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May 2020 Creature Feature - Titus Hound!

Updated: Aug 2, 2021

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're thrilled to finally introduce a shining star in our community - the current SoCal Creatures Spokespup, a dynamic and loyal leather stud hound who makes an impact wherever his fiery paws lead...

TITUS HOUND!

Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play.

Hi! I'm Titus, your local Los Angeles fiendish Hell Hound. Although I may look sharp and fiery, I'm really a gentle sweet boy who loves to serve his pet play and leather community. My pronouns are He/Him and I identify as a transmasculine individual.

How did you first get into pet play and realize that you're a hellhound?

Back as a young teen, I use to actively delve deep into the cesspool of the internet. My masochistic side loved to shock and disturb myself; I couldn't help my curiosity. Unfortunately (definitely fortunate), I was exposed to a very graphic video of Folsom on YouTube (back when it wasn't so regulated) of male puppies romping in a mosh. I was so fascinated and enamored that I knew pup play was exactly what I wanted to do one day. I always felt very primal and wolf-like at my core, and being able to express that in an adult setting felt very right to me. However, due to the video lacking diversity and mainly consisting of cis men, I felt like it was a community I'd never be accepted into. Years later- I turn 18 and I decide to join the furry fandom. I assumed they were like the pups back in the Folsom video (I was very wrong). Needless to say, one thing led to another and furries connected me to Threshold Society, and I managed to find my first pet event in 2017. Immediately I immersed myself. I didn't hesitate - the moment I saw the mosh, I entered and simply became a dog. I did not feel human, I did not want to be human; I felt like the primal beast I truly was inside. As far as being a Hell Hound, spiritually I've always felt like in a past life I was indeed a canine of sorts. I've had numerous lucid dreams of being a canine throughout my life, mostly connections to wolves. I like to imagine that my canine self originated in a place of darkness, and now my soul keeps a fiery flame lit to guide me through the brutality of life.

What are your favorite activities as a pup? Honestly- breeding. Being a stud is a big part of my pup identity; I love to dominate all the bitches in heat for my Master! Aside from being a stud, I enjoy wearing my gear, watching Disney movies, eating from bowls, and play times with Master. Something I am really excited to do is give more attention to my guard dog instincts and build on them.

How has pet play interacted, if at all, with your understanding of your gender and sexuality?

Pet play has made me understand that gender is incredibly fluid, and that as a pet you can identify as anything you'd like. Being able to be seen as a male dog to others while I am in headspace is so healing for me. A simple "good boy" really makes me feel accepted as the masculine soul I feel I am inside. While I'm still figuring out how to manage being transmasculine outside the pet play community, knowing I have a space where I'm respected, accepted, and loved for who I am is all I could ever ask for.

Sexuality is also fluid I've learned. Originally, I entered the pet play scene with the intention to chase my desire of being a sex pet with cis men only. Little did I know back then I would evolve into embracing all genders. It was interesting to begin play in the submissive role as a dog, and then eventually evolve into an alpha stud. It really doesn't matter to me based on genitals, as a dog I just want to breed and sometimes be bred. That's the greatest thing about pet play - you can really be whatever you'd like. There's no judgement within our community.

What advice do you have for non-cisgendered pet players navigating their communities?

My advice to non-cisgendered pet players is to simply be you. Period. Don't care what others say, if you are denied spit in their face with your identity! (Not literally). It can be hurtful to be denied, I've experienced it numerous times. At the end of the day, all that matters is how you feel, so always be true to yourself. Definitely do not try to be someone or something to "fit in". Pet play is all about individual expression, and if there's an animal you haven't seen done before, or perhaps a unique look that hasn't been seen yet, embrace it. Make it yours. Be a trend setter.

What do you love most about pet play?

The bond between Handler and pup. For me, nothing is more beautiful and special than knowing I can always be my truest self with another human. It's a deep connection that really allows me to show full trust and vulnerability to another. No matter what, I always desire and strive to serve my Handler as best as I can, even through the toughest times. From the intense acts of BDSM scenes, to simple play with squeaky toys, knowing there is someone there to keep me safe makes me feel so loved and special. I wouldn't trade it for the entire world. When it comes down to basic pet play needs, this connection is necessary for me.

