Co-Founder’s Note: Why hello there, dearest Filthy Dreams readers. While I have been hard at work installing my group show Night Fever at Future Tenant in Pittsburgh (more on that later this week), Mama has, against my better judgment again, been following the Furries around Downtown Pittsburgh. Even though I’m in the city this year for the first time in a long while, I let Mama have her fun as I just stood by in disbelief watching the Furries stroll by the gallery space. Surreal. Anyway, for the third year in a row, enjoy Mama’s pictures and thoughts about Anthrocon 2017:

Well, it’s that celebratory time of year again.  No, not the Fourth of July.  It’s time for
the Furries to come to town, Pittsburgh, that is!  The theme of Anthrocon* 2017 is “Take me out to the ball game”.  (*Mama thinks anthrocon is furry speak for Furry.) And, what better place to represent a ballgame than the Pittsburgh Pirates’ abode.

Now kids, Mama’s gonna refresh your memories to what a Furry is (lifted straight from the Furries’ Anthrocon page): “Anthrocon is the world’s largest convention for those fascinated with anthropomorphic, which are humanlike animal characters such as have fascinated mankind since the dawn of human imagination. (We are a collection of artists, animators, writers, costumers, puppeteers, and just everyday fans who enjoy cartoon animals and their kin.  Membership is open to any and all who like to imagine what it would be like if animals could walk and talk as we do..” That’s a lots of “fascinated” folks, don’t ya think? (Insert happy furry to be in the ‘burgh here: Co-founder’s Note: What is she talking about?)

Another reminder and for those uninitiated, the Furries not only come to frolic through the ‘burgh and attend seminars, they are also charitable critters.  This year their charity is Hope Haven Farm Sanctuary, “whose mission is to rescue neglected farm animals and provide them safe haven.”

Believe it or not, the Furries have been welcomed by Pittsburgh for twelve years. Wow!  Each year it seems that the yinzers* get into the fuzzy spirit. (*Yinzer definition: Pittsburgher).

In its 12 years in Pittsburgh, @anthrocon has brought $53.2 million in direct spending to Pittsburgh.https://t.co/eShWWQiuKC pic.twitter.com/XlUixtkgJI

— The Incline (@theinclinepgh) July 2, 2017

Why, look at these signs posted by local businesses. ‘makes a Furry feel all warm and fuzzy, right?

Besides stopping Furries on the street and politely asking for photos, which was the previous preferred method of shamelessly requesting photos, Mama invaded the Furry lair…the mother ship, the Westin.  While lurking in the lobby with Mama’s honey, Daddy, Mama captured these beautiful beastie photos. Mama’s honey, Daddy took the best photo while Mama was in the ladies’!

Mama was surprised to learn, from Mama’s honey, Daddy, that there exists a beautiful waterfall cooled walkway beneath the David Lawrence Convention Center, where the Furry convention is held.  Surrounded by falling water, many Furries obliged Mama with aqua background poses. (Insert slightly damp Furries’ photos here:)

And, yes, there was a parade.  Of course!  The crowd gathered early in anticipation of the colorful parade.  This year, chairs were provided, but Mama and her honey, Daddy sat on the curb until the time the Furries arrived. Then, Mama shot to the barricades to present you with these parading furries.  (Insert parade photos here:)

Thoughts from Mama:  Like our hometown heroes, Mr. Rogers and Josie Carey wrote:

“I like you as you are
I wouldn’t want to change you
Or even rearrange you
Not by far”

I believe the Furries hold that belief too.  Mama saw all ages, all races, all genders, sizes of Furries…and they all embraced.  Literally.  ‘seems like the Furry greeting is a big hug.  I must say, considering some of the national nastiness that Mama has observed lately, who couldn’t use a big hug?!