Chiming in with what Cynder said, I just have to point out that every fandom has its bad side and it's really how they make their first impression that determines which side of the fandom people see. I know that when Anthrocon goes on in Pittsburgh they welcome the furries because the furries have made a good impression on them.
Also if someone asks what a furry is, compare them to cartoon animals and mention Bugs Bunny and Donald Duck. Those two are, in fact, technically furries and typically when people have something good to associate with a fandom they see less harm in it.
Whatever you do, do not mention all of the bad things people think about us and how we don't do it, because they'll just associate that stuff with furries anyway.