A Dragon at the Dinner Table

^ Mittens. When I moved to the city for university, my grandma sent her to me, because I’d never lived without cats before, and she didn’t want me to be lonely. <3

^ Shelby. I got her at the Denver Aquarium when we went to the US to visit the aforementioned grandma. I’m so glad she got to meet my wife, and Shelby will always remind me of that trip.

^ Squiddy. I got him from the free box at the thrift store we used to live next to. Honestly, I was just amazed at the idea of a plush squid.

^ Mortimer. He was a birthday present from my wife. She also got me turtle socks. (Can you guess yet what my favourite animal is?)

^ Myrtle the Purple Turtle. Some work friends got her for me as a surprise when I came out to them. She lived on my work desk for ages.

^ Moira. My first dragon plushie. She always looks sad.

^ Ember. Both she & Moira were birthday presents the same year, but I don’t remember which one I got first.

Ember sometimes comes in the car or my purse with me.

^ Meryl. She’s a weighted lap turtle that I got not terribly long after my autism diagnosis, and after we discovered the joy of weighted blankets. I sit with her on my lap every single day.

^ Poppy is so huge & so huggable. I got her as a gift to myself for making it through the first lockdown in 2020.

^ Gizmo. A Nameday present from my mum. He fits on my shoulder.

^ Romeo. A Valentine’s gift from my wife <3

^ Charity. I bought her with an Easter egg this year, with my first paycheck from my new job.