2017 was a really good year for Ryan and I. We continued to focus on the house, dogs and our careers.
In the start of the year, we continued to struggle with George and Lucy and their ongoing aggression issues over toys and food. After multiple classes and training sessions with George nothing seemed to be working for his aggression. After a bit of research we found Andy. A local dog trainer and K9 police officer in the metro area who trains with E-collars. We made the difficult decision of sending both dogs away for 6 to 8 weeks each for training. George was the first to go and spent at least seven weeks alone with Andy. Andy did a great job of updating us weekly on his progress and it was clear George was striving in that structured of an environment.
Once George was done with his training, it was then Lucy’s turn. We thought Lucy was going to strive with the training of Andy, but turns out she was very reluctant to be trained by him. She did not respond well to the E-collar or food. She would disengage and shut down in training which was extremely disappointing to both Ryan and I. At the end of her training, George went back to Andy and the dogs were train together for about two weeks. When the dogs came home it was like two different animals. George was so well-behaved and Lucy was more accepting of George.
The dogs have now been back home since May and it really has been the best decision that Ryan and I have ever made. The dogs haven’t been in a fight since before they were sent to training. Which makes for a very peaceful home. We did have to make some adjustments in our everyday life; they do wear E-collars every day when they are together, they are no longer allowed to be in the kitchen.
The spring and summer brought lots of house projects for Ryan and I. We painted a few more of the doors in the house. Only three to go! We continued to chip away at the mudroom and finally completed it and most recently did an overhaul on the dining room. I cannot wait to show you everything in detail, so stay tuned!
In the spring, Ryan moved to the Director’s Office in the federal government. It was a move he more than welcomed. Instead of veteran home loans he now oversees project management and high level analysis, which he feels is much more suited for his personality and abilities. Ryan’s photography businesscontinues to grow that he’s now not only taking clients in the metro area but he also is now traveling for clients.
As for me, outside of house decorating and worrying about the dogs, the better part of my year was focused on my job. I celebrated a year back at my old company and I continue to strive as Manager of Strategic Accounts. My team and my client challenge me every day to grow in my position and strive for bigger things.
Looking forward to what next year has in store for my little clan.
