Another boulder photo
In the past they used to work all day and after packing, would head back to Switzerland, about a three-hour drive,depending on where people live. This time they decided to stay the extra night, have a pleasant, social evening and a leisurely breakfast before heading home. Given how hard they work, I don't know how they managed to drive home after such a day's training.
We talked about my project of taking part in their operational test and we naturally discussed the costs involved and who sponsored and supported the project. When I told them that it was the German Shepherd Dog Australian Council and its member clubs who sponsored the bulk of the funding I did get, they could not believe it.
Whilst they thought it was great that the Australian German Shepherd Dog community did sponsor Jochen and me, they also thought it was a paradox that not one rescue organisation saw fit to contribute. This was a real jaw-dropper for them. 'Did no-one understand that in sending Jochen and me overseas, (in this case Switzerland) the experience and knowledge I would bring back would benefit the rescue community?' What could I possibly say to that?
I will be seeing many of the people again over the next 2 1/2 months and yet I found it quite emotional to say good bye.
We talked about my project of taking part in their operational test and we naturally discussed the costs involved and who sponsored and supported the project. When I told them that it was the German Shepherd Dog Australian Council and its member clubs who sponsored the bulk of the funding I did get, they could not believe it.
Whilst they thought it was great that the Australian German Shepherd Dog community did sponsor Jochen and me, they also thought it was a paradox that not one rescue organisation saw fit to contribute. This was a real jaw-dropper for them. 'Did no-one understand that in sending Jochen and me overseas, (in this case Switzerland) the experience and knowledge I would bring back would benefit the rescue community?' What could I possibly say to that?
I will be seeing many of the people again over the next 2 1/2 months and yet I found it quite emotional to say good bye.