That time of year again!
 

Well it is that time of year again when I question my chosen profession. Most
people think that it is funny thought but it really isn’t. There are a lot of things I
love about the holidays but then again there are a lot of things I hate.
  After twenty-nine years it is hard to come up with a new answer to where are
you going for the holidays. People look at me strange when I say the kennel.
Why? Because that is where I go most of the other 364 days a year.
  My family has stopped asking if I am coming down for dinner. They finally
got the message. 
  Last year I shocked a couple of people with the following answer: “ If I was
going off to visit family. You would be staying home cause the kennel would
be closed.” One man looked at me and laughed. He said, now that I think about
it you are right. Thank you. First time I have ever been thanked for working a
holiday in that way.
  Being at the kennel on Christmas is not something I hate. I love the decorations,
colors,  the barking [well most times] and listening to Jude talk to the animals.
She still hopes after 13 years that one will talk back on Christmas Eve.
  One of the things I hate is the “me first” attitude of the 90’s. I hope the year 2000
brings about a change in people’s attitudes. Yeah, yeah I believe in Santa
Claus and the Easter Bunny too! Don’t laugh I really do but that is another story.
But it is at the top of my wish list along with people taking more time and better
care of their family pets.
 It is strange that other businesses have office hours but a kennel or child care
facility should be open all hours according to the people I have run into lately.
  However, the thing I detest the most is getting yelled at cause we don’t have
grooming time available or boarding space available at the last minute. It isn’t
just us it happens to everyone who grooms or boards. The holidays are the
worst time for this cause many people still wait until the last minute then call
and are really surprised when you say you are full.
  This is why we preach make those reservations or appointments early. The
human body can stand just so much punishment. We still have to do cards,
decorations, church, dinner and some visiting just like everyone else. The
trick is in being very very creative with our time and scheduling.
  Groomer, kennel operator, head of household, family member, pooper-
scooper, we wear a lot of hats. Learning to juggle them is a trick of the trade.
  Enjoying the holidays is an art. Better than any other time of the year if you can 
keep your sense of humor. Of course, that applies to any occupation. So please
do me a favor and make a list. Write down all the things you need to do. Cross
them off as you get  them done. You will be happier and ahead of the game.

Catoosa County News 11/15/99