The Puppy Insider Issue 2 - July 2016 | Page 7

When I first asked you puppies what you wanted to talk about, there was an overwhelming response asking for me to talk about puppies are deaf. Now from what I know, in the UK, there aren’t many deaf puppies, but I know fine well that the American community has issues here. And I could think of nobody better to talk too than pup Nightmare. He’s a puppy who I’ve often seen talking about these issues, and was more than happy to be a voice on the issue Firstly, could you tell us a bit about yourself? How long have you been involved with the puppy community? Well, from my self-explanatory fetish for shoes of every kind imaginable, I like to think them as the sum of my parts. Colourful, different, addictive could be some of the words used to describe Nightmare. As for being involved within the puppy community, about three years give or take. How do you feel the community accepted you (or not) as a puppy who is deaf? Since Deaf leathermen are already an integrated part of the community, they've been very accepting and accommodating of a Deaf puppy like I am and I've met others who are like I, not many though. Do you feel that attitudes towards you have changed over time? Of course, there will always be those who aren't sure what to make of I when we meet but they've been absolutely amazing and more interested, curious about Deaf culture and I encourage others to learn. What are the major issues you face as a deaf puppy? Social interaction for the most part, I've been to very few Moshes or events, and I do get nervous about meeting new people but isn't everyone? It's something I'll work over time and gain confidence as I go. Are there issues beyond the obvious? Not at this point, I wouldn't think so but you never know.