The Bigger Black Dogs - From Teeko

Mom and Deana took Lucky and I to the park last night, it was so much fun to run around. They sat in the truck though, and I didn't get why. I kept going to the doors to show them it was safe, then I'd run around, but they'd still stay in most of the time.

I was walking around the front of the truck's bright lights when movement caught my eye. That's when I saw it.

Stretching across the entire field, was the biggest black dog I have ever seen, and as I held still, it held still to! We must have spotted each other in the same instant. As I scoped out his body stretched across the field, standing the same way I was, I thought, I could take him! So I jogged forward to intimidated him, and he moved too! I froze, and realized, there were two of them! Facing me! Big, huge, and black, stretched across the field. But the worst part was...they had no eyes. Just black masses of horror!

I high tailed it outta there so fast! No wonder they were in the truck...

Little Bed - From Mom

Now you can stop being so obsessed with Brayden's Spiderman bed! I got you, a small dogs bed. Your big boy's bed is not good enough for you, but the tiny dog bed is apparently. I'm glad you love it so much and lay in it all the time...even though you barely fit.

Thanks for the Warning - From Mom

As I was about to put on my make up this morning, Teeko walks pointedly into the bathroom, sits between me and the counter, and stares up at me with a sad expression.

"You look guilty..." I comment staring at him. "What did you do?"

Then he starts licking his lips. A lot. Did he really just go eat something and is now telling on himself? Not likely! So when else does he lick his lips a lot? Before he's about to vomit. I quickly run to the living room, about to go out to the balcony, when his stomach starts heaving as he slowly makes his way to the living room. It was like a ticking time bomb, without the digital display to let you know how much time there was left! I had to make a choice! So back to the hallway we went, and I pet him and told him it was okay, as he proceeded to ralph all over the hard wood floor. The apparent culprit was a swallowed chunk of pumpkin from FOUR DAYS AGO that caused the explosion.

He looked very sad and guilty, so I walked him to the bathroom and told him it was okay and to just lay down, which he did. I then go to clean it up...I am out of paper towels. Completely. Out. Not even the sticky glue chunk was left. So I had to use lots and lots of toilet paper. Glad I took a two hour lunch yesterday so that I could be a half hour late this morning! Woot!

But THANK YOU for the warning buddy...because on the carpet.........omg that would have been bad, bright orange on light tan...thank you.

Sorry Buddy - From Mom

As I'm walking around this morning taking Teeko out, I ask myself if I'm going to put his food in his kong this morning. I usually do, but I was running late. Then, thinking about his food, I ask myself, "Did I feed you last night?" I start running through my night time ritual of getting ready, and no. I did not feed him. He didn't even cry or beg for it or give any indication like, 'hello, missing something?' He never does anyway, but when he eats he all but inhales it and freaks out excitedly as I'm pouring it into his bowl.

I think he just assumes he won't be eating, so he's extra excited when he gets to, cuz he lived on the street for God knows how long. So he probably didn't hear me offer him food, and just thought, 'Okay :(,' and went to bed. HOW SAD! As I eat pizza in front of him and send him away when he stares at me. Awwwwwe. Poor guy.

And the night before, I let him sleep in my bed. I woke up to him kicking me repeatedly, so I kicked him back, and he just kept on kicking. So I sit up and realized he was having a nightmare and twitching freakishly in his sleep.

I'm an asshole.

Mutual Trust ... ? - From Teeko

Mom and I have been trusting each other a lot more lately. She even left me out of my kennel one night last week and let me sleep in her bed. But she still holds me really close by my neck when we walk...like she doesn't trust me......but I know she does! I mean she has to right? I'm a good boy all the time. All. The. Time.

Because I know we're trusting each other more, it means when I'm playing with my new friends at the park, I don't have to listen to her as much. She can trust me, I know what I'm doing, and I trust that she won't be able to catch me to spank me nor would she leave me. Usually I get in the car when she says we're leaving, and we had been there a long time, but as I stared into the backseat, I decided I wasn't done playing. I was pretty tired, but there were new dogs and I had to go play with them. It was important. So I trot away and hear the doors shut to the car. Apparently she got the hint that we weren't leaving yet. Silly mom, it's a mutual decision.

