Today I get to look back at my busy, puppy year 2022. 2022 is the only year I know, so it is the first time for me to do this New Year thing everyone is all crazy about! Pretty soon I will be a year old and then the first times will all be gone.
I started out 2022 being born on January 18th. My original name was Banner, for the ribbon I wore when I was with all eleven of my littermates. I still have the same basic markings but they are a bit less jet black now.
On May 1, I started my traveling life. I left my furry family and moved up to Minnesota, which means I earned three states – Missouri where I was born, Iowa, and Minnesota, my new home. At just over three months, I had three states. The end of May, I went with my sisters to a Scent Work Trial in Wisconsin which means state number four!
Mom started training me in barn hunt and nose work right off the bat. She feels the earlier I learn what to look for, the better later when I compete. I do think she may have a point. Right after turning six months old, I competed in my first Scent Work trials and earned my Novice Interior and Exterior Titles, plus a bunch of pretty placement ribbons. My bow tie also makes me look super smart!
Only two weeks later, I tried my paws at Barn Hunt and earned my Novice Title and second place in each search! No rat can hide from this guy’s nose!
Olivia and Bailie took me along on their road trip to Montana in the beginning of September. This was my first time ever staying in a hotel which is really fun. Mom says I have to be quiet and that is sometimes hard for me still. This trip also gave me four more states – North Dakota, South Dakota, Montana, and Wyoming.
Next up Mom took me to some Conformation shows. Boy are they boring compared to sports! Finally, the day I turned eight months old, I managed to earn my first two points down at Purina Farms. We hope to get back to Conformation next summer Mom wants to get it wrapped up as she says it isn’t a lot of fun.
The end of September my puppy year 2022 continued with more Scent Work. I earned my Novice Container Title and my Advanced Exterior Title. Aren’t the lime green ribbons pawsome since it is my color? I also earned some nice placements. Remember I am competing against mostly dogs that are a lot older than I am, so to beat them is not easy.
A dog needs to be a year old to compete in NACSW Nose Work but at six months he can earn his Odor Recognition Titles. I passed my last one on October 2nd, so I am ready to compete as soon as my birthday arrives!
The end of October I got to do Scent Work again and I earned my Buried Novice and Overall Novice Titles. I love to sniff and some day I hope to be almost as good as my older sister Olivia. She is a true sniffing role model.
Olivia had a Nose Work Trial in Michigan the beginning of November and I got to come along. Of course, it means I added more new states – Illinois, Indiana, and Michigan.
Finally in December, we took a trip to Pennsylvania which was kind of a disaster, but I still traveled to two more new states, Ohio, and Pennsylvania. I am now up to thirteen states!
My puppy year 2022 was most amazing! I am looking forward to my first birthday, and to see what all I get to experience in the new year!
Look at all of your beautiful ribbons and you’re not even a year old yet, Nelson! We’re looking forward to see all that you can accomplish in 2023!
2023 will be my first real year being old enough to do pretty much everything, so it is going to be a lot of fun!
That was a very busy year for a young pup! You are growing into a gorgeous boy!
Thank you. Mom is amazed at how big I am. I’m not tall, but long and muscular compared to my sisters.
What a stellar year you have had, little Man!
It was a pretty good first year.
You are so lucky to be part of this wonderful family. look at all the things you accomplished in your first 10 months. Can’t wait for you to turn 1 so we can see what you really can accomplish. Happy New Year
Everything will start to be more difficult since I have done most of the baby stuff already, but Mom and I are up for the challenge.
Wow!! What a year for a puppy. Talk about hitting the ground running!! Does your mom practice with you a lot? And your sister Olivia is impressive too!! Happy Friday. your friends Chester and Lilly
We practice a fair amount but have taken a break over the holidays.
Nelson has had a fabulous year. He sure has fit in.
Have a fabulous day, weekend and New Year. Scritches all around and my best to your mom. ♥
I fit in pretty well and kind of enjoy my harem, but don’t let my sisters know!
You really did have quite the year and you have been an amazing young pup from the time your paws set down in your new home!
I am doing my best to try to be the family athlete, since I am the boy in the bunch. I love sports so far and do pretty well.
What a fabulous first year! I do hope all of you have a blessed and beautiful 2023.
We hope your 2023 is Grand and you all get rid of all those car troubles. That really can dampen the spirit as cars are a necessity.
A handsome and accomplished fella. Here’s to a great 2023, Nelson.
Thank you. I’m looking forward to being able to do everything in a couple weeks.