Ever since my surgery back in 2012, I gained a lot more weight than I’d kept on virtually my entire college career. And it’s strange, given that I’m the kind of person to not really care what I physically look like, that I thought gaining weight was somehow a disappointing outcome. My fursona had always been vastly different from my actual body type, if only because it’s a fun fantasy. There’s a semi-totemic aspect, that by envisioning oneself as having certain qualities, it’s easier to take on those qualities.

But there was a gulf there anyhow, as though I was saying to everyone that I’m disappointed with myself. I’m not, really. There’s always going to be things I wish I could change, and things I can change I wish would come easier. But if I kept thinking I was projecting the image of disappointment, then I might be dissuaded from necessary self-care.

I don't think he'd actually replace the furret fully, but I do know of several people who have multiple personal characters that capture different aspects of their personality. Sometimes they feel this way, sometimes that. West is basically so that I can capture a fuller, more adult side of myself that I feel like I've been ignoring for too long.

Since he does represent me, you can still call him Rick, thought West or Heaven (or Roo I suppose) would be helpful to differentiate him from the furret.