While it's true that many zoos live in desperate fear of being discovered, often because their families, friends, or co-workers might reject them, I find that I have grown to enjoy the fact that I have a "secret identity."
It's sort of like being a secret agent: mild-mannered by day, collie-cuddler by night. :) At work and in my regular social life, I am a relatively serious, professional person, seemingly "normal" in all respects. Well-regarded in the community, with many friends, but I'm not one to stand out in a crowd or be considered the life of the party. Not much of a party person at all, really.
But put me on the Internet, and in no time at all, I let my mare^h^h^h^h hair down :) and thanks to the wonders (and despite the delays) of anon.penet, I turn into Actaeon, James Actaeon, Agent Double-Zoo-Seven on Her Maregasm's Stud Service. :) Kinda fun, like having a secret handshake or social club, where I can be the real me, without fear of my RL friends finding out that I can be, well, what I am. I've started to attend zooparties in earnest (okay, twice doesn't really count as earnest yet :), and find them to be very relaxing: I can take off the shell of decency, propriety, and sanity I am forced to put on before going to work in the morning. (Although I must admit, the shell pays better. :)
I have this daydream about proposing to my fiancee (once I find one :) on stage at a ConFurence, both of us dressed as our characters; my costume complete with antlers and cloven hooves. Would I do this if anyone other than she knew who was really in that cervine fursuit? Not a chance.
Having an "alternate lifestyle" has, IMHO, given me the freedom to enjoy a world I've known all my life, but never had the resources to explore. Granted, I have no intention of going public any time soon (maybe never, if I run for President (although I'll sure lock in the minority vote :):), but I see my zooness as part of who I am, part of my true identity, rather than something shameful I have to suppress. We all have our secrets; this is mine, and I accept it. I choose to revel in my double life, instead of run from it.
Now, if I can just get that nice cat away from Blofeld, I'll be happy. Wait a sec, Zorin had horses. Hmmm...let's see that James Bond web page again.... :)
You know, it's quite possible I enjoy this _too_ much. What do you think? :)"Dr. Neigh" "From Russia With Labradors" "Marefinger" "Thoroughbredball" "You Only Love Mice" "On Her Majesty's Stud Service" "Dobermans Are Forever" "Love and Let Tie" "The Man With the Golden Retriever" "The Spitz Who Loved Me" "Mule-Mater" "For Yorkies Only" "Octopussy" (um, okay, that one can stand as is :) "A View to a Kennel" "The Loving Donkeys" "Dog Licence to Kiss" "YellowLab"
visits since 8/9/97
Essays -- Updated Saturday, March 15, 1997 -- E-mail Actaeon