Summer Sabbatical

Summer Sabbatical 2024

For the first time in decades (or ever, actually!) we are taking a little summer sabbatical break from work. The universe – and my esteemed colleagues, friends and family – have all aligned and supported us to make this possible. For this I am truly grateful.

A sabbatical is an opportunity to manage the effects of professional burnout. It can help a person rest, de-stress, and return to work rejuvenated. It provides an extended moment to pursue personal growth, professional development, or a passion project, all of which are included in my goals this summer.

My remaining resident dogs are certainly beneficiaries too. Stella, Po and Jill are my barometers – the more centred I am, the more attentive, focused and NON-reactive they are becoming. The canaries have evolving needs too. It keeps me humbled to see again just how much these sentient beings are attuned to the nuances of stress, sadness, anxiety and joy in the home. It makes me want to work harder to be the human they need me to be.

My mum, my first-born (dog) son McGee, and my soul dog Gucci surround me with their spiritual presence. I miss their physical selves keenly. I think about how they all would have enjoyed this summer’s pursuits. I regret not having made space for downtime long before now. And I congratulate myself for taking it now, in this my sixth decade of existence.

Summer Sabbatical is a time for rejuvenation, personal reflection, and focus on my own pets’ well-being.

Focusing on the good, enjoying each day as it comes, having no agenda, appreciating the time to indulge – those are the priorities! Thank you again to my supportive friends and family, my life-sustaining pets, and Mother Nature for providing a most excellent backdrop for adventures.

Summer Sabbatical Wrap Up

Dog training at Furever Pet Care and Unleashed Niagara will continue in September 2024. News and updates on Facebook and-or Instagram.

In the meantime, Happy Summer to all.