[wolfhaunt]

yes please! : )

[Penultima]

This contest is extended for 1 week, and will now end on July 5th at the end of the day CS time

[chellerd]

Username: Chellerd
Name: Fleur
Gender: Female
Prompt: Her name is based on the Mille Fleur D'uccle chicken!
Pride Colors: Generic Rainbow flag

Moodboard made using canva

Theme Song

Personality
Soft; Tender; Caring; Adventurous; Motherly

Fleur's likes
Fleur has a very caring nature and loves to nuzzle and cuddle. She loves to sit by the fireplace and hear the crackling of the firewood. At clear nights she will be usually seen outside watching the night sky and enjoying the sounds of nature at night.

[Lokisaurus]

𝕶𝕴𝕹𝕲𝕾 𝕶𝖆𝖗𝖒𝖆𝖟 𝕬 𝕼𝖚𝖊𝖊𝖓
"Lexie"

Karma, Taylor Swift
- karma is queen, karma takes all my friends to the summit
karma is the guy on the screen, coming straight home to me

Curses, The Crane Wives
- oh-oh, ashes, ashes, dust to dust, the devil's after both of us,
oh, lay my curses all to rest, make a mercy out of me

A Thousand Miles, Vanessa Carlton
- if I could fall into the sky, do you think time would just pass
me by, cause you know I'd walk a thousand miles if I could just
see you tonight

Username: Lokisaurus
Gender: Female
Pride Colors: Bigender

little wip

[coaliev]

Username: coaliev
Name: Echoes of the Outback | Austral
Gender: Male
Pride Colors: progress pride please <3



⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
Get to know me


Name Meaning: The name derives from the Latin word "australis," meaning "southern." It is often associated with the southern regions of the world, particularly the Southern Hemisphere.

Personality:
Austral embodies the essence of a gentle guardian spirit. With an insatiable curiosity for the world around him, Austral is deeply connected to nature, finding solace and wisdom in its rhythms. He is also known for his instinctive protective nature, courageously standing against threats to his realm. His kindness towards those he watches over is unwavering, earning him the respect and reverence of both humans and animals alike.
+ Adventurous - Warm-hearted - Resilient / - Restless - Impulsive - Idealistic

Likes and Dislikes:


Likes
1. Outdoor Activities
2. Bonding Time
3. Training and Learning
4. Using his Herding Instinct
5. Everyday Routine
6. Affection and Positive Reinforcement
Dislikes
1. Isolation
2. Loud Noises
3. Conflicts
4. Neglect
5. Boredom
6. Harsh Treatment and Negative Reinforcement









Theme Song: I Lived by OneRepublic

Quote: "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all." - Helen Keller

Moodboard: Here (made with Canva, with pictures from Unsplash)


⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
My backstory

"In a meadow green, where wildflowers bloom,
Austral danced, dispelling gloom.
With fur of blue and gold, and eyes so bright,
A heart full of courage, a spirit alight.

Bounding through fields with a joyful bark,
Chasing butterflies from dawn till dark.
Paws a-patter on soft, dewy ground,
Exploring the world with boundless sound.

From rolling hills to forests deep,
Austral ventured, never one to sleep.
Eager nose sniffing every scent,
Curiosity their constant intent.

Dug up treasures in garden beds,
Leaves and twigs adorned their playful threads.
Tugging at ropes with a mischievous grin,
Learning the world through playful spin.

Austral found joy in a puddle's embrace,
Splashing and paddling with joyous grace.
Muddy paws and a wagging tail,
Leaving behind a trail of playful trail.

But as the sun dipped and twilight fell,
Austral curled up in a cosy dell.
Dreams of adventures in puppy's sleep,
In their heart, the memories they'd keep.

For Austral the puppy, with a spirit so free,
Grew into a collie, as wise as can be.
Yet deep in their eyes, the puppy still gleams,
Guiding them through life's endless dreams."



⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻⸻
My current life




In the sprawling expanses of the Australian outback, where the sun paints the earth in shades of ochre and the wind whispers through the golden grass, I live—a wise and gentle collie named Austral. My name is a fitting tribute to my heritage and home. Unlike other dogs who chase kangaroos or bark at passing cars, I roam the land with a quiet curiosity. My keen eyes and sensitive ears are tuned to the heartbeat of the outback, where every rustle in the bushes and every distant call of a kookaburra tells a story. The locals see me as a guardian spirit of sorts, appearing silently at the edge of cattle stations or beside weary travellers lost in the wilderness. Many believe I can sense danger before it arrives, my instincts honed by generations of collies bred to watch over their flock. My presence brings comfort and security to those who know of me, and my legend grows with every tale of my heroics.

One scorching summer day, when the air shimmered with heat and the land seemed to hold its breath, I sensed something was wrong. I trotted purposefully through the red dirt paths, my eyes filled with curiosity. As I reached the top of a small rise, I spotted a lost lamb, bleating desperately as it struggled in the sweltering heat. Without hesitation, I sprang into action. I guided the lamb to a nearby creek, where the water flowed cool and clear. With gentle nudges and reassuring barks, I encouraged the lamb to drink and rest in the shade of a gnarled gum tree. The lamb, exhausted but safe, looked up at me with gratitude shining in its eyes.

Word of my deeds spread through the outback like wildfire. People spoke of the collie with the soul of a bushman, whose heart beat in rhythm with the land itself. From that day on, whenever someone found themselves lost or in need, they would whisper a prayer to me, believing that somehow, I would hear and come to their aid. And more often than not, I did.

My days were filled with new adventures and discoveries. I revelled in the beauty of the outback, exploring its vast landscapes with an insatiable curiosity. One day, as I wandered near an old, abandoned homestead, I heard a faint, distressed cry. Following the sound, I found a young girl named Lily, who had wandered too far from her family's campsite. Tears streaked her dusty cheeks as she sat on the ground, hugging her knees in fear. I approached her slowly, my presence a calming balm to her frayed nerves. With a gentle nudge and a soft whine, I reassured her that she was not alone. I led her back to her frantic parents, who hugged her tightly and thanked the heavens for my timely intervention.

The outback's vastness holds countless secrets and surprises. One early morning, as the first light of dawn painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, I encountered an elderly man named Tom, who had lost his way while searching for a hidden waterhole he remembered from his youth. Tom, now frail and disoriented, was on the verge of giving up when I appeared. With a renewed sense of hope, Tom followed me through the winding paths of the bush. Together, we found the waterhole, its surface sparkling in the morning sun. Tom knelt by the water, tears of joy mingling with the cool, refreshing drops. He looked at me with deep gratitude, knowing that this moment of peace and clarity was a gift from a faithful collie.

My reputation as the guardian of the outback continued to grow. I became a symbol of hope and resilience, embodying the spirit of the land I loved. One evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the plains, I sensed a storm approaching. The sky darkened, and the wind howled through the trees. I knew that a group of hikers was camping nearby and that they might be in danger. Without a second thought, I raced through the gathering storm, my instincts guiding me unerringly.
I found the hikers just as the first raindrops began to fall, their tent barely holding against the rising wind. I barked urgently, drawing their attention. Understanding the warning, they quickly packed their belongings and followed me to a nearby cave. Safe within its sheltering walls, they watched the storm rage outside, grateful for the dog who had led them to safety.

My life is a tapestry of such moments, woven with threads of kindness, bravery, and unwavering loyalty. The outback is my home, and its people are my family. I move through the world with a quiet grace, a living legend whose spirit inspires all who cross my path. As the years pass, the stories of Austral the collie, the guardian of the outback, are told and retold, a testament to the enduring bond between a faithful dog and the land he loves. In the end, my legacy is more than just the tales of my deeds; it is the love and respect I have earned from those I have helped. My story is a reminder that in the vast and untamed wilderness, there can still be found kindness, courage, and the enduring spirit of a true guardian.

