Posted by Lieutenant Commander Brenna Neenna Atoded (Chief of Pets (COP)) in Ship’s safe keeper visits the Chief of Pets

Posted by Lieutenant Drake Burcham (Chief of Keeping The Ship Safe (COS)) in Ship’s safe keeper visits the Chief of Pets

Lt. Burcham entered the Pet Emporium and walked up to Lt. Breena’s desk. “I was told we needed to come get a pet.” He said as he looked around at all the different pets and items in the Emporium in amazement of how this place was transformed since the last time he was in this area of the ship.
Lt. Burcham, CoS.

Brenna stood up and came around the desk. Geri and Freki and Fenris, Siberan Huskies from the same litter raised their heads looking at the new comer and then, smelling nothing off about the man, laid their heads back down seemingly uninterested. Luna, the small blue mini Rex hopped around the desk with her and twitched her ears back and forth as if listening for something, and smelling no treats hopped away to join Geri on his bed and go to sleep.

“Lt Burcham, welcome to my little slice of the asylum,” Brenna laughed, the idea of this position was a bit comical to her, but it was her job after all. “Yes, everyone gets a pet. So the question is do you want a simple pet to keep at home or a working pet that can go on duty with you?”
Lt Cmdr Atoded, CoP

“I heard about police on Earth back in the old days that had dogs that would help them with cases and what not, and that would be pretty cool if my animal was helpful on the ship.” He replied. He noticed all the different animals at first curious of him, then laying down and uninterested. “This is weird, but also kind of neat.” he thought aloud.
Lt. Burcham, CoS

Brenna nodded, “It is weird. But the stuffy suits at command think it might be a good idea. With deep space vessels and the crews gone for a long time, to have a companion. Most have families on board but not everyone, so Connie is getting the trial run.” Brenna steps over to the far end of the room. This ‘room’ is larger and inside are several dogs. Inside were 2 German Shepherds, a Beagle 1 Rottweiler and a Labrador. “Dogs like you are describing are excellent companions and partners. They have to be worked every day, even when they aren’t working. There are lots of ‘games’ you can do with them, and specific commands you will have to learn. They require a lot of work and attention, but if you are willing to put the work in, you won’t be disappointed.” She opened the door, and unlike the other animals, these dogs didn’t attempt to rush out. She called them, one by one and they walked out and found a place to rest around the room. “Get to know them and see if you take to any of them.”
Lt Cmdr Atoded, CoP

Lt. Burcham took turns with each of the dogs, petting them, giving them treats. He liked the female German Shepard. “I think I match well with this one.” he said still petting the dog.
Lt. Burcham, CoS

Brenna nodded in agreement. The Shepard wandered away and returned with a ball, dropping it at Burcham’s feet and waited expectantly. “I think she will serve you well. She rarely needs reminding to stay and await a command. If she doesn’t, it’s a sure sign that she’s picked up on something you have not.” Brenna picked up a PaDD and transferred some data to it. “This is a list of command words, in ancient Earth Russian, that she responds to, as well as her diet, medical, and training records.” She moved over to a locker and returned. She handed Burcham a combadge and a vest in security yellow. “This will identify her as an actual working dog, and that she belongs with Security. The combadge will allow us to track her and identify her easily rather than just a K9 wondering the ship. She could probably even be trained to activate it and vocalize a pattern of barks to indicate an emergency to the computer. Also on the PaDD is a training program you can run in the holodeck. It will keep her skills sharp and teach you how to put those skills to use. Or you can come back here and I can work with you both. She’ll do well alone in your quarters, but if she goes too long without exercise she is smart enough to get into things she shouldn’t.”
Lt. Cmdr Atoded, CoP

“Cool. This is going to be awesome and thank you for your help.” Lt. Burcham told her as he took all the stuff she was giving him for the German Shepard. “You’re going to be my best officer on my team, aren’t you?” he laughingly said petting the German Shepard. “Does she already have a name, or can I call her Eleanor/Ellie?” he asked looking up from the dog and back to Brenna.
Lt. Burcham, CoS

Brenna nodded, “She does have a name, Sara, but they area all trained to take a new name.” She walked over to a shelf and took a canister of small bite sized treats from it and after dumping several into her hand she returned. She gave the treats to Burcham, “The command is ‘erkenne,’ or recognize in German. Use the command and then her new name. Then the treat. After that each time you say her name if she looks at you or comes to you, you give her a treat. Keep it up for at least 5 days. And don’t fall back on her old name.” She handed him a small pouch as well, that attaches to a belt. “To keep the treats in and on your person. It shouldn’t take her five days, but the reinforcement is good for her. Go ahead and try it.”
Lt Cmdr Atoded, CoP

Sara was watching Lt. Cmdr Atoded get the treats and give them to Lt. Burcham. So Lt. Burcham looked at Sara. “Erkenne Eleanor.” Sara came up to Lt. Burcham and sat in front of him looking up at him, so he gave her the treat. “I think I can do this.” he said to Lt. Cmdr Atoded.
Lt. Burcham, CoS