Meet Kelly Gillette, North American Pet 2024
As North American Bear (NAB) Weekend 2025 approaches, we continue our interviews with the outgoing title family as we prepare to welcome in a new one. Take some time to get to know North American Pet 2024, Kelly Gillette!
BWM: Can you tell us a bit about your background? Including name, pronouns, where you are from and current city of residency?
My name is Kelly Gillette (He/Him). I’m the current North American Pet (NAB Pet) and Iowa Pet 2024. I’m married to Zach Gillette (World Bear 2021), and we live in Des Moines, Iowa, with our three dogs. I’m an active member of the Capital Bears, serve on the board of Iowa Pets and Handlers, and am a pledge with Midnight Howl in Kansas City.
BWM: What drew you to the pet community? What about the bear community?
Kelly Gillette (KG): I’ve been involved in the pet community for four years. My journey began when I saw a pet for the first time with my previous partner. Initially, I thought it was strange, but I later realized that my initial discomfort often signaled genuine interest in something new.
I’ve been part of the bear community for nearly ten years. I joined the Capital Bears in early 2015 and held various board positions. I was fortunate to find a close-knit group of friends early on, and I wanted to replicate that sense of belonging for others through the bear community. It truly felt like coming home.
BWM: Tell us about your pet identity. Who is Gus Gus?
KG: Gus Gus is my playful Corgi. He loves to wiggle his butt and can be found at any mosh, covered in balls – Arwoooo! I’m passionate about creating spaces where pets and non-pets alike can explore pet play without judgment. My goal is to show that there’s no right or wrong way to pet or critter and hopefully inspire some new animals along the way. Ruff!
BWM: What have been your proudest achievements as North American Pet over the last year?
KG: As North American Pet, I’ve traveled to ten event weekends and two prides, representing both my NAB and state titles. I hosted an event called “Gus Gus’s Petting Zoo,” which showcased different handlers and types of pet play. I was challenged by the previous NAB title family to be the first to take the sash to Canada, so I organized an event in September and traveled to Toronto.
However, my proudest achievement was hosting a fundraiser for the Omaha Pet group. They were a new group that had never held a mosh before. I hosted an event and raised funds for them to purchase mats and toys, enabling them to host their own events. During the event, I met a new pet who had never worn a hood. I always carry spare hoods with me, and she was overjoyed to try one on. Seeing her excitement and letting her keep the hood was a truly rewarding experience.
BWM: Tell us about your platform. What was the issue(s) you addressed during your campaign to win and as titleholder.
KG: My platform this year focuses on creating safe spaces for pets and non-pets to connect and discuss pet play. I’ve held numerous roundtables to explore the whys, hows, and benefits of pet or critter play. I also encourage existing pets to explore their potential and discover new pet personas. After all, we don’t have to limit ourselves to just one! I’m a Puppy, but I’m also a Piggy – Oink Oink!
BWM: What has been your experience as a pet within the bear community? Do you find it to be welcoming and inclusive to pets?
KG: My experience with pet play within the bear community has been positive. Bears generally seem welcoming to pet play. However, I believe there’s a need for more education about pet play within the bear space. I strive to spread the “pet gospel” wherever I go and appreciate the bear events that create welcoming spaces for pets and critters.
BWM: Tell us what you love about the bear community? What could be improved?
KG: I enjoy bear events that maintain a small-town vibe, where it feels like reuniting with old friends while making new ones. I also admire how my local bear community consistently raises funds for local charities throughout the year. I believe both the pet and bear communities can benefit from challenging themselves to connect with individuals beyond purely sexual attraction. While enjoying social interactions is important, there’s more to discover than just the next bedmate.
BWM: What are your plans after stepping down?
KG: I plan to continue contributing to my local community. I’m organizing an event called “The Carnival” in September, where pet and critter representatives from surrounding states will showcase different forms of pet and critter play in a weekend campout for all. There will be raffles for various hoods, and proceeds will go towards providing hoods for pets in need.
I also plan to take my platform internationally in 2026, which is very exciting!
I also want to add that my NAB title siblings have been an absolute joy and I have made forever bonds with them all. I love each one of them!
BWM: Where can we find you? Websites? Social Media?
KG: You can find me on Instagram at @mcbanis, Facebook as Gus Gus, and Telegram at @PupGusGus.
Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, your friendly Piggy Pup!”
