Dayne's View

The little things......

2010-08-21T17:25:00.000-07:00

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!

2010-07-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

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.............................

2010-04-30T03:42:00.000-07:00

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..................................

2010-04-14T17:38:00.000-07:00

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.............

2010-04-01T00:52:00.000-07:00

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...................................?

2010-03-12T03:34:00.000-08:00

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

2010-03-03T15:15:00.000-08:00

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.

2010-02-26T02:10:00.000-08:00

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!

2010-02-21T12:50:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-11T17:50:00.000-08:00

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!

Clip, Wiggle, Bandage!

2009-07-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

Hi ,

I know its been a while since I posted. Lots of things have happened it rained, and rained and did I mention it rained? Then it got warm, and boy I don't know about you and all I want to do is lay down, get up drink, have ice chips and lay down again. Oh yeah and eat my meals of course I'm still a growing boy after all. I hope you all got to read aunt Lauren's blog. My bro Danby got to meet none other than Janet Evanovich the author, how cool is that! Of course he wasn't alone Nuri and Zach and Nickel were there too, go check it out http://www.ccipuppytails.blogspot.com/ . So the latest on me, I was finally diagnosed with, as my Internal Medicine specialist Dr. Benitah (another pretty doctor- I'm a lucky dog) called it "fiber responsive colitis". I went to see her back in April and she was able to stop my tummy problems. I'm on a special food, it's not so bad I still get my yogurt kong, carrots, ice chips and yes the occasional peanut butter treat. YUM, YUM! I'm attaching the latest picuture ma took of me, don't panic it looks a lot worse than it actually was. Ma promised me she would never clip my nails again and I believe her. Good thing YJ was home cause he had to drive to the emergency room. Ma was looking green around the gills, and she sure was breathing funny and crying, I felt really bad for her. I think I took it like a real man. Guys I'm going to give you a little advice don't wiggle and pull when getting your nails clipped it could get ugly, believe me I speak from first paw experience. I hope you all had a Happy Fourth of July! Be talkin' to you soon.

My Girl!

2009-03-01T07:52:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone this is Ivy. Isn't she beautiful! I was able to see her yesterday, and Christina(her trainer along with aunt Marianne) took pictures. As you can see I love to schmooze with her. It's snowing today and tonight it's supposed to snow some more. I love it, ma and pa on the other hand, not so much. Maybe YJ and I can go snowboarding, Yeah! wait I don't know if we own a snowboard, I know we have some kind of thing-a-magiggy. If only ma and pa would invest in a digital camera I would be able to show more pictures. Okay ma is giving me the look she has to e-mail Katrina, the puppy raiser coordinator for this area, not to mention fill out the monthly report. Every month all the puppy raisers fill out a report and send it to CCI. To update the coordinator on our health and progress with commands. YJ keep interrupting me, he is such a child. Talk to you later!

Only a real man can wear pink!

2009-02-23T13:41:00.000-08:00

Last week started out the same as always , ma kept calling me big boy. Okay I am cute and most people think I'm older than I am. Over the weekend I went out with Wilara to the outlets and everyone thought she was younger than I was and they all agreed just how good looking we both were. One woman even remembered us from Christmas Eve when we were at Borders. I'm getting away from the story, sorry. On Wednesday pa forgets to feed me I thought he's gettin old too, maybe if I grovel and no he did not feed me. Ma came back and we were on the go, at that point I forgot about being hungry, hey I was going out. Ma forgot to put on my vest, boy they're both slipping. So at the end of the car ride I'm at the vet's office. I like my doctors, Dr. R and Dr. H are both very pretty. Ma and pa had a few words on the way over and boy was I glad to go with the tech, I thought for sure she would feed me, but no. Next thing I know I feel funny: my mouth is like a cotton ball, I want a drink of water and man am I sleepy. Finally there's ma and pa I'm going home. The car ride was okay I remember getting in and then we were home. I didn't even want to drink anymore I just wanted to sleep. Pa and ma seemed worried so they put this pink cone looking thing on me, and let me sleep. I got up a couple of times and ma was right next to me on the floor she and pa must have had some more words while I was at the vets because he would not let her in the big bed, she had to sleep with me. Remind me not to have a words with him. Next day I finally got fed and I don't know if it was me or what but it looked like more than usual. At lunch time ma forgot to feed me again and at dinner it was more. By the weekend I got it, this big boy stuff, they're only feeding me twice a day now. I don't know if I like the big boy so much. I heard ma tell pa I'm going back to see Dr. H. on Wednesday. Say what are stitches? They keep wanting to take them out of me. Is it something I need? Why do they want them out? Gotta go, you know big boy stuff.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2009-02-14T04:00:00.001-08:00

I'd like to wish all ten other "D" puppies and mom Gala and dad Camden a Happy Valentines Day! Also my friends Ivy, Feldon, Wexler, Bailey, Wilara, Nuri, Cody, Peanut, Maximus, and Barney, Now for my human family ma and pa and YJ, aunt Marianne, Christina, aunt May and Lauren, aunt Tara and uncle Mike, aunt Meagan and uncle Skip, aunt Linda and uncle Mike, Jacob, Riley, Taylor, aunt Terry, uncle Dave, uncle Ray, aunt Karen, uncle Kevin and aunt Maureen, aunt Carol and uncle Tom aunt Nancy, aunt Dee, Andrew, Kevin, ......I'm sorry I can't name you all, you know I love you!
I started to tell you about myself yesterday, I'd like to tell you a little more. I got to NJ on October 21st I think, it might be sooner I was a little under the weather I don't remember the exact date.

