Wednesday, October 19, 2016

Buckets of Shame

After returning Monday from our out of town visit up north, we drove up to Sylmar on Tuesday afternoon to pick up Dylan.  Her kennel stay included her being spayed.  We arrived around 2:30 in the afternoon and were told she was still sleeping from the anesthetic and it would be about 20 minutes before we could take her home.  When she did come out she was a bit groggy, to say the least, and could hardly stand.  And of course she was wearing that, "cone of shame" collar.

Groggy after surgery
It seems all the GDA puppy raisers call it that, not because their dogs are to be shamed for being operated on.  But because the dogs hang their heads down and it looks like they are ashamed of how this silly cone makes them look.

She got home and we placed her in her crate so Bailey wouldn't bother her and want to play, although any chance of Dylan playing was between "forget about it and none"!

Out for the count.  Bailey wondering what's up?
She came home with some meds and ointment for a rash.  Seems she always picks up something at the kennel.  But this morning she was a bit better and ate some and thanks to our area leaders Nancy and Brian, we were able to put a soft cone on her that allows two things.  It doesn't kill you when she runs into you and she doesn't clank into everything while she's walking.  

Really!  I gotta wear this thing?
One dog we saw while up north visiting Paul and Robyn had no shame.  He would walk around with an orange bucket in his mouth.  Say hello to Axel...whom we met at the Sunset Magazine Center in Napa.


With Paul and Robyn
and Axel!
As much as you tried, he would not let you take his bucket.  And, after you tried removing it, but walking away frustrated because he would not let go ever, he would come up and bump into you with the bucket.  Too funny!

So for the next 10 days its easy does it for Dylan and then it will be the home stretch for her until she goes in for formal training.    

There is a graduation this Sunday and if you are available, you can come and see the next generation of Guide Dogs.  It is free and open to all.  Just go to guidedogsofamerica.org for details. (or maybe sign up to be a puppy raiser)

Friday, October 14, 2016

When a Spayed is called a Spade

We dropped off Dylan today at the kennels in Sylmar.  She will be there till Tuesday.  During her stay, she will be spayed.  I always feel bad leaving her there knowing she is going to have a medical procedure and we won't be around.  I believe dogs remember when they go to the vet or someplace where things are done to them.  Its like they lose a little trust in you.  Can you blame them.

My last post I think I used the wrong spelling for the procedure Dylan is going through.  Even my editor missed it.

So I'll report back when we pick her up and let you know how she faired.




Tuesday, October 11, 2016

The Results are in...Sort of

Last night was our monthly meeting and we were asked to dress up our dogs for Halloween.   Chris went out and got a princess costume for Dylan, which kept falling off.  But that didn't stop humans from showing some Halloween spirit.  Our main puppy sitter, Georgia, did herself proud with a doggie hat that raised its ears when you pulled on the paws.   

Dylan checking out Georgia's doggie hat.

We were informed that Dylan will be spade next week, ending any chance of her becoming a breeder.  This is good news as she is still on track to go into formal training.  I guess the other good news, is the PennHip X-rays didn't career change Dylan.  Although, we were not told the actual results of the X-rays, we did watch a program on the Animal Planet called PennVet that showed the procedure.  This is a show about students who study at the Pennsylvania University of Veterinary Medicine to become veterinarians.  The very first episode explained and showed a yellow lab going through this procedure of having a PennHip X-ray.  It's a great show and I highly recommend it.

Dylan will be going up to Sylmar on Friday for her kennel stay and will be spade on Tuesday morning.  We'll pick her up that afternoon.  She'll be groggy and will have to lay low for a few days.  That will be hard as she is always wrestling with Bailey.  We may have to crate her for a few days for her protection.  

Her obedience training is going well, although still pulling some while heeling she seems to be doing better.  October 23rd is graduation day for 10 dogs and their new handlers, which we will be attending.  If you want to see some amazing animals, please attend one of these.  It's open to the public and free of charge.  It's on the GDA campus in Sylmar.  

We are often asked, "How can you possibly give up your dog after raising it for 18 months?"  When you attend a graduation, you understand the "How" and the "Why"!







Friday, October 7, 2016

Dylan, going for Gold!

While still awaiting Dylan's PennHip X-ray results, life goes on and Dylan keeps interacting with the world around her.

Today was Olympic Games Day at Carver Elementary, where Erin teaches 4th and 5th grade.  On hand to speak with the kids and teachers was three time Olympic Medalist (2 gold and 1 silver), Water Polo player Kami Craig.  She spoke with the kids about never giving up.  Growing up with dyslexia, Kami had a rough time in school, but never gave up on her dreams.  Playing water polo for USC and then making the U.S. Olympic Water Polo team, Kami stressed the importance maintaining focus, even when things don't always go your way.  Kami also displayed her Gold Medal from the Rio Games, allowing the kids to touch it and lift it.  (It was heavy)  Also on hand were two Special Olympians from this summers games.

Greece led the way in the parade of class rooms

Erin walking with Dylan leading her class representing Ireland

Erin's class with 3 time medalist, Water Polo Player, Kami Craig
Watching the kids participate in wheel chair basketball, football toss, relay racing and field hockey was a special treat for us adults.

Dylan being there, cheering them on all the way, received a special Gold Medal for cheer.  

Erin's class, representing Ireland, with Dylan and her gold medal

It was a Gold Medal day for sure.