In June of 2007, Busch Gardens is going to be premiering a brand new animal show with dogs, cats, rats, skunks, and several exotic animals. My boss, Joel Slaven, who supplied General and me for the kid's show, is also supplying the animals and trainers for the new animal show. He asked me to transfer to the new show and to be its manager.

I was hesitant to accept his offer. I love doing "Friends Forever." I love the show. I love my fellow cast members. I love my dog, General. I invested so much of my heart and soul into this script and show. So why, you may ask, am I leaving?

As much as I love my current show, I've accomplished everything I can with it. I've grown as much as I can. With the new animal show, I will continue to grow and learn as an animal trainer, increasing my skills and what I am able to do. And, as the show's manager, I will have new responsibilities and new challenges which also means a new salary.

I spent several weeks training my replacement, Aaron. Not only did he have to learn the script and show, he also had to learn to be an animal trainer. General is a very smart dog and knows his behaviors, but Aaron needs to learn to think like a trainer so he understands the process and can correct any problems that may later arise. I have found it hard to train him to be a trainer. Having worked with General from the very beginning, so many things I take for granted and are just second-nature to me. Conveying those things to Aaron has been a challenge, but he has been doing a wonderful job.

Luckily, I don't have to quit the show cold-turkey. I will be back for half-days twice a week to supervise and step in and correct things if need be. Plus, General needs to return to Sea World in Orlando where he spends his days off each week. So I will still have contact with the show and my little pooch!

Nonetheless, it makes me sad to be moving on. I am looking forward to the new animal adventures ahead of me, but a part of my heart will always remain with "Friends Forever."