Jelly Belly

So Saturday was the day I was looking forward to and the whole reason for the trip we were headed to the Jelly Belly Factory for a guide dog event. Me and the two other raisers I was going with had planned to leave by 8 am since we had to drive 2 hours, but with the late night we had we didn't get on the road till 9:30am. We all loaded up into my car. Pinnacle was in his crate, Alba in front with her raiser, and Roberto and his raiser were in the seat next to Pinnacle.

After driving two hours we finally reached our destination. It was already really warm so we wanted to get inside quick. We took the pups to go potty on some grass and then checked in. After checking in we were directed to the side of the building where there was a course with different surfaces to walk over. Pinnacle did not want to do it at all. While rest of the dogs walked across with no issue Pinnacle dove for a shady area by the building, sat down and refused to go. I finally got him to go across by sitting down on each surface and hed run to me but he wasn't happy one bit (something for us to work on once weather cools down some). After the course it was time to go inside. We climbed a bunch of stairs and Pinnacle did fine with that. I had him sit outside the door for a bit and rewarded him for being calm. Once I knew he was calm enough to come inside we went in. We walked around some of the different booths they had. Their was one booth with vet students and they did a physical exam on him. He was a bit confused at first but once I started giving him food reward he relaxed and was ready for a belly rub at the end.

After looking at all the different activities the two raisers I came with decided to do the tour of the Jelly Belly factory. I decided to stay back since Pinnacle is still young and that many people and dogs crammed together would've been to much for him. While they were gone Pinnacle and I looked at the silent auction items and put bids down on some items. We then went downstairs to the surface course again to see if he would do better. He went on two of the surfaces but the rest he still refused. An experienced golden handler tried to work with him but even he couldn't get him to go on all the surfaces. By that time it was really warm out so we decided to call it quits. I then let Pinnacle go potty again then headed back upstairs to see if the other raisers were done with their tour. They weren't so I headed to the gift shop to buy some candy. Once I bought the candy and put it in my car I went back in. By that time the tour was over and I actually got to see people I knew. I saw 3 Shawn pups. If you remember Shawn was raised in my Bakersfield group and I puppy sat him couple times. I also got to finally meet fellow Blogger Lisa. It was great to finally meet her in person. After all the happy meeting up and loving on all the dogs we decided to go eat some lunch in their cafeteria. Pinnacle was worn out and fell asleep right away.

After lunch it was time for another potty break. Then we headed back up to socialize with other raisers. When I got back up there I found out I had won two of the silent auction items. I ended up winning a blanket with a black lab puppy on it and a dog dish filled with different things. We even ran into our CFR who agreed with me he was impressed with Pinnacle and how well he did the little bit he saw him. Now that is a huge statement since he doesn't give to many compliments to the goldens or the crosses. I have to say I was proud of him to. He is normally very distracted and gets excited around tons of people. I was prepared to sit in a corner if he acted up but he did perfect. He ignored all the dogs even the ones who came up to him and remained calm with no mouthing or jumping when people would reach out to pet him.

After a long day we drove back to Oakdale dropped off the two other raisers and continued on to Fresno. We were both ready for bed by time we made it to my apartment.

Pinnacle relaxing by the silent auction table

Roberto having his physical done

Pinnacle inside the Jelly Belly Factory

Pinnacle taking a break

Pinnacle is sitting in front of the Guide Dog information board

Maxwell a working guide who is Medford's brother and Pinnacle and Agent's uncle

Relaxing at the end of the Jelly Belly event

Best Friends from Left to Right: Pinnacle Wilton Alba and Roberto