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 spotlighting a music-making subby woofer with the best snuggles in town.
Introducing...
GINA / SUBWOOFER!
Please introduce yourself, your pronouns, and how you identify in pet play.
Hi! I’m Gina (She/Her) and I’m a loyal, snuggly malamute! I also go by Subwoofer since I’m a subby woofer who makes music!
How did you first get into pet play and discover your headspace?
I first came across pet play on Tumblr, as so many of us do! After working up the courage to buy my first hood and go to Threshold, a few critters invited me to my first SoCal Creatures event in early 2020. I was an anxious mess at first, especially since I’m autistic and socializing can be scary, but borking around with the other pups was so fun and freeing. More than anything, I realized it felt safe.
Being a pup has since become a huge part of my identity. It’s me without all of the anxiety and masking. I’ve come to see my pup identity as the most authentic way I can express myself!
What are your favorite treats/rewards?
Scritches and smacks! I’m as snuggly as I am masochistic. There’s nothing better than a good snug or thud from my handler!
What helps you get into your pet headspace?
Even when I can’t show it, I’m always a pup in my mind! My pup gear, especially my hood and paws, helps ground me and a good scritch will always get me barking! Being around my handler always brings out my pup side, too.
How, if at all, do your intersections of identity influence your pet play?
Spending time with my fellow trans critters is always healing. On top of that (pun intended) I’m a switchy pup and I love playing with my human chew toy!
Being autistic, all the scritches and toys are perfect for my sensory needs. It’s nice to do away with pesky words and confusing social norms. And, when I get overstimulated, nothing beats relaxing in my quiet cozy kennel (aka my bedroom closet)!
What are some goals you have as a pet for 2023?
I’m looking forward to spending more time with the critter community! I’m certainly a shy pupper, but I’m planning to go to more events in 2023 and hopefully make new friends!
What do you love most about pet play?
How healing it is! Pet play has given me a chosen family, an outlet for my sensory needs, and an empowering sense of identity. I can’t imagine life without it!
To keep up with this subwoofin' malamute, follow her on Instagram @_.subwoofer._
