The little things......

This post is coming a little late, I am sorry. The last three weeks have put us through the wringer...I received a phone call from CCI in which I was told that Dayne had gone through surgery and was recovering well. Intestinal obstruction...thought he might not be placed this go round. Got ready for the possibility of Dayne staying on campus for another 3 months. By the following Saturday I knew he had been placed with someone and things were looking good for graduation...and then it came the final phone call ...See you at graduation! Wow that knocked the wind out of me and then I was told that Dayne was going to be a facility dog. He would be working with people young and old that had suffered spinal cord injuries, helping them to regain mobility. That was it! It totally hit home it made sense, all of this finally made sense.

When we got there Saturday I had the box of tissues and large plastic bag to place the used ones in, my knees were knocking and hands shaking. I counted the minutes till I would be able to see him, Danby came out first followed by Ronny and then there he was.....he looked so handsome. The wag of the tail..the gaze into the eyes...he came towards me and wait for it.....ready......he gave a quick kiss and went right to Percy (Christina's pup)...Yep that's my Dayne! My boy!

He was very relaxed and sure of himself...my boy had grown up. We spent what felt like minutes together and was actually hours. They must have given him a freshening up ...being Dayne , he probably drank quite a bit of water. Had no problem relieving his bladder several times. We took pictures..Christina was so thoughtful..she is an angel. She kept taking Percy on little walks to I could have time with Dayne. Before I knew it they told us to go in for the luncheon, there I met Lori, Dayne's new caregiver. We both cried for all the right reasons.....we exchanged cards and small gifts...we took pictures..and then they took Dayne away. Marianne drove us to the Hotel for graduation..and before I knew it I handed Dayne to Lori and asked her to e-mail me. Today is Dayne's second birthday! I know he had a great day and I know he has already touched some lives for the better. We will always love our Dayne and miss him . Hopefully we will be able to stay in touch with Lori and her family, and possibly see Dayne again..It's the little things in life that we cherish most...watching a pup grow up and work his way into your life..be a teacher and fulfill his destiny. Don't let the little things slip by enjoy every minute...................(in the photos Dayne solo,with Lori and me, Danby, Percy and one more with mom )

Surprise----Party time!

GREAT news both Dayne and his brother Danby will be graduating this coming August on the 14th to be exact. The reports I received stated that Dayne was doing wonderfully they told me he had developed hot spots, did neglect to tell me however, that our boy would be graduating this August. Surprise! Got an invite in the mail to attend..still trying to figure out if that's the only notification I will get.. kind of cold if you ask me. The important thing is that Dayne will graduate and be able to assist a special someone. Our family is so proud of that pup and all the other pups graduating. Congratulations to all the puppy raisers who do such a great job, I know the families that will receive these wonderful pups are so grateful. Congrats to the trainers on cci campus for further training these amazing pups. Will be taking pictures good thing these new fangled cameras do all the focusing, I'm sure I'll fighting back a monsoon of tears (all happy) could make it hard to focus. Graduating class picture is attached, Dayne is 9th from the left and Danby his bro is 7th. Aren't they all stunning!!!

Tease.............................

Did I fool you? Just wanted to tease you ma....pretty close wouldn't you say?

On to the good stuff............I got a sneak peak at the monthly reports, not to toot my own horn, I'm doing pretty okay here. I'm still barkin up a storm when it's play time..I'm sure you saw that part- you know in that little space toward the bottom on the report. My trainer Lisa is pretty cool..not as cool as you ma. Had to say that. I'm learning so much here, I'm trying my best and I'm pretty sure Lisa can see that..on my best behavior (most of the time) just like you told me. Gee that was close.....gotta go. Baci.....

Is this thing on..................................

Finally got a chance at a computer...don't have much time. They're having a luncheon here for all the puppy raisers. Think I saw aunt May and Lauren not quite sure, I know aunt May always cooks something really good. Too bad they wont give us any! So things are moving fast here-training ..........training ............and more training. Gotta control my play attitude, I can't help it it's play time. Can't say I have a permanent roomie, they change us often, my fav is my bro Danby. Can't stay too long trying to take pictures with the cam. Sorry if they don't come out too well. Oh yeah did you notice I've dropped a few pounds, they want all us pups to be at our healthyest weight, so don't freak ma, I know you. Speaking of weight how are you doing? Be talking to ya... Ma anchio ti voglio bene...baci

First Semester.............

Hi Everyone,

Dayne has been unable to use Katrina's computer again, so I'll be making the post for him .

It's been 46 days and our family has been riding that emotional ride.....Now to the good stuff!

Got the monthly report that was sent out at 4:45pm yesterday, wait I did say the good news didn't I.......that was not part of it, this is however. Dayne is in good health, he passed the medical evaluation-no mention of his colitis--we can only hope they are keeping him on the w/d.

His behavior is stellar everything was checked off in the: behavior part one section--except for the dreaded--interacts appropriately with dogs. Dayne has always been full of life and yes he loves to play..he gets excited and apparently jumps for joy when engaged in playtime. Still likes to tease...Lisa is working on the old keep away game. Overall performance was really great and he is learning new commands. Not exactly an A plus, just an A minus..that will change once he really gets into it.

Dayne is capable of nothing other that bringing joy and love into any situation and I believe his trainer is getting the full treatment. Needless to say we are all so proud of that handsome pup!

Mi manchi amore..ti voglio bene!(that was for Dayne..did I metion he's bi-lingual).

Love is spelled...................................?

