Donadak

(don-AH-daak)

The donadak is a medium-size pet native to Subeta's rocky terrain, such as mountain foothills and old mines. Fossil records show that at one time, the donadak was not rocky at all, but made purely of organic, fleshy material; throughout time, perhaps as a way to adapt to their environment, they began to grow their hard, rock-like appendages and flesh. Modern-day donadaks are made up of about 60% rock.

Donadaks are born without their spines, although they do begin to grow and harden within the first year. These rock appendages will grow continuously throughout their lives, although it slows considerably as they get older. At first glance, donadaks are small in appearance, standing to the average human's knee, but don't let that fool you! Even the smallest donadaks will weigh close to 80 lbs (36 kgs), with records showing some larger specimens weighing nearly 200 lbs (90.7 kgs)! This is due to their rock appendages, which can vary in size, numbers, and colors depending on that particular donadak.

In the wild, donadaks are mostly solitary creatures, although they do sometimes remain in family groups. They spend their days digging through rocks and hard earth, looking for bugs and other food, lying in the sun, and even playing the occasional prank on other solo donadaks! Sometimes you will see two donadaks butting heads – quite literally – but this is mostly done out of play and sport. Donadaks do get together socially for mating and often for play, and a group of donadaks is called a quarry.

Donadaks are treasured pets by those that own them and can get around their hard, rocky exterior. They are mischevious, and they have no problem looking their owner straight in the eye while they get into trouble! They are also cuddly, however, so one must take care when they own a donadak – those rocky extremities can be quite sharp! As pets, they can be quite lazy, but it is advised to keep a rock pile in the yard for them to dig through so they do not become destructive.