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I breathe heavily through my nostrils, frustrated that his hand is calming me. It’s so irrational.

“The man next to you in the blue is Yamal. He’s a doctor. I asked him to come today because he has experience with other human pets. I want his advice. Normally, when you need medical care, I’ll have the on-call vet examine you.”

Vet? I’m screaming in my head. Veterinarians are animal doctors. Not people.

The doctor steps around so I can see him better. “It’s nice to meet you, Rava. Like Vabar said, no one is going to hurt you. I’m going to examine you and give some advice to your owner on how to take care of you. That’s all.”

I tug on my wrists, wanting to be freed.

Vabar sets both hands on my biceps and meets my gaze. “Shhh.”

Damn him. Just, damn him.

The doctor puts his stethoscope in his ears and sets the flat disk on my back. “I’m just listening to your heart, Little pet.”

I hate being called Little pet. It’s degrading, and I’m angrier now that I suspect Yamal knows this. If he’s examined my friends, he’s well-aware this is not okay. They all would have shared their thoughts. Perhaps that’s why I’m wearing a bit. Good. I hope they all kicked and screamed and fought back. The fact that I’m so restrained and muzzled suggests so, which gives me some satisfaction.

After listening to my back, Yamal moves the disk to my chest. My breasts are hanging free, and he reaches between them and even flattens the metal disk directly on my boobs in several places.

When he’s done, Vabar moves to one side of me to give Yamal room in front. He uses a light to look in my eyes, ears, and nose. He doesn’t have access to my mouth.

As he steps to the side again, Vabar returns front and center. He strokes my arms, from my wrists to my shoulders. “The doctor is going to take your temperature now. Be a brave Little pet for me, Rava.”

I’m confused for a moment until Yamal parts my butt cheeks.

I squeal behind the bit and try to buck.

Yamal speaks from behind me. “Humans aren’t accustomed to the level of intimate care we provide on Venkoria. They’re oddly modest. Part of the reason your pet is so frustrated is that she’s most likely never been naked in front of other people, and certainly not men.”

He’s right, so why are they torturing me?

“The thermometer goes in your bottom, Little pet,” Yamal says as he forces my cheeks wider and pushes a rod into me.

I want to die. I might have a heart attack and pass away. I clench my bottom, but there’s no avoiding this stupid thermometer.

“Her temperature will run lower than ours, which is why she’s always cold. Most owners have started dressing their pets in footed pajamas to keep them warm. You can also use blankets if you’d rather she not be so concealed. And any time you need to discipline her, one method can be to leave her uncomfortably naked for a while so she shivers.”

It might have been better when I couldn’t understand these men.

“She will also feel warm when you hold her skin-to-skin. It will calm her tremendously.” He continues to hold that stupid rod in my butt.

Vabar keeps rubbing my arms while he speaks. “Do humans have trouble controlling their bladders? She peed all over the floor when I let her out of her kennel.”

I rear my head. I would spit on him if I could.

Yamal chuckles. “No. She was probably frightened. As far as I know, all the owners so far are diaper-training their pets. Without developing a human-sized receptacle, there’s no place for these pets to empty themselves. The toilets we have are far too large and high off the floor.”

I’m growling now. Diaper train me? No.

“Will she be easy to train? She seems rather stubborn.”

“They are all stubborn. It must be in their nature. But be firm. You have a plan in place. Don’t veer from it. I agree that she will adjust quicker if you teach her basic commands and signs. Reinforce positive behavior. Ignore negative behavior. She demonstrates a capacity to learn and a willingness to be agreeable, so you can reward her.”

My growl turns into a near-constant groan. I sound like a wild animal because they’re treating me like one.

The doctor finally removes the thermometer. I can’t see him, but his hand stays on my lower back. “Her temperature is slightly below normal, which isn’t surprising. She’s cold in here. Feed her a warm bottle while holding her against your chest after I’m done. That should help her stop shivering.”

He parts my cheeks again. “I’m going to examine your bottom now, Little pet.”