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THE WINNER!
Kite's Windswept Wanderings: For diligent and pawsome recording of furcons and events and being an amazing content creator, promoting a positive image of the furry fandom for all to see.
Honorable Mentions
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Reed Waller: For his work founding the first furry APA (Vootie) and for creating one of the first and most influential furry comicbook series, Omaha the Cat Dancer. Read more here.
READ ABOUT ALL OUR NOMINEES, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!
Seriously, just being nominated is an honor. There are hundreds of thousands of furries out there, and if you are on this list below, that makes you one of just 30 or so furries who people wanted to acknowledge as being super-pawsome!
Kite's Windswept Wanderings: For diligent and pawsome recording of furcons and events and being an amazing content creator, promoting a positive image of the furry fandom for all to see.
Honorable Mentions
- Chise: For research on developing the Covid-19 vaccine and for working to inform the furry fandom of the facts about Covid and the vaccine.
- Beeton Nukicoon: For being an all-around good furry who promotes other artists, volunteers at furcons, and running an entertaining furry YouTube show
- Christopher "Papa Woof" Roth: For all the hard work since 2001 as a director of Memphit Fur Meet and support of the St. Louis furry community
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Reed Waller: For his work founding the first furry APA (Vootie) and for creating one of the first and most influential furry comicbook series, Omaha the Cat Dancer. Read more here.
READ ABOUT ALL OUR NOMINEES, AND CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL OF YOU!
Seriously, just being nominated is an honor. There are hundreds of thousands of furries out there, and if you are on this list below, that makes you one of just 30 or so furries who people wanted to acknowledge as being super-pawsome!
Amy Husky: Amy Husky is an outstandingly kind furry. Throughout her time in the fandom, she has been bullied, ridiculed, and criticized against for her unique identity. She doesn't deserve this — she meets everyone with an exceptional attitude, promotes kindness and positivty, and expresses that she is just in the Fandom to have a good time. Amy is suicidal, and struggles with depression. She is so so sweet, and I know it would mean so much to this woman if she won the award. She deserves something to brighten her spirits, y'know?
Bash the Piñata (TransformARTive, Inanimorphs, Furry Flags): Bash has not only been active in our anime con community with their Convention History project (https://www.conhistory.com/) but they have also done a lot of work in researching and doing panels on the history of furry cons. I never realized the connection between both the anime and furry con scenes until Bash brought up at their panel how they both come from the same room parties. On top of that they been active in helping promote LGBT pride and awareness at cons, they been the sole runner behind the Furry Flags booth at cons where they mainly do furry cons but when they vend at anime cons like Anime Central and MAGFest it's always nice to see queer furry art represented. They also been active in the transformation fandom, where they done history panels on the topic at both anime and furry cons. And in the last year it's been a joy to see their new Bash the Piñata fursuit at all cons. I had the pleasure of being their handler at MFF last year, but they also wore their suit to San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con, and even won a best costume ribbon at Chicon Worldcon (the place where the first con costume contest was ever held in the 1940's) and I would say they were a great representative for the furry community at these other events. So I bet if they have been so great at non-furry cons, they must have made a good impact on a few people in the furry con scene.
Beeton Raccoon: Beeton is an amazing person and a Very Good Furry. He strives hard to be a great musician, but he’s also wonderful to artists and does his best to promote others and give exposure to everyone he commissions. In addition, he is very kind and considerate to others both online and in person. He helps out with panels and urges others to have the confidence to try new things, whether it’s performing onstage or hosting a panel for the first time. Finally, Beeton hosts a very entertaining YouTube channel. It’s entertaining and engaging and a lot if fun to watch. All around, he’s generous, kind, supports others’ causes, gives to charities and puts his best paw forward as a performer, an advocate, and a person. Here’s to Beeton for the Good Furry Award!
Cendyne Naga: They run a furry tech blog which helps further the presence of the fandom in cryptography(not currency) and helps expose outside individuals to a bright side of the fandom.
Chise: Chise has been a major spotlight in the community since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a vaccine researcher, she has regularly fought against disinformation on major social medial outlets like twitter. She has been mentioned in several popular news outlets as well as "the furry researcher who's fighting COVID." (https://www.inverse.com/input/features/furry-scientist-vaccines-chise-covid-19-twitter-controversy or https://www.logically.ai/articles/talking-mrna-vaccines-with-a-furry-microbiologist). She is an incredibly nice person who is a perfect figurehead of the furry community. (Note: This is the third time Chise has been nominated.)
--Nomination 2: Chise has tirelessly fought against anti-masking and antivax propaganda, working to make the science behind protecting one and all from Covid accessible and understandable to the layman. I believe that without Chise's efforts, furcons would be (even more) lax with their Covid guidelines. when we have such a large population of immunocompromised people in our fanbase, the voice of someone like Chise to sway the powers that be into action that protects us all cannot be discounted!
Christopher Roth: Papa Woof/Tyger has worked tirelessly for decades and has never really got any recognition. He has been one of the Directors of the Mephit Fur Meet since 2001 and works on keeping the con and the MFM "family" going. He gets everything together for the con and even does all the cooking for the Critter Cafe at the con giving attendees something to eat all weekend. He also worked hard to keep the Saint Louis Furry Community going for many years. He is a Fursuiter, con runner and many other things. He works hard behind the scenes to make sure others can have fun.
