“Remember a dog wakes up in the morning and says ‘Hi I am a dog.’ We humans say ‘you are a particular breed and you will behave in a particular manner.’ This statement is not true. We influence how our dog behaves. It relies on us for direction.” Jim Aitken 2016
Spending “35 and a bit years” as an animal control officer Jim Aitken talks about retirement and plans for the future.
“It was time for me to step aside. My heart was really working with the dog owners and out in the field. The position of senior animal control officer had become more of an administrative one with a strong IT requirement that I didn’t feel I could provide adequately to the Council.
“They have got an excellent field team that I was privileged to work with. I felt that stepping aside meant that younger members in the team could advance and the skills would remain in the NP Council area. I haven’t regretted it but I miss it dearly!”
“Picking up part time work truck driving is what I want to do. I love driving trucks which is what I started off doing before becoming an animal control officer.”
Family time has always been important for the New Plymouth man. Jim and Lynn have been married for 14 years. Between them they have six children and currently 13 grandchildren.
“Lynn and I have purchased a camper van that we wish to live in for an indefinite period of time and travel around working. Spending more time with the children and grandchildren is also important.
“We would dearly love looking after houses obviously specialising in small farms or farmlets. Anyone who wants their house looked after for a period of time is welcome to contact us. We get the advantage of cost free living and people get the advantage of someone caring for their pets and animals at home and protect their property while they are away.”