Post date: Jan 11, 2018 5:07:58 AM
I have made the resolution in prior years to do at least one post a month. I failed miserably in 2017 but will try again. To recap 2017, my husband and I both retired from our day jobs. He worked early in the morning to early afternoon and I went to work later in the afternoon. It worked well for many many years as there was most always someone here. He retire on February 1, 2017 and I retired on March 1. He never looked back. I was more apprehensive and worried about if we had prepared financially for this step in our lives well enough, will I miss going to work, will we get along since we weren't used to be at home together that much. We are going on 1 year and life couldn't be better. All my fears were unfounded. We are still very busy but it's a fun busy. We have more time to spend with the dogs and that is so important. We always used to say we wouldn't work on Sunday, but we always did because that is what it took to get everything done. Now starting tonight there is a snowstorm coming. I thoroughly enjoy not having to even think about how am I going t get work and will I get home afterwards. We can just stay home and be safe.
This past Monday the USDA inspector showed up in the afternoon. This is always an unannounced visit. We knew we were due but had no idea when he or she may drive in. There were a few things we needed to fix, nothing major. We have already taken care of the issues. The inspector is doing his job and this one was very thorough. First he goes through the facilities, checks on sanitation, looks over the dogs, checks teeth, toenails, ears etc. Checks medications to see if any are expired. Looks where food and supplies are stored. He may take pictures of problem areas and takes notes. After the outside inspection is done, he comes inside to look at my recordkeeping. Each kennel must have had a vet inspection within the last year, an exercise plan, and a written program of veterinary care. He then documents his findings on his laptop and presents it for our signature. We always breathe a little easier when the inspection is done. If a facility has serious issues, the inspector may gave a timeline as to when the corrections have to be made. We have never been been cited for any violations like that. We feel to be USDA inspected keeps us on our toes and makes us better. There is always room for improvement.