The first successful Playtime Co. experiment may not have been perfect, but it was a breakthrough. 

The major problem with the little Catnap doll was that, while it met all scientific and work requirements, it was still a living creature. And a cat, at that, so prone to mischief. And it had the mind of a toddler. 

What was required was another toy, a constant supervisor, one that possessed no lethal gas but instead a fierce loyalty both to the cat and to the company. 

The tiny Dogday toy was born, curled up and confused, under a bright light. 

-The Perfect Dogday-

NAME: Exp. #4157

HEIGHT: 39cm (81cm when standing)

PRONOUNS: He/him

APPEARANCE: A bright orange cocker spaniel puppy with a zipper along its belly and a distinctive sun pendant attached. His paws, ears and tail are burnt orange, and Dogday's left eye possesses a darker patch. His paw pads, muzzle and belly are yellow. Dogday typically walks on two legs. As is a requirement for the Smiling Critters toy line, Dogday is always smiling. Pulling Dogday's tail will result in a pleasant vanilla spray. 

PERSONALITY: Dogday very closely follows his designed personality: a friendly, optimistic leader skilled at healing conflict. There are no visible faults in this personality as of now. Dogday is very bright and talkative, and has learned to speak English very quickly. He can hold conversations with Playtime Co. staff, ask questions, absorb knowledge and read the mood of a room. Dogday is protective of the other seven Smiling Critters members, particularly Catnap. 

PURPOSE: To act as the leader for the Smiling Critters and manage the majority of activities hosted at the Playcare. In addition, Dogday is designed to keep an eye on the Catnap toy and control its stress levels and gas emissions. 

The puppy was placed on a cushion. Next, he was presented with a letter chart. 

Without fault, Dogday read off the alphabet and was rewarded with a scratch behind the ears. 

One of the humans with him cooed, "Good boy. You're a good puppy." 

Dogday barked at her. Then he thought hard and went into his mental dictionary of stuff he'd learned: there was a word that you said when people were nice to you, he just had to remember what... Then it clicked. "Thanks," he said happily. 

He'd never met other toys before. He was told that there were more coming - his new friends - who were currently in the works. The toy line was called the 'Smiling Critters', a collection of rainbow plushies that included a scent when their tails were tugged. Dogday was orange and produced vanilla. He didn't know the scents of the others, but he knew that the colour before him had to be red, and the one after him had to be yellow. He'd been working hard on colours and their names. 

The puppy licked the hand of the human rubbing his head, which made her do an odd 'aww!'ing noise that Dogday interpreted as happiness. "When can I see the other Smiling Critters?" he asked. 

Another human, a male one, stood nearby taking notes. "They haven't been created yet. Well..." He paused. "There is one. The cat." 

"Cat?" Dogday's ears pricked up. 

"You can meet the cat when we think you're ready." 

Dogday bounced around a little in excitement. "Thanks!" 

That certainly impressed the scientists. 

In fact, some were wondering whether this little dog was too smart for its own good. 

REPORT (13-2-XX): written by Dr. Mabel

Dogday and Catnap have officially been introduced and, while their personalities may be opposites, they seem to get along splendidly. Already, Catnap has gravitated towards him, which is a milestone for the poor kitten since it's been so shy lately. When asked why this may be, Dogday responded that Catnap struggles in social situations and has difficulty speaking properly. 

REPORT (22-2-XX): written by Dr. Mabel

The poppy gas secret leaked. We're not sure what happened, but Miss Delight from Playcare's school reported her account of the incident. 

"I believe what happened was that the pair were trying to reach the door to enter the school, and decided to pile up on each other to make themselves taller. Catnap fell and this dislodged its safety mechanism. I - don't look at me like that, alright, if a puppy is choking from concentrated nitrous oxide then I am going to help him." 

Miss Delight and Dogday have formed a bond since the incident. The good thing is that Catnap's healthy again and Dogday wasn't too badly harmed, and he seems quite content with keeping the poppy gas discreet, which is something I didn't expect. Once again, Dogday has shown his ability to collect knowledge - he hasn't even been inside a chemistry lab and already knows that the gas is dangerous, and that it brings Catnap distress. 

REPORT (29-2-XX): written by Dr. Mabel

The six other Smiling Critters have been introduced. Dogday is an effective leader and has already gained the other members' respect. He is perceptive when it comes to detecting problems and resolving them, and so far, not a single fight has broken out. When asked if he could recite each scent, colour and species of the other Critters, Dogday responded, "That's too easy. Give me something harder."

REPORT (16-3-XX): written by Dr. Mabel

Two dozen orphans have arrived from the Game Station. After a week of accommodation, the first Smaller Bodies experiments are now taking place. The current goal is to administer the same life, personality and success we achieved from the Smiling Critters into other toy lines. All is going smoothly in the Playcare. 

REPORT (1-4-XX): written by Dr. Mabel

Dogday knows about the experiments. Miss Delight has been punished as a result.