2024 was the most challenging year I’ve had in many ways, with most challenges stemming from the devastating loss of my heart dog, my muse, my love, my BooBoo. When she died in April, I sunk into a deep depression, unable to work and just needing time to try to process this immense loss in my life. I barely worked for 5 months, from the month before her passing when we realized she was in decline and then for several months after, and my business and our family finances suffered as a result. But, I know there was nothing else I could have done. Losing your heart dog is hard enough to navigate but when you’re also a pet professional, it’s even harder. I would not have been able to serve my behavior clients the way they needed me to and I wasn’t in a mental state to coach and support others.
Even with all my time off, I’ve now helped over 2800 clients and their dogs live happier, healthier lives and gain a greater understanding of each other since I became a professional trainer. That’s over 7300 hours of one-on-one training! These families were struggling with separation anxiety, and other fearful or aggressive situations: dogs biting children, resource guarders, dogs who don’t like to be touched, dogs who growl at or who are afraid of people who live in their home, dogs afraid of other dogs, dogs reactive on walks, making it unsafe to walk them, dogs afraid of going outside or people struggling with big decisions like rehoming or behavioral euthanasia. I’ve been honored to help these families. I’m trusted by a network of vets and vet behaviorists across the country that refer cases to me, knowing their clients will receive the utmost care and competence in training guidance. These are not things I take lightly.
Seeing the love and understanding from the humans and the sacrifices they’ve made to get the training their dogs need, so both the dog and human could live a happier life, continues to be one of my greatest joys. And my client sessions after BooBoo died were some of my happiest moments this year. As you might know, Boo is the reason I am a trainer (for 10 years now!) and why Rescued By Training even exists! And continuing this work is her legacy, as my doula work is part of Mr. Barbo’s legacy.
I spent a lot of time this year grieving BooBoo and have been chronicling that journey here on the blog, along with preparing resources for clients or others who are navigating grief. As part of my doula services, I’ve got this resource page, which I update regularly. I also have my free Advance Care Directive worksheet available for download and this post about helping kids navigate grief. And I did a post on the benefits of At Home Euthanasia with a directory of local vets by different regions. If you’ve missed my previous grief posts:
- first post about Boo passing
- 2 month update
- 4 month update
- 6 month update
- watch this memorial video of Life of Boo, with music composed by my husband, John.
- Video of BooBoo crossing the rainbow bridge (Lake Lure Rainbow Bridge, destroyed in Hurricane Helene floods)
This year I was a guest on several podcasts, discussing grief, fear, preparing dog for baby and more. In case you missed them, you can catch them all here.
- RISK! Podcast: Dogs!
- Good Grief with Nikki The Death Doula: Kate LaSala Pet Death Doula
- The Pet Loss Companion Podcast: Episode #186, A Conversation with Canine Behavior Consultant Kate LaSala
- Starlight Pet Talk: Episode 93: Understanding Trauma in Rescue Dogs: Insights from Canine Behavior Expert Kate LaSala
- Grey Muzzle Diaries Podcast: Episode 12: Kate LaSala, Mr. Barbo and BooBoo
- The Pet Loss Companion Podcast: BooBoo’s Story, Episode #166 My Life Changed Forever When BooBoo Arrived
- The Pawsitive Post in Conversation: How to Help Dogs Prepare for a New Baby
I also contributed to several press publications and articles, most recently 7 Tips for a Dog-Friendly Christmas and The Psychologist: Thumps, Bumps and Bangs: When your dog fears loud noises. I was also a featured contributor to Zazie Todd’s newest book, Bark!: The Science of Helping Your Anxious, Fearful, or Reactive Dog. I also did several webinar presentations on my doula work and how I have incorporated it into my behavior practices, for The Pet Professional Guild, The Academy for Dog Trainers and Family Paws. These have all been wonderful highlights for me this year.
And this year, I marked 5 years of blogging, delivering near weekly quality content here on the blog and on social media. I may be changing the way things work in 2025 due to the changing social media landscape, so be sure you are signed up for my weekly newsletter so you never miss any news from me.
With New Year’s Eve right around the corner, if you’re worried about fireworks scaring your dog, you can get a refresher on 9 Ways To Help Your Dog’s Fear Of Noises.
I wish you and yours a very happy New Year and hope 2025 gives you an opportunity to do good things and more of what you love. Remember to check out all my self-paced course offerings here or if you want one on one training, schedule a session! Be sure you are signed up for my weekly newsletter so you never miss any news or posts. I may be scaling back some of my social media, but my newsletter will be on the regular! Thank you for being part of the RBT family! Stay safe!
Happy training and happy New Year!
