Well, the last year has flown by. And as of Oct 15th, 2019, I’ve been in business for 18 years. This was never supposed to be a lifetime career job, but has evolved to be a wonderful life experience. Because of this job, I’ve made lots of friends. I’ve laughed and cried, through lessons learned the hard and the easy way. I’ve learned how to dress and drive in any weather. I’ve taken wilderness first aid training, dog first aid training and have put my Psychology degree to use. I’ve enjoyed developing my photography skills. I’ve learned about dog nutrition and health. I’ve become healthier through my life job. I’ve broadened my outdoor sports to include skijoring, bikejoring, kicksledding and canoeing and paddle boarding with dogs. There are also some unique techniques I’ve learned, to swimming and skating with a pack of dogs around you! I’ve applied my knowledge as a Dog Obedience trainer and have been humbled at the same time by the things each dog has taught me. I do love that I get to be outside and watch the antics of my K9 companions. They have such positive energy. I might lose my hearing a bit earlier in life, because of their vocal enthusiasm, especially in the car, right before reaching one of the trailheads they all know. Every day isn’t perfect, but it is a perfect balance. The other side of that is the “shitty” side of the job, literally! I will include something I posted on our Dog Walkers Facebook group:
“I thought I’d share with people who could laugh and cry at the last couple of days I’ve had in the service of dogs.
Yesterday I’m driving with the windows down, and I get a really strong (and I mean horribly strong) smell of poop. Looking in the rear view mirror and over my shoulder doesn’t reveal anything. So at a safe place to pull over, I get out of my car to investigate. I have to crawl in the back, pushing dogs aside, to find liquid poop sprayed across the interior wallcarpet! Paper towels and vinegar spray doesn’t cut it. Just a bandage on an arterial wound!
Bring on today! Dogs are congregating on a communal smell, getting more excited as I approach. Sniffing becomes open mouthes to ingest something. I yell “leave it”, and run towards the offending dogs! All drop and scatter, but one. The Weimaraner with the quick action gulp! I physically reach her as she is trying to swallow about 2 pounds of deer tripe. With half down her throat and half still in her mouth, I grab upper and lower jaw, trying to shake it out without touching it. After unsuccessful attempts on my part, and success on the dog in getting it closer to its stomach, I resign myself to grab the offending (offensive, warm, slimy horrible) offal, and drag it out of her. My angry mother voice kicked in and I told them all to leave it. The pack moved on, with sheepish glances backwards. The rest of my hike was spent looking for ways to remove the foul stuff and odour from my hands!
I’m hoping not to have a repeat of yesterday or today.”
This isn’t a full summary of what my career has brought to my life. It is but a glimpse. But I wouldn’t want to trade it for a job without animals and a chance to be outside with them everyday.
To wrap up this post, I must include some pictures taken today with my new iPhone 11, that my wonderful children got me for my 50th Birthday!
