Monetarily I’ve gotten much more than $40 worth of parties out of my CSPC AYCE card. It’s impossible to do everything and actually enjoy myself so I chose carefully. The Unleashed! party, held as a fundraiser for SEA-PAH, is the most revealing experience I’ve had and worth far more than the $10 donation. I went into the party mostly ignorant but optimistic. As Brad Pitt says, I like dags.
I showed up that night with a friend also interested in discovering what puppy play is like. Based on my experience with dogs I figured myself a natural handler. Luckily, I have a leather daddy with broader horizons in sight. He accompanied me to what is primarily a gay man’s scene and brought the equipment I need to be a pup. After watching some puppies playing I decide to give it a go. Outfitted with a collar, kneepads and a puppy mask I am led into the ring on a leash. Confronted with other human puppies on their knees, sniffing and barking, coyly encouraging me to join the romp – it took about 3 seconds to fall into my role as a fellow canine.
I love dogs wholeheartedly. I often communicate better with pets than their owners. I had no idea how fun and relaxing it is to actually BE an adorable, innocent puppy. I can solicit petting from friendly strangers and follow my handler’s lead as needed. I don’t have to deal with silly human communication and instead nestle into the nonverbal simplicity of a dog’s life. An outsider tried to come and start a conversation with puppy-me and I just cocked my head to the side and yipped in response.
As a cute girl I feel shy and vulnerable. As a cute puppy I can fearlessly play with the world and relinquish my worry to the person I’ve put in charge of me. My handler happens to be elegant in his teaching style so I have plenty of chance to show my loyalty. Feeling unconditional love seems possible when I look at the world through puppy eyes. I can tap into the creative energy that drove my sister and I to play pretend as young children, dreaming of when we would become unicorns.