Pedigree

I am one of the lucky ones. That's what I've been told my whole life. In a world where all men control their own lives, and all females are bred, raised, and die as pets for the males, I am one of the lucky ones. Here's my story...

I was born to my father Preston Vaughn Cox eighteen years ago through a quality female that he bought from The Mayor's Auction. My father, and eventually his adult sons, celebrated the annual event with thousands of dollars in their pockets, and would often return home with a Pedigree breeder or two.

In our world, all birthing occurs in the home and the law requires all females to be surrendered immediately to The Shelter within an hour of their birth. However, society's most prominent men are encouraged to register any "perfect" female offspring, raise them in their homes, provide them with premium pet training, then donate them to The Mayors Auction after they turn 18. This is seen as the most patriotic act a wealthy man can do, and when his contribution later births males, the man's nobility and influence are increased. Thus, men of all classes strive to increase their standing in society through this practice, but generally, only those shrewd enough to manage this expensive undertaking can succeed.

Pets come in three classes: Used, New, and Pedigree. Used pets are sometimes referred to as Mutts and come in any age. They have had at least one, and sometimes several, previous owners and therefore are rarely virginal. The tag on their collars lists the year of their birth followed by a random identification number. Records of their parental heritage, previous owners, reasons for return, offspring production, and even their names are never kept. They are housed in large rooms with other Used pets. Low-ranking males work The Shelters washing and feeding the pets, keeping the rooms sanitary and managing the adoptions. Immunizations, food, water, collars, and floor mats are provided. When men browse the selection to adopt, they are often taken in by the affectionate nature of the female who has learned an appreciation for the world outside The Shelter. While this class would seem to be the most problematic, they are the most economical to adopt, at about $50.

The next class of pets is New. Two subclasses are known as Juvenile and Mature, for those over 18. Just like Used, no records are kept for New pets and they are identified and cared for in the same way. They have been raised in The Shelter since birth and grouped only with other females of the same year. These females are studied by the caregivers and separated into different units if bonding is observed. Except for the occasional scuffle for food or power, life in these rooms is completely uneventful. The youngest are not encouraged to walk or talk. Walking is eventually learned, but at a delayed level compared to registered females raised at home with their fathers. Over the years, females do pick up some basic commands from the caregivers. The middle females are not taught to read or understand numbers. The older ones are not taught about the changes in their bodies. However, as they enter their final year of adolescence, they do receive some basic training for life as a pet.

New pets have never had an owner and are available at any age, however, the greatest percentage of them are 18 and 19 years old. As an untouched female, there is a high demand for this class and most are adopted as soon as the batch is released into Maturity. With an adoption fee of about $1000, these females are not without their issues. Mostly feral creatures, they have no concept of the world outside The Shelter and often find it hard to adjust. Men frequently employ a trainer to bring value to their investment through discipline and bonding exercises. Unfortunately, even when the best of intentions are applied, this effort is sometimes to no avail and the man often has no choice but to deposit the female at the Used Shelter without refund.

Over the years, my father purchased countless pets at The Mayor's Auction and had many offspring. My father was blessed with several beautiful sons. Raised with the finest of everything, they were also raised to honor the strong traditions of our world. The worthless females born of these Pedigrees were recycled at The Shelter, except for me and a few others before me. I've never really understood why he decided to register me, but I've been told I'm very lucky and that I have a great responsibility ahead of me. Some men raise registered females in barns, and some in their homes as a family member. The law does not prefer one method over another, therefore, I was invited into the family.

Raised to be a Pedigree, I never had to fight for food. I had my own room, a luxurious bed, and beautiful dresses. My collar was diamond studded and my tag listed my birth year and a random series of letters instead of numbers. I was held and loved. I was taught to walk and talk and read a little. I didn't learn everything my brothers did, but I was thankful because I had more time to laze and enjoy my privileged life. I had a very close relationship with all of my brothers. All my adult brothers also had pets, but whatever it is they did with them, it was always done respectfully in the privacy of their bedrooms. I had a good relationship with all the staff as well. Registered females are never permitted to leave their family homes before the auction, so life would have been quite lonely without all these relationships.

