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.