One hundred and twenty pound bundles of fluff and fun, furgal were bred specifically to become man’s best friend. This is one critter you won’t find anywhere in the wild (Unless it’s run away from home and got lost.) Though it isn’t uncommon to see the occasional stray, furgal tend to enjoy the company of humans, and are rather frugal with their energy, so even those not associated with a family tend to stay around the civilised palm of Pandea. 

Many generations ago, when people first began to move further afield, the pioneers of the arctic finger encountered houski. This large, and extremely friendly canine proved most helpful to them in hauling timber and other building materials, as well as in hunting. The dogs were well versed in manipulating large herds of critters, steering them towards human hunters, or into small enclosures. A group of houski were sent back to Dextrus. The settlers knew their skills would be valuable to Grox farmers. Unfortunately, the thick fur and blubber that helped houski thrive in the arctic finger proved fatal in the warmer climate, and the dogs were unable to work. Not deterred, one inspirational farmer started to breed slimmer houski as well as those with less fur. After many years of selective breeding, he managed to gradually increase the dogs’ ability to survive in a warmer climate. Eventually a brand new species, furgal, was born. They don’t have the strength of a houski, so aren’t often used for transportation, but thanks to them, farming has evolved dramatically. Furgal have become such an important part of life on Pandea that an annual competition has been established to find the best furgal/farmer duo.

The crowds roared as Lucy, and I entered the arena. Our popularity came from our somewhat unconventional methods rather than my fame. My partner looked up at me. She was an excitable dog and adored the attention. Her face begged me to let her meet the crowds. I nodded. 

“Go on then.” The words were necessary. Furgal have notoriously bad eyesight, and Lucy would never understand my meaning without them. She bound around the stands, licking hands, nuzzling up for cuddles with adoring fans. Most of the furgal competing in the cup were working dogs. Serious to the core, with little time for head pats or belly rubs, especially not from strangers. So, Lucy’s playfulness and love of affection had really helped to cement our place as fan favourites.  

One of the judges coughed, frowned, and glanced at their watch. I gave a short sharp whistle, and Lucy was back at my side. Ready to face the challenge ahead. Two enormous sets of doors stood before us, each hiding a herd for my furgal companion to conquer. One would be grox the other was a total mystery. We waited as officials revealed our challenge. The wooden portals were flung open and a stampede of bramboar poured out. Lucy was unphased, as I knew she would be. The pigs were  a walk in the park for her. I had faced countless critters, far bigger, and more dangerous than these with her by my side. 

She bolted forwards, teeth bared, towards the mass of prickles and tusks, stopping them in their tracks. The savage swine were unsure what to make of my partner. They were clearly not used to being challenged. They stood, locked in a stand-off. Neither Lucy nor the bramboar horde willing to move. She growled, they snorted, both holding their ground. A few seconds passed in an eternity, until the frozen moment was broken by the largest boar. It reared back onto its hind legs, throwing its head into the air, and bellowed. The rest of the group pawed at the ground. They started shifting, anxious to move. Resolve returned, the leader landed, and the group charged.  

My heart flew into my throat. I had seen this furgal face off with a gigalossant, a couple of pigs was nothing. Yet, the sight of a hundred furious swine storming towards my little Lucy still had me on edge. Not her though. She stood her ground, unflinching. The bramboar approached. She sidestepped and barked. Her voice echoed around the stadium. The stampede swerved to avoid her, redirecting themselves perfectly into the waiting paddock. I dashed forward and locked the gate behind them. With the bramboar out of the way, a herd of grox would be child’s play. 

Lucy completed the round in record time. Both bramboar and grox redistributed to the desired enclosures without so much as a word from me. Her astonishing efficiency unfortunately turned out to be our downfall. Even with a world record under our belts the Fergal Cup still eluded us. We were penalised for disobedience, since Lucy had acted without my say so. I don’t mind though. Fluidity has saved both her and my life on our expeditions. The Pandean farmers guild can keep their stuffy regulations, and the trophy. Me and Lucy will always be the crowd’s favourite. 

Not all furgal are working critters. As useful as they are in the fields, the main reason people keep them around these days is for companionship. (Of course, Lucy provides both.) Furgal are exceptionally friendly critters, and love being around people. They are playful, comforting, and adorable. Plenty of experts claim that furgal relieve stress and can help promote longer lives. 

So, what are you waiting for? Go out and get yourself a furgal friend today!