Profile
Name: Face Like the Moon // Mahrukh
Gender: Female
Phenotype: Black cryptic merle with dal ticked minimal white
Genotype: Ayas BB Cce DD EE hh Kbky ll McMc Ssw Tdt Uu VV ZZ
Ffe OO PP RR
Height: 24 in
Weight: 49 lbs
Equipment: None
Traits: None
Personality- Mahrukh is the most graceful pup in the pack. Every motion seems to flow seamlessly to the next. No one has ever even seen her trip. She is also graceful in her character as well. She gets alone with everybody and provides a calming presence. She is a little wary of strangers though.
Likes- Agility/Obedience/Rally, walks at night, clear night skies, camping trips, comfy places to sleep
Dislikes- Baths, stares (intense direct attention), strangers, bullies, peanut butter
Story 1-Pick of the Litter: Hushed and still compared to the others in the litter, one puppy did not stand out. The only note her breeder made was that she didn’t seem to trip and stumble like a normal puppy does. As the time came for potential buyers to come look over and choose a puppy, the dark pup was consistently ignored. Too calm, too mellow, not excited enough. And most did not care for her facial markings. They called her face dirty and dingy. The other pups mocked her and always told her she needed to go wash her face. It hurt to have those who were supposed to be her family, treat her this way. It saddened her but she knew her markings were special. Then one day, after the other pups had found new homes, a different buyer walked in. The inexperienced breeder started the conversation by saying she was dropping the price on the leftover pup due to this was supposed to be a high drive working litter and this pup was clearly only meant for a mellow pet home. Plus no one seemed to like the markings. But the buyer saw beauty. As soon as she laid eyes on black and white dog, her heart was stolen.That beautiful glowing face with the gorgeous speckles across it. She had never seen speckles as pretty as those. The serious and intelligent eyes with the shining coat. And the grace and balance with which the pup already walked with! This human knew she was not looking at your average pet home pup. This was a dog overflowing with potential, just waiting to be believed in. There was no question if she was taking the pup home. She knew once they got in the car what the dog’s name would be. Mahrukh, face like the moon.
S1 Part 2:
When they pulled into Mahrukh’s new house, she was feeling very nervous. She could smell dogs on her new owner’s clothing so she could guess she was about to have new housemates. And after all, she knew how her siblings treated her, why would these new dogs be any different? The owner knew multiple dogs were a lot to adjust to so she opted for a slower transition. They got out of the car and went for a solo decompression walk. Then they went into the backyard where Mahrukh was able to get a little better scent of everybody. At this point it was almost time for bed so they went inside and Mahrukh was given a chew in her own room. The next few days was a slow transition to meet the others, get to know the owner, and start to see more of the house. First came Chalk. He had a friendly demeanor as he greeted her but didn’t say much which turns out, is exactly what Mahrukh needed. She appreciated his calming presence. After getting comfortable and gaining a little confidence, she met Allo. He came cheerfully into the room with a stuffed toy in his mouth. Upon seeing the new tail he quickly left the room and returned with a second toy to share. He tried to say something but the toy muffled it. He quickly dropped it and said “Wicked cool markings!” Mahrukh felt even more welcomed. Next came Hike who proceeded to tell her about a cool bug she found earlier in the yard. She said she could help Mahrukh learn all the trails they go on and how to sniff her way back to the house if she ever got lost. The next day three previous packmates gave her a little heads up about the last and final dog to meet. “Might want to brace yourself a bit” “She comes off as intense but she’s super nice” “Hope you don't mind a little…competition”. The door opened a crack and a brown blur raced in. “Hey, I’m Compete, you look pretty neat! Are you good at anything? Racing? Jumping? Fetching? Sniffing? Eating? I bet I can do it better. Not your fault, I’m just that great. Wanna try now? I’ll race you! No? What about some catching tips? I can show you some cool tricks and pointers. Ooo, or I can help you train! Do you know what events you’re doing yet! I bet..” The others hushed Compete by betting her she couldn’t sit quiet for 5 minutes straight. Mahrukh thought she’d feel overwhelmed but instead found herself smiling and laughing along with the others. Calm Chalk, chill Allo, helpful Hike, and confident Compete made her feel welcome. They all seemed excited to get to know her more and were looking forward to having a new packmate. Over the next few days and weeks as she figured out her new routine and the pack dynamics she began to feel more relaxed. Mahrukh realized this may be her second house but this place is her first home.