[Griffin Torrens]

Username: Griffin Torrens
Name: Sin
Gender: Female
Pride Colors: Lesbian please!
Prompt: Told in snippets of what would be larger chapters in a novel :>
Songs are just versions I found on youtube but they're probably all on spotify if that's easier for you!

TW: mentions of death, dog fighting

They say cats have nine lives.
What if dogs have nine to give?

* 0 *

"Tell me about the nine stars again," the small pup begged, tiny white ears pinned against her head as she buried herself in her mother's fur. Eyes filled with wonder and fear as stared up at her mother's face, eight large white dots stood brilliantly against the smaller ones. She kept her gaze fixed to them, trying hard to ignore the burning in her stomach. She wanted to get lost in the story one last time; to forget the taste of poison, of what was to come next.

Her mother licked the top of her head gently, eyes filled with distress, but nodded.

"It began when a dog first forged a bond of loyalty that could not be broken, something that would run in all her descendants' blood, mother nature gave her one wish to make on a dandelion. Without hesitation, Saint wished that she could save those she loved. With a breath of air, she set the white seeds afloat." This time she heard the story, the pup wanted Saint to pick any other wish but that. Yet her mother continued.

"So, when she found her friends or family slipping away into the afterlife, Saint closed her eyes, toucher her nose to theirs, and thought back to her wish. When she opened her eyes, a dandelion seed would land on her face, leaving a big white mark, and death would recede. Saint was delighted!" With a tremor, the small pup swore she could feel the dark grasp of death herself. If only the story ended here...

"However," her mother added with a determination, "There was only so much to give. With eight dots on her face, Saint heard the voice of mother nature in her mind. The ninth life you give will be your own. Use it at your own risk... But Saint knew without a doubt she would lay down her life for those she was loyal to."

With the story finished, the pup was finding it hard to keep her vision clear. She felt a cold touch to her nose and it felt like her world was crashing down. A warm voice spoke in her ear. "I knew I was saving my last life for someone special, my little Saint," her mother breathed, nothing but love in her voice as she named her pup.

But as the strength slowly seeped back into her body while the fur beside her went cold, the pup felt nothing but guilt. The wish that long ago collie chose wasn't a gift from Mother Nature, but a curse. Looking at the nine white dots scattered on her mother's soft face, the pup knew it was her fault those eyes would never open again. She wasn't a Saint, but a Sin.

Francis Forever - Mitski



* 1 *

Savage sounds could be heard through the cold, concrete walls. After a rough life on the streets, Sin thought she was prepared to give in to her fate, her bones feeling heavy and tired as she sat in the wire crate. Barking, growling, tearing, the speckled dog tried to block out the sounds and the thick smells.

Finally, it went quiet. Footsteps approached, and she cracked open an eye, peering through the bars. A loud thump as a dog, younger than her, was placed at the edge of the room, whimpering. She recognised the pelt. Despite the bulky body humans seemed to find scary, she had seen the pup playing in it's garden with a human pup, nothing but gentle licks and nudges. They'd invited her over once, sharing their food. Sin wasn't sure how the other dog had ended up in this dark place filled with angry strays, but she could almost picture the face of the small human, cheeks wet with tears, as she heard the dog whimper. It lit a fire inside her she hadn't felt in a log time. Loyalty.

After her mother's death, she'd vowed to never use the curse to burden someone the way she had been. But... I have eight to spare, and they won't even know... Sin reasoned with herself, feeling her paws lead her to the opening of her crate. Resolute, she worked on the latch with her paws and teeth until finally it gave way. Racing over to the poor scrap, the rise and fall of it's side slowing, Sin closed her eyes and pressed her nose to theirs, ignoring the liquid it left on her own. Please, she begged to herself, This dog is loyal than me, let it return home safe.

