My only Saturday off in months and I used it to travel to Bloomfield, NJ to Jeff’s headquarters at Paradise Pet for his “Leash Anxiety Workshop”.
We all filed in quietly to the store after hours,signed our waivers and shared stories with some of the most credible trainers in the area that had come for this class (some all the way from CT). We sat in a circle and watched as three dogs came (separately) into the area and meet face to face with Jeff’s gorgeous and well trained pittie. Three loving women with two pitties and a mutt that were ALL frightened took their turns.
As I witnessed the pain on each of these individuals’ faces (who obviously love their companions but could not take them anywhere), I too, felt their angst while we all sat in total silence for sometimes minutes at a time while Jeff manipulated the leashes, gave firm commands and instructions.
As I watched one participant handle her dog, I saw tears sliding down her cheek which made me sad too. She was so frustrated and AFRAID she would not be able to keep her beloved companion. When the class was over I saw her smile and a look of relief that said “this is going to be ok”.
Hubby and I stayed in the area and had a great dinner…(and I might add a stiff drink after seeing that for sure!!! )