August 2021 Creature Feature - Mono!

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 loved getting to know a very talented East Coast lupine - kitsune, wolfdog, lynx, and an incredible artist with their own pet play-centric store! Introducing...

MONO!

Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play.

Woof! Name's Mono. My pronouns are they/them/he. My pet spaces cover that of a kitsune (a fox yokai found in Japanese lore), and a wolf-dog mix with characteristics based around the german shepherd dog. Occasionally I explore playing around as a lynx!

What is your local pet play scene like in your experience? Are there any events you would recommend?

I'm fairly new to my local scene, so I dare not speak heavily on it, but I had the pleasure of visiting Folsom East a couple of years ago and very much enjoyed it. I intend to make closer connections to the local pups and kinksters I have interacted with in the near future as best as the times allow.

How did you discover your pet identity, and what does it mean to you?

I've always had an affinity for canines, werewolves, and their behavior. I used to get in trouble for howling at the moon as a kid and running up the stairs on all fours. Foxes came in to play later. I find them very clever and charming. My pet identities are the pathway to freedom from societal norms, and an intimate form of self expression.

What are your favorite activities as a pet?

Occasionally I enjoy playing with a toy or two, but I really love acts of service! Retrieving and protecting things, cleaning and cooking. Right now walkies probably take the cake along with obedience training. This dog will walk very far, for very long.

How, if at all, do your intersections of identity influence your pet play?

Being socially anxious, partly demisexual, a person of color, and non-binary with trans-masc leanings heavily affects the spaces I go into and sometimes how I play with others. Nerves combined with not being comfortable exploring certain play events has often limited my participation in the community (I can name two events I missed out on during the last week of June alone); however, these things have also led me to a kink family that supports me, broadens my horizons and makes me more keen on stepping out of my comfort zone.

My personality also heavily influences my pet space behavior. None of my headspaces are young animals, because I don't have the playful, energetic personality to match. However I do love seeing others have a good time/romp, and occasionally feel inclined to do the same.

What inspired you to start your art shop?

I started my art shop with the intention of creating the things I couldn't find for myself, and the hope that someone else would be happy to find it if they searched for it too. I think the petplay and kink niche has a lot more room for artistic expression, and I hope I somehow fill that gap for all kinds of people, alongside the other creators I follow and love. I am also very inspired by the animated media I consume and use my shop to make something tangible of that inspiration.

In the near future, how do you most hope to see the pet play community grow as a whole?

I'm already seeing people exploring more animals and I love that! I want to see minks and birds and dragons and have them be just as much appreciated. I hope the community continues to be increasingly accepting and more accessible for those with disabilities that want to take part, and I hope BIPOC have more spaces to thrive and hold events where they can feel comfortable and genuinely included.

What do you love most about pet play?

The freedom from obligation! Scratches behind my ears! That I can become an animal that is not myself, yet so inherently, earnestly, me at the same time, and that complete strangers have welcomed me for doing so without question.

To keep up with this artistic lupine, follow them on Instagram at @moonstruckpup, and check out their shop, too! IG @kemonomikashop, Etsy: https://www.etsy.com/shop/MonoPaws

How Does Our "Adoption Day" Event Work???

Our next Adoption Day event is happening Saturday, February 11th. Tickets HERE!

These 18+ events are completely unique, immersive human pet play parties designed with pet player matchmaking and guided pick-up play in mind. What makes them truly special is the "Adoption Zone," a booth and system inspired by real bio-pet adoptions, where you can put yourself up for adoption or find your newest pet.

PLEASE NOTE: Sexual play of any kind is NOT allowed at this event, to make it a safer space for newbies.

But how does it work?? Let's walk you through it!

STEP ONE: FILL OUT THE ADOPTION FORM

Both Adoptable Pets AND Adopters must now fill out the Adoption Form. In order to either go up for adoption or be eligible to adopt pets, you must do one of two things:

1. Apply Here to be put on our website’s pre-event Adoption Page

   • By doing this, you will have the option to consent to being contacted before the event for pre-negotiation.

   • You must buy a ticket to the event before you will be listed on the website.

   • You will need to check in with the Adoption Booth once you arrive at the event so we know you’re here!

2. Come to our Adoption Booth during the event and fill out the Adoption Form (You can do this at any time throughout the event)

The Adoption Form will list things like Species/Breed, Interests, Limits, Details About You, What You're Looking For, etc. If you wish, we will take a Polaroid photo of you on the day of the event and attach it to your form so you're easy to identify. You'll be able to take this photo home with you.

There are no restrictions on who can be part of adoptions:

• ANY human animal species can go up for adoption.

• Handlers, littles, and even other human animals are all welcome to be Adopters.

• You may also elect to be a “bonded pair” or "adopting family" to join forces with friend/s or partner/s!

STEP TWO: FIND YOUR MATCH

Once you've filled out your form, you can:

• Peruse the available pets and adopters to see if anyone catches your eye;

• (Adoptable Pets Only) Enter the Adoption Zone, a smaller play area where you can interact with the other adoptable pets;

• Go play or hang out in the Open Mosh Area. If someone is interested in you, one of our volunteers will come get you.

