Holly Golightly wrote:Hey there, Martin and Kathy! May I offer a belated welcome to the message board?
First off, my condolences on a difficult Irod this year - 2010 will be probably much better - for one thing, the weather can’t be *that* awful two years in a row. I do have a couple questions that nobody’s asked yet, too, so here goes:
#1: If someone wanted to become a kennel helper, what qualifications and attributes must they have in order to be considered? I’m sure it’s a position that entails much responsibility. (My friends have asked me why I’ve never looked for work as a helper, and I tell them “I’m not qualified,” but I want to be certain.)
#2: I know this is an extremely nosy question, but…several posts ago, it was mentioned that the purse decrease (paired with unexpectedly low placing) really has had an impact for the both of you. Is there anything that us here on the forum can do to lend a hand to ease the possible financial strain on y'all? (It’s OK if the answer’s “no”; I’m sure I’m not the only person here who’s wondered it, however, just the only one with enough chutzpah to ask.)
Thanks,
Holly.
1. Our kennel helpers do end up with quite a bit of responsibility. We work to entrust them with training dogs. They have to do a lot of poop scooping so I want them to get a chance with the fun stuff - being on the runners. We look for someone with a strong work ethic. Someone who takes initiative to do what needs to be done. We need someone who is flexible and strong and can work under hectic conditions. But most of all, we look for a person who loves dogs, likes to pet them, brush them and work with them.
2. I certainly appreciate your compassion about the financial strain. You could encourage folks to come to our kennel tours this summer. I am working to make more motivational speeches so you might recommend us if you know a group that needs a great power point presentation with inspiration related to the Spirit of the Iditarod or Life with Sled Dogs. We know we have to work hard to keep our sponsors, so you might write a note of support to any of those sponsors (found on our website). Thanks!!!