarters the changing numbness found the last untouched vestiges of what made him human. The tingling chill of change moved down his arms and into his hands. His hands had felt strange from the start and he'd not noticed his nails darkening growing to resemble those on his toes. Scott had been sitting up with the help of both hands so saw the state of them when bringing them up. Also like his feet, both Scott's thumbs appeared to shrink as his hands stretched and other fingers shrunk. He felt his dexterity and opposable digits fade with a weary sense of acceptance that was absent when his feet. The sound of Rachael's voice left no room to think the weirdness wouldn't end.

“Okay, buddy, time to roll you over. You'll be a little wobbly until your body fully adjusts but what dog doesn't learn to roll over? This time I'll help you all the way, boy," Rachael promised, already kneeling down beside the man. She got her hands under his writhing form and turned him, holding him up until his scrambling, weary arms and legs could bear his weight. His rear end stood fittingly canine while his arms and hands were not far behind. “You're looking so good, boy! Can't wait to pet you once that fur comes in! This was such a good decision. This just, how do I say it, it just fits you, Scott. I hope you feel that too."

“Rrrrr- Ryyyrrrrrowwww," was all Scott could say in response. More whines would follow as the transformation barreled out his chest and adjusted his shoulders.

“It's fine, boy. You're doing great. Almost there," Rachael told the man. She ran her hand down the length of his lightly furred back.

Bearing the transformation of his upper body proved the most difficult for Scott. It was harder to breath, harder to balance on hands far closer to paws, and hard to fathom the furry flesh sheath covering most of his doggy cock. Scott found resisting the changes did nothing while simply letting it happen assuage his fearful panic taking over. Any level of acceptance weighed on the man's mind. As they seemed to echo what Rachael had said would happen. The implications to who Scott thought he was weighed on him.

The transformation had gone on for over a half an hour but it could have been five minutes to Scott. His body being in constant flux made things a blur with the man's attention drawn from one numb sensation to another. In less than ten minutes he'd have his senses back and know well how far he was from his old self. With the numbness leaving more of his body and the loud, painful cracking of his bones subsided, Scott gathered it would not be much longer. A point furthered when standing on all fours proved comfortable.

Rachael circled Scott, taking photos to remember the moment and shared with others in the Society. Many were already giving their congratulations to her in messages before the transformation had completed. She grinned out of a love for the man's form becoming better than what she'd envisioned. The blooming of his black and brown coat was a particular joy for her. The silhouette of a gorgeous German shepherd was so close that Rachael had switched to recording video so as to not miss a thing.

“Such a cute face you're getting! So much better than the old one, no offense. Those Ears and that tail and, and, and… just all of it!" Rachael boasted with phone in hand.

Scott's eyes darted from Rachael's in shame. Though anywhere he looked there were signs of his changes ending. Fur, paws, muzzle, nose, and the ground so close. No more fingers or two feet to stand on. He'd turn his head more if his neck wasn't too stiff for it. Only there, some smaller bits of his skull, and ribs were numb with change anymore. The rest was Scott- whether he wished it or not.

“Look at me, boy," Rachael commanded Scott with a firm fondness. Other than a brief hesitation, Scott obeyed; gazing back up at her and letting Rachael hold his chin again. “Good boy. Let me see that beautiful face come into its own."

'She takes my life away and then calls me beautiful. But I still obeyed her. Why? What is this body doing to me? Am I losing myself? Am I really going to be a dog for the rest of my life?' Scott fretted internally behind his weary, dulled eyes. His vision would waver and dissolve into the dichromatic vision befitting a dog. Other senses, like taste and smell, were made as keen as a German Shepherd's. So many smells, sounds, and new sights overstimulated Scott to the point of having to shut his eyes to try to focus.