She wasn't sure how much time passed, but she felt the other dog shift it's weight as it stood up. It seemed confused but determined. "I'm alright," they said with a shaky voice, "Lets get out of this place." Sin nodded, surprised but the lightness she felt after giving a life, not a shred of pain.

Putting the Dog to Sleep - The Antlers



*5*

Sin had come to the conclusion that perhaps this curse could be a gift after all. While she'd originally decided that it was fine to use as long as she never told the other collie so they wouldn't feel the guilt of it, when it came to giving her fourth life she knew that wouldn't do.

Blaring sirens deafened her as a vehicle flashed past, leaving dust in it's wake. Sin turned to watch it retreating curiously, but was left dumbfounded as she saw a red and black shape flinging itself out the window. As it rolled on the tarmac she dashed over, skidding to a halt as it leapt up and blindly ran, directly into her.

"Out of my way," he growled, untangling himself from their heaped bodies as the vehicle screeched to a stop, humans beginning to make their way over. "I have to save her!"

Instantly alert, Sin followed in his pawsteps as they fled. "Save who," she panted.

"It's none of your business, I don't have time for this," he snapped.

"I can help," she insisted, "I know this town well, and I can heal!"

This seemed to snap the collie out of his haze, blinking in surprise as he took in what must be unfamiliar surroundings. With the people catching up gave her a quick glance then nodded, diving into the bushes away from reach.

Vulkan filled their journey with stories of his mate. Of how he had promised her a better life and brought her into his home, only for it to be engulfed in flames. She'd only known him for half a day as they tracked their way back the way the humans had taken him, unknowing of the dog they had left behind. He seemed skeptical of her ability, but pure desperation made him hang on her every word as she spoke of the gift.

The sun was setting by the time the hint of smoke and ash tickled their nose. Pushing through exhaustion they picked up the pace, Vulkan taking the lead as the never-ending streets turned familiar. Finally they saw it, charred stones and wood covered in a blanket of damp ash. The human's had since left, leaving them a clear path to the wreckage. Vulkan began howling his mate's name, nosing through the wreckage. Sin felt her hear lifting at thought of being able to ease this dog's worries, of seeing the joy on his face as someone finally knows what she's done.

But then she see's his body go rigid. Instead of rushing over to what must be his mate, he moves slowly, as if scared the ground will shatter under his paws. Her heart drops as she sees the lifeless body. Vulkan turns to her with a heart wrenching look of utter despair.

"Save her," he whispers.

"...I can't."

Maybe the curse was best kept secret after all.

Forest Fire - Brighton Taylor



* Present *

With eight lives given, Sin retreated. She refused to make the same mistake as her mother, sacrificing a ninth life, only for someone to live their extra time with guilt. So Sin moved away from the hustle and bustle of the town, and eventually her wander led her to a pretty forest. She relished the shadows on her back, and the park bordering one edge left her plenty of easy food. Despite a longing in her heart, she really had been planning on living alone for the foreseeable future... until she saw her.

Sin wasn't a stranger to feeling loyalty to those she hardly knew, almost as if she could sense the intentions of other dogs and know those with a pure heart. Yet none of that compared to when she saw a pale figure, fur being tugged on the breeze with petals surrounding it. It felt like a piece of her that had been missing since her mother's death had returned. A need for connection.

It was ridiculous, she knew. She didn't even know the collie's name! Sin shook her head and tried to ignore it, but as they days passed and she caught glances of the pretty speckled coat from afar, she couldn't stop the way her heart would respond longingly.

Animatic (click image)

Eventually, Sin could take it no longer. Swallowing down her nerves, she glanced once more back at the flag hanging from her den, one that calmed her for some reason, and trotted towards the tree line. It had been a month or so, and she'd learnt the pretty collie's schedule well enough by now to know she'd be sat on the hillside in a scene of pure beauty, soaking up the sun's warm rays and the scent of flowers. Attempting to keep away was useless, Sin was going to talk to her.