When a male chooses to raise his female offspring, the first step is to submit an immediate registration. The application involves all the details about the birth, the statistics of the offspring, and the complete heritage of both the father and the female from which the child was born, if available. Next, the female from which the child was born will be immediately dropped off at the used shelter. The receipt of this disposal, plus three letters of recommendation and the completed application are then submitted with a fee equal to the cost of three times a new pet adoption. In a period of time, usually within twelve months, The Board will review the request and reply with their ruling. If denied, the offspring must be immediately surrendered to the new shelter. There is no fee to surrender unregistered females. If a male has not surrendered the female within 24 hours of receiving his rejection notice, The Board will disperse armed guards to collect and transfer the female. In addition, the male will receive a penalty equal to one hundred times a new pet adoption fee. If the registration is approved, the male will be required to submit a payment annually equal to the cost of a used adoption fee. In addition, this payment must be accompanied by a sworn statement of all males in the home, including males in the employment of the applicant, as to the continued chastity of the female in question. Perjury on this affidavit is punishable by death.

Given the seriousness of this crime, it is quite common for fathers to keep the virtue of their registered females under lock and key. This has an added benefit because it prevents self-defilement by curious females. My father was a strict follower of the law. To protect me and his staff, I not only wore a locking garment, but I also had a chaperone always present. This included while I slept, while the caregivers bathed me, and even when caregivers helped me to use the facilities. Father had told me that in the future, modesty would no longer be in my control, and so acceptance of being exposed at certain times became an important lesson I had to master.

*****

One day, I walked to the barn after my oldest brother, Abraham, mentioned his pet, Freckles, might be laboring. Over the years, I had watched several pets give birth. It was both beautiful and scary.

Myself, my chaperone, and the livestock attendant leaned against the stall door with our ice cold lemonade. We watched Freckles panting and groaning. "I'm afraid of the pain," I finally confessed.

"I know it looks bad now," the attendant replied "but females are made for this. As soon as it is over, it is quickly forgotten."

"Do you think the pet wonders about her offspring, what it was, where it ended up? Do you think she even wants to keep it?" I cringed at how stupid my question was as soon as I heard myself say it.

"I doubt it." He said. "Females have a biological need to reproduce. Anything that interferes with that powerful compulsion is cruel to the animal and should be prevented." He laughed a little. "Can you imagine how twisted our world would be if females kept and raised their offspring?! Utter chaos!" he shook his head. I laughed too. It did sound outlandish.

Freckles strained and pushed, squatting into the hay alone in the enclosure as we studied her. The attendant continued. "Most pets have never been taught how their bodies work. They can't understand what their place in our world means. They don't know why their bellies grow and they don't know why they feel the urge to push just now. They just follow their instinct." He explained. "Our pets wear these birthing masks and mittens when their time comes. They can neither see, hear or touch what they have passed. When the offspring emerges, it is my job to quickly collect it and deliver it to its next home, whether that be your father's nursery or The Shelter. These pets reconcile faster when we return things to normal as quickly as possible."

"For most pets, that ok, but these pets belong to my father and brothers." I reminded him "Father only buys pedigrees. That means these pets were probably raised in a nice house like this one, with all the freedoms I have. They've probably gone out to their barn and watched their father's pets give birth. They must know what this is all about."

"You're a very smart female. I'm glad you see this. If these pets know what they are for, then they have also had at least 18 years to come to terms with the idea... as did you."

I understood.

The attendant continued "Your father is a kind and generous man who follows the letter of the law. He raised you and your brothers right. All the pets that go through these doors receive the utmost care and respect. They are worked to bring out their full potential. They are lucky to be here."

