Dear Karen,
I could just write about how much Hannah and I have learned in your classes, but perhaps the most telling thing is that even though our class ended some time ago, when I ride by the training area with Hannah in the car she becomes excited (and vocal). If you are actually conducting a class at the time, she can hardly control herself and does everything she can to get my attention and makes it clear that she wants to go join the class and visit you. She obviously enjoyed the classes. What higher compliment can be given? In addition, she has learned a great deal in terms of not only accomplishment but in achieving a foundation upon which she continues to enjoy learning and trying new things. Hannah literally wandered into our lives as a stray when she was about 6 months old. After a couple of months had passed with no one claiming her we decided that she had a home and needed obedience training. She also needed the socialization with other dogs, as at home there were three “senior” dogs, who were neither pleased with her being there, nor her efforts to make them play. She had finally resorted to trying to get the vacuum cleaner to play with her. (At least it did not snap at her when she tried to make it play.) In class there were dogs of all kinds and sizes to relate to including guide dogs in training (who, she learned, are great fun when they take off their working vests). While her enthusiasm can still be overwhelming, she learned that she needed to pay attention to me and what she was to be doing even when there were “distractions” everywhere. Hannah has been very responsive to you and her training gave her a solid and positive foundation upon which to build. We continue to be amazed with Hannah’s abilities and count ourselves lucky that she found us. We’re also lucky to have found you to be her first teacher.

Anita C. Brannon