A question has been going through my mind how do we spell love. Anyone that is raising or who has ever had a pup in their life will know. The unconditional way with which these pups are able to give such gifts: a wag of a tail, those sweet eyes, that little growl when they cant quite reach you to kiss you. Without using speech they bring so much joy, even when they are not feeling well, they manage to ease your worry and focus on making you happy. They will do anything not to see you cry, even let you know that it is okay to let go. Wednesday evening I witnessed such love. Our neighbors had to part with their 13 year old girl, she joined Divot in heaven. To answer my own question, this is how to spell love---BAILEY----. We will miss and always love you sweet girl!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For Raising Reyna

Hi sorry about the delay in reply.

I was interviewed on the phone by Lisa if I'm not mistaken, it took about 45 minutes and I was approved surprisingly. I was given the nexta available pup and the journey began. We have families here that are also raising for the seeing eye. Good luck with your baby!

Keeping a promise.

The past 13 days have not been easy, we all miss Dayne very much (even the hair). I got Dayne's monthly report as told by CCI. At first glance all I saw was unchecked boxes, thought there was some kind of mistake. I had to put on the reading glasses to find the tiny little comment area. I was assured that Dayne is adjusting to his new digs as he put it, eating well, being monitered on his play yard behavior and would or did go to Petco (not quite sure about that one). I'm sure he's enjoying the snow, hopefully not injesting all of it. Not a whole lot, next report is due on March 31st. I would be biting my nails, that is if I had any.

I have to share that CCI puppy raisers have the biggest hearts, I have been getting tons of support from Marianne and her family, May and Lauren check in with me regularly. They say the first pup is the hardest, that's why you keep raising them for the puppy breath fix. Hopefully Dayne will be able to get into Katrina's office again and send more info. Oh forgot to mention Lisa is his CCI trainer, I actually met her on the 13th. I don't know what impression I made, what with the deer in the headlights look on my face and all. Luckily it's not about me, it's all about Dayne and the other pups. Post more news as soon as I get some.

New Digs!

Hi Guys,
I'm in Katrina's office typing this now, I can't stay long they will be looking for me soon to bed me for the night and I really don't want to miss my dinner. It took a little getting used to Ma was a spaz on Saturday. She had that deer in the headlights look on her face and most of the time she looked at me she cried and looked away. To be honest I didn't know what to make of it myself. I made sure I stayed with Ma on the ride out I kept touching her and reassuring her I was okay. That was after I jumped into the back seat with Christina, Percy and Oswego. Way too crowded.........and besides Ma needed me. So the handsome dude to my left (wait your left my right) is my bro Danby, he is sweet he tried to make Ma feel better by doing the ever so popular --shameless dog pose--and for a while she did smile for the first time all day. It wasn't easy for her to let me go, she totally lost it--I was good though I didn't look back I made her proud, I wanted to kiss her one last time --- it was better this way. I'm okay for now they still have me on the w/d hope they keep me on it. Oh yeah my roommate is ......................oh boy.....................gotta go. Ma when you read this, please post..............I kept my promise..............Love you so much!!!!!!! your coccodrillo.

Last Roller Coaster Ride

Hi Everyone,

It's been along time since my last post. Last year I posted about this time wishing all by Sib's a Happy Valentines Day. This year not only do I wish my Sib's a Happy I get to see them because I go off to puppy college this Saturday! Ma has been talking about it to me for the past 3 weeks. That was just about the time she started changing my food. I've been on a special food because of my colitis, one of the must do's before turn in (the official term for puppy college) is that all the pups be on the same food. The ever so famous Eukanuba Large Breed Adult. Ma talks to me about everything and she explained how she had to start changing the food and if started to feel sick again she would stop. I did pretty good except for when I was fully transitioned my stomach started feeling funny and let's just say that my dinner left me (if you know what I mean) on more than one occasion. On four to be exact and 3 just this week. So ma called my IM Dr. B. and guess what? I'm back on my special food again. I'm still going to be turned in on Saturday. Ma spoke with CCI and they told her that they would have a bag of the food waiting for me and that after a couple of weeks they would probably try to change my food again. I have to be seen by the CCI Internal Medicine specialist and they will decide what food to try. When we get turned in we get a complete check up, head to toe. We have to be healthy so that we can continue with our training, and then within 6 to 9 months be able to graduate and go home with our new person. Not everybody graduates, and to be quite honest I don't know if I will. Ma said I should give it my best and if things don't work out she, Pa and YJ will be waiting with open arms. This is kind of like a roller coaster ride, you know when you first look at that roller coaster it sort of intimidates you, with that steep climb, all those turns and twists and loops and that final drop. Weather you choose to close your eyes or leave them wide open your are in for some ride. At times you feel like your gonna loose some bodily fluids or worst a meal, and when it's all over you want to get back on. I've loved every minute of being with my Ma, Pa and YJ, and yep I did loose some of my meals ( as a matter of fact just this morning I lost my breakfast). Tonight though Ma was crying, I hate it when she cries the mascara starts to run and her eyes look like raccoon eyes and she talks like Minnie Mouse, these past three weeks have been hard on her I can tell. Pa seems a little nervous and even YJ is a big mush, he won't be coming Saturday and neither will Pa they're gonna spend time with Feldon. Aunt Marianne, Christina and Matt will be taking us to CCI campus and of course I'll have my buds Oswego and Percy to hang with for the ride, we're going to meet Aunt May, Lauren and Bright there not to mention all the other pups including my bro Danby that will be (are you ready for this big word) matriculating. I am stoked!!! I'm a little worried for Ma, I hope she won't get all raccoony on me. I gave Ma the password so she can post on Saturday afternoon for me. CCI doesn't give their pups computers to use, they do send a monthly report on how we are doing, hopefully Ma will keep up with it for me (considering I haven't posted in so long-she really can't do any worse than I did). Congrats! to all the Matriculating pups See you there! I chose to ride this last ride like I have all the ones before, with my eyes open, I don't want to miss a thing!