“You're almost there, boy. I've got your leash waiting when you're done," Rachael revealed as she took the ruby leash from her purse. He may not have seen it but by the twitch of his ears and stiff, upright tail Scott heard knew she wasn't lying. “After you've finished we'll do a little walk around the park to get acquainted, then it's time to visit your new home, boy. I spent all day getting it ready. Barely had time to throw myself together for your interview. Or what you thought was a date, heh. I'll admit, I thought about skipping dinner and meeting you at the park first. I don't think Brody or Cora would have minded letting us go in before the time I reserved. But I'm really glad we didn't. Aside from reaffirming my decision to bring you into the fold, I was actually freakin' starving. And Chef Felix was really on point tonight," she added with a lick of the lips.

When the din of cracking and popping meat and bone subsided it wasn't relief that Scott experienced. That chilly numbness he'd disliked so much left him too. Scott never thought he'd be wishing for those feelings to linger a little longer. That was how desperate he was to delay coming into this new life as an animal. As a dog. As a pet. There was only fur to fill in, some skin to tighten, and then it would be over. His brain shrunk to fit his shepherd skull without losing Scott's memories or intelligence. It adapted to the new sensory inputs to clear the noise to a level he could manage. So Scott opened his eyes to a vastly new life.

“Smile!" Rachael called out as the flash of her phone's camera went off.

Scott had to shake his head to get the spots from his vision. Once he could see straight, Scott was acutely aware of the absence of the collar's feral magic from every inch of his body. His muscles relaxed as the chill of change made way for the heat of the balmy city night. So he panted and let his tail flop into a low way back between his hind legs. He would have laid down if Rachael hadn't come over to attach the leash to his collar.

“Finally! I have my own ruby pet! And I might be biased but I've never seen anyone come out looking so good, Scott. And I'm not just saying that either. I've been staring at breed standards for German shepherds all week and you're like, perfect! It's a shame I can't use you as a show dog. Doesn't mean I can't be shown off though!" Rachael said in full delight. “Come along, boy. A little walk should awaken your strength and help you break your new body in. This way."

With a short, sharp tug Rachael brought Scott forward to make his first weary steps as a canine. The movements came easy to him, albeit the pads of his paws were particularly tender. Rachael let him find his footing as she led him off the stage, down into the pit area, and then up the stairs to the main path. The stairs were a trial all their own for Scott. In reaching the top he got acquainted with a dog's locomotion and awakened more of his muscle's potential. Working up a thirst too.

A short walk away was one of the many water fountains in this area of the park made for humans and dogs. Rachael pressed the pedal to fill a lower bowl for her dog.

“I'm told the trick for drinking is to not overthink it too much, boy," Rachael suggested while preparing her phone to record more video. “That advice honestly works for a lot of things about being a dog. Don't think too much, listen to instinct, and most of all, enjoy it!"

Resolved to not listen, Scott tried and failed a few times to use his tongue properly. He got tantalizingly close but could never do much more than wet his teeth. Frustration led Scott to shoveling the water awkwardly with his muzzle. Which worked but shot water up his nose, causing him to gag and snort. Rachael did her best to contain her laughter. Defiance like this was common early on so Rachael was happy to let Scott make a fool of himself.

They left the fountain with Scott dripping wet down to his neck and thirst unquenched. Rachael took him back to the path they arrived on and continued on what would be a long, winding circle of the private dog park. As they went along their way, Occasionally they would pause at a scenic spot for Rachael to test Scott's ability to follow commands. 'Sit', 'Stay', and 'Come' saw a little resistance from Scott at the start only to submit. He told himself it was because it was easier to do so than make Rachael angry. Each time he got one correct Rachael would dig a scrap of roast beef from a pouch in her purse to reward Scott's compliance. Scott was less accepting of the fourth command.

“Come on, Scott. Speak! Give me a few barks or a howl, but give me one or you'll get no treat!" Rachael commanded a seated Scott for the third time, roast beef in hand.

Scott sneered and growled a little but didn't want to give her the satisfaction. Yet he certainly felt the compulsion to submit every time she spoke. A pang in his heart that was harder to suppress with each command.

“Scott, speak! Don't make me ask again," she warned.

He clenched his teeth but his will broke as Scott found himself in need of Rachael's approval. “Wooof! Wooof! AwoooOOOOOOO!" he howled.

