Ten years ago, I took my first 'official' act as a furry; signing up for the Furtopia forums, the first positive statement I made saying 'yes, I like this'. I was much more shy ten years ago than I am now, and I was going to do it on the first of the year, but I bottled out at the last moment. So my date is measured from the 4th instead, at a minute past midnight.

It's been a long road, and I've changed a lot. I never thought I'd get into cons, or fursuiting, or performing on stage - I was far too shy to imagine that could be something I'd enjoy. My whole strategy was based around getting by without people noticing me, on slipping under people's radar, hiding, and here were things that deliberately drew attention to me... I was a very self-negating creature, a lot of my effort devoted to fighting myself or suppressing myself. It is thanks almost solely to the people that I have met in this community that I've grown as far out of that mindset as I have, and I owe you a great debt for (variously) your acceptance, your friendship and your love. Thank you. I love you all.

Here's to many more years to come!

(And if that's too sappy for you, AGDQ 2015 is up and running! Go watch it and donate and beat cancer by having fun! :P)

D.F.