Equuinoxxx: Steven Webb has been buying commissions from several beginning furry artists like Castorplayz, who has been struggling with many personal issues. Steven has been sending funds to help other furries in various parts of the world with food, medical needs, and even art supplies and home items. Steven has given funds to other struggling furs here in America, the Philippines, and Johannesburg, South Africa. He always gives wonderful reviews to artists, most of whom really need the recognition and visibility. And I believe he has been desiring to be a welcoming fur at conventions and helping furs by themselves not feel alone at conventions, something we plan on trying at Denfur this year. I unfortunately don't have all the names of those he's been helping, but I do know that there are or have been probably a dozen or more people. Steven doesn't ask for anything more than maybe a thank you for what he does, and I believe he deserves recognition for it.
Fang, Feather, and Fin (Tofte, Chipper, and Gale): Tofte (Christopher Polt) is a university professor at Boston College who teaches a furry class called Beast Literature. He also is working to preserve furry history with the help of his university on a website called fangfeatherandfin.com. He has tons of donated items of various comics (sfw and nsfw), leaflets from various cons, conbooks, etc. (Second nomination text) The folks behind "Fang, Feather, and Fin"—namely Tofte, Chipper, and Gale—are pursuing the massive undertaking of archiving the history of the furry fandom. They are actively gathering every bit of furry media they can get their hands on, spanning across decades and all forms of media, including magazines, artwork, books, comics, and regularly published blog posts mapping out the fascinating history of furries and everything that's ever brought us together. With so much furry history being originally recorded on old websites and obscure printed materials that are quickly being lost or forgotten over time, they are performing a massive service for the future of the fandom. We are all enriched by remembering the unique and beautiful past that had made the furry fandom and community what it is today, and efforts like theirs will preserve that history for future generations of furries!
Frost the Snowy Dutchie: Frost is one of the kindest, caring, loving Momma Dutchies in the fandom. She is loving, caring, and supportive mother of her son who is also a furry. She is co-owner and an active member of the Helping Paws Charity Organization. She provides lots of love, advice, and emotional support for younger furries in the fandom as well as at conventions. She regularly donates to the helping paws as well as helps other furries with financial hardships. Always provides a positive guiding light for everyone she interacts with. She gives, gives, gives, and never asks for anything in return. She is the epitome of what a Good Furry Award winner should be.
--Frost is a very sweet furry who is heavily involved in a furry charity called "Helping Paws Charity/Nonprofit Organization". She is always there to support other furries, and she uses this charity as a method by which she can help share with others. She 100% deserves the nomination.
Gadget and Gizmo: Gadget and Gizmo are inspirational Fursuiters. The spread positivity through the fandom by being themselves wonderfully positive furries to interact with. They both deserve recognition for their efforts to entertain dance and spread joy to others.
Grovel Husky: Grovel is a trans news reporter bringing positive news for the furry fandom. Giving knowledge to everyone including con staff and con chairmen with her accurate news that she brings with Grovel Reports. She is also an inspiration to transgender furries in the fandom and in general. She's also the operations lead of Hex Furry Fest a virtual furry con bringing positivity to all. She does so much hard work holding up a virtual con,spreading positive news about the fandom to the fandom and is an inspiration to everyone she meets. I can't think of anyone else that deserves the Good Furry Award!!!
Jeff Snider (Scruffywoofie): In 2019 Scruffywoofie founded the 501(c)(3) no kill rescue group called The Cathouse Rescue, Inc., in Boiling Springs Lake, North Carolina. He brings joy to so many people in his community that know him as Scruffy, and he is generally great guy with huge heart. In addition to the cat rescue, Scruffywoofie runs Cape Fear Furries, a group of 140 furries in North Carolina. According to Scruffywoofie (who did not nominate himself, FYI), "Our diversity is like everybody else's. However the really shy ones, or the ones with social interaction issues we work with to coax them out of their shells and then help them to close that door. We have guys who are now the greatest dancers at our meets, jump at the chance to go with me to visit our furs at work and home. And go with me to visit at our two local hospitals and retirement homes. I'm just glad that I have a fursuit head on cause I can't hide my emotions. My guys are my family and closest friends and I treat them as such. I absolutely adore being a furry. It's the best way to let me be me AND I can make many other people happy along the way. I do have a 501(c)(3) no kill cat shelter that I adore, but the main thing that brings me the most joy are the children's charities that we support. We do birthday parties in suit and take custom cakes from our favorite local baker. Most of this is covered by the three jobs that I have and help from my handler Pattiann The Furry Guard Mother."
Joe G. Bear: Joe Bear has been promoting furry lifestyle on social media (Facebook), not only to share his journey in events, but also photos and mentions of folks he encountered and gives kudos to them. In addition, he tirelessly dedicated his time and effort fundraise to fight ALS, along with the California Irvine team (ALS Orange county chapter, the one Dogbomb was at). His confidence, energy and enthusiasm represents the group very well and I hope to nominate him to be considered for the good furry award
Kite’s Windswept Wanderings: Kite is an amazing content creator who has been filming every furry convention he's been at, basically showing me how amazing these cons are from his perspective. His streams light up my day; he does so much to help other express themselves in this fandom. He is the best boy for this award.
--They document many furcons and fursuit parades/walks on YouTube and got me interested in the furry fandom.
--They should get it for archiving the fandom's conventions with atmospheric footage of nearly every con throughout the year.
--This furry brings awareness to the furry community by recording conventions and events. His high-tech gear allows him to film not only in 4k but also in 360 VR as well. Pictures and videos are crisp and clear, and he does wonderful work. He brought me further into the furry fandom by showing that there are no limits to what you can do. His message to me is to not hold anything back and just be myself. This person does excellent work in documenting furry related content. Please check his work out on YouTube.
