Now that the dust of all those paws and hooves has settled a bit (and I've made it through final exams this week -- woohoo!!), I have some personal reflections and some gratitude to express.

Wow, what a weekend! We were thrilled with the wonderful mix of people from throughout the greater BDSM community who came together to create the magic we experienced with all the packs and herds and flocks and gaggles and .... well, whatever collective names for animals that apply ... who gathered just a week ago to celebrate the 8th Annual Dog-n-Pony Show weekend. It still amazes me when I see the energy people bring to this play. We had an amazing collection of ponies and pups and kittens, as usual, but we also had a mermaid, and bunnies, and sheep, and tigers, and wolves, and foxes, and .... well, quite a menagerie, to say the least.

We are very grateful to our Dog-n-Pony presenters:
"Dog": Trainer Jim, Spike (and even Duke added some comments)
"Pony": Ponymistress Rebecca, Pixie Pony and Pony Windy
And, of course, Smash Greywolf, from the viewpoint of the Fox in the Fox Hunt.

We'd also like to thank Empress Rhea and Svad for bringing the fine pony cart and harness to SFCitadel on Saturday. We only wish we'd had more time in the schedule to allow everyone time to really appreciate it.

We had excellent participation in the workshops and breakout sessions, and are looking forward to building on this year's ideas to make the workshop tracks even better next year. We're already discussing ideas for additional new workshops, with possibly multi-tracking the classes, or running a full day schedule.

Thanks to all of those who showed up to our "Pets in the Park" outing on Sunday. After all our concerns about the weather, we had about as perfect a day for the picnic as you could ask for. Thanks to all of you who brought the pony (and dog?) carts. Lots of pulling fun was had by all.

We'd also like to thank SFCitadel and all the volunteers who helped us create and hold the magical space for everyone to play in -- as well as those in the community who came to both parties and played, and shared space, with the critters.

I also want to thank those in the animal role play community who keep the energy going all year round. Thanks go to Davor and the regulars at the Pony Munch at Sparky's in the Castro -- the second Wednesday of every month. I wish Wednesday nights weren't so difficult for us, so we could join you more often. And let's not forget all the events held during the "outdoor play" season at The Ranch - Ponymistress Rebecca's Pony Play Days and Fox Hunts. This is exactly the kind of synthesis within the community that we've hoped to spark at the workshops -- and it's fantastic to see the way you've taken things from theory into reality at these events. I know we probably speak for the rest of the community when we say how grateful we are for the energy of those who are willing to take this play to that level.

So, for those of you who attended, once again, thanks so much for your energy and enthusiasm. You helped make it the wonderful weekend it was! And for those of you who couldn't make it this year, we hope to see you at the 9th Annual Dog-n-Pony Show weekend next spring!


Angela