A fork in the road...

Dear Friends,

It is with mixed emotions that I write this today. I have been presented with several wonderful opportunities to teach more advanced classes and workshops. We believe in order to best serve our students, something has to give. After looking at the big picture, discussing with our family and much prayer, we decided to give up our training facility in Fremont. We feel it is the best possible scenario for all of us – we will still be teaching classes locally and I will be able to teach at other facilities, judge, and lead workshops without being tied down to the building.

I will continue to offer private, in-home or on-location sessions, as well as outdoor classes when the weather cooperates. I am working locally with Bark Avenue Pet Boutique to offer some classes in their store and I am also going to be looking for other locations to offer classes. (Please, if you have any ideas, please share them!) I will continue to do day camp and boarding at the house. I would like to add dog walks in various locations, as well as other dog outings. We will maintain our wholesale accounts so that we can continue to get food, treats, and other supplies for our students. I am currently studying for the Certified Canine Behavior Consultant exam in November and I will still take that. God willing, I will pass with flying colors and will be able to add that to my certifications.

We will be giving up the building at the end of November. Class attendance is typically very low in the winter and utilities are high. Until that time, we will continue with our ongoing classes (Rally, Obedience, Agility for Fun, and S*T*A*R Puppy) and we will complete our current series (Canine Life Skills and It’s All Tricks). The website will continue and I will keep the calendar up to date as well as linking to the appropriate websites when I am teaching at other facilities.

Please don’t forget, if you are willing to drive just a bit farther, I would love to see you at one of the other training facilities! There will also be classes offered locally at different locations. Thank you all for your support and your commitment to positive reinforcement training. Ken, Meagan, and Kendra send their love and gratitude to you!!! They have loved sharing their lives with you and they will also miss you. It is because of you all that this decision is so difficult. If you need anything at any time, please contact me.

This is not good-bye, and we look forward to the next leg of our journey.

Pawsitively,
Laurie Buchele