Amber and the dogs life 03

The office was bathed in warm light, its off-white walls carrying the faint scent of lavender and disinfectant. Amber sat on the cushioned pillow in front of Dr. Vega, crossing her furry legs with effortless grace. Her golden fur shimmered under the overhead lights, and the soft contours of her muzzle twitched with a nervous breath. “So, Amber,” the doctor said, scrolling through the digital file on her tablet, “it’s been three months since your fusion, correct?” Amber nodded. “Yes… eighty-seven days, to be exact.” “And how are you adjusting? I know this has been a significant change—physically and emotionally.” Amber sighed, her tail swishing idly against the cushion. “I think I’m doing fine, but… there are things I do now that feel… strange. Dog things.” “What do you mean?” “In the mornings, I have this routine,” she began, resting one of her strong, rounded hands against the back of her neck. “I wake up naked—I always liked sleeping that way, but now it’s different. The air on my fur… it’s soothing.” The doctor listened without interruption. “I get up and walk around my apartment on all fours,” Amber admitted, her voice dropping slightly. “It’s more comfortable than standing, especially right after waking up. Sometimes I stretch out like a puppy—front legs forward, hips raised…” The doctor smiled. “And then?” “I eat breakfast… from a small plate on the floor. Well, on a little platform. Yogurt, sometimes vegan croquettes. I don’t always eat like that, just in the mornings. Then I drink from the automatic waterer I installed in the kitchen. It’s… refreshing. The water’s always cool.” She hesitated. “After that, I roll around on the couch, toss pillows, bite one… I play. I bought some toys. I know it sounds silly, but they relax me.” “Do you bark, Amber?” “Sometimes,” she admitted, lowering her gaze. “When I hear people outside my apartment. Or… motorcycles.” “You bark at motorcycles on the street?” “…I mostly control myself,” Amber muttered, ears flicking back in embarrassment. The doctor made a note, her expression neutral. “And how do you… handle bathroom needs?” Amber’s head snapped up, eyes wide. “Of course I use the toilet! I’m still human!” She pressed her hands to her chest, her six breasts faintly visible beneath her blouse. “I’m not an animal, Doctor.” “Of course you’re not,” Dr. Vega said gently. “What you’re describing is self-regulation. It’s normal—many fused patients develop instinctual rituals. The important thing is that you feel safe.” A brief silence settled between them. Amber looked down again. “There’s… something else.” “Yes?” “I’m on my period. But it doesn’t feel the same.” The doctor straightened slightly. “Different symptoms?” “Less bleeding,” Amber admitted, tilting her head, “but I’m restless. Full of energy. I’ve been rubbing against cushions, pillows… And last night, I had these… dreams. Warm ones. I woke up panting. Literally.” Dr. Vega set her tablet aside and pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “Let me examine you. Lie back, please.” Amber reclined on the table, tucking her hind legs beneath her. The examination was quick, and when it was over, the doctor snapped off her gloves. “Amber, this isn’t a normal menstrual cycle. You’re in estrus.” Amber frowned. “I—what?” “Your canine fusion includes a different reproductive cycle. It doesn’t replace the human one, but it overlaps. Every three periods, your body goes into heat. Hormonally, it’s a state that… encourages companionship.” Amber sat up sharply. “Are you saying I… want to mate?” “Your body does,” the doctor clarified. “That doesn’t mean you’ll lose control—just that you’ll need to be mindful. You might feel heightened attraction, stronger urges. Think of it as a libido boost… on steroids.” Amber buried her face in her hands. “This is a nightmare.” “It doesn’t have to be,” Dr. Vega said. “Just take care of yourself. And if you have a partner, they’ll likely… enjoy this phase.” “I don’t have a boyfriend,” Amber mumbled. The doctor sighed. “Then be cautious. Especially around someone you’re attracted to. You might unconsciously try to seduce them.” Amber’s fur bristled. “Oh no…” “What’s wrong?” “I have work in an hour. With Josh. My boss. He’s kind, sweet… he makes me feel comfortable. And I like him!” “Have you behaved unusually around him before?” Amber’s tail twitched nervously. “No… well, little things. Like sunbathing on a table in a micro bikini.” The doctor stifled a laugh. “Amber, just breathe. You’re not in danger. Stay aware of your impulses. And if things get intense, keep a cold water bottle handy.” Amber stood with a soft grunt, adjusting her jacket. “But what if… I can’t control myself?” Dr. Vega gave her a knowing smile. “Then maybe Josh will see a side of you he never expected.” Amber blinked. Then she laughed—a deep, almost bark-like sound. After saying goodbye to her doctor-slash-vet-slash-psychologist, she hurried toward the pet store. But as she passed the building’s lobby, a lingerie store downstairs caught her eye—one she hadn’t noticed on her way in. She froze, staring at the sensual outfits on display. Oh my god. Am I really considering this? After a moment, she took a steadying breath and patted her cheeks. Well… if I’m going to do something crazy, I might as well be prepared. Clutching her purse, Amber marched inside.