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Cited by Edward Johnson to Our Dogs, 'The Training of Kennelmaids', Our Dogs 111 (10th June 1938), p. 847.
Description:'I am quite in agreement... with “Kennelmaid” who writes in the same issue and says all dissatisfied kennelmaids should not sit grumbling but should rise as a body but should join a certain club (which is waiting for members before it can act).
I go further and suggest that the club also enrols the “pocket money” kennelmaids, the girls who work for nothing (for a change of environment), kennelmaids who have a cinema complex and go mooning about their kennelwork, dreaming about Robert Taylor instead of looking after their employers dogs and interests; kennelmaids who want to keep a few dogs of their own in employers’ time (and usually at his expense), and the distressed ladies who are dog lovers and who will look after dogs for a nice house. When this particular variety of canine helper gets settled under your roof the fun commences; they boast of their former social standing and conditions, and when asked to do something useful they are astounded. The latter class particularly would put a bit of pep into the club, as they have lots of grievances.
Then I propose a real union should be formed comprised of experienced working kennelmaids and kennelmen who can prove capability and provide first-class references from former and present employers. The union to have headquarter premises in some big centre, with a hostel attached (run on Y.M.C.A. lines). The secretary to conduct an efficient employment agency for its members with a minimum wage for its union members. A union and club of this description would have the whole-hearted support, financially and otherwise, of the kennel owner, if organised on the right lines. An employer wanting either temporary or permanent help would ring up the union, knowing that he could find exactly the kind of employee he was wanting, and be reasonably sure of getting efficient service for his cash. It would fill a long-felt want in this business. The employee too, would have a certain status as a member of such a union. For the information of prospective kennelmaids, I would point out that as a rule the majority of kennel owners are successful business people, riding a hobby or running a hobby for profit, or are in the canine business solely as a business proposition. It is known to them that cheap labour in the livestock world is dear at any price, and for the 100 per cent. efficient help there is plenty of room. Finally, the employee usually gets the employer she or he deserves.’
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Cited by Kennelmaid to Our Dogs, 'The Training of Kennelmaids', Our Dogs (3rd June 1938), p. 771.
Description:‘Sir,- May I heartily endorse the letter published in your issue of May 27, written by “A Lover of Dogs and of Fair Play.” I have myself experienced the same conditions as the daughter of your correspondent, and think it is high time that a union of some sort was formed.
Of course, every kennelmaid realises that kennel-work is not a “start at nine and finish at five” job, but surely we are entitled to a little time to ourselves. In a recent kennel that I was in I was able to sit down in the evenings from about 7.45 to 8.45!
I will not waste valuable space by describing other conditions that I have seen, as I am sure that other girls are fully aware and acquainted with them.
However, if such things are to be stopped once and for all, we must rise in a body, and not sit grumbling (not that we have the chance to sit!). I can suggest nothing better than every kennelmaid joining the Kennel Helpers’ Club, which is a club for kennelmaids and canine nurses. It is at present very small, and is awaiting for more members before it can act. So hurry up and join, all those who are dissatisfied!'