To keep up with this stud hound's fiendish journey, follow him on Instagram and Twitter at @titushound.

April 2020 Creature Feature - Outis!

Updated: Aug 2, 2021

This April, we're shining the spotlight on one of our most dedicated volunteers. A diligent Dungeon Monitor and "Trash Panda" who keeps all our pets safe, they're truly a beacon in our community, and we could not be more thankful for them...

OUTIS!

Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play.

Hi there! My name is Outis (pronounced Otis), though I go by Aedan sometimes. My pronouns are they/them. I've been in the kink community for what will be a year at the end of this month. I am a switch, and usually play as either a goblin, a raccoon, or a Handler!

How did you first get into pet play?

When I first started in the community here, I was invited to go to a mosh in June 2019. I wasn't really certain what I was getting into at first, but I haven't looked back! It's certainly been a bit of a challenge figuring out what my pet headspace is, since I didn't fit into the species I typically saw at events.

What do you enjoy most about pet play?

My favorite part of pet play, honestly, is the trust. Between Handler and pet, and between pets. Everyone understands boundaries, and tries to be as affectionate and welcoming as possible within those boundaries!

What puts you into your headspace?

Mainly being around other pets. I am still exploring and learning about my pet play headspaces, and developing them. I already live my life very like a goblin anyway, so it's mainly a matter of letting go and fully diving into it. All this will come with time, of course!

If you're comfortable sharing, what advice do you have for other neurodivergent folx in pet play?

My advice for neurodivergent folx getting into pet play is two part: Embrace what makes you you, but also listen to your body and know your limits.

As someone with Autism (and various comorbidities therein), I am painfully aware both how NDs are regarded in the world, and in the BDSM community. I can honestly say, though, that the pet play community has been the most welcoming group I have been a part of.

It's easy to get swept up in it, but it's important to be realistic about your limits. Your fellow pets don't want you to overexert yourself, and will usually be really accommodating. Most of all, don't let your NDs hold you back :)

Keep up with this goblin raccoon (goblicoon?!) on their journey by following them on Instagram at @aedantynnann.

March 2020 Creature Feature - Two Body Problem!

Updated: Aug 2, 2021

This March, we're shining the spotlight on a truly incredible wolf. She's a recurring volunteer who helps make our events happen, one of the friendliest faces for new attendees, fierce and loyal to her core...

TWO BODY PROBLEM!

Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play!

Hello to all the kinky cuties reading this! I am very humbled to have been asked to share my experience with you all, and I hope peering into my evolution can help new animals exploring their own identities.

My Fetlife name is TwoBodyProblem, and I identify as Primal/She Wolf! I have been involved in the BDSM community for 6 years, and being a wolf is a pervasive part of my personality and identity.

I am playful, fierce, stubborn, loyal, guarded, protective, loving and at times, a tad aggressive. I started off identifying as Primal almost immediately when I entered the scene, and settled on wolf soon after. However, it would be 5 years before I actually began engaging in pet play.

How did you first get into pet play?

I can see traits of my identity emerge throughout my youth. Growing up I would pretend to be one of the Lions from Lion King, and adored the movie Brother Bear. When we got our dogs I would get on the ground and romp around with them, I loved their energy and always wanted to be around it. When I was little one of my first crushes would play “horse” with me. However my idea of playing consisted of punching him and running away, so much so that he received bruises and I got in trouble with the teacher and principal. Their resolution was to give us a playdate to 'make us friends', which is just rewarding me for bad behavior! (Don't worry, I stopped hurting him!)

This has always been a part of me, and when I first entered the scene, I realized my personality aligned with a wolf and fit in neatly with my primal identity. I had a tail and ears, and a few years later was given a muzzle and paws for my birthday. Despite this, I still thought it was extremely bizarre, awkward, and shameful for an adult to behave like an animal. I could not get comfortable with the idea of barking, growling, or physically acting like a wolf, and would cringe if I tried. I was trying to spark a fire that refused to ignite. There was never a pet play space in the communities I was involved in, and if there was, it was not inclusive to womxn.

