Location: Manchester
Role: Beta Pup
Member Since: 2021
Favourite Gear: Blue leather collar and matching harness
Welcome to another edition of Meet the Pack, where we sit down with members of the Society of Pups community to learn more about their journey, interests, and experiences. This month we’re chatting with Pup Rocky, a Manchester-based Beta Pup who loves board games, travelling, and helping newcomers feel welcome.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Rocky, a 34-year-old pup based in Manchester. Outside of pup life I work in IT, spend far too much money on board games, and love exploring new places around the UK. I’m quite social and enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds, which is one of the reasons I was drawn to the pup community in the first place.
What is your pup name and how did you choose it?
Rocky actually started as a joke between friends. I was always the one organising activities and making sure everyone was included, and someone commented that I was as dependable as a rock. It stuck, and before long people were calling me Rocky more often than my real name.
How long have you been part of the pup community?
Just over four years now.
It feels strange saying that because it genuinely doesn’t feel that long ago that I was nervously attending my very first pup social wondering whether I’d fit in.
What first introduced you to pup culture?
I first came across pup culture online during lockdown. Initially I was curious about the gear because that’s usually what people see first. The more I looked into it though, the more I realised there was a genuine community behind it.
What really caught my attention wasn’t the gear—it was seeing groups of people organising socials, supporting each other and building friendships.
What attracted you to the community?
The sense of belonging.
I think a lot of people underestimate how valuable it is to find a group where you can simply relax and be yourself. There wasn’t any pressure to look a certain way or act a certain way. Everyone seemed welcoming and genuinely interested in getting to know each other.
That was incredibly refreshing.
Do you identify with a particular role?
I’d definitely describe myself as a Beta Pup.
I enjoy helping people feel included and connected. I’m not usually the loudest person in the room and I don’t necessarily want to lead everything, but I love bringing people together and supporting others.
A lot of my favourite memories involve introducing people who later became close friends.
What three words best describe you as a pup?
Friendly.
Reliable.
Curious.
Do you have a favourite piece of gear?
My blue leather collar.
It’s one of the first pieces of gear I ever bought and it’s been with me at almost every event I’ve attended. It’s not the most expensive item I own, but it has the most memories attached to it.
What does being a pup mean to you personally?
For me it’s about freedom and connection.
It’s having permission to be playful as an adult without feeling self-conscious. It’s making friends with people who understand you. It’s finding a community where everyone is encouraged to be themselves.
The gear is fun, but the friendships are what matter most.
What has been your favourite experience within the community so far?
Attending my first large Pride event with a group of pups.
There was something really special about standing alongside friends, meeting people from across the country, and seeing how many different communities had come together to celebrate who they are.
The atmosphere was incredible.
What do you enjoy most about being part of a Pack?
The support.
Life isn’t always easy, and having people around who genuinely care about you makes a huge difference. Whether it’s celebrating achievements, checking in during difficult times, or simply meeting up for coffee, those connections matter.
Have you made any lasting friendships through the community?
Absolutely.
Some of my closest friends today are people I met through the pup community. We’ve travelled together, attended events together, and supported each other through some significant life moments.
What started as a shared interest became genuine friendship.
If you could organise your dream pup event, what would it be?
A weekend-long community festival.
Board games during the day, social events in the evening, local Pack showcases, charity fundraising, educational workshops, and plenty of opportunities for people to meet new friends.
Something that celebrates everything positive about the community.
Quick Fire Round
Favourite snack?
Salted pretzels.
Favourite board game?
Ticket to Ride.
Favourite TV show?
Doctor Who.
Cats or dogs?
Dogs, obviously!
Beach walk or city adventure?
Beach walk.
Coffee, tea or energy drink?
Tea. I’m British after all.
What advice would you give to someone completely new to the pup community?
Don’t feel like you need expensive gear or years of experience before getting involved.
Turn up.
Say hello.
Talk to people.
Most communities are far more welcoming than newcomers expect them to be.
Everyone was new once.
What would you like to see more of within the community?
More local social groups and activity-based events.
Not everyone enjoys clubs or nightlife. Board game nights, bowling teams, walking groups, coffee meetups and community projects are fantastic ways to bring people together.
Finally, what does “Play. Connect. Belong.” mean to you?
To me it perfectly captures what community should be.
Have fun.
Build friendships.
Find your people.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what most of us are looking for—a place where we can belong.
Thanks to Pup Rocky for taking part in this month’s Meet the Pack feature.
Would you like to be featured in a future edition of The Barking Post? Download our interview questionnaire and tell us your story.
Play. Connect. Belong. 🐾
The Barking Post – SocietyOfPups.com