I thought about how lucky they were as I watched the head of my oldest brothers offspring finally emerge from between the females' legs with a ferocious scream.

"What if I'm not so lucky?" I asked.

The attendant put his hand on my shoulder kindly. "I would love to talk to you about this, but right now this pet is about to put me to work. If you are concerned, talk to your father, ok?"

"Ok," I said.

The attendant stepped inside the stall and gently closed the door. He took a knee beside the female and positioned his hands under the infant's head. The female gave another grunting push and the rest of the body slipped out with a great gush of liquid. "Damn..." I heard him mutter. "Another female. Abraham is going to be very disappointed." He looked up at me. "I've got to go."

After he left with the infant, my chaperone and I stood with Freckles silently. This was her fourth female and Abraham had threatened to dispose of his pedigree at The Shelter if she gave him another one. To support my dear brother I shot a resentful glare at the pet ...but then, after watching her search around in the hay blindly, a quiet sobbing was heard. I softened a bit and I decided it was best to let her complete the cycle in private.

*****

I knew that Freckles returning to the shelter wouldn't be a complete waste. Lactating females who are returned are deferred from immediate readoption. They are sequestered in the basement and remain attached to pumps to extract the milk which is used for shelter infants. Lactating females remain here for at least two breeding cycles, or until their milk dries up, which is rare. Male infants and females raised by their fathers are fed a nutritious baby formula because the extractions of females are seen as inferior and vulgar.

My father discarded several used pets over the years. Sometimes they were sick or old, sometimes they birthed too many females, or birthed a pedigree he decided to register. Some displeased him, some became rebellious, and some he simply grew bored with them. Used pets can never return to The Mayors Auction, regardless of their origin.

Males from all economic classes adopt pets. Almost all males have pets or are saving up for a New one. Some males adopt one, while some males adopt dozens. It depends on how many they can afford to buy and support. Some pets are kept a short time, while some pets are kept for a lifetime. Some pets are used for rapid-fire repeat breeding, while some pets are deliberately never bred. Some pets live in the comfort of the male's homes and become wonderful companions to the males and their sons. Some pets live life chained in the yard and rarely see their owners until there is a need for them. My father even knows a wealthy eccentric male who keeps virginal pedigrees on display simply for the prestige and adornment of his home. Some pets spend their entire adopted lives completely naked, while some spend their lives in masks and complicated costumes. Males have many reasons for the things they do with their pets, and everything they do is completely acceptable. In fact, adopting a pet, even for a brief time, is considered a highly charitable act. The amount raised from adoption fees, including the sale of Pedigrees who never set foot in a shelter, support the costs needed to run the shelters. Without this system, our world would be in complete shambles with unmanaged females everywhere!

*****

My brother Drake was in the kitchen so I approached him. "What's wrong?" He asked.

"I'm worried about the auction," I said.

"Don't be! Everybody loves you! You'll do great!" He said encouraging me. "The men that come to The Mayor's Auction are stinking rich. You're going to have a great life!" I could tell he was being extra cheerful. Maybe just trying to lift my spirits, or maybe his excitement was because, having just turned 18, it was also his first auction. He would leave the auction with one less sister, but with any luck and the right amount of cash, he would gain at least one pet of his very own!

"Won't you miss me?" I asked.

"Of course! Maybe I'll even adopt you." He said laughing. I knew he was joking. Such things are illegal. He brought me to him and gave me a big bear hug. It felt good but made my heart ache that much more.

*****

Initially, females that are kept and registered receive the same ranking as the female pedigree that they were born from. Eventually, their ranking is adjusted to reflect their birthing aptitude. For example, if a female is able to successfully become impregnated within a very short time, her rank will be higher. Ranks are also increased for females that have been able to deliver unassisted and recover quickly, females that express an eagerness to breed, and of course for females that have birthed predominantly healthy males. The ranking system is only used for Pedigrees. If a female was once a Pedigree, then discarded as Used, it's rank, as well as it's entire heritage, is no longer recognized.

