Happy New Year, K9 Community!

As we step into 2025, I want to pause and reflect on the incredible journey we’ve shared over the past year. To each of you who’ve supported me and been a part of this vibrant K9 community—thank you. Your encouragement and dedication fuel everything I do, and I’m truly grateful to have such a passionate group of followers, friends, and fellow trainers worldwide.

Reflecting on 2024

Looking back at 2024, it was a year filled with growth, joy, and challenges—a true mix of highs and lows that shaped me both professionally and personally. Together, we celebrated remarkable milestones:

• Workshops and Training Breakthroughs: From hosting workshops that inspired incredible progress in training to witnessing the joy of trainers achieving breakthroughs with their dogs, these moments were a testament to the power of collaboration and learning.

• Feedback on Books and Products: Hearing how my books and training products have positively impacted your lives and strengthened the bond between you and your dogs was deeply humbling. Each message and review reminded me why I began this journey in the first place.

• The ACT Philosophy: Watching the ACT (Animal Consultancy and Training) philosophy resonate with trainers globally has been incredibly rewarding. It’s not just about training techniques; it’s about building a meaningful connection with our dogs and fostering mutual trust and understanding. Knowing this philosophy is making a difference is the ultimate validation.

But 2024 wasn’t just about professional achievements. On a personal level, it was a year of introspection and change. Life presented me with serious challenges that forced me to slow down and rethink my priorities. These moments weren’t easy, but they brought invaluable lessons about balance, resilience, and the importance of focusing on what truly matters.

Lessons from Challenges

Challenges often come as unwelcome guests, but they carry gifts of wisdom if we’re willing to accept them. For me, these moments were a wake-up call to reassess my work-life balance. Like many of you, I’m passionate about my work, but passion can sometimes lead to overcommitment. Slowing down allowed me to realign my goals and recognize the importance of nurturing not just my professional life but also my personal relationships and overall well-being.

This period of reflection reinforced something I often preach but sometimes forget to practice: self-care is not selfish. It’s essential. Whether you’re training dogs, leading a team, or managing a household, taking care of yourself enables you to give your best to others.

Looking Forward to 2025

As we enter 2025, my focus is on healing and regaining my health. Battling cancer is a journey I never expected, but it has become my priority for the year ahead. While I won’t be able to host interactive workshops in 2025, I remain committed to supporting this community in other meaningful ways. Here’s what I’m prioritizing:

1. Deepening Connections

The heart of the K9 community is connection—between trainers, dogs, and each other. While I can’t host workshops this year, I want to strengthen these bonds by:

• Expanding resources like training videos, live Q&A sessions, and community forums to make learning accessible to everyone.

• Encouraging dialogue about challenges and successes so we can learn from each other.

2. Championing the ACT Philosophy

The ACT philosophy has been a cornerstone of my work, and I’m committed to expanding its reach. My goal for 2025 is to:

• Share more real-world success stories to inspire others and showcase the transformative power of this approach.

• Partner with trainers and organizations worldwide to promote positive, humane training methods.

I’m also thrilled to announce that I have finally published a series of very inspiring and unique ACT! online courses, which you can find at detectiondogshop.com. These courses are designed to empower trainers with innovative techniques and strategies to enhance their work with detection dogs.

3. Focusing on Health and Balance

Balance is the foundation of sustainability. This year, I’m making a conscious effort to:

• Prioritize my health and well-being above all else.

• Set boundaries to protect personal time and focus on healing.

• Encourage others in the community to find their own balance, knowing that self-care is vital.

4. Introducing New Detection Products

2025 will also be an exciting year for innovation. I’m introducing some amazing new detection products to the market. Be sure to keep an eye on detectiondogshop.com for these upcoming releases, designed to take your training and detection work to the next level.

5. Fostering Growth and Gratitude

Growth isn’t just about achieving new goals; it’s also about appreciating where you are and the steps you’ve taken to get here. In 2025, I’ll:

• Celebrate small wins, both personally and within the community.

• Continue learning and evolving as a trainer and educator at a pace that supports my health.

• Express gratitude daily—for the journey, the challenges, and all of you who make this work so meaningful.

A Message to You

As we embark on this new year, I want to encourage you to embrace the opportunities ahead. Whether you’re tackling training goals, pursuing personal dreams, or navigating life’s challenges, remember this:

• You’re capable of more than you think. Growth happens outside of our comfort zones, and every step forward is a step worth celebrating.

• Cherish the people and animals you love. Time is our most precious resource, and the connections we nurture are what make life meaningful.

• Appreciate the journey. Success isn’t just the destination; it’s the lessons and experiences along the way.

Thank you for being part of this incredible adventure. Your support, passion, and dedication inspire me every day. Together, we’ve built something truly special—a community that uplifts and empowers one another, united by our love for dogs and our commitment to positive training.

Here’s to an amazing 2025 filled with growth, gratitude, health, love, and joy. Remember, you’re not standing alone in the Arena. We’re in this together, building a brighter future for trainers and their dogs worldwide. Let’s make this year our best one yet!