IPC 2014 Article

From the Great Lakes Den newspapaer:

Pup Tripp Wins International Puppy 2014

by Tyger • November 12, 2013

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – This past weekend was the International Puppy Contest and Florida Leather -n- Fetish Pride at the Flamingo Resort  and so much fun was had by all!

The weekend kicked off with many arriving Thursday or early Friday for some social time, seeing old friends and making new ones. Weather was perfect for the weekend and many spent time sitting by the pool or playing in it. The layout of the Flamingo Resort made it possible for several vendors to set up booths around the pool with everything from flogs, whips, dungeon kits and more to some very kinky Christmas ornaments. The Tampa Leather Club hosted an amazing dungeon as usual.

The weekend’s festivities kicked off Friday night with the raising of the US and Canadian flags and the National Anthems representing the contestants’ home countries. The staff for Leather -n- Fetish Pride, International Puppy and judges were introduced. After the four contestants were presented. This year competing for the title was Pup Hercules, Midwest Puppy 2012; Pup Amp, SEA-PAH; Pup Tripp, Mid Atlantic Kennel Klub; and Pup Ego, Toronto Puppy 2013. Once the formalities were done it was time for fun with social time and meet and greet.

Saturday was the “main event” starting off with the puppy photo shoot and then interviews. During interviews a number of demos were offered to keep everyone busy ending with Papa Woof Roth and Puppy Boo going Puppy 101.

After the afternoon’s activities wrapped up it was time for the Puppy Obstacle Course. A good turnout of pups showing up to compete and it definitely kept the audience amused. The pups all had amazing times showing that no matter what age or body type everyone could have fun. Pup Hercules was the winner with a time of just over 17 seconds! After the event it was time for a dinner break and everyone preparing for the main event!

The on stage portion of the contest kicked off with introductions and the Tampa Bay Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence doing the blessing for the evening. The Bill (Trooper) Boyd “Best in Show” award was presented to Pup Ego for his true spirit of being a puppy. Kamden Cass did a couple amazing numbers to entertain the crowd and then things really got going. First off were intros and speeches with all four contestants giving a very strong showing and looking amazing in their gear. Next up was the puppy play portion with each contestant showing their stuff with Pup Cruz serving as playmate. They chose some puppy toys from a bag full on stage (yes, some chose to shred the bag) at the end of things, Pup Tripp took the honors of International Puppy 2014 and Pup Amp was 1st runner up. It was a very close field and all the contestants should be proud. Slavepup Axel did a very moving step-down speech as he relinquished his International Puppy title. It was also announced that this was the last International Puppy Contest to be held at the Flamingo and that the contest was moving to Saint Louis and the Bad Dog Bar & Grill on July 17-20, 2014.

Sunday started with the Mama’s Family photo and the Puppy Family photo and then everyone was off to the Victory Brunch. During brunch, the “Good Puppy” award for the weekend was presented to Pup Sprocket from Toronto and “Good Puppy of the Year” was presented to Pup Jaeger. It was announced that Pup Gadget and Pup Jaeger would be the Western and Eastern International Puppy Liaisons and work with groups and events helping them get things rolling! Slavepup Axel was named Contestant Liaison and would work with not only the IPC titleholders but also other titleholders when they have questions or need guidance. The final big announcement was that Papa Woof Roth was being made one of the Co-Owners of International Puppy with the move to Saint Louis. The rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the beautiful weather and the Tea Dance.

http://www.greatlakesden.net/pup-tripp-wins-international-puppy-2014/

Speech from International Puppy contest

I've been asked to share my speech from the International Puppy contest. The recording of it didn't work out very well, so I'm putting up what I originally laid out. It didn't come out quite the same way onstage, but pretty close, and the point was still there.


Good evening Friends, Pups & Handlers, Honored Judges

If I could have one wish, it would be to have my pupbrother Timber here with us. He was a pup long before we came together as we now are, and he would be so proud to see what we've become.

Timber was more than a friend or brother. He was an inspiration. Just by being himself, he taught me that I could embrace and be proud of my own inner pup. More importantly, he taught me that you don't have to be down on all fours to be a pup 24/7. What matters is what's in your heart.

That's the gift he gave me, and it's one I try to share wherever I go. Not just with other pups, but with the entire community. That it's not what we look like or what we wear. Not even how we play. It's about being proud of what we are.

So to my pupbrothers and sisters, I say this. Lift your heads and howl. Howl from your hearts. Listen to it and feel it. Because THAT is the sound - and power - of puppy pride!

Thank you

Dad, Never Forgotten

In Memory of My Dad - from his Memorial Service Held Sunday, November 3, 2013

The Lion King - Endless Night

A Letter to Dad

Dad,

I was already a teen when we met. You didn't get to watch as I grew up as a child. You didn't get to see my first steps. You didn't get to bandage my scraped knees or brush away a little boy's tears. You didn't get to guide me as I rode a bike for the first time and tell me you had me, that I wasn't going to fall.

You were there as the teen grew into a man. You were there as I took my first steps into a big new world. You were there as I endured the bumps and bruises of an adult in the world. You saw me off on my journey and, in your own way, let me know you had me, that I wasn't going to fall.

In time it became my turn to help with your steps. I stood beside you to be the guiding shoulder you could lean on. It was my turn to be strong for you in a world less steady. The man came home to be the firm arm you could hold. And I always told you I had you, that I wasn't going to let you fall.

You've gone to another world now, Dad, where others are waiting to take you by the hand. And, although I have to watch you go, I know I don't have to fear.

They've got you, Dad. And this time, you're going to fly.