Sunday, January 2, 2011

A New Year's Toast


In balmy 50-degree temperatures, dozens of dogs and scores of people gathered to dedicate the polished granite bench installed in the off-leash area of Fort Williams to honor the memory of Ansel "Tup" Tupper, who died suddenly in August. It was very nice to see so many of the Tupper family here for the holidays, and for them to see us demonstate our affection and respect for "Tup".
(The Tupper Family)



"Tupper #4", as he identified himself, read John Masefield's "I must go down to the Sea", and told us of how his dad was both a little ashamed and a little proud of Rambo's tendency toward mitten thievery. Playing with Rambo, the bigger than life labradoodle who looked just the right size next to Tup's tall frame, was how most of us came to know Tup, and I personally always knew it would be a good morning for Athena if Rambo was there. For a man who loved the sea, who could read the sky for a weather report, I think Tup would have loved the fact that Casco Bay was dotted with sailboats on January 1st.


Janet Violette, who spear-headed the efforts that led to the bench's installation, leads the champagne toast.





















The bench was a very popular spot with all the dogs in attendance.