As a Master/Handler in this relationship, it is important to point out that I do not have a pup headspace. I do not even pretend to understand what that headspace would feel like, for me to talk about that headspace in not appropriate. I will leave that up to Pup Riot. I do however feel I have a natural ability to feel what a pup might need at a specific moment. How I could provide a space for a pup to find their paws, to travel on a journey of selfdiscovery. My role is to nurture them through that journey, hold them tight, and make sure they are safe during times when their headspace might be very deep, and they might be vulnerable.

I discovered the Pup scene in Chicago in 2009, while was taking part in IML 31 as Mr Australia and New Zealand Leather. One of my  classmates, Daddy Alan, had a pup called Pup Nitro. We ended up spending a lot of time together during the competition. Pup Nitro would lay all Daddy Alan's leathers out on the bed each day, making sure every last detail is properly cared for and perfect. He would have a time schedule to help his Daddy during a gruelling week of competition events. There would be snacks, protein bars and plenty of drinks to keep his Daddy nourished.

Daddy Alan is unfortunately not with us any more. So I was incredibly fortunate to be able to talk to them about their D/s relationship, learning how it worked for them, what did not work, as well as how they negotiated play with others. I was totally in awe with the dedication, affection and care from his pup. I discovered that I had developed a deep yearning inside of me to also have a pup one day.

Back in Australia in late 2009, I was wearing arseless jeans, while standing in a crowded room at a fancy party in Sydney. Suddenly my eyes met with a guy on the opposite side of the room. He stood out from the crowd, with his flannel shirt, jeans and steel cap boots, still with a bit of mud on them. I was totally intrigued and walked over to ask his name. 'Pup' he replied, while I gave him an approving up and down glance. 'Suits you!' I replied, and walked away. It was 3 days later that it became clear that we both fell in love across a crowded room. After 13 years together, it is clear that we were meant for each other.

When we first started our relationship we immediately assumed our roles as Master and pup. As our relationship developed and grew stronger, we also developed this part of our bond. Early on there were a few gorgeous puppy habits that started totally organically, without any instigation from my part. My pup never sat on the couch; he was on a beanbag at my feet. He would wait for me to start eating before he would take his first bite. He would wait next to the bed, on the floor, until I got into bed. He would put his head on the bed, waiting for me to tap the bed, showing him it's time to jump in. Sometimes he would sleep at my feet.

We assumed this 24/7 Master/pup dynamic without really laying any specific ground rules, or being able to ask others for advice. There was simply no one that we knew in our community that had a similar relationship. One day an unpaid electricity bill rocked our boat. It was clear that we were not only Master and pup, but we had a functional life to look after.

We decided to redesign the dynamic, with many conversations and lots of ideas. We decided to adapt different levels of 'pupness' for him. He would also be able to let me know which level he was at. Without his collar he was free to ask me difficult questions, or tell me off for not paying the electricity bill. With his collar on, he was more submissive, and ready to serve. With his hood on, he was ready to go deeper into the pup headspace. This was a sign for me to make sure the space is safe and pup friendly.

Now many years later, having enjoyed multiple exciting experiences together, we are still Master and pup. We have learned many things; it is not always practical for a human pup to be on all fours, lay on a beanbag, or on the floor for extended periods of time. We have learned that human bodies have limitations. We are looking forward to learn more. By learning our dynamic has evolved even further, now blending to a point where it is not clearly defined.



It is simply:

Me and my Pup Riot.