‘Waiting has only made it sweeter’
Jan Kiley, 57, is a dog trainer from Hampshire. I’ve always loved dogs – I remember spending many happy hours at my grandparents’ house in the 70s, teaching their two Collie-crosses Ben and Georgie to jump over broomsticks, and by the time I was 10, I’d decided I wanted to become a dog trainer when I grew up. But I had to wait for my 21st birthday to apply to Guide Dogs for the Blind. Finally, in 1984, I had an interview – and they called me back for a second.
Sadly, I never made it. I’d fallen in love with a man called Tom, and when I found out that the organisation might post me as far away as Scotland, I decided to drop out.
I’ve had many great jobs over the years – medical PA, primary school teacher and, latterly, a practice manager at a vet’s. But I always carried that little bit of regret.
Then everything changed in 2019, when I found out that Hilary, whose dog was one of our patients, was setting up a charity to train dogs for autistic people. She achieved charitable status in January 2019, and by March I was a regular volunteer.
The charity grew and then Hilary asked me to come on board as an employee! Now my days are spent working with dogs, and at the moment, I’m training Luna, a Labrador pup, to work with an autistic girl called Zana.
I work long hours – often during evenings and weekends, but I love my life. And although I had to wait a while to achieve my dream, this has only made it sweeter.
dogsforautism.org.uk
‘Better late than never!’
This story is from the October 20, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the October 20, 2020 edition of WOMAN'S WEEKLY.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Knit and NATTER
Joining the group had seemed like a good idea, but had Nancy made a terrible mistake?
Take FIVE
Simple dinners, flavour-packed and filling too, using just five main ingredients
Never TOO LATE!
Learning a new skill in adulthood can be a daunting challenge. Three women share their experiences
Your ultimate AT-HOME FACIAL
Elevate your skincare routine to a salon-worthy experience with our easy guide
How to...be more sustainable
Build yourself a more ethical wardrobe with our insider guide
8 headache types and how TO BEAT THEM!
From tension and cluster headaches to migraine, here's how to spot the cause of your pain and fix it – fast
Egg-cellent Easter
Discover some of the weird and wonderful British traditions that take place at this time of year
'Brookside changed MY LIFE'
Actor Sue Johnston on her latest TV venture, family and keeping fit
Out on the MOOR
As cool air blew across the moor, Jessica drew a deep, satisfying breath.
Spires, bells and DISCO BALLS
Be inspired by easy-breezy bulbs that pop up from late spring