Feast or Famine

Saturday had just 2 pups and owners for 3 classes total. It was in Anderson so that's a long drive, gas money and etc.... Today I had 10 dogs and owners for 4 classes at the Animal Ark. It's 5 minutes away, I could almost walk. Something not right here. My Park class on Mondays is well attended (if it's not too hot). I think it has a lot to do with space, noise, comfortable surroundings. Of course there are things we can do at the park we can't do in Anderson and things we can do at Anderson and not at the park. But all in all, I may transition to the Park for half the year and the other half indoors. I think it can work and could save money at the same time. Hmmmmm.

Interupted by storms

We were have class at the Otto Armleder Park and here came the rain-and lightning. I don't care so much about getting a little wet but lightning is another story. It stopped but the lightning kept coming so we cancelled the last class. Save it for another week.

Sign on Phone Pole Alarms Me

Went past a sign yesterday "Hybrid wolf pups for sale. Males and females-beautiful. Rare breed. Don't miss out. Call xxx-xxxx" This is so wrong on so many levels. First it is incorrect. Hybrid means different species cross bred. Wolves and dogs are the same sub species. Second it's not a rare breed. It's a mistake that should never have happened and yet people continue to mix these two. I called him and he accidently let his timberwolf and AKC german shepherd breed. Now he has 8 wolf/dog pups. They DO NOT make good house pets. They are unpredictable and destructive. They can tear up your house in a heart beat. In their defense, they are not mean and can be friendly and a good companion for those in the know (about wolf/dogs). But he will sell them to unsuspecting families with small children or dogs or cats and it will be a disaster. And if it doesn't work out-where do you go with them? You can't send them into the wild-they are too domesticated. They would never survive. You can't take them to the SPCA-they will put them down and most rescues and shelters will not take them.

The weird thing is I know this person. I knew after a few minutes who he was but I did not let on who I was. He called me last year after buying 2 wolf pups at a "breeder" and they tore up his house, pottyed all over inside, would not go outside much and did not even like people to touch them. AND HE BRED ONE OF THESE? Man what a mess. I don't know if I even want to get involved. But look at all the people it can affect?????

A Dream Job

Just because I have a dream job, or so I like to call it, does not mean it is easy or that I make tons of money. I'm right up there with starving artists. I do it for the love of dogs and their people. I do it because I feel called to. It is my passion, where my spirit is calling me. It is a place where I can do the most good. Sure I had and could get again a job pushing paper, probably for lots of money. But what good is that? Just so I get weekends off and do the daily grind like everyone else? So I can take lots of fancy vacations every year? Been there, done that. Not fulfilling at least not as fulfilling as doing what you love. The money may come or it may not but it's not about the money. Dog training is not about making tons of money unless you are Cesar Milan or Victoria Stillwell. It's about enjoying every day of work and every person and dog you work with and hoping you make their lives together just a bit better.

Another hot day

A Jon Katz photo from his blog www.bedlamfarm.com/blog/ Even the sheep struggle in the heat. He is a great photographer as well as an author. Check out his blog. And his art. And his wife's art www.fullmoonfiberart.com Great stuff.

Racket-Rest in Peace, buddy.

Just found out today that the horse I was working with at the Outlaw Basset and Equine Rescue passed away on July 4th. He had mini strokes and just could not get up after this one. Poor Racket. He was old and a retired race horse. Beautiful and noble. I'm going to miss you. My sincere sympathies to Sarah and her group. He was greatly loved and will be greatly missed.

Hot, hot, hot!

I love summer but the really hot days are no fun. The dogs don't even want to go out let alone walk. I give them lots to drink and ice too. We had a baby pool for them but only two liked it and then proceeded to tear it up. Keep cool and keep you and your dogs hydrated.

Fourth of July!

Have a great and safe 4th of July! Keep your dogs safe as they do not understand fireworks and the noise can scare them. Especially young dogs. This the worst holiday for dogs running away. Mostly the fireworks noise. Keep them in and secure.

No training classes Saturday July 3, Sunday July 4 and Monday July 5. Have a great holiday!