March 20, 2012 1:36 PM EDT
in the topic
Lost Followers in the forum
Elder Scrolls
My Nord warrior was exiting Rannveig's Fast through the unmarked exit when I found a dog fighting off a pair of wolves. I cast Kyne's Peace to break up the fight and then kill the wolves. I was ready to go on my way when the dog walked over and looked up at me. The title that flashed up over the cursor told me all of the backstory I needed to know - "stray dog." I had never heard of this and was blown away by this neat little encounter.
I was exploring the plains and mountains west of Whiterun with the dog. She was a neat little companion and I liked to see her sprinting off to intercept a bear. I saw a dragon roost on my compass while we were exploring. I hadn't seen how the dog would fare in a brutal fight and couldn't in good conscience bring the dog with me to go dragon hunting. So I headed back to Whiterun with the dog.
Upon arriving in Whiterun, I walked into Belethor's to sell some loot. As I walked up to the counter, the dog settled down next to the fire to wait for me. It was probably a coincidence but that little moment brought a lot of life to the dog. Yes, that is exactly where a dog would want to lie down.
After selling my loot, I walked over to the Shrine of Talos to pray. The shrine was right behind the preacher, which placed the preacher right between me and the dog. As the dog settled down to wait for my character, it appeared that she was lying down in front of the preacher and barking in response to his sermon.
"I love, love you!"
"Arf! Arf! Arf!"
Okay, now I really like this dog. I brought the dog over to Breezehome so I could leave her there with Ysolda and Lydia while I went dragon hunting. I positioned the dog so she would lie down in the path between the cooking fire and the cupboard. The cupboard would reflect the heat, making that spot the warmest in the house. Even if it is in everyone's way. Yes, that is exactly where a dog would want to lie down.
I figured that a stray dog would enjoy the comfort of a warm home and two companions while I went out hunting. I was out exploring the surrounding area after killing the dragon when I saw a message pop up, "Stray Dog has returned home."
Cool. The dog had designated Breezehome as its new home. It must've liked the place. Or it left for Rannveig's Fast. Either way, nothing to worry about. I walked back to Whiterun to discover that it wasn't the former. Ran as fast as I could to Rannveig's Fast to discover it wasn't the latter either.
Went online to discover that Stray Dog is glitchy and has a custom ID, making retrieval through the console very difficult. The dog was gone. Bethesda, this was the only glitch that broke my heart.
After a week of game time and another failed trip to Rannveig's Fast, my character travelled to Markarth to buy a dog. Then I opened the console to make the dog immortal.
Bethesda, you took my last dog. You're not getting another.