Four summers ago Tippin pranced on his little puppy paws into our hearts. He’s a mix of lover, joker, and fierce defender of “the place” (to quote Terhun). I now understand all the jokes about the dog who ate my homework as he has a passion for paper. He also is a bit of a neat freak. You can’t leave your socks on the floor or he will bring you your sock with the “wanna play? keep away” look in his eye. He never chews squeakers out of his toys and often can be found cuddling them when he’s not sleeping on his back in the middle of the couch. 

He keeps his paws meticulously white after a run in the mud or dust. If there is a sick person in the house, he’s right by their side throughout the illness. He picks up new commands faster than anybody but Annis. I’ve never known a dog to learn so quickly. He adores Robyn, our instructor, and we made it to intermediate obedience level before life got in the way. 

Tippin has a very soft mane around his head. The rest of his fur is teflon and drops mud as soon as it is dry, and the mane only needs a bit of encouragement from a brush or a scratch to let it go. He sheds his undercoat about twice a year. He is clear of MDR1 and CEA. He can be followed on Instagram at tippinotsc.