[WRITER GUIDELINES] and obvious SPOILER WARNING

Spookity here. Thanks for showing interest in this story premise! Happy to see you.

I'm not going to explicitly tell you how to create your version of the story with this premise. Simply put, this is Dog Furries being pets for humans, so take from that what you will. It may not be the most original premise ever, but nothing is original anymore. What makes it exciting and interesting is the personal spin YOU put on the idea, or at least the unique story your characters can portray. Go on, have fun with it! We'll all enjoy the ride.

That being said. There are a couple of actual rules.

1. Please use proper grammar and check your spelling. Google Docs and similar programs are free and can help you with both of these needs. Proof-read your content!
2. For simplicity and courtesy's sake, please only branch from someone else's thread if you have the author's permission.
3. This is not a strict rule per se, but I would very much appreciate a usual minimum chapter length of 1000 words, and preferably more for your first chapter. To quote the brilliant MrWhysper, I don’t want a bunch of dead ends or orphan starts. Show me you’re committed.

World Setting Information

While the cast of your thread is up to you, there are some thing I wish to extrapolate on in order to give you a solid foundation for your story.

Canidus Adoption Process:

By default, a person must be 21 Years of age in order to qualify as a Companion owner. Most children are likely accustomed to living with the Companions of their parents, and thus understand the expectations of their puppo pals well before their time comes to get one for themselves.

Most folks acquire their Companions through Kennel Academies: a widespread organization that facilitates and standardizes the training Canidus receive in order to become Companions. While it is possible to get your Companion from a private breeder or other acquaintance, it is highly recommended that one only accept exchanges from those certified by the Kennel Academy Standards Committee, to avoid... complications.

Canidus that have reached physical maturity and passed the appropriate tests will be made available for adoption immediately. It is extremely rare for a Canidus to take longer than a year to be chosen as a Companion, and travel arrangements can be made if a long-distance transfer is necessary.

Kennel Academy training is a government-funded service, and so adoption fees are more a show of commitment and financial stability, as well as providing improved benefits for the Canidus attending.

Canidus Biology:

Most Canidus are three to five feet tall, varying by breed. Though upright and humanoid, Canidus still sport many of their canine physical traits. They have a lifespan of 55-75 years in ideal circumstances, and are considered fully mature by 10 years of age.

Their legs are digitigrade, with thick footpaws pressed to the ground. The claws have softened over time similarly to human fingernails, and are more often smooth nubs on their toes and fingertips. Their hands are human-like, with opposable thumbs and flexing digits, though the palms and undersides of their hands are textured differently than other skin; a byproduct of footpads their ancestors had. They are smooth and spongy, can provide a sturdy grip, and are often quite sensitive to touch.

Nearly all Canidus have tails, and tail docking is a procedure only allowed in emergency situations to preserve the health of the individual. The size and shape of their tails vary by breed, but on average are roughly one foot long, base to tip.

Canidus still possess their sensitive ears, either pointed or folded over, often lost in a mane of voluminous hair. Their snouts have shortened considerably, resembling little more than a dog's nose pressed upon a slightly elongated, otherwise human face. Their eyes have enlarged over time, and can now see a full spectrum of colors, unlike the Canidus of centuries prior.

While no longer obligate carnivores, the teeth of Canidus remain fairly pointed, with large bicuspids in the back of their mouths. As hybridized as the rest of them, their dental structure is similar to humans, but with a slight lean on the pointed side. They are capable of eating fruits, grains, and vegetables, but their diet should still consist of primarily meats. They have retained their ancestor's pleasurable palate for water, and are easy to keep hydrated. Their tongues are only slightly flatter than a human's, and are incredibly soft.

Possessing both hair and fur, their color are usually the same or very similar. Regardless of breed, all Canidus have very short, fine fur along their bodies, with skin of similar shade underneath, ranging from pale blond and white to a dark gray or brown. The "underbelly" region of the body is devoid of fur, showing their skintone across the chest, abdomen, and genitals.

With increased intelligence comes increase cranium size, which means a need for a larger birth canal. Because of this, female Canidus have wider hips, often giving the smaller breeds a rather pronounced pear shape. Reduced litter size (1-4 average), as well as human breeding preferences, have also led to Canidus no longer having additional breasts or nipples, as well as their remaining pair being larger, more similar to humans.

While it is possible and relatively safe to have intercourse with Canidus, crossbreeding is impossible, making them a popular source of relief to owners who aren't looking to have children.

TL;DR— Mostly Human Dog Furries, you know what they look like. Everything varies by breed.

Canidus Intelligence:

While smart and obedient, Canidus only receive rudimentary education at their Kennel Academies. They're taught basic speech (often in short, choppy sentences or single words), symbol recognition (as opposed to reading), proper etiquette, and life skills with the intent to serve their prospective masters. Canidus fresh out of Academy can be expected to understand the duties of a housekeeper, keeping things neat and tidy with minimal prompting. They are capable of being taught to cook, assist in shopping, and other personalized tasks, but it is urged that such instructions be kept simple and direct.

Due to conflicts, concerns, and tragedies in the past, International Policy forbids the training of Canidus for hostile occupations (Guards and Soldiers) or for intensive physical labor. Kennel Academy guides outline the tasks ideal for Companions to perform, as well as recommendations on further guidance on your journey as Owner of a Companion.

It is... Ill Advised... to attempt to educate your Companion beyond the breadth of understanding provided by their Kennel Academy.
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The Order of Lost Fangs:

Ancient and enigmatic, this far-reaching Organization is the source of the Canidus' limited intelligence, as well as their seemingly impossible human-like evolutionary features. Their motives are a secret kept under lock on key, and their identities are unknown to any level of the public. Our world has conspiracies like the Freemasons and the Illuminati. This world has Lost Fangs.

Advanced beyond their years, Lost Fangs have infiltrated most of the societies of the world, using their influence to make sure Canidus remain under the absolute control of humanity while also using them to reach further pinnacles of progress. Not relying solely on evolution, they have also incorporated subtle doses of genetic therapy worldwide to make Canidus even more human-like, even more subservient, and even more... useful. Their daunting power is also the cause of several "suppressions" that have happened through the years; ending any threats to their domination over Canidus. They see no need for reform, nor do they benefit from allowing Canidus to have rights and privileges similar to their human masters.

It's thanks to this Organization that all of these "rules" regarding Canidus are more just guidelines. Anything is possible when you're the one pulling the strings.