Happy 2013!

In taking a few minutes to look back over 2012, it’s immediately clear that it has been one hell of a year. There was the good and the bad, the hard times and the easy ones. But, all in all, 2012 was a good year.

This time, a year ago, I was recovering from a flu picked up while in NY for the Xmas holiday. Even more difficult, I was saddened by the unexpected passing on not one, but two very dear friends – Jeff Cheeseman and Wayne Himes. I remember not really wanting to ring in the New Year, but I knew that being with my friends would be the wiser choice. And so glad I did.  I was able to greet 2012 with a smile, a hug from my Mister, and a big kiss from my husband.

In looking at the good in 2012, I have to start with my hubby. Thinking about Ken always makes me feel bubbly. In 2012 we celebrated 13 years of being together, as well as the 2^nd anniversary of our wedding. No matter where I wander to in my travels in the community, I know he’s always ready to have his huspup hurry back to him. I’m looking forward to welcoming another New Year with him, and many more besides.

The other thing that jumps out here, though, is mingled with a not-so-good that turned out way more than I would have thought. Like I said, I began 2012 collared as Mister J’s pup. But a difficult parting of the ways came about in March. I’d be less than honest if I said there isn’t still a pang of disappointment still inside. But I still carry the valuable things Mister J taught me, I still have a great friend and a mentor, and I have 3+ years to look back on fondly.

And further still, it proved a pivotal point in my growth and a step toward the collaring of boy Tom as my own boy in November. Yes, many who know us saw this coming for awhile. In 2012 it happened, and I am very glad it did.  To have Ken welcome it as openly as he has only reinforces the course and decisions that brought us to where we are.

I hated saying farewell to my beta pup in September when he moved across the country in September. But I wish him nothing but the best. And, besides, we’ll be seeing each other here and there (MAL!).

I definitely logged some miles in 2012. Trips to Long Island for a Ravens run in March (beware the evil midget!), CLAW in April, NYC in June, upstate NY in July, several jaunts to Philly, Olympia, a second trip to Ogunquit in October (with a Boston adventure along the way), and ending in November with a trip to Tampa. But it was all fun spent with great friends. I think if I told my car “New York City,” it would know to swing through Harrisburg first and then navigate to Coyote’s!

Of the many fun events I made it to in 2012, the ones that stand out are CLAW and International Puppy. And that is because it was at those two events were I forged even stronger links with my brother pups and the pup community. CLAW has the added element that it was there where I first took on the role of handler – which it’s fair to say contributed in a big way to my collaring boy Tom. I walked away from those two events better for what I got just by being there.

  

So, 2012 has only hours left to it. 2013 will be coming in, filled with new challenges and adventures, the good and the bad, the “Oh, yeahs!” and the “WTFs?!?!” But I’m looking forward to it.

A Handler Named Pup

 I think the most frequent “question” that seems to pop up since collaring boy tom is whether or not I consider myself a Sir now.  Truth be told, I kind of expected something like this. But it wasn’t until recently that I knew how I’d be able to answer it. Even when boy tom first asked me how I should be addressed, I wasn't quite sure.

Thankfully, I got passed that moment of awkwardness. I was fortunate to be able to draw from the wisdom of a few people whom I greatly respect.

Quite simply, I’m “Sir” to boy tom only.  I’m not anyone else’s Sir. I don’t suddenly expect everyone should see me as a Sir or call me one. I’m not going to go out and buy myself a Sir’s cover.  I do take it as a compliment when people choose to call me “Sir” or observe that they view me in a slightly different light than previously. I know it’s meant with respect and I receive it respectfully.

But I know that, inside, I’m still Pup Tripp. I’m still that playful, mischievous alpha pup with the very recognizable bark. I’m still Ken’s huspup. I’m still part of this great community we have – and still consider myself fortunate and blessed to be a part of it. I’m the same person who can look back over where he’s been, see how he’s grown, and accept that it ain’t finished yet.

Have I changed? Yes, I have.  We all do.  Fortunately, I have friends and family (not necessarily bio) that help me keep it all in perspective. From Chris "Woof" Roth using the term "Switch-Pup" to boy scooter reminding me that I still have a place among the DC boys regardless, it was made easier to keep everything in check and remain myself.

So, to those who aren’t sure, just remember, I’m still Pup Tripp. Come what may, and wherever my path may take me, I’m pretty sure that’s one of things that will remain constant.