But Why?

Now that it's a little more than 2 weeks away, I can now say here that I will be competing this year in the Mr. DC Eagle contest.  I won't yet go into why I'm only now competing for a title, as those are things best left until the contest itself.  The reasons are clear in my head at this point, and I'll share them here in the very near future.

But there is a question related to this that's been burning in my mind.  One I can't answer other than my own thoughts and feelings, as well as my own decision as it relates to me.

Why is that some feel a boy or pup competing for a title shouldn't where his or her collar?  I've heard that some feel it shouldn't be done.  Others feel it's only proper.

To me, the collar represents part of who I am.  If I'm to put myself forward as a potential titleholder, it seems to me honesty and integrity on my part are abolute musts.  If I were to go into this misrepresenting myself or holding back in any way, then by what right should I even be competing?

I am in no way ashamed of being collared as my Mister's pup tripp.  If I were...well, I wouldn't be collared in the first place!  More importantly though, that pride and confidence are not only a core part of my identity, but also a strong aspect of what I bring to the community.

Mister and I both know that there are responsibilities that go with a title.  I'm doing this with both His support and encouragement as well as (and equally important) Ken's blessing.  My obligations to them need not conflict with additional obligations were I to receive the title.

I did ask Mary Elizabeth, and she was in favor of the collar being worn.  Those closest to me have been o like mind. That meant alot to me.  Not that I needed their encouragement.  I told Mister at Rehoboth how I felt about it, that I was determined to wear my collar.

I can only wonder why some think it shouldn't be.