Then, as I'm jogging across the park, I heard the car start, and she started to drive away! She would leave me?! I ran so fast up to the car and stood by her window. I didn't put my paws on the car either cuz then she would've definitely left probably! I just stood up and looked at her like HELLO? Aren't you forgetting something?! She rolled down the window and yelled at me as the car stopped. Where does she get off thinking that she gets to decide when we go, or I get left??? Anyway, I got pretty scared, I even gave her my best puppy eyes to let me back in. I guess from now on when she tells me to get in, I probably should.

WTF? - From Mom

Teeko and Lucky were playing tug-o-war in the living room when Teeko managed to spaz the toy away from Lucky. I'm pretty sure Lucky could take him in a real match, but Teeko jumps around and practically flails and Lucky does not appreciate it and gives up.

Lucky then goes to take the toy back from Teeko, so Teeko apparently decides that a good way to prevent him from doing so, is to pee on Lucky's face. Luckily he missed, and instead just pissed all over the carpet.

...WHAT.............THE.....................FLYING...............FUCK?!?!?! REALLY?!?! You'd JUST been outside less than 3 hours before, peeing all over several times, and when is peeing on someone's face ever a good alternative to sharing? Oh well once someone tried to take over the mouse while I was on my computer.......so I pissed on their face.

I just....WHY?!........I mean how can......just..........DISAPPOINTMENT...I mean really how do you.....ehhh!...........no words..............

Stop Being Dramatic - From Mom

I've had two frames since December that I have not filled yet. Both are very cute and they are for dogs. Now that I'm moving desks, it's a perfect time to update some pics, I decided. Finding a pic where Teeko's eyes aren't glowing demonically, or where it's not blurred because he's being a spaz, is tough work! Some are fine, but just not 'frame worthy'. So why not take a few?

I get the camera, call him out of the Bat Cave (ie his kennel) and he rolls onto his back in his kennel, scared. When have I ever called him out of his kennel to yell at him? It's usually to go outside 90% of the time! I finally drag him out and talk nicely, give him some treats, and have him sit. As soon as I position the camera, he runs back in. This goes on until I take him into my bedroom so he can stop hiding.

Talking excitedly to him, I again prepare for awesome photographs to happen. His ears are back, and his eyes are wide, and he raises his paw in the air, as if to shield whatever beating is about to happen. Srsly, look at this. It's even blurred cuz he's jerking around spastically. 

"No mommy! Not the camera! Anything but the camera DEAR GOD IT'S POINTED AT ME!" I can all but hear his brain screaming in horror. Freak. I finally got his toy, and played with him for awhile, until he chewed on it happily, and got a decent pic. The other I used one Deana took with her much better camera. Even my phone camera he freaks out. What is that? Did someone used to take a picture of him then beat him with the camera? Was he raised by one of those tribes that thinks being in a picture takes away a piece of your soul? 

Psycho, anyway, this one was cute, finally! Of course he's happy, he's destroying something. Little shit.

Aren't you forgetting something? - From Teeko

Last night, I get into my bat cave because I see mom getting ready for bed. I'm a good boy, she never has to ask me anymore. I always get into my bed. Plus usually I'm tired before she goes to bed, so if she's in the office, I'll just put myself to sleep there.

But this time she was at her kitchen table, so I was sleeping on the couch when I noticed her getting ready. I walked right by her into my bed. She shut the light off and went into her room and shut the door, as usual. What wasn't usual though, was no treat? No zipping of my door? No 'night night Teeko' ? She was probably just changing her fake fur out, her clothes or whatever humans call it.

But I waited forever, and she never came back out. So I walked out into the hall and stood at her door. She must have heard me cuz she opened her door. My feelings were very hurt, so I just stared up at her, confused. She did forget about me, I could tell by her surprised expression and sudden burst of high pitched ramblings at me. I put myself in bed again and got my treat this time and tucked in properly!

Jeez thanks mom.

Get a Job Teeko - From Mom

He has one. Why can't you get one? Pull your weight, your food ain't cheap!
Well it is...but whatever get a job.

I Love Water - Teeko

Mom and grandma always yell at me not to get into water. It's water. It's not going to hurt me. I know they're just worried about me, so I keep trying to show them, "SEE, it's okay I'm in water. I'm not being hurt right now. See?" But then they still yell at me.