“Good boy! Who's a good boy?" Rachael extolled as she both fed him his treat and scratched behind his ears.

'Why can't I disappoint her? After what she did to me, is still doing to me, I should be biting her hand off. Not wanting her approval and those damned treats,' Scott pondered about himself. He very much didn't want to accept the idea that Rachael was right about him being better as a dog than a man. To accept that about himself was not an option. If he had any chance of getting back to normal- which he was sure was somehow possible, despite no evidence to counter Rachael's claims- he'd need to not lose himself.

Yet every step and new command given and followed, Scott found himself very willing to do what Rachael asked of him. Showing token resistance at times but never needed to be told more than twice. Rachael would take frequent pictures, videos, and was in communication with a number of fellow society members following her progress. She'd message them while Scott did the awkward business of relieving himself. A further compulsion to mark objects, especially trees and light poles that stunk of other dogs, got giggles from Rachael while she never stopped him.

For a little over an hour the criss-crossed the park and cleaned out all the treats Rachael brought. “Time to head home, boy. Just have to make a little stop on the way out," she said with a faint foreboding.

They arrived back at Ruby Retreat's entrance not long after. Before they leave Rachael directed Scott to a thin pool of water beside the ivy wall. A still thirsty Scott didn't need to be commanded to rush over for his last chance for a drink. He realized too late that in a small alcove above the pool was a polished mirror. Scott stared at the German shepherd a few seconds when it sunk in that he was gazing at himself. This was the new Scott.

“Aren't you gorgeous, Scott?" Rachael asked as she knelt beside him. She pet him slowly from head to tail while he stared unmoved. “You'll get used to that handsome mug, boy. Everyone else in the society loves how you came out. Including Brody and Cora," she bragged. “Try to drink up and we'll get going, boy."

Lowering himself to the water without looking away from his reflection, Scott was able to lap up the water in just a few tries. With most of his mind trying to comprehend being a dog he couldn't overthink. He drank his fill and then some. Rachael had to tug him away for Scott's trance to end.

“Time to go, Scott. If anyone asks to pet you I'm saying yes. And you'll let them and be a very good boy in public, okay? Ruby collar dogs are always the best behaved and trained. That's you now, boy," Rachael reminded while unlocking the door.

'People are going to see me? Naked and on a leash?' panicked Scott, in what came out as a nervous whine. 'They won't know it's me but I will. I don't think I can't do this.'

Any anxiety Scott felt he masked as he left the private area in stride with Rachael. The air of the park was full of more scents, sights, sounds, and stimuli to keep Scott's head swiveling around while they returned to the walking path. Dusk had settled in but the well illuminated park had many runners, walkers, and families out enjoying the warm, pleasant weather. Some with dogs of their own. To any that would flag Rachael down to ask if they could pet Scott, she held true to her word and always said yes. Infants, kids, adults, the elderly; everyone that saw him took the chance to pet and lavish affection on Scott. So many that he lost count.

The man had no choice in his mind but to act the part of the dog everyone saw. Was easy when their pets, scratches, and kind words made him feel really good. Scott shook that feeling off a couple times only for them to encounter someone else drawn to the friendly dog. Again his willpower to fight the good vibes was easily overcome. His tail got going wagging and never stopped. Not even after leaving the part and walking the few blocks to the front of Rachael's luxury highrise apartment.

“Welcome to your new home, Scott. I can't wait to show you around!" tittered Rachael as they walked up to the front door.

The doorman tipped his hat to Rachael as he opened the door for her. Also giving Scott one of his crackers to eat. Not the usual treat for a dog but Scott gobbled it up all the same.

Rachael lived on the east side of the twenty-third floor in an apartment that made Scott's old place look like a linen closet. Three bedrooms, two full baths, big kitchen, laundry, living room, lounge, office, and a fireplace over fifteen hundred square feet of plush wall-to-wall carpeting. Though sparsely decorated there were many pictures, paintings, potted plants, and high tech integrations controlling everything from the lights, blinds, and television. And waiting in the corner of the laundry room were food and water bowls, toys, a metal dog crate with a fluffy bed inside and a mirror hung on its door.