--I believe they deserve the award because they are always capturing the beautiful moments at furry conventions, and I have personally viewed their videos when considering what convention I would like to go to! Kite's videos has given me a genuine feel for the convention so I can get an idea of whether it would be for me or not and it's been so helpful! I also appreciate they take video of not just full fursuiters but those out of suit or ones that just have a fursuit head, which I like because those attendees, I feel, don't get that much attention in con videos! He shows the fandom as a whole and I really admire that! A good fur indeed!
--Kite’s Windswept Wanderings: Kite is an amazing content creator who has been filming every furry convention he's been at, basically showing me how amazing these cons are from his perspective. His streams light up my day; he does so much to help other express themselves in this fandom. He is the best boy for this award.
--They document many furcons and fursuit parades/walks on YouTube and got me interested in the furry fandom.
--They should get it for archiving the fandom's conventions with atmospheric footage of nearly every con throughout the year.
--This furry brings awareness to the furry community by recording conventions and events. His high-tech gear allows him to film not only in 4k but also in 360 VR as well. Pictures and videos are crisp and clear, and he does wonderful work. He brought me further into the furry fandom by showing that there are no limits to what you can do. His message to me is to not hold anything back and just be myself. This person does excellent work in documenting furry related content. Please check his work out on YouTube.
--I believe they deserve the award because they are always capturing the beautiful moments at furry conventions, and I have personally viewed their videos when considering what convention I would like to go to! Kite's videos has given me a genuine feel for the convention so I can get an idea of whether it would be for me or not and it's been so helpful! I also appreciate they take video of not just full fursuiters but those out of suit or ones that just have a fursuit head, which I like because those attendees, I feel, don't get that much attention in con videos! He shows the fandom as a whole and I really admire that! A good fur indeed!
Laminar Fox: Laminar is THE ideal fursuiting role model. I’ve never seen a single person in the fandom with the confidence and “I don’t care what others think” attitude he has. He steals the show everywhere he goes and brings hugs and smiles to everyone he meets. I love using my fursuit to bring joy to people, including children, but I’m not as good as he is. I look up to him and envy the confidence he’s able to perform with in suit, and hope to be like that one day. Under the suit he’s a wonderful person as well. He was there to help me through the darkest time in my life, and I cannot thank him enough for it.
Mango Peach the axollama (formerly Hunter Fusky): For their volunteer work building homes and also playgrounds for disabled children, as well as donating plasma and rescuing a victim of abuse who was in a life-threatening situation. Mango is one of the kindest furries I know. He always goes out of his way to help others even if it means his own happiness. He just moved to Kentucky and is trying to help others out there. He’s been going through some terrible times for example his mother just got diagnosed with cancer and he’s going to be loosing his new apartment. If anyone deserves this award it’d definitely be him. (GFA admin note: this is the fourth time Mango Peach has been nominated!)
--Mango always strives to help others when needed; even when he himself faces hardships, he never wavers and continues to make people smile and laugh. Mango is a very devoted friend and has helped some of his closest friends when we've been depressed and down...
Matrices: Matrices has been sharing info and tutorials on how to build fursuits for over a decade. I think it is partly because of her that there are so many fursuits and makers in the fandom today - many have learned from the knowledge she freely shares.
Melvis Barksy: Melvis is such a good friend to so many people in the fandom. He does nothing but spread love and positivity and makes everyone around him extremely happy. Every fur I know of who’s met him thinks he’s the greatest, funniest, and sometimes even cutest person in the fandom. Melvis has also helped me and others discover our true selves. In my care his confidence has inspired me and some of my friends to be more open, and by being more open I was able to discover I’m actually demisexual rather than asexual as I previously thought. So many people have been touched and inspired by his positivity and his confidence to be yourself!
Moms of Furries: Carrie and Joelle are two moms who, when finding out that their kids wanted to go to a furry convention, dived head first into the fandom to learn more about it and support their kids. Since then they've gone on to support minors in the fandom in general and created wholesome, safe spaces where teens can be themselves and be creative, and not have to worry about the typically more adult sides of the fandom. They've run panels for young furs at conventions, created videos to teach furs of all ages of the ins and out of the fandom, and most recently have wrote articles pushing back against some of the more common urban myths about furries: https://www.insider.com/moms-of-furries-share-the-truth-about-their-furry-kids-2022-12
In a fandom predominately of adults, minors can often fall by the wayside. This results in minors ending up in spaces where they don't belong, and risking them getting hurt. But by creating places for younger furries to belong, the Moms of Furries are doing great things to help them and to keep them safe. For these reasons, I nominate the Moms of Furries for the good furry award!
NC Anthro Society: NCAS (NC Anthro Society) is a nonprofit furry organization run by passionate furries across North Carolina. They organize events to enrich and unite furries, mainly in the triangle region (Raleigh, Durham), as well as connecting different regions and furry groups in NC. The leaders believe in and hold core values such as keeping operation and information transparent, initiating operations by themselves after ideas were discussed in a "I'm going to do this this this, if anyone would like to help please let me know" and never in a "this is my idea, go figure out and do it" attitude, do good by setting examples for others, value diversity and take different voices to heart, etc. It takes an entire team of like-minded individuals to achieve and upkeep values like this; that's why I believe the NCAS team really deserve the recognition.
Riggy Folf: Riggy Folf manages to stand out among the rest of the fandom not only for his bubbly, extroverted nature, but also for the genuine honesty, kindness, and selflessness he has in his big heart. He isn't afraid to say things as they are, will always be there for a friend, and never fail s to brighten up the room and get people to laugh and socialize. A truly wonderful soul that life needs more of.
