Quarantine

As of 8:00 PM on Thursday, March 19, 2020, all non-life-saving businesses were ordered closed until further notice. 

I’ve read every article I can get my hands on and I’ve watched as many news conferences as I could.  I’ve taken this to understand that Mia Semuta Dog Training falls into this category.  I will be hosting one last group lesson this afternoon as there will be fines levied at midnight if a business violates the order.  My last hurrah?  Taking the dogs for a walk in the parking lot of my Gramma’s retirement community so that she and her friends can watch us from their windows and I can wave to her.  We will be observing appropriate precautions and keeping our distance from one another but I want to give them something different to look at and I want to get as close to a hug as I can.

I’ve just updated my calendar.  I’m assuming until further notice is at least through the end of next week.  Every client who has a scheduled lesson with me has ben moved forward in the calendar.  After all of this is over, I will make up every lesson even if it’s beyond your contracted time.  I will continue to work with the dogs who are staying at my house and keep the exchanges with their parents brief with no human touch.  I will conduct lessons remotely for all of my clients, I will video and broadcast lessons as frequently as possible and I will open up my Virtual classroom a few times a week.  Even if we are just laughing about cocktails and movies, a little levity during this scary time is valuable, too.

I had the most incredible morning already.  One of my clients asked what she could do to be helpful to Zach and me during this time, another asked if he could send his dog to stay with me for a few days, charging him full price.  Thank you!  Yes, I put the dog on my calendar immediately and to answer that first question: We still need new students.  Our bills won’t stop even when our income does.  We still have families to feed and lights to keep on. 

This is an incredible time to train your dog!  Although we are unable to provide the hands-on training we’ve become known for there is still so much we can do via technology to help you get started.  Please consider enrolling today with the understanding that we will help as much as we can until we can see you in person and then honor every lesson you paid for when the restrictions are lifted.  In recognition of your flexibility and willingness to take a chance on a local, small business, I am offering 10% off your tuition if you enroll during the quarantine.  It’s not ideal, but I’m willing to make the best of a bad situation and find a way to help you through the screen.

If you or someone you know is in need of dog training help we find ourselves with knowledge to share a ton of time on our hands!  Thank you for your prayers and shares, go with my deepest affection and good thoughts.  We are all in this together.  Stay safe and wash your hands.