“Welcome to your new home, Scott. Listen carefully to rules, boy, and commit them to memory. First, always listen to my commands. In this house and out, I'm your master, and I can't do my job if you don't do yours. Second, never try to escape or cause problems. You'll be found and I won't be able to protect you, Scott. They don't really believe in second chances, okay? Next, let's go over rules for the apartment," Rachael explained as they toured the house. He was to stay off furniture, only eat from his bowls, wasn't allowed in some rooms, he had to inform her when he had to be taken for a walk, and would be expected to guard the premises incase of a break in. An unlikely prospect but one Rachael thought him well suited to with his breed.

“And this is your room," she stated as the tour finished with her showing him his crate. “For the first few months you'll sleep in the crate with the mirror to help you adjust to things. This is actually the same mirror Brody used for Cora, which they got from somebody else so it's sort of a tradition. The dog bed and some of the toys were Cora's too until recently when Brody got her some upgrade. Normally I'd just buy new ones myself but I like the idea of hand-me-downs for our dogs. Once you're fully into your life as a dog and we have some trust built up, I'm fine letting you sleep outside the crate at night. Maybe in a nice, new bed like Cora's. Earning that, like a lot of other privileges, will come with time and trust. If I'm honest, I don't see you having any trouble fitting in quickly, Scott. You've been so well-behaved so far. I'm very proud of you," Rachael praised. She removed the leash and hung it nearby before rubbing Scott's head vigorously. “I think someone's earned a special treat! I have to go to the kitchen to get it though. Just a minute."

Rachael left Scott alone for the first time since he'd met the woman. He would have thought he'd run or look for a way to escape given this chance. A desire to not be there, to not be a dog, was there but the desire to act on it wasn't. There was no certainly no obvious escape route for a dog like him, and Rachael's shady threat of what failed escape would bring were a factor. The real problem was Scott's warming to his canine form. The reflection in the small mirror on the open crate door did not scare him as it did.

Scott let his guard down somewhat, lapped some water up, and sniffed around the space he'd be spending the first of many nights. From only a few sniffs he picked up on a most alluring scent. What it was he lacked the experience to know but it excited his nostrils and got his heart thumping. He'd sniff his way inside the crate without thinking and found the source to be the dog bed. Sniffing and licking the fabric brought the strongest scent yet.

'Why does this smell so good? It's getting me all worked up… Almost reminds me like sex stink,' Scott considered to himself as the heady aroma sunk into his system.While sniffing behind himself his doggy cock nearly fully emerging from his sheath. Suddenly aware of his erection, Scott in his privacy allowed himself to get hard to feel a surge of feral lust tingle through his whole body. Backing out of the crate, Scott sat down and didn't second guess an urge to reach down and lick at his doggy cock. Any shame or misgivings disappeared with a single lick. Many more would follow until cut off.

“Scott! Come to the kitchen, boy!" Rachael called out.

Only her voice could have made him stop and hurry out the door. Feeling his hard canine dick bumping against his chest as he ran would remind Scott of his arousal only too late. Scott stopped to gather himself when Rachael popped her upper half out of the kitchen to hurry him on. With nowhere to hide, Scott did his best to hide his erection as he heeded his master's call.

“There's my good boy. I've got a bowl of some fresh turkey, chicken, and because it's a special day, some chopped up filet mignon. Topped with some of this doggy gravy that some others suggested. Bon appetit, Scott!" she invited, setting the bowl down on the kitchen floor in front of him. Then as Rachael stepped away to clean up, Scott showed a passing interest in the food. His arousal hadn't abated and in presence of a woman he had the hots for hours ago Scott let his base feral lust rule his mind. The next thing he knew Scott was humping Rachael's leg. “Scott! No! Bad dog! Get down!" she rebuked while pushing him off.