Rusty Bourne: Rusty has been more selfless and kind to those in need. He's volunteered at MFF every year to help the con out. He's helped furs physically and emotionally even when it was more than he could handle he still kept helping. I sometimes ask the guy to get a vacation but he insists to keep helping others before he will. Rusty Bourne never asks for anything back except for everyone to just love each other and keep spreading love. If anyone deserves it. It's him.
Shrapnel Vargr: Runs a YouTube channel where he talks about things in the fandom. Also takes the time to explain the good, the bad and the ugly while also taking pains to advise how to avoid the bad and the ugly.
Shutter Bear: Shutter works tirelessly to support the furry fandom as well as his other fandoms. His support and drive as AnthrOhio staff is an equal testament to his loving and giving nature. He is always looking for new ways to introduce furry to other venues as well as incorporate furry into other fandoms through fun exhibitions and dances. He has consistently been behind the camera at conventions offering photography services capturing the most loving yet dynamic moments for us. Consider all of his giving and generosity and then consider he is often without accolades or fanfare. His kind gentle and wise nature make him a wonderful candidate for a show of affection from the fandom. Please consider Shutter as the Good Furry of 2023.
Star Raccoon: Star is the absolute funniest and best furry in the fandom. He’s quick witted and funny but most of all generous and giving. He volunteers time to charity, helps produce other people videos on YouTube. He gives panel discussions at cons on proper etiquette and how to be a handler for furs then donates his time to being a handler for others. He even gave a friend of mine free tickets to Disney world at Megaplex so he could propose to his boyfriend. Please. He’s the good furry of 2023!!
--I’m so happy to see Star get nominated for the good furry prize. I adore his YouTube channel as he does funny videos that kept so many people entertained and laughing during the pandemic. He does funny stuff but his computer videos have taught us a lot about old computer stuff. His expertise on computers is amazing. His 2000 plus subscribers is proof of his value as an entertainer. I wish he would do more videos on old tv shows. I’ve seen him at mff and i cried when I met him. He has inspired so many to “keep their stick on the ice” with his kindness by supporting charities. His love of the fandom os second to none. He helps his friends with their fundraisers frequently. I’ve seen him help Sherbet at mff with panels and being his handler. I watched him manage the Japanese fursuit meet photoshoot without ever drawing attention to himself. He’s gone to so much trouble to build others up as family. He’s been the biggest Zootopia fan I’ve ever seen. I loved his Gideon gray portrayal so much I wish he’d unretire Gideon. and I need him to be recognized for his love, generosity and kindness. Make this the year of star raccoon!
--I first met star raccoon in 2015 at megaplex and he was simply captivating. His generous nature and his humor made me feel at ease and like I had known him for years (even though i had only met him at that convention once) I then knew him from organizing "new to the fandom" panels at conventions where people could share their stories and how they handled being a furry publicly. I've followed him for years on and off and while I dont agree with some of his theories on life I cant help but agree whole heartedly with some of his beliefs in Live Each Day like its your last. Enjoy every sandwich. Keep your Stick on the ice. I adore his youtube channel and watch each upload, no matter how inappropriate for work it may be. Hes perhaps the best kept secret in the fandom to be honest. I cannot believe he's not been nominated before this year but now looking at its about time someone as welcoming, humurous, entertaining, kind, gentle and straight to the point as stardust raccoon is. Thank you everyone for making this possible and good luck star.
Thabo Meerkat: Thabo has been a role model of furry charity for quite some time. He tirelessly researches and keeps producing #DiggingUpPositivity episodes to let people know how great the furry fandom is, and showcase charity donations on a global scale. He himself even volunteered to bring smiles and happiness through public suiting events. Of all the furry communities and organizations that had the donations shown through him, he himself really should be recognized as well!
TheGothiccCinnibon: Ashe, better known as TheGothiccCinnibon or Misstis mysticals has gone above and beyond in the cosplay and furry community! Time and time again I've witnessed her cover bills for the less fortunate, help design and create fursuits for those with financial difficulties and even when she became disabled from a motorcycle accident. She still pushes through jumping around and bringing smiles to everyone she meets. Overall she gives any surplus she can after medical bills and doesn't let anything stop her.
The Royal Rebellion: She hosted that meetup at the university when FC didn’t happen. It was gonna be my first FC and I flew all the way from Dallas, didn’t notice they were not having it cuz of short staff! I’m so glad something still happened.
--For being confident enough in hosting the shadow convention at San Jose State University as FC 2022 went defunct last second due to the lack of volunteer and staff. Even for those who flew in from out of town in hopes to attend the original main convention. Thanks to her she was able to still make something happen. Music was provided, games were played, people got to know eachother more since it was a much smaller group. Thanks to The Royal Rebellion, we were able to still have a con despite what had happened.
--She’s been the most supportive to furries online. Especially to me and others who are young furs. She goes around her life showing her interest as a furry loud and proud. Enough to drown out the noise of negativity. I’m going by that too, and I’ve managed to drown out the noise of being bullied and the hate comments! And made friends along the way. I want to personally thank her one day.
--My friend and I are big BIG fans of the Royal Rebellion! Did you know she was actually the FIRST To build a dino mask into Y’know. Like a fursuit? Like treating it like a normal build on resin base? She did that!!! she’s Sparking creativity amongst other young furs who are Dino maskers. including my friend and I!
--Met this person at Silicon Valley comic con 2016 gotta say they’re super positive about being a furry. I been following them on social media ever since and gotta say they got a gentle creative spirit and so welcoming to the onset of young furs.
