2011 has almost past and I will remember it for it's many twists and turns, ups and downs, and surprises.
The economy, politics, and world events have all been at times depressing, encouraging and sometimes uplifting and inspirational. 2011 felt like a decade of events all crammed into one year. It will be a YEAR to be remembered.
Here is a list of only a few events that occurred in the past 11 months: Gabby Giffords and 17 others where shot in Arizona, a 9.0 earthquake and Tsunami devastated Japan, we had some of the worst tornados in US history with record destruction and deaths, Osama Bin Laden was killed, Libya fell to a rebel revolution and Qaddafi was killed, the Arab Spring continues with the government overthrow in Egypt, unrest continues in Syria, Bahrain, Tunisia and other parts of the middle east, the Shuttle Atlantis flew its last mission, the US credit rating was lowered, there were record breaking wildfires in Texas, American Hikers were released from Iran, Japan beat the US women in the soccer World Cup, Prince William married Kate Middleton, Casey Anthony was found not guilty, Hurricane Irene hit the East Coast causing the evacuation of 2.3 million people, the Occupy Wall Street movement began and continues, the grid lock in Washington continues as the economy just limps along, Gabby Giffords is recovering, Herman Cain and Newt Gingrich continue on inspite of themselves and I got a new dog.
There aren't many of us who have gone untouched by this "Great Recession". I think everyone of us knows at least one person, a family member, a friend or an acquaintance who has lost their home, their job or their life savings. But in spite of all this it has been a time to reflect on what is really important in our lives. This year has made me more aware than ever that I am lucky to have a wonderful and loving wife, a loving family, a home and a profession that gives me joy and fulfillment. I consider myself blessed and proud to be one of the 99%ers.
This year has been a year of loss, sadness and one of renewal. One of my saddest moments in 2011 was losing my best buddy, Sooty. Annie our 14
1/2 year old Cocker mix seemed a little lost and more fragile after Sooty passed. Sooty lived to be 15 plus years and was a great and memorable dog. He won the 2007 NADAC Open 12" North American Agility Championship in Scottsdale Arizona. He attended many of my classes and was a great companion. I didn't think I could find another dog like him until September of this year when Audrey came into my life unexpectedly.
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| Audrey |
Audrey is a 4 year old Beagle who my wife rescued from a family that could not take care of her any longer. Although she came with a lot of issues she has slowly won my heart over. Annie seems to have sprung back and is acting perkier and happier. I didn't think I was ready for a new dog because the loss of Sooty was still too fresh but I am so glad that Suzy brought her into our lives.
There is nothing like a dog to make one's life right.
This year has been one of renewal and recommitment. As you may all be aware I split up with my business partner of nearly 6 years early in the year and went back to doing the business solo. It caused some initial problems and adjustments but as the year went on I rediscovered my joy and passion in being a dog trainer and why I started this business in the first place. I also put in the time and effort to get my IACP Certified Dog Trainer Certification (a 5 month process). I have really enjoyed working with every dog that I have closed as a client this year and I look forward to continuing working with all my current and future dogs into 2012.
I hope you all have a joyous Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Steve Bettcher, IACP Certified Dog Trainer
The Dog Squad