Scott's hips continued bucking until Rachael shook him free. His hips kept going a few seconds until he could get himself under control. Seeing him in that did make Rachael giggle once the initial surprise wore off. Shame set in and Scott got himself under control. Wagging his tail and lowering his head to apologize. Then went back to his bowl to eat.

“A real horn dog, aren't you? Wasn't expecting that. Not this soon anyway," Rachael remarked with a smirk as she looked down at him.

The dog's ears and tail bashfully lowered while Scott gulped down his food. Easy given how tasty it was.

“I can't stop your instincts but do try to keep me out of it, Scott. That goes double for the furniture," chuckled Rachael.

As he ate and the embarrassment of what he'd done sunk in, Scott's erection slipped back into his furry sheath for the night. Letting Rachael clean up and get things ready for the night. She'd let him finish his meal and then command him to follow back to the laundry room. Showed to his crate with just her eyes, the former man obeyed and entered. Scott came about as Rachael closed the door behind him and made sure the mirror was firmly in place.

“It's been a long day for both of us, boy. You have a good night's rest and in the morning we'll go for a nice long walk, okay? If I'm up to it, maybe take that second date hike I promised. Love you, Scott. You're home at last."

Rachael left the door open a crack and turned off the light to leave Scott alone to sleep. With so much on his mind he didn't think he'd ever fall asleep though. He'd lay down in the bed, enjoying the scent of what he assumed to be Cora's residual scent. Scott might have gotten aroused again but the day caught up with him fast. He'd nod off before Rachael would that night. His dreams would mix human and canine traits. Scott would try shaking off the dog's desires but they'd always bubble up again. Waking or dreaming, he could escape who he was now.

Sunday brought stormy weather and though their plans for a day out were dashed, Rachael was determined to make the most of it. Scott got to visit one of the apartment's amenities on the roof of the thirty story building. A covered grassy area intended as a place for dog's to do their business. The space was small and didn't allow for any privacy but Scott didn't have much choice. Back in the apartment, Rachael did a more comprehensive walkthrough of the house where she pointed out things he might have to fetch for her or where to go to fulfill some other command.

During the day Rachael would sometimes speak more about the Ruby Collar Society to which they were both a part. A secretive social club with a long history in the city and many others, folks like Scott were singled out and transformed with special collars into dogs and housecats for the society's members. In this modern age they used sites like Ruby Dates and restaurants like they visited to find perfect candidates like Scott to alter. Rachael jokingly noted that they could likely find people who would be happy and willing to collar themselves. The society preferred their methods as a more reliable way to find those souls the collar belonged on. She claimed that in the last forty-seven years there wasn't a single soul who would give up their new lot in life. Scott wasn't sure if she was lying to sap his spirit or being honest. Neither sat well with him.

In the afternoon Rachael told Scott she'd had a surprise for him coming later. She wouldn't say what but it added to the many thoughts that preoccupied Scott that day. While he dutifully followed Rachael and obeyed her commands, Scott was lethargic and aloof. The monotony of the dreary day drove home to Scott that yesterday hadn't been a nightmare or lucid drug trip. He wondered how long his landlord and job would take to notice he was gone. How many would notice he was gone? Of those, how many would care past a week? Let alone a month? The answers made Scott uncomfortable, and kept his obedience silent.

After dinner Rachael was sitting on the couch looking through her streaming options while Scott lay at her feet. He'd nearly forgotten about her earlier promise about a surprise when there was a knock at the door. Scott alerted immediately.

“I wonder who that is," Rachael asked facetiously as she rose from the couch.

Scott followed Rachael to the door. His combined senses told him there was an older woman on the other side who had a dog with her. Neither seemed a threat to him or Rachael so he tried to perk up for appearances. With both assessment and his loyal reaction coming with a troubling ease that worried Scott as Rachael made the hand motion to sit before unlocking the door.

“Meredith! You have impeccable timing. I was just about to start the next episode," Rachael greeted as the two hugged. Meredith was in her mid-forties but retained her curvy figure and youthful complexion. Like Rachael, she was wearing comfortable clothing and just socks. Meaning she was a fellow resident of the building. And the ruby leash in her hand and the ruby collared Alaskan Malamute. A bitch by the smell of her.

