DoC || Atticus (retired)

Updates:
+ 8/23/17: Atticus has been retired
   

Atticus is a diligent and hardworking dog, typically keeping himself on the move if nothing else. He doesn't like to stay in one spot for long, as doing so makes him incredibly antsy and anxious. He hates to be cooped up on a chain or in a kennel, especially while alone, and will continuously bark until he's freed. He's a sociable/needy dog and likes to always be around someone to keep him company, whether it be his masters, another dog, or even the livestock around the farm. 

Since his brother's accident, Atticus has become consequently more serious and void of laughter. He's much more solemn and grave now, and though he likes conversing with others, said conversations are typically formal and humorless. He doesn't really understand jokes or sarcasm much, so dogs with a more excitable/happy disposition might not find him very fun to be around when it comes to lightening the mood. That doesn't mean he's completely devoid of fun, however--He's very active and enjoys various activities, ranging from chasing squirrels to attempting to catch fish from the lake.

Unfortunately, another side-effect from said accident is his anxiety, which might pique at random times. Though the sight/mention of horses are what typically triggers this anxiety, it isn't always the case. He blames himself for not being able to stop his brother in time, and sometimes painful memories will come to him seemingly without reason. He might even become a bit unpredictable, sometimes even going as far as to lash out in fear if someone touches him. Once he comes out of his frightened state, however, he becomes consumed with guilt and will apologize profusely even if it's something he can't particularly help.

But he's determined to not let his brother's tragedy consume him completely...It may take some time (and help from others), but with persistence, he hopes he can learn to adapt to the cards he's been unfortunately dealt. 

Likes:
- Talking with other dogs
- Working
- The Rain

Dislikes:
- Horses (major fear)
- Being Alone
- Tangled/Matted Fur

A product of successful collie breeders, Atticus was born alongside his litter mates to purebred parents. When the litter reached eight weeks they were immediately put up for adoption, and luck would have it that he would be adopted with Jem, one of his brothers. Married couple Clarence and Jillian Walters were kindly folk, and were more than happy to add the couple of dogs to their farm. The land was filled with many different animals--goats, chickens, pigs--but the most notable were the horses. Jillian was a talented Equestrian, and was often seen riding upon the backs of the large creatures. Atticus was always in awe of the great hoofed beasts, and admired them from afar quite often. 

Growing up upon the farm turned out to be very beneficial and rewarding for the young dogs. There was never a dull moment to be had and life was good. That is, until one fateful evening during the spring...Atticus and his brother Jem were trailing lazily after Jillian, who sat high upon the back on one of her newest and inexperienced horses. All was going as planned, until something suddenly spooked the horse and it flung Jillian off, trampling her in the process. Jem had immediately sprung into action to help their injured master--with Atticus desperately yelling at him to stop from behind--only to be dealt a heavy blow to his head in the process, stricken by one of the horse's hooves. He was killed on impact.

Jillian lived the terrible accident, but suffered life-changing injuries. She would never be able to ride again. The whole ordeal had rendered Atticus' view completely on the hoofed beasts, and he became fearful and unpredictable within the presence of a horse. All he could picture was the frightening moments when his brother was killed, taken so quickly and horrifically for him to bear. Guilt and remorse fill him each time he thinks about it. Due to Jillian's disability, his owners soon made the hard decision to sell all the horses from the farm.

Though a year has since passed, Atticus suffers the same flashbacks and guilt from that frightful day, and has harbored a deep fear for horses since. He's become much more subdued and dispirited, throwing himself into work to distract himself. With the new flock of sheep added to the farm, Clarence has started to train Atticus to be a herder. Atticus is hopeful this new training will allow him to gain rank within the Farm Dogs faction--Something to work towards after his brother's untimely death. 

+1 || DoC || Evening
+1 || DoC: Downpour

July:
+
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Total: 4

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Other:

- He likes to chase rabbits and squirrels in his spare time to blow off steam, but he never kills them. 

- Atticus hasn't been around children much so he is a bit timid and wary of them. He doesn't necessarily hate the little tykes, but he'll probably try and avoid them altogether if he can. 

- After the traumatizing death of his brother due to an accident with a horse, Atticus has developed a great fear for the hoofed creatures. He will avoid them at all costs, even if it disrupts the work he is currently doing at that time. Even the sound of a distant whinny is enough to trigger painful flashbacks.