As I mentioned in my last newsletter in December, the past few months of 2022 were very challenging and unfortunately 2023 has continued in the same way. Sadly, my mother passed away a few days before Christmas and my aunt also passed a month or so after. Both deaths were a big shock and have knocked me for six.
We did go to Crufts in March, Rupert didn’t get placed although he had a lovely day out and Boudi came with us to start her training as a support dog for Kathy. At just 6 months old she took the whole experience in her stride. Very sadly, at the grand old age of 15, Kathy’s dog Tate was unable to take his place at Crufts and passed away a few weeks later (see photo). Tate was a wonderful ambassador for the breed and a total gentleman, he will be much missed.
To give Boudi some company we decided to take on another puppy – Freya – to add to our growing pack of Bedlington Terriers. Both girls have settled in well together and are minding their Ps and Qs around Edie who has taken over as top dog. Poor Rupert is now totally hen pecked with only girls around!
As for me, I have always been honest with my friends and clients and this newsletter is no different. It’s not something that I talk about much but my own health has been declining both mentally and physically. I had an operation in November that has not worked and I am scheduled for more surgery. In addition, the move to a new place has turned out to be a nightmare with lots of serious Anti-Social Behaviour caused by tenants which has affected me and the dogs considerably. Edie has been unwell several times with bouts of sickness and her stress levels have been through the roof. Luckily Rupert has turned out to be supporting us both with lots of love, cuddles and kisses. And Kathy, Boudi and Freya have been wonderful in keeping my spirits up and helping with the business.
However, and with a great deal of thought especially as the business has never quite recovered from the pandemic, I have decided to close down Rewards Dog Training for the time being and am planning to move away from the Cranleigh area. I am heading to pastures new to take some time out for myself and the dogs to breathe and destress without any of the pressures that come with being a sole trader. I have loved working with each and everyone of you over the years. Everyone has been so supportive of the business and I hope you will all keep in touch with me. I will be starting up again but in a different format and possibly online. I may even get round to writing those books I mentioned before!
Before I go I would love to run a couple of social walks – one in Cranleigh and one in Epsom – to say goodbye and perhaps raise some funds for charity if anyone is interested. I’ll send out the dates once I have a time scale in mind. And for the couple of clients that I have active training packages with I will, of course, complete these before I leave which will be in a couple of months.
I cannot tell you how much you have all made me smile and got me through some tough times. Working with the dogs is fun but it is you, the owners, who have challenged my skills and managed to cheer me up on days when I found it all too difficult to deal with.
With much respect and best wishes
Sara.