“I'm lucky like that. Good to see you too, Rachael. And is this your new collar?" Meredith, whose voice was pure silk, asked Rachael while bending down to pet Scott.

“It sure is. This is Scott and he's been a good boy for just over a full day now. Haven't you, Scott?" Rachael introduced and then commanded.

Scott ruffed and nodded while accepting Meredith's energetic affection. Not thinking twice about complying with Rachael at the moment.

“And already obeying commands.That's very impressive, Rachael," Meredith remarked as she stood back up. “Esme here was far more stubborn. So much that she lost her old human name. But she's been a total gem since those early days. Aren't you, sweetie bug?"

The Malamute smiled and looked up, eye squinting out of pure love for Meredith while her tail wagged at warp speed.

“Hi Esme, you gorgeous, pretty girl. You're positively glowing," Rachael gushed while stepping aside to let them both inside. “Well come on in and find a place on the couch. I have snacks ready and wine glasses are prepped."

“That's what I want to hear. Is it fine to unleash her? Will Scott behave?" Meredith asked warily.

“He most certainly will. Won't you, Scott? You're going to treat Meredith and Esme like a true gentlemen, aren't we?" Rachael instructed Scott with an uncompromising expression. The shepherd lowered his head and ears, wagged his tail, and showed obedience. “Good boy! You two are gonna be great friends."

“I would adore that. Just be gentle with her, Scott. She's a little over a month pregnant with a litter of seven so can't be wrestling or running around. She does love a good tug of war. If you got something durable enough," Meredith laughed from what was clearly experience.

“I bought a few actually. Hasn't had anyone to play with yet. But he'll definitely be gentle with her," Rachael promised.

Not wanting to disappoint, Scott was careful around Esme. He did this to obey and out of an honest fear of hurting her outwardly. On the inside Scott was taken aback by the Malamute's relaxed happiness. She'd been stubborn enough to lose her name and still here she was, loyal, content, pregnant, and most of all, joyful about life. The two sniffed and licked the other with Esme nuzzling nose to nose in what Scott was told was a common greeting between the collared. After pleasantries they laid down in front of the couch where their masters shared a blanket and snacks.

'It's just another night for them with their pets. It's normal for them. For Esme too. This is still way too weird to wrap myself around. I'm not sure I can ever get used to this,' Scott opined to himself in so many ways over the coming few hours.

Occasionally one of the women would toss down a scrap of food for one or both dogs that would only be eaten at the snap of the fingers. At the two hour mark the women stretched and Rachael retrieved the hearty tug of war rope for dogs she'd bought as one of Scott's presents. It lasted all of twenty minutes of play between the two when it predictably tore apart. During it all Scott told himself frequently he wasn't enjoying the praise or having fun with Esme. Coming always as a reprimand of himself after letting himself relax and have fun.

From conversation during the night Scott learned Esme had been her pet for going on nineteen years. This was far from her first litter and wouldn't be her last thanks to the magic keeping Esme in her peak form all that time. She'd outlasted two marriages, survived five moves, and been on countless travels around the world. From Rachael's reactions, she very much wanted that sort of life for Scott. Minus the divorces.

Meredith departed with Esme right after midnight. Mentioning in parting there were twelve other society members in the building. All of whom were waiting to make Scott's acquaintance. Scott went to sleep in his crate that night thinking about Esme's innocent joy at being a dog. That existed alongside a clear human intelligence at work behind her eyes. She was choosing to be this way, there was no doubt. When she left with Meredith, Esme nuzzled their noses together with eyes that said, 'It'll be okay'. He fell asleep mulling over what agreeing with her meant.

