We were introduced to Canine Companions for Independence when our daughter, Staicey Scholtz, became a first-time Puppy Raiser in 2009. That summer, a sweet, tiny, eight-week old ball of yellow fur, named Elroy, scampered into our lives. Eighteen months later, we watched with sad hearts as Staicey closed the kennel gate behind him at Turn-In Advanced Training; then watched again with pride as she handed Elroy’s leash to a forever match at Graduation….and we were hooked!
Since then, we have helped Staicey on a frequent basis to housebreak, feed, walk, train and vacation-sit all of her six CCI puppies. As “Co-Raisers”, we even took Johnson, Pup #5, on a plane trip to Las Vegas to visit our daughter and our grandchildren just before his Matriculation. We are fortunate to be able to share the uniqueness of each pup on its service dog journey. We also lend a helping hand at community events, presentations, and public outings.
Being a CCI volunteer is a very rewarding experience. Seeing a pup who arrives into your life knowing NOTHING about commands, rules or boundaries transform into a mature dog ready to be of service is an amazing process. Getting to know so many dedicated, kind, caring CCI friends is truly heartwarming and inspiring. Staying in contact with Graduates and seeing first-hand their gratitude for such highly trained service dogs, makes all puppy raising efforts PRICELESS!
‘RAISE A PUPPY-CHANGE A LIFE”!
Who knows? Perhaps we will raise our own CCI puppy some day?
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