STAY Notebook
The STAY Notebook is a green journal Luther gave to Pawbert on his birthday in S02E21. Embossed with "STAY" on the cover and inscribed "ALWAYS - Luther" on the first page, the notebook became Pawbert's primary journaling tool throughout his incarceration.
Description
A green notebook with "STAY" embossed on the cover. On the first page, Luther inscribed "ALWAYS - Luther"—a promise in physical form. The word "STAY" serves as a counter-script to Milton's curse—where Milton mouthed "you're dead" at Pawbert's arrest, the notebook reminds Pawbert to stay alive, present, and hopeful.
History
S02E21 - "Found Family"
On Pawbert's birthday, the pack takes him to the Sahara Square markets and Pawddington the Musical. Luther gives him the green notebook embossed with STAY and inscribed "ALWAYS" on the first page—a tangible commitment to their relationship and Pawbert's survival.
Seasons 2-3
The notebook accompanies Pawbert through his incarceration at Zootopia Correctional Facility. Daily entries document his experiences, growth, and struggles. The S04_BASELINE indicates his final S03 entry was Day 127.
In S03E08 ("A Wanted Mammal"), after the Lionheart crisis resolves and Pawbert voluntarily returns to ZCF to complete his sentence, he writes: "Finite. But enough."
Season 4
In S04E01 ("Release"), on his final day at ZCF (Day 365), Pawbert writes his last entry as an incarcerated mammal. Upon release, the notebook is placed on a shelf in the mansion as a reminder of how far he has come.
For most of Season 4, Pawbert does not write new entries—the notebook has become a historical document. However, in S04E15 ("Radio Silence"), when Luther is away on a classified four-day ZSI mission, Pawbert breaks his silence. He writes a letter to Luther in the notebook—a way of processing his anxiety about Luther's absence. This represents the first entry since Day 365.
Significance
The STAY Notebook represents:
- Luther's Promise: "ALWAYS" inscribed by Luther makes the notebook a physical commitment
- Counter-Script: Milton's "you're dead" is answered by Pawbert's daily choice to stay
- Evidence of Growth: The progression from early entries to Day 365's resolution
- Coping Mechanism: A way to externalize and process difficult emotions
- Historical Record: By series end, a document of Pawbert's transformation
The word "STAY" becomes one of the series' most significant recurring themes, eventually engraved on Luther and Pawbert's wedding rings.
Notable Entries
| Entry | Episode | Content |
|---|---|---|
| First entry | S02E21 | Luther's gift; "ALWAYS - Luther" inscription |
| "Finite. But enough." | S03E08 | Entry upon voluntary return to ZCF |
| Day 365 | S04E01 | Final day at ZCF; release morning |
| Letter to Luther | S04E15 | First entry since release; processing Luther's absence |
Current Status
The notebook sits on a shelf in Pawbert's study area at Pawthorne Mansion. It is no longer actively used for journaling but remains a treasured reminder of the journey from incarceration to freedom and marriage.
Related Items
- The Green Sweater — Another object representing Pawbert's survival
- Wedding Rings — Engraved with "Stay," connecting to the notebook's theme