PW: AWROOOO!!! Welcome to the Woodpile, handsome. Let's get to know you. How did you get your name, Koda?

KODA: In all honesty, when I started searching for names that I felt were cute, Koda was the first that sprang to mind. Although I have been considering finding another significant one, Koda just seemed to stick.

PW: How did you get into pup-play?

KODA: About a year ago in a gay bar here in Kansas City, it began as a joke. I bought a hood from an adult shop inside the bar, wore it on the dance floor, and just kept on dancing. I was having a lot of fun and really enjoyed it. I loved how free it felt, and I didn't care what anyone else thought.

PW: When did you take the plunge and become pup?

KODA: It wasn't until I met with some very supportive pups in the community and started asking questions. I spent nearly ten years in the military, so wearing the hood and embracing the inner pup allows me to be as carefree and playful as I want. For me, it serves as a healthy reminder to not always take things so seriously.

PW: Where did you grow up? Was it a good childhood?

KODA: I grew up in South Georgia. It was deeply rooted in tradition and religion. I felt like I always had to hide who I truly was in order to survive or not be bullied. Even though we had little resources, we managed to get by. Joining the military right after high school put me on the right path to success. Who knows where I would be now if I had not made that choice.

PW: Is there a particular community or culture that's been influential in your life?

KODA: As an African American, I'm always proud to see other black gay men, especially those in the leather and kink community. I wish there were more to connect in my city.

PW: What sort of pup do you aim to be? Are you making it happen?

KODA: I'm all Rottweiler—loyal, playful, and sometimes protective. I feel compelled to protect people who might not be able to defend themselves. I’m all about encouraging and helping others. Staying positive is a big part of who I am. My upbringing and my time in the military didn't always put me in the best places, but keeping a positive outlook helped me through a lot.

PW: Your Instagram profile is pretty clear. You are a muscle pup. No complaints here. How did you choose that path? What kind of routine do you follow?

KODA: I don't know if I necessarily chose that path. I work out because that's what you were “supposed” to do in the military. You get up at the crack of dawn, run five miles, lift some weights, and go to work. I’ve been a pup for about a year now, so it was more of a clash of cultures.

PW: How does your public perception of being a muscle beast match your self-image?

KODA: Oh, it doesn't match at all! I might look big on camera, but I'm such a cornball and a teddy bear. I love having fun and I'm super playful. I love working out, but I also love playing chess and Pokemon. My favorite Pokemon is Scizor, by the way!

PW: Are you single?

KODA: No, I’ve been in a relationship with my partner for about 7-8 years.

PW: Are you out? Are you out as a pup?

KODA: Yes and no. I think there are a few friends who might know I'm a pup, but we don't talk about it. If they have questions, I'm always happy to answer.

PW: How do you feel when you put on the hood?

KODA: I feel like I can just relax and have fun, whether in bed or on the dance floor.

PW: Where do you live? Is your city pup-friendly? How big is the lgbtq+ community?

KODA: Kansas City, Missouri. I think it's pretty pup-friendly, and the LGTBQ+ community is a fair size. Not as big as Dallas or Chicago.

PW: Are you in a pack?

KODA: Negative. I’d love to be in one, though. I think it would need to happen organically, though.

PW: What do you like to do outside of the pup world? Do you have any hobbies? Sports? Music? Art?

KODA: Beside working out, I love to play video games, play chess, go on road trips, go to the movies, watch anime, and play pool. I’ll do any sport as long as we are just having fun. My hand-eye coordination is so bad. The muscles are just for lifting weights.

PW: Your bio says that you're a proud Army vet. Thank you for your service. When and where did you serve? How did that change your life?

KODA: I was in the military from 2013-2023, allowing me to travel across the world and meet a lot of different people.

PW: If all technology suddenly failed, could you live in a retro/natural world?

KODA: Oh my God, no! I need Google Maps to get anywhere these days. I am directionally challenged.

PW: Do you have any life goals? What lies ahead?

KODA: I don’t have any specific goals at the moment. I’m focused on helping veterans make the most of their educational benefits to graduate from college. I have a passion for helping others, especially fellow veterans. It’s incredibly rewarding work.

PW: I heard that Netflix is doing a series based on Pup Koda. What genre is it? Who do you want to play you? What’s it going to be called?

KODA: It would totally be a romantic comedy. Playing me? Probably Tyler James Williams. The movie title? Where Do We Go from Here? My partner and I have been together for seven years, and we are unsure about what to do next.

PW: I better get to go to the premier! Tyler James Williams will do you proud.

"Remember, life is much better with a wag and a woof!"

KODA: I've only been a human pup for about a year, but I'm enjoying my experience. I've met a lot of friends along the way. I hope everyone new to the space is having as much fun as I am.

Contact Koda:

Photos courtesy of Pup Koda