I traveled with my sib Danby,(I'm the one falling off Santas's lap) he's staying with a family a little north of here. I got to see him before Christmas we took pictures with Santa. Talk about a flashy dude, red suit white beard and if you ask me he could loose a few pounds. I haven't seen him since, Danby that is. I'd like to ask if anyone knows were my other sibs are, I'd love to stay in touch and exchange pictures.

Okay, well I met ma and aunt M on the 23rd. They had to drive( aunt M drove ma would have gotten lost) out to Lond Island, that's were CCI is located for the North East Region. Ma was given all my info, a cape and a gentle leader(looks kind of like a muzzle and it's not and if you wiggle the rignt way it can come off) and food of course. Off we went, the car ride was okay I guess, they put me in a room with a view, I wasn't able to play with Wex or Ivy so I whimpered a little and fell asleep. Next thing I know I'm being held and kissed and I get to meet Christina and YJ and they are telling me to SIT what's up with that! I just spent 2 hours in a room laying down, now you want me to sit. I just chewed on the leash instead and ran around, yeah I was a free spirit sort of. I was able to finally play with Ivy and Wex about 2 or 3 weeks later, and then Wex was off to puppy college, I hear he is doing Great!
That's what happens to us all. After being with our humans for about a year and a half ( in that time they care for us and teach us some commands and let us be puppies) we then go back to CCI and get more training (this is our time to shine and show them just how we have grown and just how much we can do) aunt M calls it puppy college and like I said Wex is doing great. It's a little hard on the family cause they miss us, I think I would miss ma and pa and YJ too, but there will be more pups like me there and we get to learn more things, like opening doors and turning on lights and pulling laundry baskets and wheel chairs and hopefully then get to finally get on the bed when I get my new family. Let me tell you if I so much as try to get on the bed and I'll tell you a little secret I have (hee-hee) I get told OFF. I know I have a comfy day bed and my own room (my own kennell, which keeps getting bigger. You should see how big it is. It's got a door and windows, if I could only get pa to stop snoring at night. You see the kennell is not sound proof)and all but why can't I get the really big bed? I'm just askin. I do know I will miss Ivy she's my pal, I get to see her once a week and I drive her nuts. I get so excited I don't even let her rest. We run and wrestle she lets me win , she's a good sport. She let's me play with all her toys, Feldon is cool he's more laid back, he pretty much watches and grins. Aunt M lets me run around her table and the cats put up with my investigating, and then it gets dark out and ma shows up before I know it I'm being told CAR the seat belt goes on(yeah I outgrew the room that fits in the car, now I have to wear a seat belt) and we are going back home. I get a little attitude at first and then I just settle, besides when I go home I get to eat after pa is done with his dinner. I know I'll get to see Ivy again. Ma says we are so lucky to have aunt M and Christina and I know it. You see all these families that care for us are volunteers, starting with the breeders. There is a lot more behind the scenes about CCI, a lot of good people offer their homes to distruction by us pups. They invest time, money and love, I've heard some families has fostered ten or more puppies. Aunt M is on her 5th pup, aunt May is on her 7th I think and I know they graduated one pup. You see not all of us make it to graduation, they told ma only 30 percent make it. If we don't graduate CCI finds us a family. There are families on waiting lists, some have been on for 5 years. My ma and pa have the option of keeping me if I don't make it. Ma keeps saying I will cause I'm so smart. I hope I prove her rignt. Wow my paws are tired again. I've got to tell you some of the stuff that's been goin on. The other day ma and YJ took me out for a walk and we were waiting to cross the street. There I am wearing my vest, gentle leadler, I look good, yeah!. Ma had on her glasses and they went dark cause of the sun and this car on the other side of the road takes a look at me sees her glasses and comes to a complete stop, of course the cars in the other direction still keep coming that dude stayed there and did not move until finally they stopped coming from the other side. Dude I don't know who you were but Thanks, thanks a lot. It could be a case of mistaken identity maybe they thought I was a seeing eye, in any case a big wag of the tail for them. Hang on... What pa? Hey gotta go I'm going for a walk, catch you later.

Welcome to Dayne's View

2009-02-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

Hi!
I am a soon to be six month old Lab-Golden mix CCI pup. I am one of eleven puppy's born on August 21, 2008. I miss my mom and dad and brothers and sisters and I'm currently training the family I am with. I know I know, what is a CCI puppy. There is an organization called Canine Companions for Independence. The goal is to breed and train pups like myself to be of assistance to people with special needs. We are not seeing eye dogs, and we can assist deaf people and people in wheelchairs and with special needs. Our goal is to to help others and I know with the help of my family I can become an assistance dog. I want to tell you more and I will later, this computer is acting up. I have so much to say, my paws are so big I'm having trouble typing. Ouch! that hurt, I have to ask them to clip that nail. Catch you later.