I am full of nerves.
Today is the Nuzzles puppy and furry social at The Hobbit – a pub that is, by reputation, very open minded – as demonstrated by the bunch of people wearing puppy hoods, harnesses, collars, and full on fur suits!
After getting, and spilling, a drink of diet coke (no alcoholic lubricant for me), I sit down and people watch – too shy to say ‘hello” or “woof” to anybody.
One fellow, struggling to put on an outfit did say hello, and I stood watching him for a while, helping just the once with his cuffs. I moved on because I became aware that I was staring. He introduced himself as “Badger” and wore black and white.
Popping a puppy hood on a guy immediately seems to awaken innocence and mischief! The hoods create a kind of individual anonymity – the hoods were often customised, and the accessories and gear expressed individuality – I think that the hoods allowed us to strip off our human masks and inhabit our inner selves more fully. Besides, I think almost anyone in a hood looks cute.
Various people say hello and then introduce me to other people. Too many names, but they are all very friendly – head rubs, and tummy rubs, and back scratching.
I felt very awkward being there dead on opening time. I sipped my cola through a straw and tried to appear cool.
Badger introduced me to another newbie, another black and white pup called “Danny”. Danny said that he was shy, but the three of us seemed to be comfortable enough to chat with each other – a sort of new pup camaraderie.
I was pleased to find that food was available: pizza! The other two noted that I seemed to really enjoy pizza, and that’s when it came to me – my pup name:
Pup Pizza!
After eating, I suggested that we went up to the ball pool. That was the best decision all day! We spent hours in there burying under the balls, throwing balls at each other, nuzzling and cuddling. It was innocent and slightly erotic and calming at the same time. The anonymity liberated each of us to cuddle and tickle and play with others whom I’d only just meet.
Pup Danny seemed to be getting on rather well with a red pup and spent quite some time nuzzling and cuddling; it was very sweet to watch. It seems that being hooded can have a somewhat liberating effect on people – especially those with some kind of social anxiety.
I tried the puppy cage, which had a mat in it. I’d seen three puppies together in there. They were small. I lay down in there and felt so peaceful! A large Spanish pup climbed into the cage. When we were stood outside, he was several centimetres taller and broader than me. In the cage it was no longer comfortable! But it was still enormous fun.
Quite possibly I should not have gone, given where I am in my recovery. Or I should have taken it easier. But I didn’t and I hope that I don’t have to pay for it tomorrow; I had so much fun and I think that I’ve made some puppy friends and I hope to see them next month!
Post script: I tried a “systems test” when I got home: FAILED! Either I had overdone it or the heart meds are having a negative effect on certain things.
I suppose I can’t have everything – I am getting over a heart attack! I think that this day might not have been so great for my physical health, but it did wonders for my mental health!
If you are interested in attending Nuzzles: https://nuzzles.uk/
Eunuchorn 
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