diff --git a/app/cogs/animal_functions.py b/app/cogs/animal_functions.py
index 9f1ad2cb..e7bc300a 100755
--- a/app/cogs/animal_functions.py
+++ b/app/cogs/animal_functions.py
@@ -77,7 +77,8 @@ class AnimalFunctions(commands.Cog):
         guild_ids=None, name="dale", description="Posts a photo of the goodest boy"
     )
     async def dale(self, ctx: commands.Context):
-        await ctx.respond(file=discord.File(animals.dale()))
+        await ctx.defer()
+        await ctx.send_followup(file=discord.File(animals.dale()))
 
     @commands.slash_command(
         guild_ids=None, name="rat", description="Posts a photo of a rat"