Over the next two weeks he'd meet more in the building with ruby collared pets. Most were brief encounters in the elevator, at the door, or on the roof, but each did end with the dog nuzzling nose to nose with Scott and giving those 'It'll be okay' eyes to him. The same for the ones he'd meet in the park and Ruby Retreat. Rachael tried to get there every day if weather and time permitted. Rachael worked from home and as far as Scott could tell, she had a hefty inheritance and worked as a travel columnist and blogger mostly for her own satisfaction. She wasn't hurting for money or free time, so the route to the park became quickly engrained in Scott's mind.

Any who saw Scott treated him accordingly as a dog. It was hard not to resist all the praise and love he'd get just on a trip to and from the park. On days where he woke up determined to be irritable, just a few pets on the heads and 'good boys' from total strangers would turn him into a cuddly puppy dog. To only realize later at home while playing fetch that he was supposed to be mad. Vet visits, groomer appointment, and that long awaited second date hike filled the time as Rachael showed Scott he wasn't merely an accessory or passing interest. She'd had dogs, real dogs, all her life. She wasn't lying about wanting to get one for a while. Or that anyone she'd marry would have to be into dogs.

During those weeks, while Scott learned the ropes and unwittingly adapted to canine life, Rachael was in contact with Brody the most. Texting, calling, and arranging to meet him for walks at the park a few times. Both naturally brought their dogs. Unlike all the other ruby collars he'd meet, Cora showed the most clear human understanding of both her and Scott's peculiar situation. She was also the only one to not say, 'It'll be okay' to him. The sense he got from Cora was more of a, 'You make the most of it' feeling. And much like how their masters were getting closer with their frequent encounters, her eyes said instead, 'Let's make the most of it. Together'.

It was a Friday, a day short of four weeks since Scott underwent his transformation, and Scott was with Rachael back at the same restaurant where they first met. They were on another first date together only not with each other. Rachael dined with Brody, the two finally taking the first step like Rachael had been wanting since before she met Scott. While they were hitting it off and playing footsie, Scott and Cora flirted in their own shy ways. They got to share a bowl of chicken and rice that the restaurant provides free to any society members. Both got to hear about how their owners misled them into dates after they'd tested so well to be collared. She'd also given in easily, despite early protests. In the five months since she'd been a well-behaved, very good girl. But definitely needed 'a friend', as Brody put it.

The two shepherds weren't oblivious to their master's intentions from the beginning. Maybe it was instinct, a shared trauma, fate, or all their time together but regardless of their master's wishes, Scott and Cora felt a kinship and attraction to the other. It felt wrong on some level to be attracted to a dog like Cora. Then he'd remembered she wasn't really a dog, just as he wasn't. That it didn't explain his physical attraction to her was a fact Scott ignored. The sweet smell of the bitch that night was particularly floral and pleasant to his nose. Brody's remark about Cora coming into season triggered very knowing glances to be traded under the table by two suddenly very shy German shepherds.

When Rachael invited Brody back to her place it got every heart and under the table fluttering. The pair held hands as they walked briskly back to the Rachael's apartment with their dogs on leashes to either side. For the whole walk Scott fought his cock sliding out. Cora's scent had him going and the feeling appeared mutual. On the ride up in the elevator, while their owners made out, the two dogs stood awkwardly with their tails wagging, unsure how to act. Neither one of them had any experience acting on these sorts of emotions and feral instincts.

Inside the apartment Rachael and Brody slowed down a little to split a bottle of wine in her kitchen. They opened a bottle of wine in the kitchen and spent their time teasing the two dogs about their poorly disguised canine impulses. Scott's doggy erection was going nowhere and Cora frequently presented herself to him while trying to just walk off her excitement. This didn't go on for very long as Rachael and Brody started kissing again. Things may have escalated but Rachael still had some wits.

“Let's take this to my bedroom," Rachael purred as she tugged at the front of the man's pants.

“Lead the way," Brody agreed before remembering the dogs. “What do you wanna do with them?"

Rachael's boozy brain took a full minute to come up with something. “Let's not pretend they're not planning on doing what we are. Might as well put them somewhere they won't make a mess. Come on, Scott! Cora! Follow me," she invited the two dogs. Taking Brody's hand as well, she led the group into the bedroom. Once there the dogs were shown into the large master bathroom. “You two have your fun in here, okay? We'll check on you in… a while," giggled Rachael with Body kissing the back of her neck while undressing her.