At grandma's she has a pond and waterfall and I love making all the rocks fall from the waterfall. Grandma is even nice enough to keep setting them back up for me to tip over again. But then one time she was really mad about the water, and even grabbed my face and yelled at me. So I simply dropped my toy in there. She would think it was an accident. I just picked it up walked over to the pond and threw it in. Well, who was going to get the toy? Her? Little Wiley dog? No! He's too short. So it was left up to me to brave the water and retrieve my prize. And I still got yelled at. What is with this?

Mom even put me on a really long leash at the park now to keep me out of the water...but then I just want to show her it's okay. So I keep trying.

Maybe they'll see one day, that the real dangers are People and other Dogs and Cars and Motorcycles and Trucks and Loud Noises and Fast Movements and Leafs...those damned...bloody...leafs....

Until then, the war rages on.

Let Me In MY HOUSE - From Mom

Usually you are so excited for me to walk in, jumping up and down happily that I'm home. Not today. Today it was hard to open the door, because you were sitting against it. The folded up rug affected it a little but not much. Was that also part of your plan?

I walk in to find shreds of black, some weird plasticy type lining, and cotton. Whatever the shreds are, they are unrecognizable to the human eye. I follow the trail of destruction to my ottoman. At first, in my horror, I think it's the ottoman, but then I see you got into the ottoman, as there are also two half eaten coasters (that's 3 out of 6 now you bastard, guess that makes us tied). You'd gotten some brand new winter gloves that I'd received with the ottoman for Christmas and had never taken out. They were cute gloves! Well insulated with snowflakes on them! Thanks a lot JERK.

Since the book/remote/sunglasses mishap, I have made sure to give you at least 20 minutes of good exercise a day. Today was the very first day since then that I failed. A last minute flooring scramble for tomorrow morning ensued immediately after work tonight. I tried to have Wiley play with you for a few minutes but he was tired and grouchy. And rly? You even had to get into the office garbage can and shred a paper towel wrapper all around the house. Apparently you cannot survive 1 day by yourself. I lived by myself without you for a year and a half buddy. Guess what. I managed to do it everyday without feeling the need to randomly shred something! You are very much two. STOP IT. Stop being two. Could you?

And you know what kisses are, you will lick occasionally, but then when I have to beat you and scream at you, you have to do the adorable pecking your lips against my cheek or my lips as I glare at you, with ears back and big puppy eyes, until I have to throw you outside because it's too hard not to hug you. You suck. Stop sucking. Stop eating my shit. Stop being so high maintenance that you can't handle one day of me not hardcore exercising you, I was fuckin busy, chill out.

Stop.

Let's Go! - From Teeko

I was at mom's work...this guy with no hair just walked right up to me and said my name, how dare he walk toward me! So I jumped up and growled and barked in his face to tell him whose boss, and then I walked away quickly...not cuz I was scared...just cuz he wasn't worth my time ya know? But my mom made me sit in front of him and he pet me. Then I went into her office and at least there was a familiar face there! I let him pet me and then went expectantly to the door, waiting for Wiley's mom to come get me.

I waited forever! And I started to cry! It was like sooooooo long. But then she finally appeared. I was so excited, I forgot about my collar, my leash, that the floor has no traction, everything, and I just ran. I ran out of the office and slid across the slick floor, peeling out til I got some grip, then bolted out to what mom calls the 'show room' and almost ran into this big rack looking thing, and ppl were calling me, I realized. I was almost at the door when I heard the 'HERE' command. Why was mom such a downer all the time? Didn't she know the effort it took to get to the door?

I ran back and sat for her to put on the collar, and then I was off!!! Running running, and I wanted to go we needed to go were we even going to go why was no one going why am I just standing here at the door and no one is opening it so we can go are we going?

It's Happened! - From Mom

Remember that cute little dog, and the nice old man in the cowboy hat this morning? And you wanted to eat his dog? Well now that I'm using the ferocious WATER BOTTLE it sure is making you snap back to reality faster isn't it? Not that you don't forget in 15 seconds...but still.

On our walk tonight, I spot this dog in a yard. Perfect test! I angle towards the dog, about your size but a puppy, maybe a year at most. I realize the dog is off his leash. Shit. To not create a panic, I turn back to the road slightly, and he prances after us.

