Pup Oxford finally caught up with Kodas on his return from Gear’d which was held in Adelaide from Thursday 18th to Sunday 21st November. We got to discuss his experiences being a first-timer at Gear’d, as his English doesn’t translate from puppy too well.

Oxford: Can you use 5 words to describe your experience at Gear’d?

Kodas: WOOOOOOOOOOOOWZA! What. A. PAWESOME. Experience!

Oxford: What was something that you gained from this experience?

Kodas: This trip for me was more self-discovery and putting my paws out there to experience something different, experience a new angle and find out there are even more like-minded, pawesome pups, humans, and all in between! Even thoughts some of Australia was hotspots, I still got to meet some pawesome pups and humans from other parts of Queensland, South Australia and of course Western Australia.

Oxford: Being a gear in public pup, what positive experiences did you come up against during this event?

Kodas: As most would know – in public, Kodas is a gear pup. Kodas ALWAYS has his hood and collar on and is that pup who is conscious of who is around before his hood is removed. This adventure I em-barked on (see what I did there) gave me newfound confidence which has been slowly developing over many times, where I found comfort and support from many others to me enjoy my time at the events hoodless. Yes, you read that right HOODLESS! 

I have always been careful on who has seen me without my hood. However, during the week I was in Adelaide, I had one of the most empowering conversations pre-event over some premium kibble and jitter juice one morning – with a very experienced older pup that I look up to, plus a few others in all walks of life, including someone in the same local professional industry as human. These conversations gave me a massive confidence boost and helped set the tone of the weekend for me. I would also like to do a special thanks to the cushion I was holding onto during these conversations – that feeling of protection always does help in unknown situations and helped me open up a bit more.

Oxford: Onto the Gear’d Event itself, what events did you attend?

Kodas: Over the 4 days of events, I attended the VIP – Meeting the Contestants, Gay Bingo (However not as good as Balls Out Bingo – Note to self, 77 strip does not mean STRIP like at Sporties….) plus more events such as question time, contestant talent, and of course the dance party! Some pawesome events by the Gear’d team!

South Australia Pups and Handlers held a munch on the Saturday afternoon. This was for pups and handlers of the community as some could not do an attend. It was a pawesome afternoon and getting to meet some pups not via social media was a pawesome feel.

Oxford: Taking a paw backwards and looking over the trip – how are you after it?

Kodas: When I take a paw back and look over this trip – I am exhilarated that I have come back with new confidence and a new outlook on who I am, how I have taken the time to develop and push myself to be the best I could ever be while representing our PAH and attending some pawesome events. I do recommend that you all take an opportunity to get to Gear’d as it is a fully inclusive event for our community, which is held in a beautiful city!