It was awkward at first, both collies seeming equally surprised by Sin's actions. Celosia, as she found her name was, seemed open to conversion, but a little shy. It started with just a greeting before retreating back into the shadows, but after a few days Sin would bask in the sun beside Celosia, chatting away like starlings about anything and everything. Eventually she would stumble across the pretty collie in her forest too, eyes wide in wonder at the silky feeling of shade on her warmed pelt.

Neither of them mentioned their pining, simply content to put it aside and discover friendship in their own time. The season had changed when Sin's feelings returned full force, the sound of Celosia laughing at her joke prettier than any birdsong. The lingering scent in her den at night more tempting than any food. But alas, Sin was scared to ruin what she already had.

One Sided Love - Planttvibes

It was an accident, really. How could she have known Celosia would get the day of and come looking for her? Since finding out her flag was in fact left by the lilac collie who was too nervous to start the friendship, Sin had ended up talking to the thing. Celosia was on her mind constantly, and what she'd assumed was puppy love was clearly more than that, she had fallen completely head over tail in love. Alone in the forest, who else was she supposed to rant about her feelings with? Her heart almost stopped when, after confessing this aloud, she heard a soft voice being her.

"Do you really mean it?"

And of course, she did.

Fallin' For You - Colbie Caillat

It hurt. Sin had been afraid to ruin the relationship. It was everything she had ever wished for and more, but it was only fair. So one night, the starts twinkling above, Sin told her mate about how the stars were dog's lives, and the eight large dots on her face were ones she had stolen from the sky to keep down hear on earth. Of how she had one left to give.

Celosia was torn. She loved Sin more than anything, but perhaps that meant letting her go. The collie thought it was kind of Sin to do what she had, helping others, but was determined for Sin to live for herself now. That she didn't need to repay any debt, or sacrifice herself to prevent what nature intended. So she almost left. They grew distant for a while, seeming to hardly be in the same place at the same time anymore, and feeling a tension in the air when they did talk.

Almost at breaking point, something that terrified Sin, she finally asked if this was the end. Celosia opened her mouth to confirm, but hesitated. Tears welled in her eyes. "I love you to much. I'm so sorry for everything recently."

Sin wouldn't hear it, shaking her head lovingly. "It's okay, I know you needed time to figure things out."

Arms - Christina Perri

And so they remained mates, growing closer than other. Celosia encouraged Sin to live for herself, and the darker collie agreed. She wanted to spend the rest of her life with Celosia, deciding to move to CreekShadow with her so they could continue to better themselves and each other.

Despite what she agreed, Sin knew who she would give her ninth life to, just as her mother had all those seasons ago.

Finally, Sin understood.

[Baobabel]

Username: Baobael
Name: Release Thru Movement // Tumbleweed
Gender: male
Prompt:
Intro-
A dog of dualities. He loves activities. Definitely a ‘do everything’ kind of dog. But he also settles well and enjoys quiet rest. He can get really amped but still keep a level head at competitions. He’s a good dog in a crisis and helps keep others grounded while maintaining a sense of perseverance. All the others find him easy to get along with.
Previous owner fell like he wasn't intense enough for what she wanted, even though he was still a pup, so she put him up for adoption. Current owner took one look at his online photo, made sure the personality would fit in with the pack, and quickly snatched him up!

