PW: What inspired your name?

ATLAS: The name came from the Greek Titan named Atlas. He was known for carrying the world on his shoulders and represents a navigational guide for humans. I chose the name because it matches my personality a lot. I am a very compassionate and kind pup who enjoys ensuring that others are well cared for. I love to help people feel comfortable and safe wherever they are or go. I can't hold the whole world on my shoulders, but I do my best to carry as many people as I can.

PW: How did you become a pup?

ATLAS: I first discovered pup play when I lived in Los Angeles. I had met a guy there who introduced me to pup play and it piqued my interest. I really liked the pup hoods, and the mystery of "who's behind it." When my very good friend Buck became a pup last year, he inspired and encouraged me to try it along with him, so I did. And it was the best decision I had ever made!

PW: On Instagram, you call yourself “Just a cute orange puppy spreading his kindness!” No argument here. But what does orange mean for you?

ATLAS: So the color orange has been my favorite color my whole life. It reminds me of the sunsets I used to watch back at home growing up. I even painted my childhood bedroom orange at one point. It's been an inspiring color for me and it just matches my personality so well that I wanted to incorporate it into my pup style. Orange represents happiness, optimism, and energy. Something that reflects on me greatly.

PW: Is Atlas a particular K9 breed?

ATLAS: I am not any one breed. But if I were, I would be a French Bulldog.

PW: Where do you call home? Do you like living there?

ATLAS: I live in Orlando, FL. It has been one of the greatest cities I have lived in, and I hope I will get to stay for a while. Though the heat here really sucks a lot, having the beach and Disney World nearby is a giant plus. The gay community here is not as big as in other cities I have lived in, but it has helped me grow more as a pup.

PW: Where did you grow up? Big Family? How would you describe your childhood?

ATLAS: I was raised in Kansas with three siblings, and we're all still pretty close. It was a very normal childhood. Mom took us to church every Sunday and celebrated every holiday of the year. I went to public school. I grew up in the countryside, so I didn't get to hang out with friends much after school. But being at home gave me the time to be more creative, and discover my love for filmmaking.

PW: What is your ethnic background? Is culture important to you?

ATLAS: I am caucasian but I do have an ancestral background from Switzerland. My grandfather would tell us a lot about his father and how he came to the US. Since we were just your average American family, I did not have any cultural traditions besides Christmas and Halloween. I did not know much about other cultures until I went to college, and discovered my love for exploring other cultures. To me, we must share and celebrate everyone's cultures because that is how we can spread knowledge and love to each other.

PW: Who was your hero when you were a kid?

ATLAS: I didn't have a hero as a kid, but I looked up to my high school drama teacher. She encouraged me to push towards my creativity to do things in my vision and to inspire others to find their creative selves. She taught me to never stop telling stories and to always get things done. If it were not for her, I wouldn't have attended film school and pursued the career I strive for today.

PW: What do you do for a living outside of the hood? What’s Good Critter?

ATLAS: I love to play video games and go to the movie theater! I play a lot of Dead by Daylight, No Man's Sky, and lately some Call of Duty. I enjoy hanging out with my friends and spending time with the people I care about the most. I am also a big explorer. I love to travel and try new things as much as I can. Good Critter is my friend Nova's brand! They have lots of amazing merchandise, and I want to show my support for them.

PW: Do you belong to a pack?

ATLAS: I am currently not a part of a pack. I am uncollared. I hope to find a good pack or someone to help me find my role in pup-play.

Like Dorothy said, “Toto, I've a feeling we're not in Kansas anymore!”

PW: Are you out in your human life? As a pup?

ATLAS: I am out to almost everyone in my human life. Most of my family knows I am gay except my mom and a few other family members. My mom and I have talked about it before, but she's told me she was not ready to have the conversation yet, and I respect that for her. It has been difficult to discuss my lifestyle with her, but I know it will be okay when she is ready. Only a few of my close friends and other pup friends know that I am a pup.

PW: Are you single? Partnered?

ATLAS: I am still single but always ready to mingle!

PW: Okay, you have a pup crystal ball (it could happen) that’s 99% accurate. What does the future hold for you?

ATLAS: The crystal ball shows me a special someone. A person who is kind, respectful, and funny. It shows me spending quality time with this person. It shows me working my dream job as a film editor, working on lots of memorable films. I see myself playing with other pups, making new puppy friends, and spending so much time with them. I also see myself a bit more in shape, more toned and beefy!

PW: What kind of pup are you most attracted to?

ATLAS: Ooooh, I sure am attracted to hairy and/or muscle pups. Nothing makes me more excited than seeing a beefy pup with big, strong arms to hold me and a large chest to nuzzle up on. Besides looks, I am very attracted to pups with a friendly, positive, and respectful attitude. I'm a huge cuddle pup. If I see another puppy, I am more than likely gonna wanna snuggle with them or just hug for a moment.

PW: Do you ever wear your pup hood in public? What is that like?

ATLAS: I have only worn my hood in public at local puppy events and some gay bars or clubs. I was honestly a bit nervous at first to wear my hood out in public, but now it makes me feel more confident. I like that it hides my face in public. Keeping the mystery of my cute self is really fun.

PW: What’s your favorite movie or TV series? Big fan?

ATLAS: I LOVE Futurama!! It is my favorite TV show of all time. Where are my Zoidberg fans? But my favorite movie of all time would be Twister. It has such a unique story and it inspired me to create my own films.

PW: Finish this sentence: “I hate...”

ATLAS: Mondays. Just like Garfield.

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All photos by Pup Atlas