Random Thing #1 For 8 years, I had one of the top obedience beagles in the country, most of the time she was number 1. Her name was U-CDX Weaver’s Peppermint Patty, UD. She was a very sweet dog, and in addition to doing obedience she was a therapy dog at one of the earliest programs in the country.
Random Thing #2 I trained police K-9 dogs, mostly obedience and drug detection. I also did some weapons detection training and some work with an arson dog. I also did some bite work, often as the handler, but occasionally in the bite suit. Mostly I trained police officers on how to train their own dogs. I did all this while teaching high school kids.
I even graduated from a police academy and passed my TECLOSE test. I didn’t become a police officer, since the main purpose was to give me creditials for K9 training. Also, it would put me in a weird legal status. In Texas peace officers are required to carry guns at all times. We never checked, but we were pretty certain teachers were required NOT to carry guns.
Random Thing #3I was extremely active on Prodigy when it was around.
Random Thing #4I had the second personal internet account in the DFW area. Texas Metronet was the first place you could get an internet account on your own. Before that, you either had to be affliated with an university or a business. I wasn’t into teaching yet, so I couldn’t get one that way.
Random Thing #5I ran a FIDONet hub for many years. It was part of a Dog BBS. I also moderated an animal rights discussion board. No one could decide which side I was one — which is a good thing when you moderate (I’m basially against animal rights AND animal cruelty.)
I think I’ll tag another community. DB of MedRants and Enoch Choie at Medmusings