Arooo!

It was with great anticipation and pleasure that we held our first Mosh since the pandemic began in the first quarter of 2020. Since then we have faced many challenges including multiple lockdowns causing unfortunate but unavoidable cancellations, and government regulations that restricted our activities. As such, the Committee has worked extra hard to make sure the roadmap to our return was able to move forward under the best possible circumstances.

The afternoon opened with a Special General Meeting to introduce an updated Constitution and appoint an auditor. After that, we received a brief word from our President, Sir Tigs, and the formal festivities commenced with a consent workshop developed by the Education and Resources team and facilitated by yours truly, pup Oxford. A video of the workshop will be uploaded to the Education and Resources section of the website very soon.

Once the workshop finished, the moshing began and there were heaps of different activities to join in on. Ring toss, giant Jenga, a photo booth, and of course the mosh mats covered in squeaky toys and balls. Overseen by mosh supervisors ensuring COVID safe measures were effective, the pups had a great time playing on the mats with and without Handlers. The bean bags offered a great place to chill and enjoy a soft drink and snack from the volunteer-led bar, or to watch the games and mosh play in comfort.

Thanks to No Mercy Gear and Sax Fetish, we had two marvellous hampers full of goodies to give away - one as a lucky door prize and the other drawn by raffle. A massive congratulations must go to pup T-Bolt for winning the raffle, and Michael for taking away the door prize.

We have had some phenomenal feedback from some of the attendees. Pup Souda said they ‘really enjoy the workshop and moshing space’ and mentioned it was ‘easy to get to and large enough to accommodate lots of pups and peoples’. Pony, one of our much-loved pony players said ‘it was a bloody good time’. T-Bolt, attending his first mosh ever, also noted it was a ‘very relaxed atmosphere to just pup out’.

As for this pup, well, it was also my first mosh and I was really happy to have an opportunity to meet other pups and have a bit of a play, which included one of the most intense games of Jenga in all my days. I went home a very happy, content and sleepy puppy!

It is worth reminding everyone that it is not just pups and Handlers that can attend mosh. The mosh is open to everyone, and all pets and their trainers are welcome. The Committee is dedicated to ensuring a safe, welcoming environment for everyone to discover and explore themselves more fully, in an environment free from stigma and judgement.

We are already busy planning our next mosh for November, not to mention the other events that are happening - including a three day camp next month and a huge Pupmas in December. If you’re not already, make sure you’re signed up for the newsletter and join our social pages to get the latest PAH news.

See you soon!

Hugs and skritches, Oxford

To see the photos from the photo booth click here