A Caretaker’s Guide to Void Petpets

     Purpose of these notes are to observe and create procedures for the Void Petpets’ behaviours, mannerisms, and safety of our Void-affected companions. These Petpets are being housed in a special, secure annex within this Petpet care facility.

     I. Intake Procedures

     When a new Void Petpet arrives, it is important to require some necessary details. Confirm owner paperwork, or fill out the wild Petpet form. Trust me when I say this: it will create less headaches down the line when owners come to retrieve their Petpets.

     I have found it interesting to record the Petpets glow intensity upon intake as it can vary Petpet-to-Petpet. Other things to observe and note is if the Petpet is making any unusual sounds outside of their species and if the Petpet casts more than one shadow—void orbs are known to disappear and reappear around the small creatures. (Almost like they have their very own orbit!)

     It has also come to my attention on more than one occasion that floating Void Petpets like the Void Cirrus and Void Baby Fireball will intermittently vanish and reappear in another location nearby. If this happens, continue with documentation as normal and they will eventually follow you into the enclosure.

     II. Housing Assignments

      Void Petpets are grouped by temperament rather than species. Through trial and error, (and one particularly chaotic night!) I have come up with the best combination of grouping Void Petpets together:

     - Quiet and unsettled (easiest enclosure to control due to the Petpets refusal to interact with each other)

     - Friendly under supervision (best keep this enclosure within eyesight at all times. The closer to my desk, the better they behaved)

     - Best observed at a distance (these ones are typically unstable with their new Void-ness, and might wield Void orbs at random, fizzling out before they cross the room)

     Do be sure to equally distribute the Void Baby Fireballs and Void Meltons across different enclosures. Due to their fiery biology, too many in one enclosure will set off the ceiling sprinklers.

     When it comes to the environmental requirements to each enclosure adhere to “Guide to Caring for Petpets” by my colleague Maris Marrow. Just because these Petpets are Void-touched does not mean they will go without the usual boarding amenities. In addition to the necessities, I have observed these Petpets also enjoy dim lighting and reinforced bedding.

     III. Feeding Protocols

     It had been observed over many days that Void Petpets do eat standard food. However, there are a few abnormalities that do occur during this time that you should be aware of.

     Once they are finished, the bowl itself might go missing. Check the ceiling first, I often find they end up there. You might also find void essences left behind in the bowl. Make sure you thank the Petpet that left them there as this is seen as a gift. (You may dispose of them in accordance to Dr. Landelbrot’s protocols. Please do this out of sight of the Void Petpets. It will hurt their feelings if they see this.)

     IV. Common Behaviours

     With still so much to learn about the cosmic-influenced Void Petpets, I would implore you to continue observing them when all your tasks are complete. I have documented the most common behaviours of these Petpets, but as Father Time continues to turn, more and more irregularities will appear the closer we look. It appears these Void Petpets are here to stay, and we can learn quite a bit from them as we both adapt to their presence in Neopia.

     The most common behaviour I have witnessed is humming in harmony. There are no visible cues, but don’t be alarmed if you are quietly reading (I would recommend Dacardite and the Void: A Study by Dr. Ariel Celandine,) and the Petpets break out into humming a melody only they know.

     Another behaviour I find the most interesting is rearranging enclosure items into meaningful-looking patterns. They might chatter to each other and rearrange the items until they are satisfied with the final product. However, they are quite shy of their work and might scramble the items the closer you get to the enclosure. On one rare occasion, I believe I recognized cosmic constellations one Void Faellie was arranging.

     If you observe any odd behaviour, take note of it and provide it to your supervisor at the end of your shift.

     Night Shift Protocols

      The night shift at the Void Petpet Annex is generally quiet, provided that the Petpets find the mood cosmically stable when the stars are out.

      Staff are expected to maintain normal routines regardless of unusual activity. Not every strange sound requires immediate investigation. Begin the evening with enclosure counts. Perform them carefully and preferably twice.

      Open all window blinds so the Petpets have a view of the night sky during these hours. It does provide a rather peaceful shift where you can sit back and read (another book I recommend would be Navigating the Void).

      Do take note of any irregularities that happen during the night shift. See above, “Common Behaviours” for what to expect.

     Owner Communication

      It is common to receive many neomails from concerned Petpet owners. Reassuring them provides comfort during this observation period.

     Approved phrases include:

     - “Your Petpet remains stable.”

     - “Activity levels are within expected parameters.”

     - “We continue to monitor their condition closely.”

     Phrases to avoid include:

     - “He seems to know staff rotation schedules.”

     - “We are fairly certain she remained in the enclosure all night.”

     - “The glowing has become more… conversational.”

     Discharge Procedures

     The Void Petpet may return home after observations stabilize. This will include their glow intensity remains consistent and their vocalizations normalize. Staff members also must feel comfortable turning their backs on the Petpets outside of their enclosure.

     Owners will receive a Caring for Your Void Petpet packet that includes a care sheet, monitoring recommendations, and the Annex number to call if additional irregularities develop.

     In Closing

      Despite their unusual qualities, Void Petpets remain loyal companions deserving of patience and care. Beneath their cosmic behaviours, they are still Petpets that seek comfort, consistency, and someone willing to dislodge the food bowl from the ceiling when the occasion calls for it.