For Pup 'N Iron and me, 2007 was a year of change, challenges, and triumphs. Like every other year of my life, it was a year that God taught me many lessons about myself, others and life in general. It flew by and quite frankly, I'm glad to see it go and am happy and optimistic about 2008.
Pup 'N Iron experienced a lot of growing pains this year. Firstly regarding personnel, our continually growing daycare required additional technicians. That placed me in the position, yet again, of having to hire people I didn't already know. In some cases it worked out well, in other cases it was a nightmare, but it all was a learning experience. Running my own business continues to give me opportunities to test my instincts, especially when it comes to judging character. I can honestly say that I did not disappoint myself. I paid attention to red flags and as a result was able to predict potential problems. In the end, we go into 2008 with the absolute best, most trustworthy, honest, hard-working, and dedicated staff we've ever had.
We also got our pool up and running in 2007 and added an additional unit that now houses our Pro Shop and Natural Pet Food Store. The growth has been rapid but was necessary to keep us at the top of the pet services industry in our area. A place like ours with all we have to offer will be extremely difficult to duplicate. Simply put, there's only one Pup 'N Iron!!
On a personal note 2007 was a heart wrenching year. In September Tucker had to undergo two abdominal surgeries: one to remove his spleen, and the other to repair a part of his intestine. I'm happy to report he recovered well and sprung back like a champ. Post recovery he went on to earn his UCDX - United Kennel Club Companion Dog Excellent title. We also added a new puppy to our household. Glendale's To Be or Not to Be, aka "William," is a 15 week old bundle of energy!! He is turning out well and is a frequent visitor to Pup 'N Iron. You will see him a lot this coming year as we train for conformation and obedience competition.
Looking ahead I want Pup 'N Iron to remain the premier dog activity facility in Virginia by continuing to offer the most innovative classes, workshops, seminars and programming around. Watch for our first Pup 'N Iron wedding in June 2008! Other upcoming events this year will be more obedience and agility workshops and seminars, playgroups, run throughs and practice sessions, Teacup Dog Agility Association agility trial, a Holistic Dog Retreat weekend, C-Wags competitions, and the first Pup 'N Iron Performance Camp, and lots more. We want to continue to be trendsetters!
So, I want to wish you all a great 2008 and hope to see you and your dogs having fun and broadening your relationship.
Woofs,
Laurie
5 comments:
Who's getting married? Human or canine?
2007 what a Blur. I can't believe it's over. I can't remember when I haven't been busy. I love it. When I am home with nothing to do, I look around bored, who wants to clean and cook or do laundry? Not me, that's what teen agers are for. (just kidding). I love being a part of Pup N Iron, and all the learning opportunities it has provided, I love helping to train peoples dog and puppies. I have meet such great people and dogs and am having so much fun. I really can't believe that Piper and I are only 1 leg from or U-CDX, even though she's 8 yrs young. I don't even want to dwell on the age thing. We still have so much we want to do. So my goals for 2008 are: To take my CPDT test, become a APDT Rally judge and possibly a UKC Obedience judge, to obtain our CD-X in UKC and AKC, and our ARCH-EX in APDT, get Herbie's butt in gear for his RE, and RL3, and some how get him excited for Obedience....
I think the most important thing I have learning is to make time for family. After losing my father in Jan. 08, I realized all the things I really had taken for granted like thinking loved one will always be there, but life as we all know happens and we can't always be ready, so do the best you can in balancing all things you do. And take lots of photos, though the memory will dim, a photo will bring it all back to life again.
Janet,
That would be a canine wedding. Plans are to marry Andrew and Abby in June. Laurie has big plans for this upcoming event one that I have never seen before but am looking forward to. I think it will be fun.
Theresa
Same here I am glad to see 2007 go. It started off emotionally difficult with the Adrianne's diagnosis of renal failure in Feb. There was just so much to comprehend at one time but I can say I did learn alot about the disease. It was a very hard and emotional roller coaster for my family and I during those few months that Adrianne had left after the diagnosis. And not only did the loss of Adrianne in June devistate us but also the loss of my husband's dog Rocky(8 yrs) who had some mental issues and had to be uthenized after turning on my husband in May. In July Ali had to be admitted to the emergency room and was kept for observation for 3 days as I was told she had Pancreatitis. That was hard to deal with too after everything we had already gone through. And July was also 1 year that my mother in-law had been gone. Believe it or not that was one thing that I missed the most was not having her there to talk to during those difficult times. I can say that I was closer to her than my own mother. At times during all this I had thought to call her and had to stop, as reality set in and realize that she is no longer here. But I tell you if it weren't for my small and loving family and all the wonderful friends that I found in the "dog" world I really don't know how I would of gotten through it all. Seriously, I still have emotional melt downs as I miss the ones that I have lost so very much but just to be able to talk with someone who cares makes all the difference in the world. The weekend after losing Adrianne was PNI's APDT trial in which I had Adrianne and Ali entered. I wasn't so sure that I could show Ali(her very first trial) as I knew how hard it would be but Adrianne was looking over us from heaven that weekend as Ali showed up filling her sisters paw prints like you wouldn't believe. Ali in the last 6months of 2007 earned her APDT RL1,2 and 3 Titles, Also her level 1 championship, AKC RN with 1 Q towards her RA, and we ventured off into the agilty world which Ali seems to love and received 2 Q's towards her very first agilty title(UKC AG1). We also tried our paws and hands at UKC Obedience and recieved 1 Q towards her UKC U-CD Title. I really still can't believe how well she has done. She has been an awesome little tzu. Abby(our newest addition) really didn't start training until June as I just had all my time and efforts into taking care of Adrianne. So Abby finally received her AKC CGC, finished all puppy obedience classes, and a puppy performance class. She has been in rally training for her APDT rally debut this weekend. Her and Ali both have been great companions for me and my family and I too hope that 2008 will bring us lots to look forward to. My goals are to finish up all the loose Q for titles on Ali and to get an APDT Rally title on Abby for starters! I won't set our goals too high but who knows what all we might be able to accomplish in 2008!! My best to all in 2008!
Theresa
Ali and Abby
Adrianne(at the bridge)
So where will the cute newly weds reside? ;)
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