Thank You, Puppies

I went into the International Puppy contest knowing I'd have an enjoyable experience, and that I'd learn a few things along the way. But I really wasn't expecting the magnitude of what I brought away from the whole thing. My pup brothers, those who were competing and those who were there to support, all gave me something more valuable than I can say.

I got to reconnect with some pups I haven't seen in awhile, I got to meet some pups whom I'd only come to know over Facebook, and I encountered one or two for the very first time. And we all seemed to share that same pup energy!

I have to say, I'm glad there were only 5 pup contestants. All that pup energy during the interviews was making me want to get down there and play! Fortunately, I got to do just that right after all the interviews were concluded.

The last few weeks - months - have been a defining period for me, especially since leaving Mister J's service in March and again with the development of a D/s relationship between myself and boy tom. And, as I've said elsewhere and more than once, my perceptions of myself are changing even as I discover new things within me and continue my own journey. I came away from this weekend with a renewwed sense of validation and connection and assurance that it's all been for the good.

I was so fortunate that, last week, boy tom gave me a chance to find that I can comfortable both pup and Dom. And, this weekend, I got to re-discover where I still fit in among my pup brothers (and not just on the bottom).

Woof Roth used the term "switch pup" to describe me during the Pup 101 session on Saturday. I don't know if my expression reflected my reaction, but something about that clicked and made sense.

As much as I've bonded with other pups over the last 5 years, and as much as I've come to love and be involved in our pup community, there was just something extra about it all this weekend. I've really noticed that, for me anyway, no two moshes or pup play sessions are the same. This weekend in Tampa was no different, and I'm glad I got to be part of it.

If any one thing was reinforced through it all, it was that we pups and our handlers are forging a strong community of our own; one that has bonded well and fits within the greater leather and kink community. Knowing I'm part of it is both invigorating and rewarding in and of itself.

I'm not sure I can thank you all enough - not just for the weekend fun - but for what I took with me when it was done.

Thank you, boy tom

What a weekend! I have to hand it to the guys at COMMAND MC for putting together a great anniversary celebration. And I have to thank them for the honor of being invited to the judges’ panel for Mr. Maryland Leather 2013 (I filled in for Daddy Tim, who couldn’t make it down). It was more than I expected, getting to be part of such a great group of people and getting to meet two excellent contestants.

Yet, as awesome as all of that was, it still pales compared to the first public outing with my boy, boy tom.

We’ve been exploring a D/s relationship between us for a few weeks now, but pretty much keeping it low key. As MML drew closer, though, we realized this would be the first time we’d be out there in full public view. We talked it through at length and agreed we were ready. And, out of respect, there were a few who were told in advance (Mister J as my former Mister, SIR John as tom’s guardian, Sir Len as tom’s former Sir, and my husband Ken who has been privy to this all along).

I’m happy to say we had and have the support of all four. 

More than a couple heads were turned when they realized that boy tom was in service to me, and a couple times we had to explain how this has evolved (some remember tom acting as my handler during pup play).  The majority, though, seemed to be expecting us to reach this point. Go figure.

I will say that, getting closer to the weekend, I was a little skittish about it. At first glance, it seemed like one thing when it’s quietly developing, but another when out there for all to see. But as Friday drew closer, I realized it didn’t have to be. I actually began to look forward to the weekend even more – and actually hoped being asked to step in as a judge wouldn’t diminish what I and boy tom were both anticipating.

I won’t presume to speak for how the boy feels, but I found the time and experience in no way diminished. I found myself feeling proud to have him as my boy.  More importantly, I felt lucky to have him in service to me. To see the gleam in his eyes whenever he did something for me – and when I thanked him for it - was both rewarding and grounding.

Yes, I hated it just as much removing the collar at the end of the weekend. I’d like to see something stay there longer term, but we have to agree on what that means to us and where it will fit in with other things in our lives. Somehow, I suspect we’ll reach that agreement. 

To boy tom, I can’t thank you enough. Not only for the service which you provided me this weekend, but for the chance to learn more and to take yet another step.  One of the most important things you showed me is that I can still be Pup and Dom at the same time – that was a harder thing to bridge than I let on. Just as importantly, with quiet grace you let me make my stumbles so I could learn from them. I cannot say how much that means to me.