Ever since I first heard of Anthrocon , about 4 years ago, I have been wanting to attend just to experience what a fur con was like, as well as possibly meet some other furs. Little did I know that my desire to attend would finally become a reality at Anthrocon 2015. And though I was I half tempted to chicken out at the last minute, I surprised even myself to stick with the plan and attend. Though it was only for a few hours on Saturday, the experience was one to last a lifetime.

My first experience with a fursuiter was as I passed the DLLCC and this gigantic white suit of fur was greeting all those who passed by the center. At that moment, I knew it would be an interesting day. Then, not long after parking the car, we rode the elevator with 3 very friendly suiters who helped get us to the main building. But what really took me by surprise, was the amount of people just sitting on the floor waiting for the fursuit parade. I couldn’t believe there were that many people there; I was without words. So after doing a quick walk around, it was time to register for badges. As I sat on the laptop and pecked away at the keys (pecked because I’m not used to such a tiny keyboard) I was warmly greeted by the ever awesome  Partial (who also happened to by the first fur I’ve ever met in person!). I was thrilled to finally meet you!

Next was the parade, and wow! I didn’t think it would ever end (heck that was longer than our town’s Christmas parade!) Finally after the suiters strutted their stuff, we picked up our badges and into the main convention we headed. Again, still in amazement by the sheer volume of attendees, we made our way through the multitude of tables, and just gazed up what all this fandom had to offer (and trying not to bust out laughing at some of the sites. When the biggest event we’ve ever been to was a car show, this kinda blew our minds.) But after checking out the art show, we once again ran back into  Partial and as well as  Xaviera who was also a pleasure to meet! I feel terrible that I didn’t get to hang out with you guys more that day, but if you’re both their next year, I definitely want to spend more time hanging out with you both.

After that nice little meet up, we continued to walk around, as I then got a message from  Vici who was trying to find me, while also making sure  underclocked didn’t run into anybody with his new suit (which is epic!). We all walked around for probably 5 minutes trying to find each other, until  Vehliayn and  KojiKogel spotted us in the crowd. When we all finally found each other, it felt more like a reunion, rather than the first time meeting these great people.

Well not long after that,  Vehliayn and  KojiKogel were kind enough to let us tag along to go grab a bite to eat (and thank God they knew where they were going in Pittsburgh). And after making a quick pitstop along the way to Bill’s Burgers, I was even able to meet the orneriest artic fox I’ve ever seen,  willowwhitefox ( and boy is she ever a character). Well off to dinner we were, because we had bigger and better plans afterwards; Story Hour with Uncle Kage. So after grabbing some grub, off to stand in line to hear the Wineo , I mean Kage, speak. And while in line, another great surprise, as  BabyDroid joined us for Story Hour!

Well, after story hour, it was finally time to call it a day. Saying our good-bye’s took almost as long as story hour, but only because I was putting off leaving. Leaving was the hardest thing I had to do that day. It wasn’t traffic on the way that made it difficult leaving, it was just the part of having to return home back to where I keep this side of me hidden. I’ve been in this fandom for years (even before I knew what a furry was I like them) and this was the first time I’ve ever been able to open up publicly about this side of me. And going home I had some questions to answer, because I’ve even keep this a secret from my best friend (who I’m sure now thinks I’m more of a freak.) And if I had the opportunity to relive yesterday again, I’d take it in a heart beat.

And from the bottom of my heart, thank you  Partial ,  Xaviera ,  Vici ,  underclocked ,  Vehliayn ,  KojiKogel ,  willowwhitefox , and  BabyDroid for letting me meet you all, and getting to spend some time with you all. I know it was only a brief visit, but I enjoyed every second, and it means so much to me that you’ll never know. The fact that such kind hearted individuals like yourself could take time out of your day to spend it with this awkward dweeb, just proves how friendships can flourish, even if we all are hundreds of miles apart. And Thank you to all those who work to make Anthrocon a reality too! Thank you all so much!