--She may seem like a normal fur, but in reality she’s a real supporter of furries. And very welcoming of the new generation. My little sister and I found her on TikTok, my little sister has trouble with people at school, and the Royal Rebellion on TikTok has been teaching her to not take and give crap to those who hate someone over a hobby. Right now my sister is trying to replicate the Royal rebellion’s fursuit head. Not exactly of course! But she’s got references and a new Dino mask and all. :)
--She makes delightful videos on Douyin of her and her little niece making beast costume together. Both her and her niece are a delight. I want them to win[看][玫瑰]
VancouFUR staff (group nominees): They embody all that is good in the community. This is for the Syrian Refugees that had to flee the country and had no place to go other than the hotel the con was at. The Furries opened their arms to give those poor kids some happiness and show just how big of a heart furries tend to have. Here is just one of the new articles about it. They are the kinds of furs we should strive to be like. https://mashable.com/article/syrian-refugees-get-warm-canadian-welcome-at-furry-convention-in-vancouver.
Volf: Year in and out Volf does so much charity work in suit. He was GOH at ConFuzzled for it, he is so well known for it. Volf goes above and beyond to arrange charity work not only for himself and his partner to do but for groups of us as well, and he is endlessly giving. When I think charity, I think Volf.
Bash the Piñata (TransformARTive, Inanimorphs, Furry Flags): Bash has not only been active in our anime con community with their Convention History project (https://www.conhistory.com/) but they have also done a lot of work in researching and doing panels on the history of furry cons. I never realized the connection between both the anime and furry con scenes until Bash brought up at their panel how they both come from the same room parties. On top of that they been active in helping promote LGBT pride and awareness at cons, they been the sole runner behind the Furry Flags booth at cons where they mainly do furry cons but when they vend at anime cons like Anime Central and MAGFest it's always nice to see queer furry art represented. They also been active in the transformation fandom, where they done history panels on the topic at both anime and furry cons. And in the last year it's been a joy to see their new Bash the Piñata fursuit at all cons. I had the pleasure of being their handler at MFF last year, but they also wore their suit to San Diego Comic Con, New York Comic Con, and even won a best costume ribbon at Chicon Worldcon (the place where the first con costume contest was ever held in the 1940's) and I would say they were a great representative for the furry community at these other events. So I bet if they have been so great at non-furry cons, they must have made a good impact on a few people in the furry con scene.
Beeton Raccoon: Beeton is an amazing person and a Very Good Furry. He strives hard to be a great musician, but he’s also wonderful to artists and does his best to promote others and give exposure to everyone he commissions. In addition, he is very kind and considerate to others both online and in person. He helps out with panels and urges others to have the confidence to try new things, whether it’s performing onstage or hosting a panel for the first time. Finally, Beeton hosts a very entertaining YouTube channel. It’s entertaining and engaging and a lot if fun to watch. All around, he’s generous, kind, supports others’ causes, gives to charities and puts his best paw forward as a performer, an advocate, and a person. Here’s to Beeton for the Good Furry Award!
Cendyne Naga: They run a furry tech blog which helps further the presence of the fandom in cryptography(not currency) and helps expose outside individuals to a bright side of the fandom.
Chise: Chise has been a major spotlight in the community since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic. As a vaccine researcher, she has regularly fought against disinformation on major social medial outlets like twitter. She has been mentioned in several popular news outlets as well as "the furry researcher who's fighting COVID." (https://www.inverse.com/input/features/furry-scientist-vaccines-chise-covid-19-twitter-controversy or https://www.logically.ai/articles/talking-mrna-vaccines-with-a-furry-microbiologist). She is an incredibly nice person who is a perfect figurehead of the furry community. (Note: This is the third time Chise has been nominated.)
--Nomination 2: Chise has tirelessly fought against anti-masking and antivax propaganda, working to make the science behind protecting one and all from Covid accessible and understandable to the layman. I believe that without Chise's efforts, furcons would be (even more) lax with their Covid guidelines. when we have such a large population of immunocompromised people in our fanbase, the voice of someone like Chise to sway the powers that be into action that protects us all cannot be discounted!
Christopher Roth: Papa Woof/Tyger has worked tirelessly for decades and has never really got any recognition. He has been one of the Directors of the Mephit Fur Meet since 2001 and works on keeping the con and the MFM "family" going. He gets everything together for the con and even does all the cooking for the Critter Cafe at the con giving attendees something to eat all weekend. He also worked hard to keep the Saint Louis Furry Community going for many years. He is a Fursuiter, con runner and many other things. He works hard behind the scenes to make sure others can have fun.
Equuinoxxx: Steven Webb has been buying commissions from several beginning furry artists like Castorplayz, who has been struggling with many personal issues. Steven has been sending funds to help other furries in various parts of the world with food, medical needs, and even art supplies and home items. Steven has given funds to other struggling furs here in America, the Philippines, and Johannesburg, South Africa. He always gives wonderful reviews to artists, most of whom really need the recognition and visibility. And I believe he has been desiring to be a welcoming fur at conventions and helping furs by themselves not feel alone at conventions, something we plan on trying at Denfur this year. I unfortunately don't have all the names of those he's been helping, but I do know that there are or have been probably a dozen or more people. Steven doesn't ask for anything more than maybe a thank you for what he does, and I believe he deserves recognition for it.
Fang, Feather, and Fin (Tofte, Chipper, and Gale): Tofte (Christopher Polt) is a university professor at Boston College who teaches a furry class called Beast Literature. He also is working to preserve furry history with the help of his university on a website called fangfeatherandfin.com. He has tons of donated items of various comics (sfw and nsfw), leaflets from various cons, conbooks, etc. (Second nomination text) The folks behind "Fang, Feather, and Fin"—namely Tofte, Chipper, and Gale—are pursuing the massive undertaking of archiving the history of the furry fandom. They are actively gathering every bit of furry media they can get their hands on, spanning across decades and all forms of media, including magazines, artwork, books, comics, and regularly published blog posts mapping out the fascinating history of furries and everything that's ever brought us together. With so much furry history being originally recorded on old websites and obscure printed materials that are quickly being lost or forgotten over time, they are performing a massive service for the future of the fandom. We are all enriched by remembering the unique and beautiful past that had made the furry fandom and community what it is today, and efforts like theirs will preserve that history for future generations of furries!
