You know, I never thought I'd do the "species change" thing. I've never been too hung up about what animal best defines me, or what kind of spiritual connection I may have to something. For me, being a furry has always been more about fursuits and fun costumes and the cool people I've met in the fandom, rather than me feeling like I was a raccoon on the inside, or generally having deeper feelings towards the animal I chose to represent me in the fandom.

But since I got the Old English Sheepdog fursuit, Barnaby, from SophieCabra, I suddenly feel more identifiable as a sheepdog than I ever did as a raccoon. Mostly it has to do with my personality and how I perceive sheepdogs. They are a working breed that likes to watch over a group and keep things in order, but they are also fluffy and lovable, and often just plain dorky. While raccoons are spontaneous, fun loving, more hyperactive and easily distracted. The other raccoons I've met in the fandom seem to fit that role better than I do.

I think I went with a raccoon when I first got into the fandom because I just like raccoons. They are adorable cubby things with ringed-tails. What's not to love?! But now I'm thinking I might be more sheepdog than raccoon.

It's not like it's a make or break decision that effects anyone other than me. To be quite honest the part that's kept me from just jumping into that character is because all my badges and art have a raccoon on them! I've started getting more sheepdog artz and such, but it will certainly be an investment of time and money to get a lot of things switched over. And while I'll primarily identify as a sheepdog, I'll still have my raccoon side hanging around, but mostly in the form of a young raccoon cub scout named 'Ozzen.'

Oh, the decisions we must endure in this life! *falls dramatically on the bed in the style of Rarity*