#Spotted While Roaming in Aotearoa New Zealand:

A small, very stout dog is sitting on her human's lap as they drive into a supermarket carpark. Stout Dog is a cheerful dog and is pant-grinning at everyone they pass through an open window. Any day it gets to be with its human is a GOOD day.

A woman (20s?) is talking to a friend. She says: "Dad is so shy and biologically grumpy but he wants to make friends. Do you think if we put your dad and my dad together, they could be grumpy while fishing or something?"

People are bustling around a new community run arts space. A man (40s?) has just put together a donated Ikea chair and sits it upright, examining it thoughtfully before very gingerly and carefully taking a seat. Yeah. It's sound. He grins and allows himself a moment to relax.

In a craft shop, a tiny human (2?) has discovered a mannequin dressed in a teddy costume. Circling it a few times warily, they go in for a very big hug. It takes Dad quite a bit of convincing for them to let go. Teddies are for hugging, no matter the size, and that is that.

A man (30s?) strides into a craft shop with a small human (5?) at his side. He says, "Right. We're going to keep on track here today. What's the one thing we're here for?" Small Human grins and shouts, "Sparkles!" Dad nods decisively. "That's right. Sparkles. Nothin' else, okay? Just sparkles."

(Continued Below)