Frost the Snowy Dutchie: Frost is one of the kindest, caring, loving Momma Dutchies in the fandom. She is loving, caring, and supportive mother of her son who is also a furry. She is co-owner and an active member of the Helping Paws Charity Organization. She provides lots of love, advice, and emotional support for younger furries in the fandom as well as at conventions. She regularly donates to the helping paws as well as helps other furries with financial hardships. Always provides a positive guiding light for everyone she interacts with. She gives, gives, gives, and never asks for anything in return. She is the epitome of what a Good Furry Award winner should be.
--Frost is a very sweet furry who is heavily involved in a furry charity called "Helping Paws Charity/Nonprofit Organization". She is always there to support other furries, and she uses this charity as a method by which she can help share with others. She 100% deserves the nomination.
Gadget and Gizmo: Gadget and Gizmo are inspirational Fursuiters. The spread positivity through the fandom by being themselves wonderfully positive furries to interact with. They both deserve recognition for their efforts to entertain dance and spread joy to others.
Grovel Husky: Grovel is a trans news reporter bringing positive news for the furry fandom. Giving knowledge to everyone including con staff and con chairmen with her accurate news that she brings with Grovel Reports. She is also an inspiration to transgender furries in the fandom and in general. She's also the operations lead of Hex Furry Fest a virtual furry con bringing positivity to all. She does so much hard work holding up a virtual con,spreading positive news about the fandom to the fandom and is an inspiration to everyone she meets. I can't think of anyone else that deserves the Good Furry Award!!!
Jeff Snider (Scruffywoofie): In 2019 Scruffywoofie founded the 501(c)(3) no kill rescue group called The Cathouse Rescue, Inc., in Boiling Springs Lake, North Carolina. He brings joy to so many people in his community that know him as Scruffy, and he is generally great guy with huge heart. In addition to the cat rescue, Scruffywoofie runs Cape Fear Furries, a group of 140 furries in North Carolina. According to Scruffywoofie (who did not nominate himself, FYI), "Our diversity is like everybody else's. However the really shy ones, or the ones with social interaction issues we work with to coax them out of their shells and then help them to close that door. We have guys who are now the greatest dancers at our meets, jump at the chance to go with me to visit our furs at work and home. And go with me to visit at our two local hospitals and retirement homes. I'm just glad that I have a fursuit head on cause I can't hide my emotions. My guys are my family and closest friends and I treat them as such. I absolutely adore being a furry. It's the best way to let me be me AND I can make many other people happy along the way. I do have a 501(c)(3) no kill cat shelter that I adore, but the main thing that brings me the most joy are the children's charities that we support. We do birthday parties in suit and take custom cakes from our favorite local baker. Most of this is covered by the three jobs that I have and help from my handler Pattiann The Furry Guard Mother."
Joe G. Bear: Joe Bear has been promoting furry lifestyle on social media (Facebook), not only to share his journey in events, but also photos and mentions of folks he encountered and gives kudos to them. In addition, he tirelessly dedicated his time and effort fundraise to fight ALS, along with the California Irvine team (ALS Orange county chapter, the one Dogbomb was at). His confidence, energy and enthusiasm represents the group very well and I hope to nominate him to be considered for the good furry award
Kite’s Windswept Wanderings: Kite is an amazing content creator who has been filming every furry convention he's been at, basically showing me how amazing these cons are from his perspective. His streams light up my day; he does so much to help other express themselves in this fandom. He is the best boy for this award.
--They document many furcons and fursuit parades/walks on YouTube and got me interested in the furry fandom.
--They should get it for archiving the fandom's conventions with atmospheric footage of nearly every con throughout the year.
--This furry brings awareness to the furry community by recording conventions and events. His high-tech gear allows him to film not only in 4k but also in 360 VR as well. Pictures and videos are crisp and clear, and he does wonderful work. He brought me further into the furry fandom by showing that there are no limits to what you can do. His message to me is to not hold anything back and just be myself. This person does excellent work in documenting furry related content. Please check his work out on YouTube.
--I believe they deserve the award because they are always capturing the beautiful moments at furry conventions, and I have personally viewed their videos when considering what convention I would like to go to! Kite's videos has given me a genuine feel for the convention so I can get an idea of whether it would be for me or not and it's been so helpful! I also appreciate they take video of not just full fursuiters but those out of suit or ones that just have a fursuit head, which I like because those attendees, I feel, don't get that much attention in con videos! He shows the fandom as a whole and I really admire that! A good fur indeed!
--Kite’s Windswept Wanderings: Kite is an amazing content creator who has been filming every furry convention he's been at, basically showing me how amazing these cons are from his perspective. His streams light up my day; he does so much to help other express themselves in this fandom. He is the best boy for this award.
--They document many furcons and fursuit parades/walks on YouTube and got me interested in the furry fandom.
--They should get it for archiving the fandom's conventions with atmospheric footage of nearly every con throughout the year.
--This furry brings awareness to the furry community by recording conventions and events. His high-tech gear allows him to film not only in 4k but also in 360 VR as well. Pictures and videos are crisp and clear, and he does wonderful work. He brought me further into the furry fandom by showing that there are no limits to what you can do. His message to me is to not hold anything back and just be myself. This person does excellent work in documenting furry related content. Please check his work out on YouTube.
