Pup Gathering at SWLP

There seemed to be some confusion about what was expected at the pup gathering at SWLP this last weekend, and I would like to clarify my standpoint. I can't speak for the rest of the group, but I do want to express my feelings.

 In my opinion, we had a successful pup gathering. The point was not to DO anything, the point was to BE somewhere, and to that end, we succeeded. There were pups and handlers, I had not yet met, and that was pretty amazing. There were pups that I know and love, and that was pretty cool, and we were all there. We enjoyed the event that was put on, and had fun the whole night long.

That's what I expected, that's what I hoped for, that's what I wanted.

Someone asked me "So when do we crash the party?" My response was that we already had. By virtue of the fact that we were there, and by virtue of the fact that we were having fun. I didn't have anything public planned. I wasn't going to stand up on stage and announce "Hey guess what? The pups are in the house!" I enjoyed what happened, I enjoyed what we did.

I understand that several of the people who were there, would have been there regardless. That's okay. I understand that some one might have come out, expecting something bigger, more extravagant from me. For giving that impression, I am sorry. This group, in my opinion, is not "something bigger, more extravagant" it just is. I like it that way. If you want it to be bigger and more extravagant, by all means, plan bigger and more extravagant meetings and get togethers. In the mean time, I will continue to post information about low key events and happenings. I will continue to be out there and visible in the community, and I will continue to promote the agenda as I see it.

Hopefully, I will start to see more pups being out AS pups. Hopefully I will see more pup lovers coming out looking for a stray to take home. Hopefully we will some day have a place where all the pups can come together and mosh if they want to.

 It was interesting though, I was walking past two people talking, and one turned to the other, pointed at me, and said: "Now that's the person you want to talk to about pup play." Wow. That was pretty cool.

Of course, that means I have something else to add to my "To-do" list. I need elevator speech answers to:
What is pup play?
What is A-PAH?
What does that mean? (while indicating my pocket flap)

Luckily, I already have an answer to: How do I get involved in pup play here in the valley? Thanks to this website and the cards I had printed up. If you haven't seen my business card, ask me for one next time you see me. They have my email address, this website, and the A-PAH logo on them. As well as other contact info for me, and my title. (I'm going to be screwed in May if I win, 'cause I'll have to have another batch printed up that lists the new title! lol.)

In the mean time, best to you and yours.