In a peculiar event that unfolded in Berlin, approximately 1,000 individuals who self-identify as canines gathered at the city’s Potsdamer Platz railway station for a meetup. The gathering has generated mixed reactions on social media, with some expressing support and intrigue, while others resorted to mockery and criticism.
The viral video of the event captured attendees communicating with each other through barking and whistling, sparking diverse responses online. Some individuals questioned the need for emphasizing various identities, while others humorously suggested calling animal control.
The unusual canine gathering has emerged in the context of the viral fame of Toco, an individual in Japan who, equipped with a hyper-realistic canine suit worth $14,000, is now living out his lifelong dream of identifying as a dog.
It is essential to note that experts have called for a distinction between “therians,” individuals who identify as creatures other than human, and “furries,” those who enjoy cosplaying in animal-themed costumes or suits. These two groups represent different facets of identity and self-expression, as they explore the complexity of human identity.