July 4th is a special day for my partner Mika and myself. We were supposed to be celebrating at Anthrocon, but of course, that can't happen this year due to the pandemic. Instead, I commissioned poodlewool for this absolutely beautiful piece commemorating just a few of the precious moments we've shared together! I've admired her work since my very early days in the furry fandom, and I'm glad I finally got the opportunity to commission her. Her whimsical style was perfect for this piece. She did a wonderful job not only rendering both of our characters, but also capturing the essence of our relationship through mundane and special experiences alike.

A few details:

• One of our favored couple activities is watching movies on the couch together with our little cat. I generally allow artist freedom when cats appear in my commissions, but since this is a special piece, I provided the artist with photos of Mika's and my actual pet kitty to reference!
• Mika didn't have much experience cooking when we first started dating. She's really developed her skills and confidence over the years, with my help! Working on a project with your partner is so much fun, and even better when you can eat your creation at the end. ;3 Here we are cooking chicken & broccoli fettuccine alfredo, one of our signature tag-team dishes.
• The two of us love to go out on brunch dates as a treat. There are lots of great little cafes within walking distance of us, and we've become regulars at a few places!
• The first night Mika and I ever spent together was at Anthrocon 2013. Furry conventions, Anthrocon in particular, are cornerstones of our relationship. If you've ever attended one, you'll understand how liberating it is to be in an environment made up completely of like-minded individuals, where you can feel free to be yourself. The trip is expensive and challenging for the both of us, but we try to go back as often as we can. The experiences we have there are simply incomparable.
• Mika and I are real homebodies, and we admittedly didn't use to get out very much. One night, at the behest of a good friend, we stepped out of our comfort zone and into a local goth club. We had a blast, and I was overwhelmed at how positive and genuine the environment was! I had only ever felt that way before in furry spaces. I'm eagerly looking forward to when the pandemic is over, so we can once again get all dolled up in our goth finery and put on a show for the other patrons ~
• Our Anthrocon trip, when we can manage it, is often the only vacation a year (or more) that Mika and I are able to have. I like to squeeze as many activities as possible into our plans so we can get the most out of our trip! One year, I was able to take us to the Pittsburgh Zoo and PPG Aquaruim, where the two of us got to pet stingrays in a touch tank! They are such majestic and gentle creatures.
• My partner is such a goofball, and there are so many cute little quirks of hers that I absolutely adore. I requested the artist draw in a silly thing she does that never fails to make me smile. Sometimes it's the little mundane things in life that can mean the most to you.

Shetani is acinonyxjubatusrex
Mika is larchus
Art by poodlewool