Meeting 40 Kids

Yesterday, I went to speak to about 40+ kids at our local elementary school's summer day care. This was my first time to talk about Guide Dogs for the Blind, and I wasn't sure how either Cabana or I would do.

I brought a mat with me, so if Cabana got too restless while I was speaking, I could give her the "go to bed" command, which she's very good about following. But Cabana was very well-behaved during my presentation.

At the end, I answered questions--question after question after question! The kids were extremely interested. And they asked me some doozies that I did NOT know the answers to. I'm going to need to do a bit of homework before I give another talk!

Then, it was time for the kids to line up and pet Cabana. I wasn't sure how Cabana was going to handle being petted by so many kids. I knew she'd love the kids, but sometimes, she just can't contain her enthusiasm! I started by giving some instructions, explaining that this was all very new to Cabana, and that they could help me train her by keeping their energy level down, their voices low, and if Cabana mouthed or nibbled their hands even slightly, that they should tell her "that's enough". Of course, I'd be right there, too, watching carefully and holding onto her leash.


Cabana did start out trying to mouth some little hands (I'm sure there were all kinds of yummy flavors on them, especially since it was right after lunch)--but after the first few kids, Cabana caught on. She sat very patiently while all 40 kids took turns petting her.

When we got home, Cabana was exhausted! Amazing how much energy it takes to try to contain your energy.

Way to go, Cabana!