On the 27th February we had a meeting of PURE Dog Listeners to plan the way forward, to discuss and exchange ideas. To improve our techniques and generally improve the quality of service that we offer to our clients and their dogs. We already have a vibrant forum where members can share experiences and advice and we are in regular telephone contact but nothing beats personal interaction.
Where to hold the meeting? We now have members across the UK, Northern Ireland and Eire as well as Europe, Scandinavia and the USA. This is truly amazing because when Caroline and I moved from the last enterprise last July we expected to be a two man show. The fact that so many have chosen to join us is still a matter of wonder to us. So we needed somewhere with a good atmosphere, accommodation, conference facilities, good food and drink and friendly and helpful staff. We found all this and more at The White Lion, Fullerton Road, Wherwell, near Andover, Hampshire. They were fabulous hosts. And if I tell you that they have in addition to steaks, mixed grills and other good food from snacks to substantial meals but also a page on the menu devoted to pies! As they’d gone to the bother of making them I had to try one and can confirm that the White Lion is pie heaven.
We didn’t know how many of our colleagues would be able to attend and were gratified when even with a couple of members having to pull out at the last moment we still had over 30 present. I’d like to think that it was our great oratory that attracted them but I suspect it was the pies and the beer. Either way we had a great couple of days in good company. We all learnt so much and bounced some great ideas about. We had an amazing presentation from one of our members on British Sign Language and as a result had a much better understanding of all sorts of problems that hearing impairment can bring up. We now have someone highly qualified who can help any of our members with a hearing impaired client. We have a host of talented people all happy to help one another, a super team to be part of. The next meeting can’t come too soon. Already members in the USA who were unable to attend have stated that they’ll be there for the next one. As we work so much alone it is vital that we keep fresh by this interaction of like minded people, and it must be interaction. Sitting in a room be talked at by one or two people achieves nothing. When I saw the enthusiasm in the faces of my fellow PDLs, their willingness to share and heard the passion in their voices I knew we were doing something right.