Tell an Adoption Volunteer if there is someone you'd like to meet!

STEP THREE: THE ADOPTION PROCESS

When an Adopter and pet are interested in potentially playing together, you’ll go with the Adoption Volunteer for a “meet and greet.”

The "Meet and Greet" is a scene negotiation between all parties that will be involved, mediated by an Adoption Volunteer.

The Volunteer will ensure nothing is missed in the negotiation process, that the discussed scene is safe, that proper consent practices are being followed.

Once the Volunteer "approves" the adoption, the Adopter/s and pet/s are welcome to go play! You can play anywhere you'd like. Congrats!

STEP FOUR: AFTER THE SCENE

After the scene and aftercare is over, the adopted pet is under NO obligation to stay with their Adopter/s. They may go back up for adoption as many times as they want. Likewise, Adopters are welcome to adopt as many times as they want.

Unwanted possessiveness will not be tolerated. Remember, this is about having a good time and making new connections. Have fun with it! :)

Still have questions? Reach out to us via the "Contact Us" page, or email us at socalcreatures@gmail.com. We will be happy to help you! Want to read our Event Rules, COVID Policies, Safety, Accessibility Info, and more? Click Here! Ready to Attend? Get Your Tickets!

Event Rules

Please see our up-to-date EVENT RULES below. Consolidated reminders of these rules are posted throughout our venue during events.

By attending a SoCal Creatures event, you are confirming that you read, understand, and agree to everything in this document.

Looking for more guidance for your first mosh? Check out our FAQ Page.

Last Update: February 4, 2023

EVENT RULES

General

1. By entering the party, you are consenting to witness kink/BDSM play between other consenting adults. This is an 18+ event.

2. While indoors, N95 or surgical masks must be worn at ALL TIMES during ALL PLAY (even under hoods).

3. This is a DRY event. You may not bring intoxicants or play intoxicated, and there will be no alcohol/intoxicants available.

4. Please arrive low-scent or scent free.

5. NO photos or videos by attendees inside the event.

6. NO: breath play, blood play, race play, or police/military gear.

7. Clean any furniture with the venue's provided madacide after use.

8. Keep food, snacks, and non-water beverages in our Outdoor Treat Bar. We highly discourage sharing food or beverages between households.

9. Use, observe, and respect our Consent Wristband system.

10. This is an intentionally inclusive, welcoming space for individuals of all intersections of identity and play styles. We expect you to treat everyone with kindness and respect.

11. No means "No." Obtain continuous consent before engaging in play, and do not touch anyone or their things without consent.

12. We reserve the right to refuse attendance to anyone at any time for the sake of the safety and well-being of our event and guests.

Mosh Areas

1. Do not wear shoes on our mats, blankets, or bedding!

2. Maintain awareness of those around you during play. Do not throw balls or toys at people who have not consented; avoid sending balls flying at speed while in the ball pit if the mosh is crowded; and avoid running into others when at all possible.

3. Ensure consent via verbal or non-verbal communication before engaging in play or physical contact with those in the mosh. Our Consent Wristband System should also be observed to help with this.

4. Play-wrestling involves higher physical contact and risk of masks falling off than other activities. Participate at your risk level, and with awareness of those around you.

5. Event-provided toys may not be put in mouths for any reason.

6. If sweating excessively in the main room Mosh Area (defined as: sweating enough to drip on the mats, toys, etc), TAKE A BREAK! This is to reduce fluid contact for health safety.

7. Non-Pet Play BDSM activities are permitted in the private, reservable rooms ONLY. Please keep play in the Open Play Area to non-sexual, non-edge Pet Play.

Sexual/Edge Play

1. At typical moshes, Sexual Play is allowed in the "Purple Pleasure Den" room ONLY. This includes all play of an explicit sexual nature.

2. By entering the Purple Pleasure Den, you are consenting to witness activities of an explicit sexual nature between consenting adults.

3. During sexual play, protective barriers and puppy pads must be used.

4. Presence in the Purple Pleasure Den does NOT automatically indicate consent to engage in sexual activities or touch. Negotiation and verbal consent is required.

5. Edge Play is allowed in the private, reservable rooms ONLY. This does NOT include the Quiet Room or the Low-Energy Play Room.

6. Blood and fluid play is NOT allowed in the Forest Room.

7. If you wish to engage in an edge play scene in any of the reservable rooms, let a Dungeon Monitor know first so they can be aware and ask any safety questions.

8. The "Heavy Petting" Dark Play Party has some different rules than the above. See the event page for details when that party is happening.

Quiet Room/Chill Zone

1. This is a low energy, low stimulus space. No play is allowed.

2. Please be mindful of those who may be here for aftercare or to recover from overstimulation.

3. Please keep noise down in this room, such as shouting, loud talking, or loud animal sounds.

Adoption Day (Special Event)

1. Adoptions must occur through the guidance of an Adoption Zone Volunteer.

2. The Volunteers reserve the right to deny an adoption to anyone who does not seem safe or a good fit for the pet they wish to adopt.

3. Sexual play and contact of any kind is NOT allowed at this party.