Dillon Update

Jan reports that Dillon has not yet shown any signs of improvement and seems a bit more distant. He has an appointment with a neurologist on Friday and I know we'll all be hoping for some good news.

Sit Stay Spa Success

Many thanks to all our guests, partners, and volunteers for making Monday's Sit Stay Spa benefit at Spa Soak a great success!

It was a people-only event but Shandy was excited to learn that the winner of the deluxe doggie raffle prize (valued at over $300) was her friend, Beenie Man's, aunt--Connie Stalf (pictured here with Beenie's mom, Teri Stalf).

Connie was hoping to win the fabulous pet stroller and dog goodies to give to Teri for Christmas but we think the cat's out of the bag, so to speak. Teri and Connie were both thrilled and immediately took the stroller for a test run.

Dillon Update

This is today's latest from Jan.

Dillon is home and I think he is happy about that. Eats well and seems comfortable. The Doctor said he is not in pain. We are still waiting for tests, but now it seems like his immune system is fighting itself. He has lots of pills and we wait to see if the infection can be stopped. He still doesn't have use of his back legs. We have an appointment in 2 weeks. It's rough right now. I will keep you posted on any progress.

Getting Ready for Sit Stay Spa Benefit

Shandy and I walked over to Central Bark today to pick-up their generous donation to the Sit Stay Spa raffle. Shandy loves to go visit Bonnie, Central Bark's owner. She's not even paying attention to the gift basket of doggie goodies next to her in the photo because she's too busy watching Bonnie (who always comes through with a treat).

If you haven't already made your reservations, call your girlfriends and plan to have a blast with us on Monday at Spa Soak. Questions? Just give us a call. 773 545 6629

Dillon, Sit Stay Read Dog, Needs Your Prayers

As you can see, Dillon, one of Shandy's Sit Stay Read volunteer friends, is a beautiful Sheltie. He passed his SSR test in 2005 and has brought much joy to children in our school programs ever since.

Dillon and his owner, Jan Glure, were scheduled to start the program at Sumner this fall but early this week we learned that Dillon was suddenly unable to walk. Jan is keeping us posted and it now looks like it may be an infection in his spine. He's being treated and will go home from the vet's tomorrow.

Please include Dillon in your prayers and send good wishes his way. We'll post Jan's updates here so you'll know how he's doing and we hope to have good news for you soon.

Full Moon Fire Twirling

Hope you enjoyed the gorgeous full moon last night.

Though Shandy didn't seem to notice, I'm sure, like most animals, she's much more aware of the phases of the moon than we mere humans.

We went to the lakefront to watch the moon rise over the water while listening to drumming and enjoying fire twirlers, like the one pictured here. If you haven't experienced the celebration, it's worth putting on your calendar. You can find more info at spunn.org. Check it out.

Visiting Woodstock

Took a drive to Woodstock, IL yesterday for a book party. Craig Pierce, an admirer of Shandy and a favorite Guest Reader for our school programs, was launching his new book at the Woodstock Opera House.

It was a great time and the new book by Craig and illustrator, Tony Santiago, is lots of fun. It's called "Sit. Stay. Work. Play. All Dogs Have Their Day". Here's a link to their new Blue Collar Pups website.

I highly recommend a visit to see the lovely town of Woodstock. It's where they filmed the movie, Groundhog Day and they have the Dick Tracy Museum (see photo).

Coincidentally, Rick Kogan wrote about the town in today's Chicago Tribune. He does a much better job of singing the virtues of Woodstock so check-out his Sidewalks column in the magazine section or read it online. Then go see it for yourself. In a couple of weeks the trees will be changing color, an added incentive to take a drive in the country.