Kipp Duffield

...rolled on to his side, dry heaving that turned into an aggressive coughing fit. His vision swam and his head pounded even more violently. He rolled back onto his back, taking several deep breaths trying to ease the pain. He needed water, and very soon. As he steadied the pain, and with his eyes closed against the sun, he focused on his other senses. He could tell he was still laying in the grass field, the tall grass pillowing his body. The birds sang, and the bugs buzzed all around him. If it wasn't for his aching head and desperate thirst, he might actually find this place peaceful. But right now he knew he wasn't safe, and he was very concerned for his well being. Given how active the birds were, he guessed it was still before noon. He must have been out all night. Water was his first priority, maybe there would be a brook or creek nearby. He sighed and opened his eyes, shielding the light with his hand. He slowly got to his feet, body protesting even more than it had last night. Or at least he assumed it was last night when he tried to climb the tree next to him. He used that tree to steady himself now. No way was he going to try that again. Luckily he had not broken any bones, and hopefully only a mild concussion. Thinking back on how he was going to find water, nothing immediately came to mind. Then he thought of a simple solution: all water runs downhill. Checking to make sure he had his phone in his pocket still, he began to follow any direction that slopped down into the woods. He must have walked for an hour before he started to hear running water. In his excitement, he picked up his pace. Sure enough, he came to a small bubbling brook. He dropped to his knees and took a long drink from the fresh water. It was cool and refreshing, and it soothed his throat all the way down to his stomach. He took several more deep drinks. Before noticing something watching him through the thick brush on the other side of the brook’s bank.

Julian woke again. The sun blinded him. His head pounded so violently that he thought he was going to throw up. Which, with how dry his mouth was, he probably didn't have any fluid in his stomach to throw up. He rolled on to his side, dry heaving that turned into an aggressive coughing fit. He...

...in the evening, as almost everything had a blue hue. Instinctively he reached for his phone in his pocket. It was there. He pulled it out and looked at the screen. It read 8:36 PM, no signal, and only 32% battery left. There were no notifications either. He sighed, perched on his elbow, and looked around. He was in a field somewhere in the wilderness. He saw no city lights in any direction, just fireflies dancing in and out of the trees that edged the field. He quickly got up, body still protesting in pain, and head throbbing with the sudden swiftness of the movement. Once settled, he called out. “Hello?” No answer. He turned to the other side of the field. “Is anyone out there?” Still no answer. He suddenly felt very alone, and exposed. He had no knowledge of where he was at or how he got there, and the sky was a deep blue against the now black treetops, making the woods beyond the field edge impossibly dark. “Okay,” he said to himself, speaking out loud in hopes of shaking the eerie feeling that had creeped over him. “If there are animals out there, they are probably more afraid of me than I am of them. I just need to find a trail.” Julian signed and looked around him in the field. There were no signs that people have ever touched this area. He then looked at the trees lining the edge, studying each one. “Maybe I can climb a tree to get a better vantage point.” He looked for a tree with low enough branches he could climb up on. After finding it, he walked over and began trying his best. Julian was never an athletic kid. He was average in height, but weighed just over 130lbs. This made him very lean. He didn't play a sport, nor was he very social. Hiking or climbing trees was never a sought out activity for him past the age of 8. He was an indoor kind of guy, who watched Internet videos and played video games. So when he made it to the third branch, he didn't realize it was dead. It snapped. He lost his grip, and fell, hitting his head on the way down.

Julian opened his eyes. His head hurt, and his vision was blurry. He could tell he was outside, but none of the shapes around him seemed familiar. He rolled over. His body protested in pain. Had he fallen? He could feel grass against his arms. As his vision cleared he noticed it seemed late...

Charles Yognus Pedro, the pug, and Budferd Rygel Blackstone, the black lab, snuggled next to their human they adopted. With Charles on his back, and Budferd resting his head on Charles's chest.

When you have two of the ham-iest of dogs. #pug #pugs #lab #labs #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #pugsky #labsky #labsofbluesky #pugsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky

Charles Yognus Pedro, the pug, sleeping peacefully, snuggled under my chin, snoring into the microphone of my gaming headphones, while I was on discord with some friends. On 3/19/25; age 2.

I missed posting, so I'm just going to post random pictures of my babies: Charles snoring peacefully into my microphone while on discord. Everyone thought it was me so I had to send them proof. #pugs #pug #pugsky #pugsofbluesky #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #pets #petsofbluesky

#carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel Del Rehten, the carolina dog, lying comfortably on the carpet after we adopted him and he became an official member of the family. Jan 4th, 2018.

