PW: G'day, pupper! Welcome to the Woodpile. Where does your pup name come from?

T-BOLT: "T" from Star Trek's James T. Kirk, and "BOLT" from Disney's Bolt. These are my two favorite TV/movie experiences.

PW: How long have you been a part of pupdom?

T-BOLT: I only came out as gay when I turned 38, which was quite some time ago. I finally became a pup about four years ago. When I say this, sub-consciously, puppy must have always been there, as my first business venture in the late 80's and early 90's was Paul Anderson Wed Design and I used a paw print and slogan, "Are you ready to be PAWD?"

PW: Do you identify with a particular canine breed?

T-BOLT: I would not say a breed, but soft, cuddly, loyal, and with a wicked, dirty sense of belonging. BARK!!

PW: Where do you call home? Do you find your neighborhood accepting of pups and LGBTQ+ folks?

T-BOLT: Home is where we park our caravan, and for the past six years it has been Bli Bli on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. As for the puppy community, we're near the likes of Brisbane or the Gold Coast. I have not ventured out in my hood, but definitely in the pup clothes and PRIDE wear. LGBTQIA+ events, BBQs, and other gatherings indicate that LGBTQIA+ acceptance appears to be on the rise. But my Handler/Partner and I do not venture out much. At sixty, the younger pups don't seem to appreciate us. You were beaten for being gay when I was growing up, let alone if you were Kinky or a Leather Pup.

PW: Where did you grow up? Did you have a good childhood?

T-BOLT: I grew up in Rockhampton, Central Queensland, Australia. I had a strict father, so even though I knew I was different, I didn't understand. I discovered that my sister and mother were fine with it, and my grandparents on my mother's side never knew. And they truly loved me. I worked hard and looked after my grandparents, so I didn't get to enjoy a gay youth experience. Now that I am older, it is just as hard as when I came out.

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

T-BOLT: This is a bit tricky. You'll see why, especially as I was in denial. Dick Johnson. I still have a thing for race car drivers, and Craigs Lowndes remains one of my favorites.

PW: What do you do for a living in the human world?

T-BOLT: To keep clothed and fed, I'm a checkout chap, laser lad, supermarket customer service agent, and home delivery pup.

PW: What do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies?

T-BOLT: I love going to the movies, but my partner doesn't, so we watch a lot on streaming services now. In addition, I love graphic design and videography and I am a bit of a spreadsheet nerd. Living in a mobile park does limit what you can do, especially when most of the people there are older. Of course, I like walkies and loving up my handler!

PW: Your Instagram page mentions “Puppy's Awesomely Wicked Designs.” What’s that?

T-BOLT: PAWD is my little side hustle. I love doing graphic design and making videos, so I offer this to anyone who might like something. Examples are available below.

PW: You mention your partner. How long have you been together?

T-BOLT: Partnered now for 21 years this December 6th.

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

T-BOLT: Ab-so-frag-n-loot-ly to both being gay and a pup, to all that matter and the rest, I do not care. I've had no negative feedback from any of my socials. Well, there was one time at work, at previous job. I wore my vest. A customer researched it and complained. The boss just asked me not to wear it at work, nothing else.

PW: Are you more attracted to pups or people? What’s a pup’s most attractive feature?

T-BOLT: Since I've not been able to attend the Brisbane Q-PAH group for a while, pups, most definitely! Pups are free and resilient and have fun. People just bring you down. Most attractive feature in pups? Firstly, their eyes behind the hood. Secondly, just how friendly and willing they are to engage.

PW: Do you practice any fetishes or kinks when the hood goes on?

T-BOLT: Leather is a big part of who T-Bolt is. A bit of the old-school leather slave comes out and gets down and dirty. I love giving my tongue a workout and jumping on top of a big, hard bone.

PW: Do you ever wear your pup hood in public? How do you feel? What kind of reaction have you gotten?

T-BOLT: I have worn my hood at PRIDE in Brisbane, and I do wear it when driving sometimes. It makes me feel alive and free. Then there's the double-takes and the occasional, "What the Fuck?"

PW: Do you have a good sense of humor? Are you funny?

T-BOLT: I'm told I have a dry sense of humor. I wouldn't say I am funny. With my age and coming out so late, and even later as a Pup, I'd have to say I am a bit serious. Seriously.

"To Boldly Go."

PW: What’s your favorite movie? Favorite movie star?

T-BOLT: BOLT from Disney. I love LeVar Burton, who plays Geordie LaForge in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

PW: What would you do if your long-lost, ridiculously wealthy Aunt Tilly left you in her will (RIP, Aunt Tilly) and you became a billionaire overnight?

T-BOLT: To make all this political correctness go away and let people, kinky, straight, gay, or otherwise able to be themselves anywhere and everywhere. With or without Aunt Tilly's money, my goal is to establish a local support group for individuals who share my beliefs.

Download & Read Paw Over Hand – A Barkology

by Paul J. Anderson/Pup T-BOLT

Contact T-Bolt:

All photos courtesy of HDGImagery & Pup T-Bolt