Why hello there, dearest of dear patriotic Filthy Dreams readers! What’s that? You hear the boom of fireworks already? Well, grab a beer or a case and try not to get your hands blown off lighting up those bottle rockets.

Rather than do a video post that we, here at Filthy Dreams, like to do on the holidays, we decided to turn over the July 4th mania to Emily’s mother–or Mama as she prefers to be called–for her annual coverage of the Furry Convention in Pittsburgh. She’s been rambling about “going Furry hunting” for about a week now so why not throw her a bone so to speak? Well, she sent this to us last night and it made us burst out laughing. Then again we had been drinking. Mama’s all ready to become a professional writer–sending in articles at inappropriate times and demanding immediate editorial input. Soon she’s going to steal our jobs…

So sit back, drink enough that you actually start considering wearing a shirt emblazoned with the American flag and enjoy Mama’s take on the furries:

It’s the 4th of July weekend and Mama is giddy with excitement to celebrate in the
‘burgh, Pittsburgh that is.  Why is that, you ask?  Is it the thought of Zambelli fireworks? (‘not sure Zambelli is used for the 4th but Mama thinks they’re the best!)  Or the infamous Kenny Chesney concert with its parking lot merriment and heaps of trash?  Nope, faithful Filthy Dreams readers…they’re baaaack!  The Furries are in town, just in time for the anniversary of the country’s independence from Brexit, I mean England.  And, Mama is beside herself with joy.

Known this year as the ‘Roaring Twenty’, Anthrocon is in its twentieth year.  What better way to celebrate then to return, yet again, to the warm and welcoming city of Pittsburgh!  We ‘yinzers’ (yes, that includes Mama) love ’em.  They’re such an amiable bunch…or herd…or pride.  You get the picture.  Why, this year’s donation beneficiary is the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium.  How fitting is that?  Last year’s recipient was the Western PA Humane Society and, per the Pittsburgh City Paper, many Furries “have become close friends with the animal shelter.”  Are those Furries fuzzy angels, or what?!

Returning this year, by popular demand I’m sure, is the Furry Parade!  Boy, howdy! What a joyful, colorful soiree that is enjoyed by all ages!  This year the parade is accompanied by the amazing ‘Colonel Eagleburger’s High Steppin’ Good Time Band’.  ‘can hardly keep your feet from tappin’ with this boisterous group of musicians!

Your co-founder and editor, Emily, bravely asked Mama to cover the Furries again. How could I say no?  Why would I?! So, grabbing my incognito red sunglasses and my chauffeur/Mama’s honey, Daddy, we headed down Rte 8 to hunt for Furries.

Stopping first at the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium, Mama and her honey, Daddy, thought Furries could be spotted visiting critters, the zoo being a beneficiary and all.  Um, no.  Disappointed but undeterred, we moved on…on to downtown Pittsburgh.  Honey, that’s where the Furry action is!  Soooo many Furries.   Why, you just park yourself near the Convention Center and politely ask, “May I take your picture?”  A Furry will invariably say/nod ‘yes’ and pose.

Let’s briefly talk about posing.  Every Furry strikes a most beautiful, probably well- rehearsed photographable stance.  I mean…Mama doesn’t have to give any direction, like ya do to stubborn family members!  You know what I’m talking about.  Remember to say, “Thank you!” after the Furry’s photo is taken.  Why, this even works in the parade!  That’s how affable the Furries are.

What is a Furry anyway?  It bears repeating, even to the initiated.  Anthrocon’s answer to ‘What is “Furry”?’ is: “Anthropomorphic or “humanized” animals have been with us since the dawn of civilization.  From the gods of ancient Egypt to the advertising icons of the modern day, people of every culture have created fanciful creatures simply by imbuing animals with human traits.  Only within the last two decades has anthropomorphic or “Furry” fandom been recognized as a distinct fan-base in its own right.  Fans are found in all corners of the world, and come from all races and ages and creeds.  We are bound together across the most daunting barriers by our mutual admiration for these beasts of myth and legend who, by simple reflection, give us a better wind into ourselves.”

Mama thinks that this is especially pertinent in this time, when many try to divide and create suspicion based on differences.  What is important is what unites…commonality.  Furries are undistinguishable by race, creed and sometimes gender.  And the joy they create is enjoyed by all, most especially Pittsburgh.