Happy birthday little girl

I can't believe it, but my little midget is 2 yrs old today! Boy time has flown! When/where/ HOW did that happen!!?!?!? She is an awesome little girl and she and I share a very special bond. It's hard to believe that I almost didn't end up with her! I can't wait to see what the future holds for us... even if she didn't turn out *quite* as crazy as we planned ;-).

This week has also marked the first week at my new job... and an exciting and stressful one it's been. Going to be longer hours, as it includes some night work (up until 9pm at night), but that also means that I get to go in later on those days, and yup, my dogs are becoming 'education dogs' (haha - technically I could assess them myself!) and thus, if I need them, they can come into work with me :). Don't know what Peggy the office cat will think though ;-).

Everybody I'm working with is great and so far are pleased with my work. I've been shadowing a little bit, the girl I'm taking over, as well as in the latter half of the week, mostly doing the work with her helping out :). I am still in awe really that I have landed this job... which is more a job that I dreamed of, and never really thought I'd ever have the opportunity of doing :).

OK - so what exactly does the job involve? Well - basically a lot of phone calls/ consults for clients with behavioural issues (dogs and cats... the cat bit requires a bit more research on my behalf!) as well as over-seeing basically the evening dog training classes (although the trainers are awesome that we have on staff).... Weekly we run talks to the general public in relation to general behavioural problems and things of that ilk (barking dogs, environmental enrichment etc, etc.).... Finally I'm also working with the shelter dogs and doing assessments, when needed on those... a task that isn't always fun.

I'm really looking forward to what I can make out of this role. There is plenty of room for growth and development as well as just the general experience I can gain out of a role like this! I really can't wait to see what evolves from here as time goes on!

Latest news

Ok so it's been a while.... yes, I know - slack and all that - but what other excuse is there!

A LOT has happened since my last post... the most important is that I have a new job. I start on the 14th, so for a week, I am now 'unemployed' haha- now that's going to be tough! For those that *don't* already know, this new job involves me doing what I love day in and out, it's closer to home and is just generally a better job! Basically I'll be working as an animal behaviourist, as well as doing some public education about dogs, dog behaviour & training! I honestly can't wait to start.... but am also very nervous that I am not good enough for the job! Either way it has to be better than my previous job... right?! On the up side, it means that I get to go to a lot more seminars about dog behaviour and such.... without tearing holes into my pocket! In fact, I am going to one this Wednesday night - very excited!!! See... can you tell I'll just *love* this new job!

Last week we spent 3 days down at the penninsula between Rosebud and Sorrento thanks to sir Leo for winning the 'top Victorian obedience dog of the year 2007' (which I might add he isn't really, but only about 10 dogs entered the competition, and we won... also came about 4th nationally... but as I said, a very small competition)! Photos can be found here... I'm quite proud of them if I do say so myself (the photos.... as well as the dogs)!.. Who knows, I might be a budding photographer yet.... ha!

On the doggy front, we came *so* close to adding another title to Miss K's name.. in the form of CCD... we had a trial on Saturday and she gained one pass in the morning (89/100) and was sitting on a score of 97/100 in the afternoon.... pity she couldn't hold the stays for more than 50seconds :(. As some of you may know, we've had a bit of a rocky start trialling this girl as she is just a sensitive little soul and picks up on my nerves and changes in body posture easily... so I've had to learn the hard way not to expect so much, cool down and just enjoy the ride. The last trial on Saturday, really showed what she is capable of. After a brief consideration of blowing CCD to the wind (HATE the lead), I decided to stick with it for the nationals where we will hopefully walk away with her title, and all ready to trial in Novice once her season is over :). I have a lot of faith in this girl, I just need to learn to take the pressure off both her and myself!

Leo has also been doing very well - he had a bully run through in Open yesterday at club, as well as some (rather messy) mat work. He has really been getting better with age and I can't wait to bring him out for the nationals into open as he really knows what he is doing now and is comfortable with his task. As for agility - that bar knocking is still an issue, so hopefully Susan Salo will become available (from our club) soon so that I can learn on how to help him along with this :D. Lots of hard work, but I think all this training will pay off in the end!

Other than that - I've just been leading a very busy life trying to keep up with the social side of things, as well as finalising the project at work (handed in last Monday) and just generally... barely keeping on top of things!

Looks like it's time to start organising for the next obedience trial too.... oh boy! Does it ever stop!? But then, life would be boring if I took it slow, wouldn't it?!

So - until next time....