FURRIES: Do a little research

Hello North Idaho!

This letter is in direct response to Jim Korver’s opinion letter regarding furries in schools. I wanted to personally address this, because I understand that furries are a (very) misunderstood group up here.

First and foremost, furries are NOT a widespread group in North Idaho schools, let alone the community in general. As someone that not only attended Coeur d’Alene High School, but actively participates in local events in fursuit (the lovely anthropomorphic golden retriever named Peanut some of you may have seen over the last couple months), fursuiters are not people you’ll see around here much. Also, fursuits have never been allowed in schools, and we wouldn’t want to wear them there anyway, they’re expensive!

Secondly, addressing the behavior you described in your granddaughter’s anecdote, high school students barking at a freshman (especially a female freshman at that) is something you’re going to see a lot, regardless of whether they’re furries or not, and not just in California. I certainly do NOT agree with this behavior in any way, I’m simply stating that it’s not fair to generalize a fandom for the poor choices of a few.

Lastly, I ask that you (and anybody reading this that’s thinking “what the heck is a ‘furry’ anyway?”) take a step back and do a little research. Are furries an epidemic of freaks preying on your kids? No. Are they going to the bathroom in litter boxes in your schools? No. We wait to go home like everyone else!

HUNTER JOHNSTON

Dalton Gardens