Why do men adopt Pedigrees instead of New pets? Because they want to be surrounded by quality and beauty. They want to know a pet's heritage because they can look for patterns of healthy males. They want the prestige from the display of wealth and means. They want a pet that has already received excellent training so they don't waste time with one that is wild. They feel even more powerful controlling someone with some intelligence instead of an ignorant shelter female that doesn't know any better. And sometimes because they find a great revenge due to the pedigrees father: if they take the females vertue then immediately send her back to the shelter as Used and now undocumented, it will make the years of preparations of the Pedigree, and the investment of the father, all be in vain.

*****

I found my father with his most favorite pet on a leash. She was less than a year older than me. He was taking her for a walk in the topiary garden. Completely naked, her belly hung very low as she crawled on her hands and knees slowly through the thick green grass. "Her time will be soon," I said, joining them.

"The livestock attendant does suspect that Fluffy might give me twins." He announced proudly.

I was silent for several minutes as we walked. I thought about how much he enjoyed Fluffy.

"Father... Did you love the female from which I was born?"

"Of course not, young one." He laughed. It was considered bad etiquette to name a registered female, the naming privilege was saved for the person that would someday own the pet, but occasionally father found this term acceptable. "A pet is nothing more than an instrument used to produce sons. That's what my father taught me, and his father before him, and back to the beginning of time." He was amused at my comment and continued. "Do not concern yourself with trivial things like love." He exaggerated the last word. "Do not occupy your brain power with anything except opening your legs and giving your future owner many sons. Nothing matters besides that. Understand?"

"Yes, father." I was quiet again as we walked. "Tell me again why you decided to keep me?"

"I told you... because you were perfect."

"But what difference would that make when you knew you'd eventually give me away?" I questioned.

"Let me explain... Men such as myself, we have a responsibility in this world. If we take and take and never contribute, it throws things off balance." He looked at me to gauge my understanding. "Well-to-do males have no business adopting a mediocre mutt from The Shelter, but if we all furnish our finest offerings to The Auction... then rewards such at this gorgeous specimen become available to delight us in return." He said, gesturing towards Fluffy.

"Father..." I said, "I am afraid that whoever adopts me will not be as kind to me as you are to your pets."

"I'm afraid to say that is a valid point, young one. I am a powerful man and have made many enemies over the years. Once at auction, your heritage will be displayed for all to see, and I will no longer be able to protect you."

"What if you don't send me to auction? Can't I just stay here?" I begged, knowing the answer full well.

My father gave a brief snap on Fluffy's leash. She stopped and sat, keeping her eyes straight ahead. He also stopped and turned to me. "Young one, please don't get yourself all worked up over this. It won't do you any good. Whatever happens, happens, and the world will go on. I'm sorry to be so blunt, but its time you toughened up and prepared yourself for the next stage of your life." He smiled at me warmly and put his arm around me. "We've had 18 great years together. I've done all I could for you, but your time to leave the family has almost arrived. I don't know what's to become of you, but I'll always imagine you out there doing great things. Ok?"

I nodded.

He snapped the leash again and Fluffy lifted her hind end and resumed crawling. We walked together in silence. "Your bitch has been taught well," I said.

"This one came from the Seymour Farm. They are the highest producer of quality disciplined females in the state." He said proudly. Then he added, "I assume you've been working with your trainer as well?"

"Yes, father," I replied. "Every day."

*****

The night before The Mayor's Auction, my father and brothers gathered around me. We had a wonderful meal, shared our favorite stories, and cried loving goodbyes. Father and my adult brothers all went with me to the auction. They gave me their final well wishes and then stayed for the auction to pick out new pedigree pets of their own. Father handed my documentation and chastity key to a worker, kissed me on the cheek one final time, told me to "be a good girl" and turned to walk away. I was in awe of how easy it was for him. I was leashed to a stall while I waited for my turn. It was the first time I had ever been alone.