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 thrilled to feature the FIRST EVER Animal International titleholder! This pup is already a community leader and trailblazer, with a voice and perspective that deserves to be heard far and wide. Introducing...
PUP GARNET!
Please introduce yourself and how you identify in pet play.
Awoooooo! Hello friends, my name is Garnet and I use he/him pronouns! I am so honored to be in this month’s creature feature! I am an energetic, friendly, and sometimes sassy golden retriever based in Southern California. Throughout my time in the community, I have been known as a pup/Handler, little, pain slut, educator, event planner, and I am newly the title holder of the first all-animal title, Animal International.
Identity is something that I value strongly and center a lot of my events around. My mission in the community work that I do is to help provide spaces for unique and diverse individuals to play, socialize, and to feel seen and heard.
As far as what animal Garnet is? Garnet is a Golden Retriever in that awkward lanky stage between puphood (hehe no pun intended) and doghood, who looks like any other happy-go-lucky family dog on the outside... but on the inside, and with his play, it’s all around the idea of pushing the boundaries of the image the "family dog." It also helps that he’s just a silly air-headed puppy who gets into some deliciously unfortunate situations (aka scenes with his playmates).
How did you discover your identity as a pup, and your breed?
As a little kid, I loved playing dog. It was my happy place, and a place where I felt like myself. I am on the autism spectrum. It is common for those who have ASD to often feel a disconnect from human social interactions. Animals, especially dogs, made sense to me and made me feel safe and calm, unlike anything else ever has. I have always felt more connected to dogs and other animals than I have with humans. I feel as if I have always had K9 energy in my heart and soul.
As I grew up, the connection never changed. When I found pet play, I was instantly interested and fell in love when I went to my first event as a puppy. As I continued my play my personality began to shift - I became more open, excited, and happy. Garnet, the golden retriever, started to shine through. He is the embodiment of joy and freedom in my life and radiates that when he plays. Seeing and getting to know this energy instantly declared him as a golden for sure.
What are your favorite activities in pet play?
My favorite activities in pet play happen at moshes. I love to play with the other pets, and especially to chase the cats (watch out, kitties!). When I am not chasing cats, wrestling other puppies is an activity that I enjoy a lot. Wrestling really taps me into my headspace because it reminds me of the way that bio dogs play. At a mosh with other pets, at some point during the mosh, I will start a good ol' fashioned howl circle. My howl is distinct, for sure. It is often described as the sound a fork in a blender would make. It certainly gets attention.
How, if at all, does your identity as a little/ABDL interact with your pet play?
Casually, my pet play and little headspaces interact a lot. The best way I have found to describe it is if a little kid was acting like a puppy. The energies mix so naturally and I find myself in the little head space and doing things like tail wags, awoos, barking noises, and requesting pets.
How did you find your pack, and what does it mean to you?
My pack, the Desert Hounds, is made up of animals that I was friends with in the Las Vegas community whom I met all individually. Eventually, all four of us started attending the same weekly education group and munches. I introduced everyone and we all became close! Out of those in our kink groups, we were the pet players. We wanted to look after each other and be one another’s family in the pet play community. There is no power exchange dynamic within our pack as a whole. The pack is all made up of independent Alpha types who band together and care for one another. I am very grateful for the Desert Hounds. We have each other’s backs, support, and uplift one another. Those sorts of connections mean so much to me.
What advice do you have for other trans pet players looking to start exploring?
My advice to other trans pet players looking to explore is to be sure to go at your own pace. Take time to reflect on and understand what you are comfortable with in your pet play and where there are spaces/events that align with you. It’s always a good tip to go with a friend your first few times, and if it happens to be someone already in the community, think of asking them to help introduce you to others. If you’re not sure if you have a friend to go with, think of messaging event organizers about it being your first time and talking with them to get a tour/introduction to the event when you arrive. Your identities are valid and you are valid, never forget that. If you need more support I’d recommend looking into some community discords, like the one SCC runs! Join our Discord server here: https://discord.gg/UhBduYHaGA
What do you love most about pet play?
Honestly, I just love being a dog! I love making others feel the way dogs make me feel! I love being that cute little goldie with big eyes shaking his tail for others to pet, and love how others get to be that excited person giving me lots of pets and treats as a good dog! Woof woof!
Keep up with Garnet by following him on Instagram at @garnetpup.