--I believe they deserve the award because they are always capturing the beautiful moments at furry conventions, and I have personally viewed their videos when considering what convention I would like to go to! Kite's videos has given me a genuine feel for the convention so I can get an idea of whether it would be for me or not and it's been so helpful! I also appreciate they take video of not just full fursuiters but those out of suit or ones that just have a fursuit head, which I like because those attendees, I feel, don't get that much attention in con videos! He shows the fandom as a whole and I really admire that! A good fur indeed!
Laminar Fox: Laminar is THE ideal fursuiting role model. I’ve never seen a single person in the fandom with the confidence and “I don’t care what others think” attitude he has. He steals the show everywhere he goes and brings hugs and smiles to everyone he meets. I love using my fursuit to bring joy to people, including children, but I’m not as good as he is. I look up to him and envy the confidence he’s able to perform with in suit, and hope to be like that one day. Under the suit he’s a wonderful person as well. He was there to help me through the darkest time in my life, and I cannot thank him enough for it.
Mango Peach the axollama (formerly Hunter Fusky): For their volunteer work building homes and also playgrounds for disabled children, as well as donating plasma and rescuing a victim of abuse who was in a life-threatening situation. Mango is one of the kindest furries I know. He always goes out of his way to help others even if it means his own happiness. He just moved to Kentucky and is trying to help others out there. He’s been going through some terrible times for example his mother just got diagnosed with cancer and he’s going to be loosing his new apartment. If anyone deserves this award it’d definitely be him. (GFA admin note: this is the fourth time Mango Peach has been nominated!)
--Mango always strives to help others when needed; even when he himself faces hardships, he never wavers and continues to make people smile and laugh. Mango is a very devoted friend and has helped some of his closest friends when we've been depressed and down...
Matrices: Matrices has been sharing info and tutorials on how to build fursuits for over a decade. I think it is partly because of her that there are so many fursuits and makers in the fandom today - many have learned from the knowledge she freely shares.
Melvis Barksy: Melvis is such a good friend to so many people in the fandom. He does nothing but spread love and positivity and makes everyone around him extremely happy. Every fur I know of who’s met him thinks he’s the greatest, funniest, and sometimes even cutest person in the fandom. Melvis has also helped me and others discover our true selves. In my care his confidence has inspired me and some of my friends to be more open, and by being more open I was able to discover I’m actually demisexual rather than asexual as I previously thought. So many people have been touched and inspired by his positivity and his confidence to be yourself!
Moms of Furries: Carrie and Joelle are two moms who, when finding out that their kids wanted to go to a furry convention, dived head first into the fandom to learn more about it and support their kids. Since then they've gone on to support minors in the fandom in general and created wholesome, safe spaces where teens can be themselves and be creative, and not have to worry about the typically more adult sides of the fandom. They've run panels for young furs at conventions, created videos to teach furs of all ages of the ins and out of the fandom, and most recently have wrote articles pushing back against some of the more common urban myths about furries: https://www.insider.com/moms-of-furries-share-the-truth-about-their-furry-kids-2022-12
In a fandom predominately of adults, minors can often fall by the wayside. This results in minors ending up in spaces where they don't belong, and risking them getting hurt. But by creating places for younger furries to belong, the Moms of Furries are doing great things to help them and to keep them safe. For these reasons, I nominate the Moms of Furries for the good furry award!
NC Anthro Society: NCAS (NC Anthro Society) is a nonprofit furry organization run by passionate furries across North Carolina. They organize events to enrich and unite furries, mainly in the triangle region (Raleigh, Durham), as well as connecting different regions and furry groups in NC. The leaders believe in and hold core values such as keeping operation and information transparent, initiating operations by themselves after ideas were discussed in a "I'm going to do this this this, if anyone would like to help please let me know" and never in a "this is my idea, go figure out and do it" attitude, do good by setting examples for others, value diversity and take different voices to heart, etc. It takes an entire team of like-minded individuals to achieve and upkeep values like this; that's why I believe the NCAS team really deserve the recognition.
Riggy Folf: Riggy Folf manages to stand out among the rest of the fandom not only for his bubbly, extroverted nature, but also for the genuine honesty, kindness, and selflessness he has in his big heart. He isn't afraid to say things as they are, will always be there for a friend, and never fail s to brighten up the room and get people to laugh and socialize. A truly wonderful soul that life needs more of.
Rusty Bourne: Rusty has been more selfless and kind to those in need. He's volunteered at MFF every year to help the con out. He's helped furs physically and emotionally even when it was more than he could handle he still kept helping. I sometimes ask the guy to get a vacation but he insists to keep helping others before he will. Rusty Bourne never asks for anything back except for everyone to just love each other and keep spreading love. If anyone deserves it. It's him.
Shrapnel Vargr: Runs a YouTube channel where he talks about things in the fandom. Also takes the time to explain the good, the bad and the ugly while also taking pains to advise how to avoid the bad and the ugly.
Shutter Bear: Shutter works tirelessly to support the furry fandom as well as his other fandoms. His support and drive as AnthrOhio staff is an equal testament to his loving and giving nature. He is always looking for new ways to introduce furry to other venues as well as incorporate furry into other fandoms through fun exhibitions and dances. He has consistently been behind the camera at conventions offering photography services capturing the most loving yet dynamic moments for us. Consider all of his giving and generosity and then consider he is often without accolades or fanfare. His kind gentle and wise nature make him a wonderful candidate for a show of affection from the fandom. Please consider Shutter as the Good Furry of 2023.
