just wanted to say thank you to you and your pack [and all the other ID numbered creatures] who gave me the confidence to start using mine as well [i plan to make a post about it eventually but for now saying it here will suffice]
i’ve had one since puphood but never felt bold enough to share/talk about it until you guys started to, so thank you :]
- @unknownwildsoul
This is enough to make a grown wolf cry. /pos
I'm so glad you're becoming more comfortable with the idea of using your ID number for yourself, it is extremely euphoric. :)
Hi! Not sure if you’ve ever put up a post like this, but would you possibly be able to put up a list of things to do, or that you do, that give you species euphoria as a wolf?
There was a post about that I found a while ago but then I lost it, and I can’t find it again :(
@ravennwolf
Hello again, 1003M! I had a post up from a while ago about how I personally combat species dysphoria, but it's old and outdated, so I'll provide a better version.
This is a longer post, so I hope it suffices.
First things first, use vivterms. Instead of saying that you're taking a walk, say you're patrolling your territory. Instead of shopping for groceries, say you're hunting down prey. Instead of your pets being merely pets, say they're your pups. You get the idea.
For radio-collared canines, you can name a tracking device (for example, your phone or an airtag) your ID number. If you'd rather not do that, or you do not believe it would help you, you can wear a necklace (or collar) that you personally consider to be your tracking collar.
Find a community that you're able to consider your pack! Or, alternatively, if you're close with your biological family, start calling them your packmates. Wolves are social beings, it's important to remember that.
Use actions to communicate more than words. Utilize body language in place of human language, especially around creatures/folks that would not judge you.
Go for a ride in the car with your windows down and imagine yourself chasing after an elk (or your prey of choice). Picture the way you'd lead a hunt. What would your methods be?
Use nature scents (e.g. pine) in favor of anything else. These can be found in candles, incense, wax burners, whatever you fancy. These help me feel as though my den is an actual den.
If you're able, go for a long walk; bonus points if you do it in the woods. On this walk, engage all of your senses, especially smell. Try to determine what other creatures you're around (e.g. birds) based on scent or sound alone. Which direction is the wind going? Can you tell?
I know some nonhumans find a great deal of euphoria in gear, so I'll include that. Masks, tails, thick jackets... The options are endless. I personally feel dysphoric when wearing gear, this is a hit or miss unfortunately.
Practice vocals! Wolves are loud. Watch videos of them howling and try to mimic it if it's safe for you to do so. I love doing this at night whenever our nearby coyote pack is yowling.
Hello! My apologies if you have been asked this before, but what made you decide to use an ID number? How does using it make you feel?
I’ve been debating on using one myself but I’ve been back and forth on it for a while now.
@ravennwolf
Hello there!
I decided to use an ID number because “human”-given names (for example, my former name: Cain) never felt fitting enough for me. They made me dysphoric in ways that I can't even begin to truly explain. So, I did some research on how wolves are identified in captivity, discovered ID numbers, and started going by that instead. They make me feel less human, more animal, which is my overall goal for everything I do.
If you struggle with dysphoria related to the humanness of an actual name, I recommend ID numbers. They helped me greatly.
