The pet play lifestyle is full of so many voices that make it unique and vibrant. To showcase this, every month we will be shining the spotlight on a particular human animal or Handler in our community. Let's hear what makes every pet player special!
This month, we are honored to feature a beacon in the animal role play and leather community. Matriarch of House Elite and Animal Play Monarch with over 50 unique and glorious beasts at her command, she is truly an inspiration when it comes to training and transforming human animals. We can't wait to share her wisdom and experience with you...
MADAME MARGHERITE!
Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play/animal role play.
I'm Madame Margherite, the Animal Play Monarch.
How did you first get into pet play?
This has really been something I've done all My life. Turning people into Animals has been something I've always done, if not in real life than in My head. Sometimes when I'm having a difficult time being accepting or tolerant of a person, I'll envision them as an Animal and that makes it easier for Me to have compassion and understanding.
How would you describe your Handler/training style?
I think My handling style is firm but nurturing. I really like to tap into the mind and imagination and bring it out as much as possible, but that takes care and effort which I take seriously and aim to provide at all times.
What do you value in a pet?
Creativity and flexibility. I like a Pet who can step out of all the boxes and go with the flow of the scene. Someone who isn't too married to their ideas and eager to explore whatever feels good in the moment, so long as it's safe.
What inspired you to help people explore different animals than "the norm" of pups and kittens? How would you advise an aspiring pet to start exploring their identity?
There's so much more to us than what's on the surface and people find it difficult to really show themselves. It's easy to identify as something that you see others accepting, but what if something is hiding? What if people have parts of themselves that they're just too shy to show? If I create a space where exotic Animal identities are welcome, that opens up the possibilities for people to explore more parts of themselves, and not just the parts they feel are already accepted by outsiders. There are so many kinds of Animals, as many as there are personalities - I encourage people to step outside of the norm because we don't get to do that often enough.
What advice do you have for new Handlers?
Protect your Pets. When people get into Pet space, they can get really deep, so as Dominants and handlers it's really our responsibility to keep them safe. Not just safe from harm, but also keeping them safe in their headspace. Doing things to make sure their headspace isn't compromised will really make a difference in the experience and dynamic. Protect your pets, protect the space, and protect the scene. That's the best advice I can give to a fellow handler.
What do you love most about pet play?
The freedom from social standards and etiquette. When we stop focusing on how people should be and focus on accepting how people are we learn a lot and find incredible beauty. We discover new ways to be and find more things to appreciate about each other. I personally think that's incredible.
To get in touch with the Animal Play Monarch, check out her website at MadameMargherite.com.
