CYBERSPACE—Sometimes the stresses of the world and the job lead members of the pleasure products industry to look for unique and creative ways to commiserate and blow off steam.
Some people have hobbies, and some people have pets …
Nikki Mier and Domenique Kane, store managers with Fairvilla stores in Florida, have two important things in common: passion for their careers and the industry and love of their dogs.
“In case anyone was wondering, yes Nikki and I discuss work and our dogs like 24/7,” Domenique recently joked in Fairvilla managers group text chat. That night, while sharing their nightly fur-kid pictures Nikki commented “I wanna make a Facebook group of ‘dildo slinglin’ dog lovers.’”
They bantered back and forth on name ideas, and 15 minutes later the Facebook group Will Sling Dildos 4 Pet Food was launched.
Pictures of Larry, Nikki’s lazy black-and-white good boi, along with Danny (the favorite), Carl, Benson and Ellie of Domenique’s pack were posted and then then lots of friends were invited. The industry started connecting as more and more adorable pictures were added.
“What can I say about this Facebook group?” said Leigh Dedhar, sales director with Doxy in the U.K. (and top WSD4PF contributor). “My two favorite obsessions—dildos and pets—in one place, says it all really. Ralph and I are inseparable as I work from home and I've been yearning for an outlet to share my passion with likeminded individuals. I no longer need to ‘paws’ and think, ‘is it really necessary to share yet another cute photo of my best buddy?’ So, I shamelessly and proudly share my 3-year-old Cockerpoo with the industry.”
Bill Murphy, owner of Fairvilla Stores immediately clicked the Join Group button when he was invited.
“I take in all strays that find their way to the cabin ... but they have to give up their reproductive organs in exchange for the good food, veterinarian care, all the pills and full time care. Love my dogs.”
Murphy’s constant companion is his beagle Beatrice (who loves boat rides) and four more dogs at his cabin in North Carolina (and 600,000 bees too).
“To sum it up ... I simply joined because I truly have dog issues” said Melissa van Horn, buyer with Cindies and a Texas gal who rescues dogs from the side of the road. “I’ve been selling dildos for 12 years and actively rescuing dogs for five years; 132 fosters adopted out from just me! Our rescue is called Almost Home Pet Rescue, we are a 501c3 non-profit and you’ll catch me at PetSmart every Saturday for adoption events. I currently have nine dogs!”
Melissa and her husband Daniel are also pet parents to cats, ducks and goats.
Just five days after launching, Will Sling Dildos 4 Pet Food hit the 100 members mark. Retailers, educators, manufacturers, distributors, performers and industry influencers from across the world have come together to network and share their passion (obsession) with their pets.
“There are about 60 people currently who have been invited to the group who just need to click the join button!” Domenique said of the groups growth. “We expect there will be a bit of shop talk here and there ... posts about who will be at what show, cool things happening at your stores, customer interactions, etc. But if all of you are mostly like me, your posts will be 99 percent dogs, dogs and more dogs.”
The adult industry has evolved into a tight network of friends, many of whom are often closer with one another than their families; industry shows are much like reunions. Members walk the convention floors to see new products, find trends and place orders; but the more importantly they rekindle close connections with each other. The strength and bond of personal relationships is truly what keeps the sex toy world turning. Civilians imagine dildo conventions as wild and crazy parties, and what members love the most is chilling out, catching up and sharing pet pictures with good friends.
“Five years ago, I experienced one of the worse days of my life” Nikki said. “While I was away at Erofame, my dog Panda’s illness progressed rapidly and she crossed over the rainbow bridge. After a full life together, not being with her in her final moments was absolutely heartbreaking. I shared a post about her passing on Facebook and cried myself to asleep; the following day I had to put on a smile and get back to work. As I walked on to the show floor in an total haze, I locked teary eyes with Steve Volponi. His hug was exactly what I needed to realize that first day, I would be OK. Throughout the show, friend after friend found me for a loving embrace. Years later, when Larry came in to my life, like all of us, our journey together has been documented on Facebook. And now, with every vendor visit and on the show floor, the first thing I always hear is “Ooooh how is Larry?!?! I just LOVE his pictures!!!’”
Slinging dildos is what brought many in the group together, but the love for pets is the slobber that helps keep them connected.
To join the group and enjoy the posts, visit Facebook.com/groups/WillSlingDildos4PetFood.