You tried SO HARD to look at him didn't you? How'd those metal prongs feel jabbing into your jugular buddy?! Got put in your place didn't you! I even slowed down and let the dog sniff you. I timidly stopped walking, the leash taught, and you sat down. Just like you were supposed to. I pet the dog, keeping you at arms length, he rolled onto his back, swatting at me, and then, tail wagging, approached you, oblivious to your 'leash makes me kill small innocent creatures' attitude. And then...you played with him!

GOOD BOY! I cannot say it enough. I can't believe that this happened. I literally had just called Jeff today and spoke to him about you because I was worried that there was just no helping you. Now I know that it is possible. You really can do this buddy. We really can. Even though I want to murder you and you embarrass the hell out of me sometimes, someday, you'll be just fine, my special needs baby.

P.S. I still slightly regret not naming you Schitzo when I had the chance...

Mom's asking for it ... - From Teeko

So yesterday she let me out of the car in some neighborhood with houses and there was a dog in the backyard of one all jealous and I was all cool. I saw a door open up to one of the houses and ran to greet the man. I wasn't scared, I could run way faster than him if he tried anything! Just to show my lack of fear, I took a big dump in his yard. I'd already gone so I didn't really need to, but I was kinda nervous so I did.

Then mom called me back in the car. I got on my seat and she kept telling me to scoot back. This was my seat. She keeps forgetting what's mine! I don't have a lot! Just some bones, and some rubbery things, and some sunglasses is all. Then I see the new guy I just met, and he's walking toward MY seat! And then he starts getting in! I stared at my mom, I didn't even look at him. Really? REALLY? Do you not know my history? You're going to throw some guy I just met in my seat?

I considered growling, but my mom just stared back, locking eyes with me...and I could tell she would've scolded me, and I was kind of scared, so I scooted back. Well this guy was in MY territory, so if I wanted to look out that window, or that other one, I just climbed over him. But most the time I just rested my head on the other guy she call's Casey's shoulder. That'd teach her.

Wiley is Weird - From Teeko

This weekend we were staying at Wiley's house! And Mom was a real butt about feeding us. She'd put us on those disgusting leashes, and tie me to one table leg,and Wiley to the other. I could reach Wiley, but not his food! I could only reach my food. I guess she didn't want us to share. She gets mad if I don't share my toys, but then mad if I do share food? What is that about?

So she sets Wiley's food down for the 2nd time, which is usually several days apart I'm sure of it. And he just stares at it! She even put bits of something in there! I didn't get bits of ANYTHING! And THEN she put some water in it and put the whole bowl in the warming box, and it made the whole kitchen smell like delicious melty dog food! Just moist and ready for the eating. Like...meat! Well guess what, he just stares at it, like a white fluffy moron. He has an entire bowl and he just sits there blinking his beady eyes like a catatonic stuffed animal, and doesn't eat the food!

I cried. So hard. She eventually took it away. Hello? I would've eated it!

We're not friends right now - From Owner

Ya know this morning, I could tell you were uncomfortable, but I really thought we made progress you and I. Let me take that back, we did make progress. Did it piss you off that you gave in some? Do you not like me asserting my authoritah over you? Guess what buddy, I AM OVER YOU!

Is that why you pulled this stunt? Digressed back into asshole mode. I know my slippers were probably confusing to not chew up a month ago cuz they were new sitting out, but 2 of these three things (the remote and book, not the sunglasses) have been there BEFORE YOU HAVE BEEN HERE!

It was a hard back book, did you have to eat a chunk off of it? Hasn't the Colosseum experienced enough destruction? And those glasses, the rims are all bent to hell, and the lenses are in pieces...who chews LENSES? I mean I can understand the rims being kinda soft, but the lenses had to pop out fairly easy and to chew those up? That's like chewing glass...the fuck is your problem? Did you have to resort to chewing on glass to get back at me? Was it worth it there snaggletooth? Was arguing with me 90% of the time I make you put your leash on not enough? Wanted revenge so bad you chewed up some glass? I bet thin glass would break easier than lenses too.

Well guess what, this is how things are now! You better shape up, or your ass will be parked in a kennel every damn day I'm at work buddy. You KNEW BETTER! Watchin' you.

Mommy Scared Me! - From Teeko

For some reason, lately she thinks she can walk next to me, or even in front of me! I mean I always let her walk close, she could be next to my back legs, but now she thinks she gets to! It's throwing me off.

