Yesterday marked a day of firsts for K9ABCs as the first Dogsafe 101 class during the world COVID 19 pandemic went off without a hitch. In response to the pandemic two previous classes had been cancelled "postponed" as we all helped to flatten the curve and adjust to our new normal.
After contacting the Provincial Government's hotline a couple of weeks ago to discuss the plan I was given the thumbs up. Next step was contacting the facility, the Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre in Abbotsford. Sarah Stricker with the Best Western was very accommodating and rented me two conference rooms for the price of one (even less actually) allowing each student their own 6' table with social distancing between.
Next, each student from the cancelled classes in March and April were contacted and filled in on the plan. Naturally some were not able to attend for a variety of reasons, job changes, loss of employment, changes in priorities and medical reasons. One student knowing she has a sniffy nose rescheduled for the September class, very responsible.
Symptom free and agreeing to all of the safety rules put in place were non negotiable to attend class yesterday. Everyone had a mask, everyone was supplied hand sanitizer at their own table, soap and more sanitizer at the bathroom and entrance.
Prior to practicing CPR on the floor, demo's on use of the manikin and all steps of AR and CPR were done by myself with students still at their tables. Then it all came together with the students practicing on the floor with the manikins, some tables were aside and students spread out throughout the room with lots of space.
At the end of class students participated by replacing their supplies either in a garbage bag or a bin. Everyone remained at their tables until everyone was complete with their quiz and we then reviewed it together. Topped of with a 2m spaced group photo and the day was a grand success.
Creating our new normal while respecting the need to protect others and ourselves is a necessary step to living life at this time. Some students have been working through the last couple of months being essential service workers. Others have been at home self isolating and getting out yesterday was a big step for them but a welcome one.
Another first, this was my first Dogsafe class ever without Quincy. Due to the family emergency of a friend, Quincy was keeping her friend Bennie company today. Boy, did I miss her.
After contacting the Provincial Government's hotline a couple of weeks ago to discuss the plan I was given the thumbs up. Next step was contacting the facility, the Best Western Plus Regency Inn & Conference Centre in Abbotsford. Sarah Stricker with the Best Western was very accommodating and rented me two conference rooms for the price of one (even less actually) allowing each student their own 6' table with social distancing between.
Next, each student from the cancelled classes in March and April were contacted and filled in on the plan. Naturally some were not able to attend for a variety of reasons, job changes, loss of employment, changes in priorities and medical reasons. One student knowing she has a sniffy nose rescheduled for the September class, very responsible.
Symptom free and agreeing to all of the safety rules put in place were non negotiable to attend class yesterday. Everyone had a mask, everyone was supplied hand sanitizer at their own table, soap and more sanitizer at the bathroom and entrance.
Prior to practicing CPR on the floor, demo's on use of the manikin and all steps of AR and CPR were done by myself with students still at their tables. Then it all came together with the students practicing on the floor with the manikins, some tables were aside and students spread out throughout the room with lots of space.
At the end of class students participated by replacing their supplies either in a garbage bag or a bin. Everyone remained at their tables until everyone was complete with their quiz and we then reviewed it together. Topped of with a 2m spaced group photo and the day was a grand success.
Creating our new normal while respecting the need to protect others and ourselves is a necessary step to living life at this time. Some students have been working through the last couple of months being essential service workers. Others have been at home self isolating and getting out yesterday was a big step for them but a welcome one.
Another first, this was my first Dogsafe class ever without Quincy. Due to the family emergency of a friend, Quincy was keeping her friend Bennie company today. Boy, did I miss her.
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