“A good long while," Brody quipped between kisses.

“Fuck yes," moaned Rachael as she started to close the bathroom door. “If you're thirsty, I won't be mad if you drink out of the toilet. Have fun you two! We sure will, hehe," she giggled.

The door shut and the two shepherds got to hear their owners, whom both had once fancied themselves, go to town. They listened for a few minutes, stood besides the other, rather than think about the obvious. In that short time the bathroom filled with the smell of Cora's heat. Scott couldn't ignore the scent of Cora for long with how it got his cock throbbing and him panting. He took to walking around to try and calm himself. Which had the unintended effect of getting Cora turned on from watching him. As their masters got naked and crawled into bed for foreplay, the dogs had less restraint.

A brief sniffing of rear ends was followed by Cora nuzzling her nose into Scott's. That and she soon after presented the rear end in his face translated to 'It's okay, we both want it'. With permission given, Scott knew there was no use holding back and let his instincts rule him. Leading to him swiftly mounting her and shuffling up her body until he felt he was in position. He licked her back and neck as lovingly as his lust would allow while he made probing thrusts with his red cock that missed the mark. With some guidance from Cora's hips he did finally connect, sparing no time shoving his doggy dick into her canine cunt.

Cora yowled for those initial, dry thrusts. Soon it was slick enough to go deep and her pained howls melted into panting, passionate whines. Scott worked up a sweat too but preferred nipping the furry nape of Cora's neck to vocalizing. Both had worried about this moment in the leadup; thinking they would not truly want this. As it happened, neither were thinking of much besides 'mate' and 'breed'. With no care for anything but that, Scott and Cora thrilled in unison at the swelling of his knot. Cora orgasmed from that alone and had another by the time Scott sealed them together for his own release. With a final, triumphant push, Scott emptied his seed into Cora's willing sex- the spasms it caused pushing her to another whimpering climax.

Scott's balls were not yet empty when Cora and he collapsed on the white tile. Tired, panting, and drained of most of their strength, their tails found the energy to keep wagging.

'I shouldn't be thinking this but damn, that felt good,' Scott and Cora happened to think around the same time.

It would be a while before Scott's knot subsided and the two could separate themselves By the sounds of things, their masters were still going at it and would be for a while. Cora showed Scott how to work a faucet with your mouth so they could drink from the sink over the toilet while they waited. They went and laid down, intending to wait it out. Only to learn their own desires were not easily sated either. And after ten minutes of rest Scott was mounting Cora for the second of four couplings they fit in that night. When their masters came to retrieve them, the two dogs were curled up together fast asleep.

It was past two in the morning when Brody left with Cora. He and Rachael kissed again in her doorway and made plans to meet for brunch before a nice long walk with the dogs. The shepherds nuzzled noses and licked affectionately, which Rachael made sure to record with her phone. After the door was locked, Rachael was light on her feet as she showed Scott to his crate for the night.

“Looks like we both scored tonight, boy. I've really fallen for Brody. I take it you have the hots for Cora too?" Rachael asked hopefully.

Scott nodded and wagged his tail.

Rachael couldn't stop herself swooning. “That's so precious. I love that this relationship is a fit for us both. I knew you'd be perfect for this life, Scott. I hope you're starting to see that too," she told him, locking the door of the crate. “Good night, boy. And happy anniversary."

Laying down in his crate, Scott found it difficult to think of anything but Cora. He'd nod off knowing that if he had to be a dog forever, having someone like Cora with him made him almost look forward to it. After a month's time the only resentment that really lingered in Scott was that Rachael had deceived him. In another month's time, that opinion would shift to understanding he would never have agreed to it willingly. A month after that, just after Brody moved in and Cora had their first litter, Scott was grateful to Rachael for giving him this chance. A fur and tail were a small price to pay for curing Scott's loneliness for good.