Ask Papabear: The First Advice Column for Furries!
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  • Ask Papabear

He's Concerned He's Too Old to Be Furry

3/10/2016

3 Comments

 
​Dear Papabear,

First, let me say how sorry I am for your loss. It hurts a lot to lose someone you love (trust me, I know). Please accept my deepest condolences.

So here it goes…..
I have recently discovered the fandom, and it looks awesome! I see a lot of things that I would like to become involved with (fursuiting, volunteering, making new friends, etc.), within the fandom. However, I am a little unsure if I would fit in with all of it though, due to my age (I’m 36). Is there in age limit on this? What is the furry view of age within the fandom? Would I be the oldest guy at Anthrocon?!?! Any advice you give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

-Spirit Bear 

* * *
 
Dear Spirit Bear,
 
Thank you for your well wishes. As to your question, no, there is no limit on age. While it’s true that the majority of furries are in their teens and twenties, there are quite a few of us (including yours truly who is 50) who are older.
 
At 36, you’re what is known as a “greymuzzle,” or, as some of the overly sensitive types prefer, “elder fur.” Because the fandom tends to be so chronologically challenged, anyone 30 and over is considered “mature” by furry standards. I like greymuzzle because I have grey on my muzzle and because I believe it makes me look distinguished and shows that I’ve been around the block a few times.
 
Anyway, I founded a group on Facebook for greymuzzles that you are most welcome to join. I believe that people who are greymuzzles are hardcore furries. Many young furries are joiners and posers. They join the fandom because they think it’s outrageous and cool (which it is), but then when they get into the “real world,” finish school, get a job, etc., they consider furries childish and drop out of doing furry stuff. These are the “furry lights.” They don’t have true furry hearts. If you are a real furry, you are ALWAYS a furry until the day you die, is what this bear says!
 
So, welcome welcome, Spirit Bear! Love having another bear in the fandom! And your name says to me you see furry as something deeper than the fur. Good for you!
 
My advice: have fun with it. Avoid drama, whenever possible. Also, if you are financially secure, watch out for moochers and users (there are some of these around, sad to say). Attend furmeets and furcons (you will NOT be the oldest fur at Anthrocon, believe me), get involved with any special interest groups within the fandom (e.g., I also have a FB group just for bears), And just enjoy it as much as possible.
 
Life is waaaaay too short not to be enjoyed. Remember, the only real time you have is right now, so make the most of it.
 
Stay Furry,
Papabear

3 Comments
Critter link
3/11/2016 07:36:37 pm

Forgive this grey muzzle a chuckle - there are some of us in the fandom who do indeed have gray muzzles. Would be great if a few more were around, though.

Have fun, O Bear!

Reply
Drake Wolfe
3/29/2016 05:55:08 pm

Hehe, I've always held a fascination and deep-seated attraction to older men, 'specially the greymuzzles~ Nothing wrong with being 36 and joining the fandom!!! Welcome!!!

As for the part about being a true fur, I 100% concur on this score. I found the fandom when I was 15, was utterly confused by my feelings, and found acceptance and encouragement from my first love. I believe you remember him, Papa.

Ever since I found the Furry fandom, I've had a deep seated belief that I found the place I belong. I've matured since then, finally turned 21 just a few weeks ago, and I'm happy to say that I've solidified my fursona. I've always felt like a wolf, I hold so many wolf-like traits close to my heart, and I can easily say that some of the most compassionate and caring people I've ever met, I've met because of the fandom.

I'm rambling... I'll stop now... *Blushes and hides my face in my paws.*

Reply
Critter link
3/29/2016 11:00:21 pm

Not sure what you have to blush about, Wolf, but it's cute.

Cool what you say about finding your fursona, I feel the same way about otters. At first it was sort of automatic but then as I found out more and more about river otters the more I realized how much they are an inspiration to me.

Stay furry!

Reply



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