This morning, there were THREE dogs where I go crap! There's never dogs in the morning out side in plain site! What were they doing in my toilet? What do they think they could just walk outside without my permission? They just show up without letting me know! I wasn't having any of that! Mom kept holding my collar tight, and I could tell she was getting nervous. Had to be cuz of those damned dogs! I decided to try and kill them! I snaked out from her tight, scared grip and was able to spin around and stand up, big and tall, to scare them.

Then she was so scared she took me around a corner away from the dogs. She said I could pee, so I did, but when I went back it was like something had changed. She wasn't looking at me, I couldn't sense any fear or nervousness...did the dogs go away?

We came out of the corner, and THERE THEY WERE! Did she not realize? Why wasn't she nervous or panicking anymore? I kicked up my ferocity, and received a kick to my side! Where did that come from? ...what was I doing...oh yeah dogs! I was mad at the dogs! Then she yanked on my collar real hard and started casually talking to the Wendy girl that lives across from her. She even stopped, and when she stops I HAVE to sit. I don't know what the deal was...so I just decided to shut up at that point.

She's so crazy, doesn't she realize the danger she was in?! Why won't she let me kill?!

Creepo - From Mom

Dude...I was just freaking out cuz the light in the office kept randomly going dim and flickering, and I just saw Insidious like 2 days ago. Then I walk into the hall to get a drink and maybe turn on another light, and I get this?

Could you not?!

My Promise - From Mom

Leaving you was harder than I ever thought it would be. I didn't expect the torrent of thoughts and emotions that are now ripping through my heart and mind like a tidal wave. I didn't imagine that I would break down walking away from you.

I see hope in your eyes, I know that you want to trust in me, you and your timid soul. I don't know how many homes you've had before me, at least two. I don't know how many situations you were lured into only to be hurt. I can't begin to imagine the pain of your family leaving you on the streets to die. I wish I knew who did this to you, who made you this way, my little social tard, so that I can make sure they are never allowed near an animal again.

Of course you have issues, what human or animal in your situation wouldn't? I know I've thought of leaving you in the past, but when it came down to it, I couldn't do it. I could never do it. And I never will. I will always be here.

Please trust that I'm coming back for you. I wish I could tell you in a way that you would understand, as your confused gold eyes gaze back at me, filled with worry as I pack up your kennel. This isn't forever. Forever goodbye's are all you have known. Please don't hurt. Please don't think this is one of them. I will come back for you, every time, until the end of our time, for the rest of your life.

Dancing? - From Teeko

K I don't know what this so called 'dancing' nonsense is...but to me it looks like you stare at the big magic box with the moving things on it, and you flail your body around the living room. And you call me a spaz? I don't understand why during these times you get the entire living room to yourself! The place isn't that big mom! And I just want to be close to you.

I try to do it sneaky, and slowly scoot closer and closer while I chew on my bone, but then if I'm too sneaky, you don't notice me and I get kicked in the face like last night! You need to calm this dancing stuff down! You are out of control. Or, if you do notice me, instead of letting me chew on my bone close to you, you throw it across the room. Do I look like I want to play fetch? Did it look like I walked up to you and dropped it for you to throw it? I barely even know what fetch means! We both know I don't have the attention span for such a game so why would I initiate something like? Like I would really just walk up to you and

Go Play is Mean - From Teeko

I don't know why you send me away when you eat! You always say "Go Play" too, which apparently means "No more looking at food for you, hahaha go away and listen to me eat!" I mean I don't see why I can't just watch you. I love you. I just want to watch you. And make sure you don't drop any. And if you do, I'll be there for you mommy.

I also noticed you took a picture, and even said something like this is why I can't, and made me go play. So my face is why I can't watch you eat? I mean I've never really seen myself, but I reckon I'm pretty attractive cuz all the boys in the park hug me a lot! Even one boy last time got mad at the other boys for hugging me, so that he could hug me! And he hugged me really hard over and over like so many hugs! So I must be cute right?

Drooling For Food is a NO - From Mom

THAT! Right there! That is why you cannot watch my eat food. The only time I've ever seen you drool in your whole entire life (at least the portion that's been with me) is if you're staring at food for too long!

That is why I tell you to GO PLAY! So don't sit there with your back against the couch and mope about me sending you away. I MEAN REALLY! And you don't even notice you're drooling! UGH HOW CAN YOU NOT?!

