IPAHW Operational Staff
Sir Justin, Executive Director
Sir Justin has been involved in the Chicago leather community for nearly two decades. In that time he has served on several local and national boards, and he has also spent time as a local, regional, and international titleholder. Currently, Sir Justin is the producer of Illinois Leather Pride Weekend, Executive Producer of the International Puppy and Trainer Contest, and the Executive Director of International Puppy and Handler Weekend.
Sir Justin is a fierce defender of education as a means to bridge gaps when there are areas of division. He has a PhD in Education and teaches every chance he gets. Since earning his international title, he has taught/lectured/spoken in 28 states and seven foreign countries. He has also authored two books: BARK! which chronicles his movement through the puppy community and Love Thy Neighbor…Unless He’s Gay, which tackles the chasm between homosexuality and religion. He is currently working on co-authoring a third book.
He is a member of Mama's family (Mama's Little Desperado and Mama's Gentle Trainer), is the founder of Sir Justin's Kennel (where he is kindly referred to as the Dogfather), and is a proud member of the (Leather) House of Raven. His lifetime achievement is being Sir of the Dogwood Pack. He is happily loved and in love with his family-pack.
Pup Kona, Contest Producer & IPAHW Co-Producer
Pup Kona is the current producer of IPTC and on the board of IPAHW, past IPTC International Puppy 2015 and NW Puppy 2015, 2 time Pantheon of Leather award recipient, co-founder of the BLFC Puppy Summit Group, co-founded the 1st ever pup and Handler contest in AU (Australian Pup and Handler Competition), co-founder of Paw and Pounce Weekend, and contributing writer for the pupplay.info website. Pup Kona is a French Bulldog and leather pup currently residing in the country of Canada. He’s been working with non-profit charity organizations for over 13 years. Pup Kona currently works alongside Helping Paws, a local non-profit charity organization who helps charities and causes in the BC area through mascot performance entertainment. He is also the founder of PAHs without Borders, which focuses on promoting mentorship, support and conversations between pups and Handlers all around the world in the effort to give every pup/Handler a chance to grow, be heard and loved. Throughout his travels, he has reached out and visited various community groups all over the world, sharing his passion and teachings inside and outside of puppy play. Pup Kona is Alpha of his pack, Dogwood pack, a member of VAH-PAH, SEA-PAH, Sir Justin’s Kennel, member of Mama's family (Mama's Blue Puppy) and part of the furry fandom.
Ruckus, Weekend Producer
Ruckus is the newest addition to the IPAHW board; he is the current Weekend producer overseeing all events outside of the contest. Calling Philadelphia home, this deviant leather dog is no stranger to organizing and producing. He is one of the co-organizers of Phlthy: Philadelphia's only monthly mosh and bar night at the Bike Stop for Pets and Handlers. Ruckus was the 2017 Mid-Atlantic Puppy and the recipient of the 2019 Tallen Award at International Puppy and Handler Weekend. He has been lucky enough to judge, staff, and teach at leather, puppy, and furry events across North America. A Siberian Husky who is aggressively anti-racist, pro-trans, and dedicated to intersectional resistance. Ruckus is proud to be the Alpha of his loving and mighty pack.
Photo Credit: Nick Hollup
Lady Eos, IPAHW Vendor Coordinator
Lady Eos found her local kink community in 2004, identifies as a Top and uses she/her pronouns. You may have seen her vending at various events in the Midwest, including CLAW, GLLA and IPAHW. Perhaps you even got a “hand job” (it’s not what you think) from her along with the commemorative sticker. A little-known fact about Lady Eos is that she once had her own human pup long before she discovered this culture existed. She encourages you to browse the vendor area and is sure there is something for everyone to find.