Day 59 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: on Jan. 4th, 2018, I adopted my best friend, and one of my closest companions. This was the first photo of you officially as mine. And the last photo of you as I go back in my camera roll and reminisce over the life we spent together. How I miss you.

Harpo Azazel Del Rehten, the carolina dog, investigating the phone as his daddy tries to take a picture of them cuddling, resulting in a picture of Rehten with his nose looking very large.

Day 58 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: thoughts of a dog: oh, you're taking a photo? Let me just scoot on in here so you can get my good side. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel Del Rehten, the carolina dog, sleeping on his daddy's shoulder, snuggled in as close as he can get. February 23rd, 2018.

Day 57 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: He would have crawled into my skin if it were possible, but I'd be okay with that. He was part kangaroo after all. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, prancing along a walking trail enjoying the crisp fall weather. October 3rd, 2018.

Day 56 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: On the hunt for wild Puppuccinos. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Challenge accepted. ❤️

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, standing in the kitchen hallway refusing to move because we strapped a set of wings on his back and now he doesn't know how to dog anymore. February 7th, 2025.

Day 55 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: how to deactivate a dog: give him wings. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, watching his Nana finish Christmas dinner hoping for scraps to fall on the floor while his Pa opens belated Christmas gifts. (Rehten got a bunch of new squeakers.) January 7th, 2019.

Day 54 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: He was always more interested in the food than the presents people were opening. (Honestly... Same.) #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, trying to keep his balance on the center console of the car while his Papa snaps a picture of him. July 28th, 2019.

Day 53 of posting photos of Tato until I run out. I know it doesn't look like it here, but he really loved car rides. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, and his human exploring the mountains of the great out doors. March 11th, 2020

Day 52 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: So excited to be on an adventure. #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, sleeping safely in his human's arms; while his human fell asleep from petting him.

Day 51 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: you know it's a hard life when we are both passed out from watching TV. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, wearing his daddy's birthday hat and celebrating with him. We never knew when your birthday was, but it never mattered because we celebrated every day you were with us. July 22, 2020.

DAY 50!!! 🎉🥳🎉
Of posting photos of Tato until I run out: Harpo Azazel del Rehten, la Potato-roo, wherever you are, I hope you're celebrating too. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, laying on the futon with his owner who stupidly took a gash out of his nose trying to do a front flip in a pool. August 12, 2019.

Day 49 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: That time when I gashed my nose. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Day 48 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: Rehten burying his treats for the winter. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Day 47 of posting photos of Tato until I run out. Peep Zelena making her way to get kissed from Tato. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #tortoiseshell #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

They are such an underrated breed of dogs. I know partly because they are only recently recognized by the AKC as an official breed. But they are truly one of the most loving and loyal dogs, packed with so much personality and intelligence. He was more than I could ever deserve. Cherish every moment.

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, laying under the living room coffee table with his trusty ball right by his snoot. October 30th, 2019.

Day 46 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: "Don't even think about taking my ball. I'm watching on you." #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Day 45 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: Rehten's focus when there was peanut butter involved. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Day 44 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: The jealousy in Zelena's eyes. (JK, Tato was actually her dog.) #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #tortoiseshell #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, lounging on the bed being a good boy. March 10th, 2020.

Day 43 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: The face of an angel. You've saved me more times than I can count. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, curled up with his papa to share cuddles and warmth. March 15th, 2020.

Day 42 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: Always keeping me warm. My little bake-ed potato. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, and Zelena Aryll Odette, the tortoiseshell cat, lounging with their owner while he relaxes on the bed.

Day 41 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: they are working together to keep me from leaving. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #tortoiseshell #cats #catsofbluesky #catsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, sleeping snugged tucked under the covers. May 2nd, 2020

Day 40 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: Snug as a bug. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, cuddling with his dad after his dad got a flu shot to make his dad feel better. November 9th, 2020

Day 39 of posting photos of Tato-roo until I run out: much needed love after getting a flu shot. (Sorry for the small delay in posting) #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, sleeping on the couch peacefully without a trouble in the world. January 17th, 2021.

Day 38 of posting photos of Tato-roo until I run out: It was exhausting being that cute. #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge

Harpo Azazel del Rehten, the carolina dog, and his fav human cuddles in bed while the spare human steals a picture of their bond. (Maybe done so with a little bit of envy.)

Day 37 of posting photos of Tato until I run out: I can't quite put my finger on it but I can definitely sense some jealousy from my s/o in this pic... #carolinadog #carolinadogs #americandingo #dogs #dogsofbluesky #dogsky #animals #animalsofbluesky #pets #petsofbluesky #rainbowbridge