Just counting up puppies for the year and it’s close to 100! I’ve never kept tabs before so I’ll have to go back and check previous records to see if this is more or less than previous years. As usual there was a quiet patch or two, quite nice if one can relax and not stress about the lack of income! As I trust in God to keep me on the right path, so I trust He’ll make it clear when this line of work and passion is done. For now I’m grateful to the owners who entrusted themselves and their pups to me, and to ThinkingPets for their support and information.
In the new year I’ll be tidying up the
The last stage – it’s also important that we take care of our faithful companions when they’re old and tired, not just when they’re bright and new.
‘stuff’ that accumulates, getting shelves put up and buying containers. I never stop keeping my eyes open for new ideas for the ground course so all suggestions welcome! There are already 5 or so pups waiting to start class next week but for now I’m enjoying time with my family and a chance to catch up with friends, and the overflowing inbox!
The people who come to class are generally enthusiastic and keen to learn, but they’re the tip of the iceberg. For every pup that gets into a puppy class in South Africa there are millions more who don’t, some of them because the owner is comfortable with doing their own thing, but so many because they know no better or couldn’t care less. I wish there was some way to take this concept into the places that need it most. Having been involved in animal welfare/rescue work years ago, it’s just depressing that we are still not really making an impact for the better. The welfare organisations are mostly involved in ‘after the fact’ kind of help, not able somehow to do meaningful teaching to change mindsets. At the vet we still see so much ignorance that borders on cruelty, selfishness and stupidity too – and not just among the poor. How I wish there was a law that checked your income before you were allowed a pet at all – don’t go moaning about cost of food, training and vet expenses after you make the choice, first count the potential cost then decide. Being the guardian of a pet is a privilege, not a right. But here I am preaching to the converted again! This is one of my pet ‘themes’ so please bear with me.
Hopefully in the new year I’ll have a chance to figure out more about blogging methods to improve what I do here. For now I muddle along, but it could be better!
rosespuppyschool 