I have some exciting news to share! Some more of a personal nature, and some for you.
Going back to school…
Little did I know when Milo came to live with me, how much he would change my life. Working from home for myself, in the pre-Milo days, it was easy for me to stay inside and some days not even see another person. Now, I adore our early morning walks and meeting and chatting with people on the street. Milo has quite the fan club and many doggy friends in our neighbourhood. I’ve even met a fellow quilter that I hope to get to know better as our dogs have play dates in the future.
That adorable tiny puppy of 10 weeks pictured above has grown into a wonderful young dog who will turn one year next week. Time sure has flown. He’s outgrown his first bed months ago, but still loves it. He’s constantly moving his two beds around the apartment to find the perfect place.
Like any puppy, he can be naughty at times, but he’s always very sorry.
Anyway, back to my news… I’m going back to school this Fall. I’m so excited, and very nervous too. I’ll be taking a Pet Dog Certification Training Program. While Canada (and the USA for that matter, as I understand it), doesn’t have an overseeing body for dog certification courses, the knowledge and experience I’ll gain in the course will allow me to apply to be a certified pet dog trainer.
The course is being offered by the Ottawa Canine School, the same facility where I took Milo for his puppy kindergarten class and other play dates. I really like their approach to training dogs motivationally and not by force. I still have nightmares of the first training facility I took Milo to and the abuse he endured at the hands of that aggressive trainer.
The course is pretty intense with 10 hours in class time and at least that amount working on my own at home reading materials, doing exercises and training Milo. It runs 18 weeks, with one reading week and a break at Christmas. Graduation is early February. In order for me to pass the course, Milo also has to pass Basic and Intermediate Obedience courses as well as Agility Level 1. He should already pass the basic obedience course, so we’re well on our way.
I was never a very good student, but I feel quite passionately about the subject and hope that I will do well and pass with flying colours.
As for this site, I don’t foresee any changes. Things will continue on as they have been. We have our Glorious Autumn Block Party starting next week and the Weekly Contests will continue. I will have to be more careful with my own time management and keep my priorities in check. My other web development business isn’t too busy, by choice, right now, so that will allow me to dedicate my time to this new adventure.
Ok, that’s my news! My long weekend will be spent getting organized! I’ve just this evening acquired a new desk from my moving neighbour which will result in me reorganizing my sewing and office spaces so that they are more efficient. Plus, I have to make a trip to the local office supply store to pick up back to school supplies (zippered binder!!) and I must order my reading materials for class too.
Have a wonderful long weekend!
Michele
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