Hello Everyone - Introducing...Neil!

[neilsattin]

You all probably know who I am, and there's plenty of information about me on the naturaldogblog (or google neil sattin). However, here's a snippet of the "me of the moment".

I'm excited to get this forum going, though have no idea what will become of it. It seems like there are so many places to "stay connected" on-line - so I don't want to contribute to anyone's overwhelm in that regard. On the other hand, for those of us interested in Natural Dog Training, there are only so many places available to us for connecting with each other and asking questions of each other. Or, for that matter, for me, Lee, Kevin, and the rest of the growing community of people experienced with Natural Dog Training to share wisdom and know-how with those less experienced. So in my view it will be that - yet another piece of the Natural Dog Blog that's USEFUL - even in helping foster community.

My life has been dominated by the Natural Dog Training DVDs lately. Which isn't to say that's ALL I've been doing, but that it's pretty much meant that I've been living on minimal amounts of sleep for the past 10 months. You might think that would have been the case anyway, with our new addition to the family this past December (Zella) - but actually she sleeps relatively well. Lucky us! Well, lucky Tonya, who now gets to sleep through the night while I work away at whatever Natural Dog Blog task there is in the moment.

We're in the process of house-hunting. We sold our house in Portland a little over a month ago, and have moved temporarily to Pownal (a rural community north of Portland) while we scout out for the perfect place. So many factors to consider, of course, but we aspire to be in a place with a little bit of space (at least a couple of acres around us, shielding us from the leaf blowers of our neighbors), but also in a thriving community. We envision big potlucks in our dining room, jam sessions in our music room, and dog training in the fields (along with a big organic garden).

Not having a permanent "home base" makes life interesting. Thankfully, Tonya's parents (who are housing us) are great to be around, and wonderful with our children. They've been VERY helpful - and we're most appreciative. Still, it'll be nice to not worry about stepping on anyone's toes as we go about our "normal" day.

It looks like there might be some travel in store for me over the coming weeks - mainly for TV interviews for the DVDs. I'm also hoping to coordinate that with speaking for local animal organizations (or in locally owned pet stores) - talking about Natural Dog Training, answering questions, and - autographing DVDs! If you can think of a place/organization in your area (and I'll probably echo this call on the blog as well), please let me know. If you feel like ORGANIZING something - even better! I'd love to come to your community, get to know you and a new place, and spread the word about Natural Dog Training.

It always feels like there's "something to do". I'm trying to pace myself here. After all, it's been a long 10 months for me of being "full speed ahead" - and I really want to enjoy feeling the sense of accomplishment before I steamroller on into the next phase of "the project". You know - life, the project.

That's the story from me. For now. I look forward to getting to know a little bit (more) about all of you here. Thanks for listening!