Impolite Barking - From Mom

When grandma is taking you for a walk, you are to be on your best behavior. Now, when you bark at someone, you have a deep scary bark. Even people that work at dog places, say your bark makes you sound 10x bigger than you are. If you bark, people will take notice.

Which means, if you feel the need to bark at an innocent teenager listening to his headphones, it is unnecessary to leap straight up into the air, and bark loudly, right in his face. Do you ever see me talking to anyone in their face. Do I ever just walk up to someone and say, "HEY!" with my face inches from theirs and looking all scary with my hair sticking out? Do you ever see that happen? NO! So guess what it is, it's a NO NO! NNNNO! No.

Our Stuff - From Teeko

You know in the car, how you put your stuff in the trunk, and my stuff on the back seat, like a chew toy I'll find here once in awhile, and then our stuff, you put our stuff in those round things in the middle of the two front seats. I think you've called them cup holders once.

I know you called them SQUIRREL! ... nope, leaf. I know you called them BIRD! GIT! ... oh, same leaf. I know you called them cup holders, because one day you were yelling at me about them and shoved my face. Is shoving my face ever really necessary? Yelling is scary enough! I chewed up some of our stuff and you were mad. It's not my fault that you accidentally put some of your stuff in our spot! Why are you yelling at me about it? Please remember to put your stuff in the trunk and not in our area.

Another thing, sometimes the things that I think you mean to put in our area, you accidentally put them on the front seat floor! Sometimes they're even hidden from my view until I move up to the front seat, which I KNOW I'm not allowed to do...if you're in the car. So I have to go up to the front and dig LEAF!...oh wait, it's a leaf, and dig around before I find what you were obviously supposed to put in the cup holder. How am I supposed to know what you want me to kill, if you keep putting them in different places? You're making this very hard on me.

So mom, please remember to put anything you want me to kill, in the cup holder. That way I don't have to ever go into your seat to find the stuff that you were supposed to put there.

Screen Door - From Mom

Last night, I opened the glass door, and you attempted to bolt out onto the balcony, excited to get outside. Little did you know, that the screen door was still shut, until you face planted right into it and bounced back with a confused and hurt look on your face.

"Teeko!" I cried hugging and petting you, "What happened?!" You pressed against me licking your lips sadly, and tentatively walked out onto the porch after I opened the door for you.

Last time we were out there, I left the screen door shut just so that the next time I opened the glass door, that would happen. Hahahahahaha! I'm smarter than you are!

Common Sense, Where's Yours? - From Mom

Ok Teek a Beak, I know you are excited to go out in the mornings. TRUST ME! I know! I get it. For real. There has not been a day that's gone by that I've wondered, 'Is Teeko excited to go out this morning?' It does not mean, that you have to freak out, every time. I mean it's cute that you try to talk to me, and when you jump straight up into the air, or run in a big circle and for some reason leap over the tile in the kitchen, all that is fine.

But when I'm trying to put on my shoes, and you tackle them out of my hand, repeatedly, who are you really hurting here? Besides when I get irritated enough to finally beat you, you are just hurting yourself. Your spastic freak out excitement is slowing me down, therefore, you do not get to go outside as soon as you would have, had you not been a shit.

So STOP knocking my shoes, my keys, your leash, my coat or my purse, onto the floor. Ripping anything from my hands, is not a good idea. Just calm. CAAAAAAAAAALM! Simma down now! Mkay?!

Mom and the Birds - From Teeko

There I was, minding my own business, running around the park, when Mom calls me. Is it time to leave? I hope not. We just got here I think.

She said something that sounded exciting. She wanted me to Git something! She was pointing, so I followed her finger and saw the flying tweety thing she'd called a Bird. I ran after it and she told me I was a good boy, which made me proud. I chased all the birds she told me to.

The next day, she was taking me to go to the bathroom when I spotted a bird! I was going to be a good boy, and I was going to get that bird. I walked by, pretending not to notice the bird so that it wouldn't expect anything, and then I went for it! I lunged so fast at the flappy bird and I would've probably for sure definitely got it, if it weren't for my poky collar thing holding me back. I felt it slacken as I looked back to see mom flying toward the ground, she must want to chase the bird too, and so I ran at it again!

Then she got mad! I mean really, no wonder the human mens always look so confused at the females.