Christmas 2019
Hello everyone and I hope you are ready for Christmas. I've been a bit remiss with the newsletters for a while as I have been working for another company in Chertsey for most of the summer teaching puppy classes. I was also back at Aspen and Ewell vets, as well as developing the business in Cranleigh. Most of the time I've been dashing up and down the A3. It's been a rollercoaster of a year!
The professional highlight was getting my KCAI accreditation at Crufts on the same day as Rupert won his class as Post Graduate. I never believed he would win, just showing a dog was enough. But bless him, he turned into George Clooney and looked like a star. On the personal side, Tony and I got remarried and the dogs even joined us at the reception!
Sadly, my mother-in-law passed away in September and she left a big hole in our lives. Her pug, Stanley, is now living with her sister and Alfie the Labrador. Barbara adored Edie and Rupert and they miss her very much. Grieving is as much a canine emotion as a human one. And earlier in the year, as a few will know, Tony was seriously ill and he continues to recover. He's making good progress and is looking forward to being at lots of the classes next year taking photos as my "photographer in residence". We'll be putting lots of pictures on the website in 2020 and if you want copies, please let us know. He'll be launching his own business and website as well.
With all this upheaval, I've taken the very difficult decision to stop teaching the classes in Epsom and Surbiton. A lovely trainer, Kelly Nicholson from Puppy School will be taking over the classes at Aspen and Ewell. Kelly already teaches in Cheam and you can find more details at www.puppyschool.co.uk or direct to her at info@walnut-bailey.com. The last of the Good Citizen classes at Stoneleigh starts in January 2020 and after that will be transferring to Cranleigh later in the year. I hope to welcome lots of you down in the wonderful Surrey Hills for classes and events during the year. I may even through a couple of parties!
I'm revising the Small Dog Social Group to include some social sessions for owners as well as the dogs. Lots of nice walks and events planned. The Facebook Group has been updated and you can find details via the Rewards Facebook page for both sets of events and information. I'm adding a blog now that will concentrate on news topics, personal updates and dog training tips so check back on the website often. If that wasn't enough, I'm currently writing my first book about puppy training!
Finally, I'd like to thank my amazing helpers - Aimee and Jess - who have been so good at keeping my classes running on time, cleaning up after the dogs (and me) and generally helping me with admin, set ups, clear downs and any events. They've worked with me for such a long time now and I can't tell you how important they have been to the business. They are absolute stars and I'm hoping they will continue down here in Cranleigh to help me as and when they can.
So, as you can see, with Rupert back at Crufts in March and the business picking up, I'm going to be very busy. But not too busy to keep in touch with you all at social events and I'm always here if you need some extra help.
Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from us all,
Sara, Edie and Rupert.