Determined Solitary Level-headed Active Affable Compassionate

Likes and Hobbies
Variety of food- Tumbleweed doesn't like having the same thing every day. He like a variety and enjoys trying new foods.
Outdoors- Tumble is almost always outside. He’s rarely found inside, maybe for some training, meal time or sleep. Although, if it’s nice enough out, he’d rather sleep under the stars.
Secret spot- He has a favorite place on the ranch. There’s a huge old oak with branches drooping close to the ground. At the base there are multiple patches of moss. Half under the tree’s shade, half outside it is the perfect sunning rock. He can warm up on the rock, move to the moss to cool off, or climb the branches to get a cool view from above. It’s also near a stream so it has easy access to a drink and he gets to listen to the calming bubbling sounds as he naps.
Reading- He enjoys reading and being read to. One of his fondest memories is of his owner reading to him before bed when he was a puppy and newly arrived at the ranch.
Music- really any genre but favorite are americana, Appalachian, alternative, indie, bluegrass, southern rock
He loves to dance and sing. Once the music starts he can’t keep his toes from tapping and tail from swishin’!
Finger/Paw painting- Tumbleweed gets excited when the owner pulls out the dog safe paint. He enjoys running his paws through the different colors and onto the paper. Afterwards they have lots of fun cleaning off with the garden hose.
Gardening- Not the actual gardening itself (there are others in the pack that really enjoy it). He likes it because it's the perfect time to settle down next to his human. They are always so happy and content when working outside, he just really enjoys being next to them while they work in the garden.
Conditioning- Tumble relishes all the sports but he really enjoys the conditioning. He loves building his strength and the stretches feel good.
Rewards- Toy, food, and praise motivated. His favorites are definitely food and praise though. Toys are more just for playing.

Dislikes
Rain- it’s not the rain, it's been soggy after. His coat takes awhile to dry and he hates getting stuck being wet if he’s not actively in water.
Peanut butter- he hates how it gets stuff to the roof of you mouth
Hypercompetitiveness- he enjoys competitions and pushes hard to do his best each time but doesn’t like it when others get super competitive with him. He feels like it can ruin the mood. At the end of the day, he wants to have fun and do well because he enjoys the activity. A gold medal isn’t necessarily the end goal.
Butt scratches- this dog actually doesn't like butt scratches. It just doesn't feel good to him.
Constantly being around others- More of an introvert, Tumbleweed doesn't really seek out the company of others. He enjoys playing games with others put defielu needs his time alone.
Crowds- similar to above. He starts feeling panicked in big crowds if he's not on the edge of the crowd with an easy escape.
Visitors- not the biggest fan of change, it messes with his schedule and it's more people to adjust to.

Particulars
Sleep- Tumble has to spin counterclockwise three times before laying down.
Scritches- loves being pet along his jaw.
People neutral- Adores his owner. Everyone else is just kinda 'eh'. He fond of the mail delivery people though (they often brings treats or toys)
Pre-competition- Tumble has a secret mantra he says in his head before every competition to help get him ready. He's never shared it with anyone.

Playlist (songs he likes)
Leather Wallet- Crowe Boys
Jericho- Iniko
The Moss/Come Along- Cosmo Sheldrake
A Boy and a Bird Dog- Colby Acuff
Born on the Bayou- Creedence Clearwater Revival
I Like Birds- Eels
Cows Around/Dig Gravedigger Dig- Corb Lund
Shady Grove- Doc Watson
other artists- trampled by turtles, the national parks, dock boggs

Pride Colors: aroace

[Penultima]

Closed for judging!

[Penultima]

Username: Griffin Torrens
Name: Sin
Gender: Female
Pride Colors: Lesbian please!
Prompt: - snip-

This was a really really tough competition to judge, but after consulting with some other staff to help judge, I've decided that the winner is Griffin Torrens!! The storyboard movie and novel-style story was very well-written and creative, I could imagine reading this in a book! And overall the story was absolutely beautiful and moving, especially with the pride-month story theme!

I want to give out some runner-up prizes from this competition, since there were so many amazing forms and so much effort put in.
RU prizes will be created for:
LA'sDarkFireWolf - I loved the creativity of your entry with the coyote pack and the story development over time while they were growing up!
coaliev - The prose of the backstory story and current life was very beautifully written, and I loved the name meaning and inspiration!

Congrats everyone!

[Griffin Torrens]

Ahhhh thank you so much Pen!! This pup was so stunning it gave me so much motivation to finally do something more ambitious, she'll be treasure forever and I hope to keep developing her!!

And big congratulations to LA'sDarkFireWolf and coaliev, I was blown away with your entries and can't wait to see your new collies!