Star Raccoon: Star is the absolute funniest and best furry in the fandom. He’s quick witted and funny but most of all generous and giving. He volunteers time to charity, helps produce other people videos on YouTube. He gives panel discussions at cons on proper etiquette and how to be a handler for furs then donates his time to being a handler for others. He even gave a friend of mine free tickets to Disney world at Megaplex so he could propose to his boyfriend. Please. He’s the good furry of 2023!!
--I’m so happy to see Star get nominated for the good furry prize. I adore his YouTube channel as he does funny videos that kept so many people entertained and laughing during the pandemic. He does funny stuff but his computer videos have taught us a lot about old computer stuff. His expertise on computers is amazing. His 2000 plus subscribers is proof of his value as an entertainer. I wish he would do more videos on old tv shows. I’ve seen him at mff and i cried when I met him. He has inspired so many to “keep their stick on the ice” with his kindness by supporting charities. His love of the fandom os second to none. He helps his friends with their fundraisers frequently. I’ve seen him help Sherbet at mff with panels and being his handler. I watched him manage the Japanese fursuit meet photoshoot without ever drawing attention to himself. He’s gone to so much trouble to build others up as family. He’s been the biggest Zootopia fan I’ve ever seen. I loved his Gideon gray portrayal so much I wish he’d unretire Gideon. and I need him to be recognized for his love, generosity and kindness. Make this the year of star raccoon!
--I first met star raccoon in 2015 at megaplex and he was simply captivating. His generous nature and his humor made me feel at ease and like I had known him for years (even though i had only met him at that convention once) I then knew him from organizing "new to the fandom" panels at conventions where people could share their stories and how they handled being a furry publicly. I've followed him for years on and off and while I dont agree with some of his theories on life I cant help but agree whole heartedly with some of his beliefs in Live Each Day like its your last. Enjoy every sandwich. Keep your Stick on the ice. I adore his youtube channel and watch each upload, no matter how inappropriate for work it may be. Hes perhaps the best kept secret in the fandom to be honest. I cannot believe he's not been nominated before this year but now looking at its about time someone as welcoming, humurous, entertaining, kind, gentle and straight to the point as stardust raccoon is. Thank you everyone for making this possible and good luck star.
Thabo Meerkat: Thabo has been a role model of furry charity for quite some time. He tirelessly researches and keeps producing #DiggingUpPositivity episodes to let people know how great the furry fandom is, and showcase charity donations on a global scale. He himself even volunteered to bring smiles and happiness through public suiting events. Of all the furry communities and organizations that had the donations shown through him, he himself really should be recognized as well!
TheGothiccCinnibon: Ashe, better known as TheGothiccCinnibon or Misstis mysticals has gone above and beyond in the cosplay and furry community! Time and time again I've witnessed her cover bills for the less fortunate, help design and create fursuits for those with financial difficulties and even when she became disabled from a motorcycle accident. She still pushes through jumping around and bringing smiles to everyone she meets. Overall she gives any surplus she can after medical bills and doesn't let anything stop her.
The Royal Rebellion: She hosted that meetup at the university when FC didn’t happen. It was gonna be my first FC and I flew all the way from Dallas, didn’t notice they were not having it cuz of short staff! I’m so glad something still happened.
--For being confident enough in hosting the shadow convention at San Jose State University as FC 2022 went defunct last second due to the lack of volunteer and staff. Even for those who flew in from out of town in hopes to attend the original main convention. Thanks to her she was able to still make something happen. Music was provided, games were played, people got to know eachother more since it was a much smaller group. Thanks to The Royal Rebellion, we were able to still have a con despite what had happened.
--She’s been the most supportive to furries online. Especially to me and others who are young furs. She goes around her life showing her interest as a furry loud and proud. Enough to drown out the noise of negativity. I’m going by that too, and I’ve managed to drown out the noise of being bullied and the hate comments! And made friends along the way. I want to personally thank her one day.
--My friend and I are big BIG fans of the Royal Rebellion! Did you know she was actually the FIRST To build a dino mask into Y’know. Like a fursuit? Like treating it like a normal build on resin base? She did that!!! she’s Sparking creativity amongst other young furs who are Dino maskers. including my friend and I!
--Met this person at Silicon Valley comic con 2016 gotta say they’re super positive about being a furry. I been following them on social media ever since and gotta say they got a gentle creative spirit and so welcoming to the onset of young furs.
--She may seem like a normal fur, but in reality she’s a real supporter of furries. And very welcoming of the new generation. My little sister and I found her on TikTok, my little sister has trouble with people at school, and the Royal Rebellion on TikTok has been teaching her to not take and give crap to those who hate someone over a hobby. Right now my sister is trying to replicate the Royal rebellion’s fursuit head. Not exactly of course! But she’s got references and a new Dino mask and all. :)
--She makes delightful videos on Douyin of her and her little niece making beast costume together. Both her and her niece are a delight. I want them to win[看][玫瑰]
VancouFUR staff (group nominees): They embody all that is good in the community. This is for the Syrian Refugees that had to flee the country and had no place to go other than the hotel the con was at. The Furries opened their arms to give those poor kids some happiness and show just how big of a heart furries tend to have. Here is just one of the new articles about it. They are the kinds of furs we should strive to be like. https://mashable.com/article/syrian-refugees-get-warm-canadian-welcome-at-furry-convention-in-vancouver.
Volf: Year in and out Volf does so much charity work in suit. He was GOH at ConFuzzled for it, he is so well known for it. Volf goes above and beyond to arrange charity work not only for himself and his partner to do but for groups of us as well, and he is endlessly giving. When I think charity, I think Volf.