SPOILER!!: responses

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nordic Witch

What were moving around in the baskets under the quilts? Cats? Intrigued Tiana watched the baskets for more movement. The sharp yowl sound that suddenly pierced the air made her strongly think of cats. Hearing Professor Menon's question, Tiana mulled on it for a bit before raising her hand and answering thoughtfully. "I think you should show the animal that you are kind, patient and respectful towards it if you're encountering it for the first time by for example trying to play with it, but not pet it too much unless the animal showes that it likes to be petted." To corner a new animal that you had never met before was not a good way to go either since that could scare the creature and make it angry towards you. Showering it with food or treats as Professor Menon said was probably not a good idea either. Hopefully Tiana's ideas wasn't too bad since that was what she had done when they had gotten new pets at home.

"That's one way, but you nailed it with the key word, respect." Kraetos said.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FearlessLeader19

Iddy was quite confused. He needed to get permission for Nessy to come by to say hi? “Okay, professor,’’ he replied slowly. Then he nodded vigorously, recovering somewhat from his confusion as Menon’s words sank in. “As delightful as that sounds, I think Nessy has other plans.” He nodded his fluffy head in the direction in which a pink streak had taken off - which was towards the Sanctuary exit/entrance. Nessy had never intended to stay. “I think he has plans to find Rory’s Oreo!” Yes, that made lots of sense. Those two were excellent friends. And speaking of Rory…

His fur baby encountered the Hufflepuff as she made an appearance, receiving some loving pats on the head and scritches behind an ear. After a headbutt against her foot, he continued streaking off until he had vanished from the gathering. Bye bye for now, Nessy baby “Hi, Rory!” Idris happy wiggled in place, pleased that she had joined him and Paul.

But WHAT was that yowl? In the usual cat-like fashion, the Gryffindor’s ears perked up and his ears swivelled in the sound’s direction. The weather was neither that xerothermic nor frigid but maybe the weather could still be a reason for its… discomfort? Or were they hungry. Id had plenty of cat treats in his bag if that was the case!

Ooh!

What a lovely question to start off the lesson! Because there was already an answer in mind, Id’s hand shot up almost immediately. And it sort of piggybacked off of Tiana’s answer. “As true as the quaffle diameter is twelve, it takes time and a lot of dedication to win and maintain a creature’s trust. Always being kind, patient and respectful as Tiana said, goes a long way in that.” That was exactly how and why he and Nesquik were so close

"Precisely." Mr. Grunt had a good head on his shoulders, aside from the pink one wandering towards a basket.

Quote:

Originally Posted by WhittyBitty

Oh.

There went Nessy. Aurora watched as he wandered off. Maybe Idris was right and he had left to try and find Oreo. She beamed. It was so sweet to see how fond their pets were of each other. They were great friends, like her and Idris.

She grinned at him and his wiggle of happiness. ”Hey!” But before she could say more, the lesson was starting. She nodded along to what both Tiana and Idris said, then raised her hand. ”Showing gentleness helps a lot. Don’t make any fast movements or act forcefully. Let the creature call the shots. Show it that you’re receptive to it, but let it make the first move. And keep being gentle when it approaches you. Pay attention to what it likes and doesn’t like. Let it see that you aren’t a threat.”

"Yes, but be careful on which creature, since too much gentleness can create an aura to make one a target."

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhoenixRising

Bee loved the outdoors, but she hated the cold. It was really quite the conundrum especially when she was forced to be outdoors for quidditch practices and matches. She was eternally grateful for the heating Charms Professor Menon provided upon the sanctuary. Gazing around she took seat near Aurora, because while playing for the house team the past few months had somewhat brought her out of her shell, she took comfort in those most familiar.

She considered the question for a moment, listening to her peers speak before raising her hand. "Much like humans, creatures are unique in that some creatures you will earn their trust quickly. So it's important to know what creature you're dealing with when trying to earn its trust since every creature is different. Some may require words of affirmation, some just consistently showing up and providing it, some may never trust you... sometimes yes, even food is the way."

"Yes, it varies on the creature. One correct technique does not work with everyone."

Quote:

Originally Posted by ArianaBlack

Laini was growing bored and restless as she waited for the rest of the "classroom" to fill out. People are really taking their time getting here today, huh? She barely managed to cover a yawn.

When FINALLY their professor took to the front and kicked things off with a question, Laini was relieved. The sooner they start, the sooner this is over and she could go back to her training regime. Still, she didn't jump to answer the question and, instead, waited to hear from everyone else first. So eager.

So far, every answer was the same. Patience, respect, being gentle, words of affirmation, blah blah blah. Were they just describing Hufflepuff house?

So when it was her turn to answer, she shrugged. "Easy. Don't be an idiot." It was self explanatory. You earned an animals trust the same way you went about earning anyone's trust. And being an idiot? That usually got you a kick to the unmentionables. Unless you were dealing with one Laini Sage Gracae-Ryans, in which case you were likely to be bitten.

Terrifying how many people lacked a morsel of common sense.

You know how much Kraetos wanted to laugh at this? It was an out of the ordinary response, after all, as correct as it is. But being the professional, the hint of a smile may have presented itself in his eyes within his straight face. "More context would be needed, but keep a hold of that directness."

Once the discussion had settled somewhat, another yowl occurred. Patience was being tested now. "Alright, your responses were well intended and came from the heart. That's the key, your intention despite it all. Now you may have noticed the absence of a certain creature among the pens when arriving. And nope, there was no shifting around." Kraetos crouched beside one of the baskets to lift, revealing an unusually fluffy silver Kneazle and a yellow puffy one with a few kittens. Knittens, to be cute. The creature’s ears flicked sharply as it examined the class with immediate suspicion. "These are Kneazles. Intelligent, territorial, and generally better judges of character than most people." Adding, "Over the course of the year, Mister Meowgi and Sassy have produced a good number of baby kneazles, knittens, we shall refer to them." Lifting one up, the knitten shifted its paws against his shoulder as he adjusted his grip.

"Now, the Ministry prohibits one to adopt any without a license. Which is why there are licensed breeders who are careful with crossbreeding any Kneazles with regular muggle cats. Kneazles that are professionally tamed or hybrid descendants can make excellent companions when cared for properly. Problem is most owners think ‘cared for properly’ means feeding them and occasionally remembering they exist."

He scratched carefully behind the Kneazle’s ears while continuing.

"Today’s lesson is grooming and coat maintenance. Not because it makes them look nice. Neglected fur mats against the skin, traps moisture, overheats them, and makes them miserable." The Kneazle gave a low rumbling purr. "And miserable Kneazles tend to introduce their claws to your bloodstream. So let's allow them to gain comfort within you, if you're near a basket, you can lift it and set it aside. Amongst them are supplies, but don't touch the supplies or reach out towards the Kneazle yet. Allow them to come to you while we ponder the next question.." As he said so, Sassy the Kneazle began walking around followed by a couple of the knittens. Mister Meowgi meanwhile decided this was the perfect time to 'bathe' themselves while sitting.

Kraetos glanced between the students and the creatures. "What are the benefits to grooming and how much do you think it affects their behavior as much as physical health?."


---
OOC: Thank you for waiting! You have another day at least to respond to the next question while observing the kneazles interact with the environment or you.