the trainers at the service dog academy have no clue why one customer comes to pick up his pet from class so early.
he’s handsome, though, so they're not complaining.
he has wine red hair and golden eyes, and he always follows the latter half of their sessions intently, as if he’s memorizing all their accessibility tips and tricks for himself.
when class ends and his pet scurries over to him in excitement, he always gives the nearest trainer an earnest, heart-fluttering thank-you, as if his gratitude goes deeper than all the other owners’.
week after week, they have no idea that he’s learning, too—that he has someone at home who might need him one day.
your beloved shared pet is your first line of defense, but if all else fails, valko needs to be there to ground you when you're spiraling, to hold you when you panic, to call for help when you need it.
and, well, what better chance to learn?