Eventually, I knew it was time for me to cross that boundary I placed in front my myself.

After a few years of being away, I came back to Los Angeles. I attended the SoCal Creatures mosh and was wonderfully overwhelmed with the amount of diversity, inclusivity and welcoming spirit. Titus was the first animal I spoke to. He made me feel like I belonged and I had finally found the space for me. For the first time I felt confident enough to leave my comfort zone and actually bark. That night I was emotionally and physically exhausted, and my aftercare consisted of excessive crying in the shower. I realized how unbelievably fortunate I am to have such a fantastic group of people and animals in my home city.

What are your favorite activities as a wolf?

I love wrestling, playing with my duck, rabbit, and hedgehog toys (kill the prey!), tug of war with rope, crawling/chasing/capturing other animals, butt touches, barking/growling/yipping at humans, snuggles, and observing others play. My headspace is also sexual, so more intimate activities are also included.

I also LOVE car rides, hiking, and going to the pet store and spoiling myself with toys.

What puts your into your wolf headspace?

At first, I needed my muzzle, paws, ears, and tail to enter my headspace, and even then I would have to be surrounded by other animals to feel comfortable. Now, about a year later, just being in the same room with another animal playfully growling/barking/meowing at me will make me slip into my headspace. This is a problem at times because Threshold business meetings and SoCal Creatures mosh set up requires me to think like a human!

I love my leather hood, which was a custom by ChillisWoofStuff. It is a face that was once buried, finally showing itself. It is both an extension of myself and a comforting barrier between the world and my active headspace. Putting it on for the first time was extremely validating, and I felt like I was in my complete form.

What advice do you have for other non-male identifying pet players looking to get into the community?

I first tried entering mostly cis-gay men pup spaces, and it made me feel like I was an imposter and not wanted. (To be fair, it is not my space.) I was lucky and found SoCal Creatures. However, I am now moving to a new city due to work, and will be adhering to the following advice.

If there is a pet event you would like to attend, reach out to the event organizers and tell them you are new and (politely and respectfully!) ask if the space is inclusive of your identity. It’s okay if its not; there are spaces for everyone :)

Make friends with other animals in the kink community and attend events together. That way you will feel less intimidated and more comfortable entering spaces that may make you feel out of place. This can be accomplished by attending munches or events, and if you see a pet approach them! (Of course make sure they are not in a scene, and ask the handler if its okay to interact with them.) You can also look for connections on Fetlife, Instagram, Twitter, Discord or Kik! I reached out to quite a few pups on Tumblr to ask for online group chats. Start a conversation and say “Hi my name is ___ and I am interested in pet play. I need a little guidance and was wondering if you had any advice?/ I am new to the scene here and was looking to find the pet spaces, do you have any recommendations?” You can also ask known leaders in the BDSM community and they may be able to point you in the right direction.

Note from the Editor: Message Mercy (@thepupmercy on IG and Twitter) to join her Discord chat for female pups!

What do you love most about pet play?

The best part about being an animal is shedding your human inhibitions. Animals show their emotions and are unrestrained by society. Humans are not allowed to growl at someone, not allowed to run up to someone and say “Hey you look cool! Want to play?” But animals... animals don’t care! They don’t understand that, they just act on instinct, and I think that’s beautiful. It’s showing a raw form of myself, one that is vulnerable but strong.

I also love how incredibly supportive and diverse the pet play community is. There is a proactive, communal effort to make everyone feel included and comfortable, which is unheard of in most spaces. I love greeting new faces, since that’s exactly what I needed and received when I first joined. Additionally, handlers and pets will look out not just for their own counterpart, but for others as well. We are all striving to grow as people and animals. Wiley, Vixen and all the team members work hard to ensure SoCal Creature events are welcoming to all identities and experiences (emotional support volunteers!), engaging (themed moshes and raffles!) and accessible for all incomes. SoCal Creatures is unlike any space I’ve ever come across. It is incredibly unique and cultivates a fantastic community, one I am proud to support and be a part of.

Follow this amazing wolf on FetLife (TwoBodyProblem) and Instagram @ttwobodyproblem to keep up with her journey!