Photos of Pups Playing at a Leather Convention

I have been a card-carrying member of NYC-PAH since last summer. That stands for “New York City–Pups And Handlers”; it’s a social group for people who identify as Human-Pups or Handlers, or those looking to learn more about the practice. I had been playing fetch and barking to receive belly rubs in private for months, and as many do, I decided to seek out like-minded individuals.

What I learned from my time with the boys at NYC-PAH is that being a pup is about a headspace first and foremost. Its about getting down into the mindset of a dog, releasing all human traits and instincts and occupying the blissful existence of a cute lil pup, or a menacing guard dog—you choose. Some pups do sex stuff while in pup mode, and others don’t. The handlers look after the pups, throw the ball, give them scratches behind the ears, treats, etc. Some pups have a dedicated handler, many do not. Often pups run in packs, with an alpha, betas, and an omega, though some pups are strays. NYC-PAH is a pack, of sorts. For all intents and purposes, they are my pack.