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The Hard Life of a Petpet


by i_love_cute_neos

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There are some creatures in this world of wonder that are entirely under-appreciated and taken advantage. I am, of course, talking about Petpets. Those cute furry, scaley, metal, rock, fishy what-have-you creatures that keep our pets company and that we all claim to love. However, we should really take a good look at a day in the life of these poor creatures.

Life’s not easy for anyone but these creatures must deal with more than most. They are small, convenient and loyal and that makes them perfect for all of the injustices that they are put through with little appreciation.

Let’s start by looking at these injustices, why don’t we?

Petpet Labray: I know everyone’s first thoughts. But, even Neopets are put through the pain of being scared and zapped and turning into something utterly different. But, look at the experience as a Petpet. You go into a small, dark room with a rickety machine made out of what seems to be junk. It shouldn’t work and sometimes, if you’re lucky, it doesn’t. But, if it does, numerous things could happen. A name change? Okay. A species change? You can deal with that. Turned into a pile of soot? How is that fair at all. You’re a moving little pile of soot and it’s painful. But, maybe even worse, is the unknown fate. You just disappear. No one knows where you went. You don’t even know where you’ve gone.

Turmaculus: So, there’s this giant sleeping beast. He was once a Petpet. Maybe he still is. We aren’t really sure. Either way, he’s huge and he likes to sleep. And eat. It’s left to Petpets to awaken the beast form his slumber. Sometimes, if you wake him up, you get a nice little treat. That’s exciting, isn’t it? It would be if it wasn’t for what else could happen. He likes to sleep and he likes to eat. You wake him from his sleep, he’s going for the next best thing. Eating. You. Goodbye cruel world.

Florg: Florg, at least, isn’t a Petpet. It’s a scary mutant Chia instead! He’s insatiable and he only likes to eat little, scared, crying Petpets. Even worse, is that he enlists the help of others to feed him. Some has to keep the poor Petpet’s from scurrying off the poorly designed table (honestly, you’d think someone who eats living creatures what have a table with high edges). You’re only hope is that terrifying tongue choosing a different Petpet and that hand choosing to keep another on the table instead of you. It turns you against one another. Hoping for the demise of a fellow to save yourself. You don’t need to outrun the bear. Just the person with you.

Grave Danger: It’s a cursed building. Neopets can get cursed but Petpets can’t. Thank Fyora, right? Or not. If only the curses were the only thing to worry about in there. There’s cult members cuddling you, gooey puddles to step in and don’t even get me started on the dragon. Oh yes, the dragon. The one that chases you around, blowing out fire and scaring the daylights out of you. That’s not including saving the world from a cult and the skeleton bent on shooting you with arrows. And what for? A few little prizes. Treasures they call it.

Life in General: Now, don’t you think it’s only games and adventures that put Petpets in harm way. Because it’s not. Just living life as a Petpet is a dangerous task. Florg’s not the only one ready to eat you. A very common pet sometimes get a little nippy and might just take you out when you’re meant to be playing. I’m not going to name this well-loved pet as no one, even the Petpets, blame them for it. It’s in their nature. But, just keep in mind that they could be playing with a friend and then BAM! Dinner.

Now, this isn’t to say that life as a Petpet is all bad. Because it certainly isn’t. After a very careful conversation, that included a lot of charades and guessing, I’ve learned the greater parts of being a Petpet from one of my own pet’s pets.

When not being eaten, playing with our Neopet friend is the most fun a little Petpet can have. They love their best buddies more than anything in the world and the time together is always cherished, regardless of how it ends.

When being shot by the Petpet lab ray, yes they have a chance of being turned to soot or disappearing, but they also have the chance to become a dream, something beautiful and different. That certainly isn’t all bad to the vast majority of Petpets.

They get to go down the Symol Hole. I couldn’t quite figure out what was located down there but it must be exciting. Even when they return with no treasure, they’ve had some kind of blast down in that hole. It seems to be a little scary at first for them but they really seem to enjoy it overall. The Petpet in question made special mention, or motion, of it.

Plus, it isn’t actually all that terrible to be cuddled by the cult. They know exactly where to pet. Plus, regardless of the dragons, there’s all kinds of fun things in that crypt to play with and role in. It’s more of a borderline on the fun.

There is no bright side to being eaten by Florg or the Turmaculus.

Now, all this is not to say free the Petpets or to keep them locked up tight. Only, next time the bravely poke the sleeping beast or return with a treasure from the cursed crypts, pet their heads a little more enthusiastically. Give them an extra cookie. They’ve earned all the rewards they can get. They work hard for us and it’s time that we start showing them the appreciation they deserve.

Petpets aren’t just pet’s for your pet, they’re part of your family. And, look at all the activities you couldn’t do without them.

 
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