Story 2- First Event: ((in this story littermates are under 2yrs but fantasy-land-rules so that they’re not at risk of injury from jumping, etc or maybe this world has safe puppy-versions of the events))
Training had been going well for Mahrukh. Not only was she having a lot of fun, she was doing pretty well too. Her handler was still in contact with the breeder and heard from her that the puppies and owners were having a meet-up at a show some of the pups were competing at. The handler had a feeling that Mahrukh wasn’t really missing her littermates but she thought it might be a good confidence booster for Mahrukh. Between Mahrukh’s natural talent, hard work during training, and confidence out in social environments, her handler decided to enter Mahrukh in the show. The show was a conglomeration of events but they were entered to compete in agility. Mahrukh was so excited to participate in the event. Compete gave her lots of tips before they left the house. She was pumped up but hearing that her littermates were attending made her start second guessing herself. She remembered the names they called her and the taunts for not moving fast enough or for not being as mobile as the others. Even the breeder said she’d never be a competition level sport dog. Soon Mahrukh began to feel unworthy of competition. She knew she had the cues memorized. And her owner always called her speedy and graceful but that’s what all owners tell their dogs right? As time got closer for their run, Mahrukh started to close in on herself. At the start of their warm up, she even tripped! Something she couldn’t remember ever happening before. Her owner had been noticing her dog seem to withdraw into herself and lose her enthusiasm. She pulled them out of the ring so she could have a chat. She knows the other handlers think she’s goofy for talking to her dogs but she believes whether or not they understand, it seems to help reassure everyone.
“Hey Moonface, I can see you’re getting a little tense. Totally normal given the circumstances. I noticed you trip out there. Did you realize it happened when your littermate walked by? We’re here to celebrate you. But if you’re not feeling it, we can pack up and head home. We can even do some runs alone in the backyard if you want. Before you decide I want to let you know, we’re here to have fun, not win some prize. You could go out there and knock every jump down but as long as you’re happy, I’m happy. Those other owners don’t think you’re a competition dog but we both know better. We don’t have to prove it to them…unless you want to.” Then the owner began the game that lets the dog decide to opt-in or not. Mahrukh only had a moment of hesitation before engaging enthusiastically. Her owner was right. No matter what the others think of her abilities, she loves to run and jump and twist and turn and she’s not leaving until she gets her fun!
The time came for Mahrukh’s first run. She sat calmly but spring-loaded for her owner’s starting command. And then… she flew! It felt like it was the most perfect run she had ever completed. She seemed to float over the hurdles, fly through the weaves, rocket over the frames, tirelessly making her way through the course in perfect synchrony with her handler. At the end she leaped into the arms of her handler and they had a huge celebration. Mahrukh didn’t know how well she did in the competition but she knew she did well in her own eyes. She made it look so effortless that the spectators were shocked when her time became the new first place. The littermates and other owners were blown away by her ability, grace, and intensity. After the event was over and everyone was saying goodbye a few of the littermates came over. There was a mixed reaction; some were convinced she somehow tricked them on purpose. Some were in awe. Others were deeply apologetic. Mahrukh found she didn’t really care either way. She had a new family now that loved and respected her whether or not she could jump over a few hurdles. She was never slow or lazy, though it would’ve been fine if she was. She simply knew how to conserve energy and was very aware when it became ‘go time’. Mahrukh had a blast at the event and it looking forward to the next one!
Story 3- Meaning Behind the Name:
Mahrukh was named after the face of the moon. Everytime her owner looks at her she thinks of beauty and peace. At dusk and dawn the white seems to brightly glow while the black melts into the night. The soft white is surrounded by deep dark sky. Like the moon’s path across the sky, Mahrukh is graceful, dignified, and never failing. This incredible dog is poised and calm, happy and friendly, and just an overall lovely personality. Don’t doubt her power though. The moon has survived hit after hit after hit and yet it still persists. It’s under pressure and has scars from its battles and yet it still glows. Hers is a quiet but undeniable strength. She moves with grace and power. Others often mistake her quiet and stillness for a lack of motivation and drive but it’s simply simmering under the surface. The moon does not race across the sky or travel in zig zags. It moves at the perfect pace and path to reach its destination. As they move along their paths, they each have a subtle influence on those in their worlds. Little Moonface is precious and irreplaceable. Unwavering no matter the conditions. And loved by those who know her.
