OCTOBER 2024
October 2024
PW: Philip!! Our first official cover pup! Welcome Welcome! Who are you, handsome?
PHILIP: Woof! My pup name is Philip (origins below!). I am a Hell Hound spawned from the streets of Pandemonium (the capital city of Hell). Philip is a spooky pup obsessed with all things magical, dark and macabre, especially anything related to his fellow creatures of the night and their magical origins. You know, werewolves, vampires, witches. He is a practitioner of witchcraft and a devoted hedonist. Though honestly, he looks edgier than he is! Despite his diabolical origins and spooky aesthetic, Philip is a good boy and a wholesome pup whose all-time, number-one goal is to be adopted by the Adams Family! He is very treat motivated and will do almost anything for a snuggle wag.
PW: What drew you to the world of pup play?
PHILIP: I think I was drawn by the sheer, delightful weirdness of it. The concept of having this alter ego through whom you could explore all the aspects of yourself. I come from the cosplay world, where you pretend to be other people. Pup play allows me to be a fuller, more colorful version of myself. I was first exposed through Instagram. I followed several pups for years but kept it quiet. I was properly introduced by a sweet friend in my hometown during a visit home. His name's Caius and he’s an amazing dark wave synth artist! I was greatly motivated by him to properly open up to it. In June 2024, I had a very scary episode related to my genetic disorder Vascular Ehler-Danlos Syndrome, or VEDS for short. I was terrified that I might not survive. That experience was a wake-up call to start doing things that interested me and to let go of the fear and insecurity. I had to stop being such a perfectionist and just do - so I reached out to a local pup friend, Chuu. He’s the absolute best dog, and he was hugely encouraging. I bought my hood in August 2024 and never looked back!
As a side note, for those interested: VEDS is a very rare genetic disorder that makes the connective tissue in my cardio-vascular system [veins and arteries] very, very weak, such that any extreme stressor can cause them to tear and bleed out into my body, which is deadly. It is both interesting and difficult because my normal day-to-day life is not affected, and the disability is, as they say, invisible. But one wrong move can have very severe consequences. As a result, I am also a fervent supporter of individuals with disabilities in the kink and pup scenes. I love connecting with other kinks and people with disabilities and creating new opportunities in this community, and I am always available to chat to anyone who needs support.
PW: What kind of pup do you embody in your play? (e.g. playful puppy, loyal companion, adventurous canine)
PHILIP: This is hard because I am new to pup play and still finding myself. I would say that I am playful in that I like to switch between dom and sub, and tease between soft and hard play. I am extremely devoted and loyal to those who are good to me. I'm very switch-y, so my behavior is informed by the proclivities of my partner. I like to imagine that, as a Hellhound or spectral dog, my play-partner has summoned me from below to perform something for him. What that looks like depends on the summoner and the deal we strike. I am a good boy, though, and as I mentioned, very motivated by treats and positivity.
PW: Do you have a human handler in your play sessions, or do you prefer to go solo?
PHILIP: I have never had the chance to play with a handler, actually, but I am very open to it!!
PW: Are you part of a pack?
PHILIP: I am not! I go back and forth on how attached I want to be. Part of me loves the idea of a coven or pack. The other part of me is so independent, that being tied to one group might feel limiting. I am open, so I think joining a pack would be a very ad hoc decision. I have had this idea for a loosely confederated pack that serves more as a home base or resource for pups who don’t feel that they fit in anywhere else and are open to spooky vibes. I imagine a voluntary association pack that transcends time and geography and is focused on connecting pups across the globe. We would manifest gatherings all over. In my imagination, it is called Pack Pandemonium. Sort of a nod to Hell’s capital, and a play on the lack of structure to it all. I’m not sure how that would play out in real life, or if there would be any interest. All to say, I’m a happily independent puppy, but I’m open to pack offers!
PW: Daddy Bear was born and raised in Jersey, as you know. So I already love you! Has your location influenced your pup play style in any way?
