Human children have a propensity to pet anything that's soft and furry. It's just a part of what seems to be observable human nature from childhood into adulthood. However, sometimes children had to be taught to not pet the fuzzy. In this case, they meet a havenworlder who has a soft, fluffy, service animal that has a sweet, little purr. The havenworlder, due to very advanced age, has gone very hard of hearing, the service animal makes sure they stay calm. -- Anon Guest
Humans will pet anything. This is a known fact throughout any space that has Humans in it. Even the Vorax, long-time combatants of the Humans, have learned that they will reach out and attempt to befriend the most inadvisable creatures. Therefore it is a point of necessity to teach very young Humans what is okay to pet.
Phrases like, "No no, poison," and, "No no, owwies," quickly become part of the greater caregiver lexicon. Alongside lightning reflexes and over-the-horizon radar for when a young Human is about to approach something inadvisable. Soon following those essential two are, "No no, danger," and finally, "No no, naughty."
This can cause some confusion when the subject is formerly cleared animals. Reason and logic are not immediate traits in the very young Human and explaining the concept of a working animal can take some time. When in doubt, teaching consent is always an option, as Educator Lynn was learning.
"But kitty," protested Human Zi. They were starting to get upset that they were not allowed to pet the very fluffy catlike animal.
"Yes, that does look like a kitty, but that's a working kitty doing their job," best to start with the point of objection than go on a tangent about what the animal really was. "You see the nice red harness the kitty has?"
"Yeh?"
"That means they're a medical kitty. They're helping the nurses and doctors look after the nice old Havenworlder we're visiting today. I know you don't like anyone interrupting you when you're doing puzzles... so you don't interrupt anyone doing their job."
The Havenworlder, Senior Gorx, had found the controls to his hearing assistance and turned the gain up during this interchange. "You like my Fliffit, ey? She's a good girl. She keeps my knees warm and helps me stay calm. And if you give gentle scritches here," Gorx demonstrated, "she gives me a nice massage too."
"Remember, we ask permission," said Educator Lynn.
Remembering a game that was all about permission, Human Zi recited, "Mother may I?"
Gorx found this delightful and said, "Yes you may."
The Fliffit leaned into the scritches and started up a musical purr. A sweet, trilling song that Senior Gorx could no longer hear but could feel.
"She purrs music," announced Human Zi. Which caused a swarm to gather of curious children from the same class.
And now for the repeated lessons of taking turns and seeking consent. Again.
[Image (c) Can Stock Photo / ElenaBessonova]
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