A Change of Venue

02 Sept 18
19:45 hrs

     The past week has been a real piss cutter. On Monday I was informed that the new patrol vehicle was being brought up from Capital City on Tuesday and my manager was wanting to have a chat. Immediately, I was in a defensive mode. In fact on Tuesday I woke up at 03:00 hrs with my stomach tied up in knots and a headache like a ten pound Smartie - and I had not even been drinking. I went to the office for 09:30 hrs to assist transferring the ancillary equipment from the old vehicle to the new. My manager arrived shortly after 10:00 hrs and by 10:30 hrs I had been informed that - after five years of being an Animal Control Officer - my service was no longer acceptable to the District.

     There had been a complaint - from an individual outside my jurisdiction - about...what? I never did find out what the complaint was about. I do know that three weeks earlier The Albertans were away and had left their dog inside the house with the windows open. For the next ten hours I heard nothing but barking and whining. On the following Tuesday I had finished my patrol and was standing in my driveway when the neighbour kid came by delivering the paper. I asked if he had a dog and was told yes. I asked if they had been home on Saturday as the dog had been barking all day. Sorry, we were out he said. I suggested they get a bark collar and if his parents had any questions to call me. Well, junior told mom I had told them to get a choke collar. Mom took offence to 5he suggestion and called the District who, in turn phoned the Manager in Capital City.

     And, that was all she wrote.

     Dear Readers, I want you to know that I really loved that position. I was helping people, solving problems and mending fences. However, I was working every second weekend for five years, when I was on duty the phone would ring at all hours from complainants and the RCMP. Dogs, chickens, cows, pigs and goats. I chased them all. I admit that it was fun but until now I never knew the toll it was taking on my family. Here's a hint...family is always more important than the job.

     I'm not worried as for years I have been back filling my patrol position with plenty of security work on Base. I have been assured on numerous occasions that I will have work on Base for as long as I want it.

     I know how steep the learning curve I had climb was and my replacement will have an even steeper one. Good luck. Someone had asked me that if he doesn't work out would I consider going back if I was asked. First of all I doubt if the District would admit they fucked up by letting me go and second of all. I'm not going back. Now, if my organization took over another jurisdiction and had me as the manager over the Animal Control department covering both jurisdictions I might consider it. Maybe. But that will never happen.

     Another piss off took place on Saturday when I went to take my Jr. Loin Fruit out fishing. Everything went well until the motor wouldn't restart after we were 1/2 mile down the lake. I got some much needed exercise rowing us back. Naturally, the marine shops were all closed due to the holiday weekend so I will have to take the motor in for some much needed maintenance. If the repair costs are too dear I will look to purchase a 4-stroke in the spring - with my Better Half's permission of course.

     On Monday, the Sr. Loin Fruit has a job interview at a second location. We all wish him the best of luck. On Tuesday his brother will be attending the orientation day at the local college.  We wish him the best of luck too. Exciting times for everyone. Also in Tuesday my dear friend from Over the Hump will arrive and on Wednesday morning we will be departing early in the AM to grab a ferry off The Rock. We are participating in this years expedition and are heading Out in the Weeds for nearly a week. We will be in communicado during that time frame. There is still a campfire ban on so there will be a lot of sitting in the dark which is okay because it might draw the big guy out to play.

03 Sept 18
04:45 hrs

     Yes, I am awake. Up too early and now I'm looking to nap already.

     It rained in the Valley last night. Probably not a lot but some to dampen the Bush I hope. Some of the big leaf maple trees are already starting to yellow. Its the stress if little water and the heat that is causing them to change early. In the coming years I can foresee that this will be the new norm.

     The Sages seem to be doing fine. The gardening season is just about done and they will soon be prepping for winter. Once the last of the plants have been harvested Two Bob will finish putting the  remaining gutter guards in place.