FAQ.

So, I can't really think of any frequently asked questions on my blog...because despite all of my many viewers, there haven't been any (work on that people...feel free to comment below). Some questions I get in the really world, outside of the interwebs...

1) Wow, you are tall.

Although not really a question, I guess it is more of a comment (wow...i already failed at this portion of the blog). My first thought when hearing this question is What? seriously? I never knew (I am a bit sarcastic at times). I usually respond with a "yup" or "I suppose." In all honesty, I don't really like it being one of the key things that defines me. People say it is nice, but lets just say that it has had its downfalls. Yes, I can reach that item on the top shelf, but I can't wear high heels without towering over the world, and lets just say the dating pool is thin up here. For some reason the tall guys like the short ladies and some guys can't stand the idea of a girl being taller than them. This is usually followed up with "how tall are you?"  I am 5'11. I am not 6 ft and we can all go visit my doctor if you don't believe me.  :)

2) So, what would you say you do here?

I tend to, although less with my current position, get asked what do I do for a living. I say that I am a CPA and people get excited to ask me tax questions. I then let them know that I would be little to no help in that department, although go ahead and reach out to my friend, Kate. With my old job I would respond that I am an auditor and then people would freak out that I would come audit them (taxes I suppose), and then I would go on a long tangent, to realize that no one really cares (and yet here I continue to go). A financial statement auditor, usually works for an accounting firm, in my case it was Moss Adams. Moss Adams is then contracted by a company or its owners to come in and "check" the financial statements and the processes behind them. There are many reasons to need an audit such as being publicly traded, required for a bank loan or perhaps you just want to make sure everything is being done correctly. We would come in do some analytics, some testing, ask for a bunch of stuff, usually drive the accounting department of that company crazy and then in the end charge lots of money for a tiny piece of paper that has our logo on it and says that the financial statements are good...well, mostly (gotta throw in some legal jargon). People are usually asleep by now.

HOWEVER, now I am a financial reporting manager (fancy...right?). Basically I am on the other side of the audit. I work for a company in their accounting department. I manage our crazy auditors and actually try to make their lives a little easier. I switched over a bit ago, because I wanted some balance in my life (Auditors work/travel A LOT) and the money was actually better.

3) How can Gabby be so sweet with people but the devil with other dogs?

This has frustrated me for years and I have done research, talked to multiple trainers and lets say that the Gabby you see today is much improved. I have come to the conclusion that her response to other dogs can be attributed to two things.

- When Gabby first joined my family I was living at home with my mom and with my childhood  dog, Sarah (not to be confused with my sister, Sara). Sarah did not have much love for Gabby because she was jealous of her, She would routinely snap at Gabby, although never really hurt her. I think that this gave Gabby the idea that it is is better to fight first and ask questions later (it is a fear/protective response...per the trainers). Usually when she gets her little fight out and she doesn't feel threatened she is better. She does however lack some common social skills and ideally I think she rather be alone.

- Her breed, I don't like blaming things on the breed of dogs...nature vs. nurture discussion?  However, this combined with how Sarah was with her, plays a roll. There are multiple times that I have seen others with Jack Russell Terriers and we make eye contact and know to leave each other alone. 

I do use what I would call a "wireless leash."  I went though appropriate training on it (which i recommend for anyone that wants to use these). People might thinking poorly about them, but I think it is just as cruel as keeping your dog on a rope and pulling on them. With it, I am able to play ball with her and let her out in un-fenced areas while maintaining control. It has improved our quality of life and my stress levels significantly. Gabby in all honesty seems a little happier/balanced as well.  The training program that I went through was Got Sit Training  (formally a franchise of  "Sit means sit"). I would be happy to discuss if people are curious.