Jim and I started puppy raising for
CCI in July, 2006. At the time, we lived in Henderson, Nevada, and we were part
of Canine Companions for Independence’s Southwest Region. Since then, we moved
to Ohio and are now part of the North Central Region. It’s been 11 ½ years,
and we are now raising puppy #9, a yellow male lab/golden cross named Zephyr
V.
We have been fortunate to have
watched 4 of our puppies graduate, 2 as Skilled Companion placements and 2 as
Service Dog placements. The graduates of our pups have become part of our
family, and we have been blessed to have been able to continue to see our pups,
receive updates and pictures with each one. Seeing how these amazing dogs
positively impact the lives of their recipients is what inspires us to continue
to puppy raise. Knowing that in some small way we were a part of someone else’s
miracle is so rewarding.
Another benefit of puppy raising is
the constant companionship of a puppy by your side. Having a puppy in
training with us at work, out running errands, or at community events is an
honor and a privilege.
We are halfway through our journey
with Zephyr. Each puppy has his/her own personality, challenges, and rewards.
Zephyr’s story is still in the making. He will matriculate in August, and
potentially graduate in February of 2019. Hopefully, puppy #10 will arrive
in the fall.
Volunteering for CCI has become a
lifetime commitment for us. We hope to raise at least 26 puppies—the alphabet.
We are on our way.
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