March 2021

They say that March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb and certainly the weather has been lovely this year although not quite as warm. I've been really enjoying working with my new clients and I've even been able to get out into the park with them to do some recall training.

In fact, I ran a five-day Reliable Recall challenge on Facebook which went really well. I got a bit nervous about doing a Live broadcast every day but it was fun. For those of you who watched it, thank you and you should have been able to download the Reliable Recall guide from the group. Edie and Rupert decided to help out by sitting on my lap, on my shoulders and once Rupert decided to gag behind me but hopefully no one noticed!

I am still writing my column in the Cranleigh Magazine and March was about being eco-friendly and reducing your dog's carbon paw-print! This month is about Easter so I could do the usual no chocolate or something more spiritual depending on what takes my fancy. If you want to read it and you're not one of the 3000 Cranleigh residents, then visit the website at www.cranleighmagazine.co.uk.

The good news about the lockdown restrictions and the "road map" means that I can start planning group events. With this in mind, I've been in touch with a local venue and will be looking forward to running social sessions for puppies and teenagers. And I'll be starting the Kennel Club Good Citizens Bronze course as well. Places on all of these will be strictly limited and socially distanced so contact me as soon as possible to get your name on the list. The sessions will be about 45 minutes long and cost £20 per dog. There will be a loyalty card too so if you do five sessions, you get a session free!

Finally, the Mother's Day weekend started well with gifts and cards from my children but ended with Rupert being rushed to an emergency vet on the Sunday and having surgery on the Monday to remove urate crystals from his nether regions. I won't go into too much detail but let's just say that I was relieved he is now recovering, glad I had insurance but I'll be looking at my policy as the £3000 per illness was only just enough. It's something you don't always think about and costs have increased quite a bit since he was born. He is now peeing freely and it was a very expensive pee this morning!

Am looking forward to getting back to the classes and hope to see you all soon. Stay safe and take care.

Best wishes,

Sara, Edie and Rupert (the patient).