chef wannaB - : Pet Sounds - Not what you think.

Sunday night we took Dylan to her first Hollywood Bowl concert. It featured Brian Wilson, of Beach Boys fame, doing his iconic Pet Sounds album in its entirety. Dylan had spent 6 days at the Sylmar Kennels when we picked her up on Sunday. It was also graduation day for 9 new Guide Dogs and their handlers. This is our third graduation that we have attended and I must say it is such a great experience seeing how these wonderful dogs change their handlers lives. For some, this is their second, third and for one, their 6th dog. Three graduates were first time recipients of these life changers. There wasn't a dry eye in the house as they related how guide dogs have made such a difference in their lives.

When Dylan goes up for kennel stays, we never know what to expect when she first gets home. Of course, she picked up an ear infection. Last time it was a hot spot on her neck. The kennel assistants told us she wasn't eating the last two days of her stay. Seems the dogs get a bit of "kennel stress" which changes their behavior. Leaving her for six days was a long time. In talking with our area leader Brian, he indicated it is not unusual for dogs to experience this behavior. We also conferred with Brian as to taking Dylan to the Bowl. He told us that it would be a good experience for her. Nineteen thousand people is one thing, but when it's all feet and knees, we didn't want to stress her out any more. She handled it like a trooper. Even the bus ride up and back was easy-peezy for her.

Now it's back to training and working on some of her problem areas. Heeling without pulling seems to be #1 along with her reactions around other dogs. This week we will also be attending an advanced skills class with Brian. All with the hope she makes it and becomes someone's guiding eyes.