PHILIP: Ahhhh, I am sorry to disappoint you, then. I am a Southern pup, born and bred! I was raised in South Carolina and moved to New York City in the summer of 2012. I lived there for 11 years before defecting across the Hudson River to Jersey City in search of more comfortable, affordable living. That said, I LOVE Jersey so much – it is honestly the best-kept secret in the North East. Since Chuu, my first local puppy friend, is my neighbor and we are the only two pups publicly pupping in Jersey City, I would argue that Jersey has affected my pup play. The pup community of greater north-east NJ, though, is super solid, and being so close to and connected with the strong NYC pup scene makes going on this journey much easier. There are always events going on. I would say that my spooky aesthetic, though, is more grounded in and informed by my Southern Gothic roots. Cue the Interview with the Vampire theme.
PW: Are you out as a person and a pup?
PHILIP: I am, on both counts. I came out 15 years ago this month, actually. When I pounced into the pup scene, I was blessed to do so with the strong support and love of my friends and family. Many of them don’t really understand it, but they love and encourage my joy. I feel incredibly fortunate to lead an integrated, open life. That said, I do keep this side of myself private from my more conservative family members and workplace, but I think that's what most people do.
PW: Are you single or partnered?
PHILIP: I am very happily married! My husband is my rock—we have been together 13 years this year! We are also open. Pup play in the pup community has been a big help to me as we explore our relationship, polyamory, and different relationship structures. What is our relationship in a more hierarchical system, rooted in open, trusting communication and consent? My husband is not really into pup play, but he is wonderfully supportive. Pup play has challenged us in good ways to grow in communication, trust, independence, and interdependence in new and exciting ways.
PW: What will Philip be doing in ten years?
PHILIP: I hope that I will be happily flourishing in our community, and enjoying the fruits of much labor at work, in therapy, in the community, and love (both platonic and romantic). Beyond that, I trust the Fates to weave a grand adventure. I hope to rise to any challenge they place before me.
PW: What’s the craziest experience you ever had as a pup?
PHILIP: Honestly, being asked to interview for a pup-lication so early in my puppy life! I’ve only been an active pup since August 2024, so I am DEEPLY HONORED! (happy wags)
PW: Complete this sentence: “I love it when _______.”
PHILIP: … when people are unironically, earnestly passionate about the things and people they love! Give me that Gomez Addams energy!
PW: In the soon to be released biopic on Pup Philip, who would you like to play you?
PHILIP: Oh, another tough question! The title must be Live Deliciously! As for who I’d have play Philip? I’d love to say someone suave like Tom Hiddleston or Michael Fassbender, but Joe Locke would probably be more accurate.
PW: I can’t help but notice the “Black Philip” Easter eggs in your Instagram profile. Are you a fan? I loved his work in The Witch! What drew you to that wicked critter?
PHILIP: YES! My pup name is taken from the character Black Philip from the A24 film, The Witch, which is a far more niche reference than I originally expected! I’m glad you caught the easter eggs! I studied (and continue to have a passion for) the history of witchcraft and beliefs about witchcraft, and I spent my undergrad researching and writing on the Witch Craze of 1450–1700 in Europe and North America. Long story short, The Witch is a historically accurate depiction of life in late 17th-century New England, specifically what their beliefs in witchcraft at that time looked like. The film drew from diaries and court transcripts for dialogue, and tableaus were drawn from famous, contemporary woodcuts and paintings depicting themes of witchcraft in Europe and early America. That movie spoke to my spooky little historian’s heart. Not to give too much away, but Black Philip is the Devil in goat form, enticing a group of witches to enter into a magical power deal with him. Historically, in this context, witchcraft and witches were seen as the ultimate rebels, working against God and society to seize unnatural power through unnatural means. This spirit of rebellion speaks to my journey of deconstructing my hyper-conservative Christian upbringing as I work to redefine myself through self-expression. Most recently through kink play and sexual exploration and liberation (themes that were always closely associated with witches in history.) Mix in the spooky vibes and creepy elements of the film, the history, and the season of Halloween, and you have the foundations of Pup Philip, the Pup in the Woods!
Spread joy, embrace joy, and be joy. You never know how just being your lovely self can make someone else’s day.
You are a gift, and I can’t wait to meet you! Stay magical! Woof!
