My birthday was last week.
…and I get all introspective-y. PLUS, there’s been a whole heckuva lot going on,
so I thought I’d do some (over)sharing.
Longsnouts kicked off a decade ago, and oh, what a wild ride it’s been! Getting to know all of you has been nothing short of spectacular: a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and a million celebrations! Some of you have graduated from needing training wheels. A lovely bunch of you pop in and out like your favorite seasonal treats as offerings change and schedules shake things up. And let’s not forget the lucky few I’ve had the joy of meeting not just one, but two, three, or even four fabulous doggos in your lives! Honestly, saying I’m grateful just doesn’t cut it...
Feeling a little lost after losing 3 Wildlings in the last 18 months, I had a whirlwind experience in September, creating a little life ‘52-card pickup’. For the first time since Longsnouts launched, I needed to create a resume for an exciting position (back) on the east coast. I made it through several rounds of interviews, but am not the final candidate. And, truthfully, that’s ok. The role and the organization are exciting…the timeline for a move made my stomach do flips. I mean, I LOVE risk taking and change, though the idea of a life overhaul with 3 dogs, a small mountain of Hannah/Wilding belongings, and home-hunting in January didn’t sound ideal.
That being said, I took some time to reflect on what aspect of the change thrilled me the most. Having grown up in various places around the globe, I find that Big Change exhilarating rather than intimidating. This role would provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to merge all my diverse skill sets—particularly my more eclectic dog skills, Dog Nerdery, and my love for working breeds—in the most extraordinary way. So, how could I best channel the want for change and connect to my skills right here in Michigan?
Get ready, folks, because Longsnouts is shaking things up a bit! Some old favorites will be taking a bow, but don’t fret—we’ll continue to offer unique, organic, and responsive workshops, with flexible attendance. We're diving into the online world with self-study options and a loyalty program! Topics like:
Fitness classes for dogs (because we do talk about Fit Club!)
Workshops with different tiers for skills like leash walking, mastering recalls and off-leash shenanigans,
More Urban Manners/public access fun,
Zoom “office hours” for all those burning questions and video reviews,
Themed nosework sessions, including field trips!
Bottom line: Longsnouts will focus on exploring the “what else can I do with my dog” skills beyond the basics. Got a specific wish? Give us a yell!!!
I will openly admit that I wasn’t my best self from May 2023 through July 2024. Saying the long goodbye to 3 Wildlings in a year rocked me to my core. I thought I was ‘coping well’ and it wasn’t until the fog of grief began to lift in late July that I realized I was indeed a mess. I AM now coping better/well and getting super excited to introduce all sorts of fun to the madness…
More than anything, whether you’ve been here since day one or just signed up for the newsletter this week, thank you. We adore you, your fabulous pups, and all the possibilities for fun times ahead! In the wise words of P!NK,
“I think of what the world could be
A vision of the one I see
A million dreams is all it's gonna take
Oh, a million dreams for the world we're gonna make.”
With love, muddy feet & oodles of wintry snuggles,
The Wildlings: Hannah, Dougal, Cilla & Kenna
From the beyond: Livvie (2010-2023), Dougal (2010-2024) & Maeve (2023-2024)
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