05/31/2026
...AND NOW FOR SOMETHING COMPLETELY DIFFERENT; three ladies rented the caboose, as they do a number of other random venues in order to do training with K-9 search dogs. Two handlers with their dogs, K-9 Alpha and K-9 Aarson, met the Facilitator in Chester to do a series of workshops with the dogs in an unfamiliar setting. She wasn't training the dogs, per se, rather, she was training the handlers how to get the most out of their charges. You could hear her say, "Don't look at your dog.", or "Change your leash hand." They are observing the dogs reactions to better understand their body language when they get a 'hit'. The Facilitator would place targets with the scents of explosives, cadavers, drugs, etc. and distractors, then lead them through pre-arranged courses to assist trainers to get the most out of their charges with body language and commands. It was a fascinating experience and a whole new activity for the Station and surroundings. As you see, they worked in a number of spaces on the grounds, across the street at the Granite Saw and even at the Arches. As evident in the final frame, the ladies were also becoming train fans, photographing them as they passed. Very cool.
