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 2nd 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.
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