|
Introducing Brandon!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
 Lisa'a Good-Bye Poem to Brandon
Brandon Moves On
I shared with Brandon a special type of bind
So much love, faith, and complete trust
Dreaming before to have that heartfelt find
Feelings one hopes to be able to touch
It was unconditional love at first sight
All I could think to do was hold him so tight
I truly thought at times my heart would burst
All those looks that would come across his face
To be able to make a gray day turn to sun
Are memories my mind will not erase
This journey has taught me I'm the lucky one
I will send him off with my very best
In hopes he will conquer when put to the test
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
 A Pup and Puppy Raiser Full of Thanks
With Thanksgiving just around the corner Brandon's volunteer puppy raiser Lisa took a moment to reflect on what she's thankful for, and what Brandon would be thankful for.
Lisa's thankful for:
Brandon's thankful for:
Conquering his fear of pine cones
TREATS!
Going for rides in the car and not being afraid
TREATS!
Not being called Brandon "No" so much
For being in a loving home with a great assistance dog role model, lots of cuddle time and really, really good TREATS!
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
 Brandon Discovers the Great Outdoors, and Lisa Gets the Turn-In Papers
"I know when I get the turn-in papers that it's time to start emotionally letting go of Brandon," Lisa shares.
While being faced with the fact that it's nearly time to say good-bye to Brandon is difficult for Lisa, she knows that Brandon could change someone's life as an assistance dog.
"I'm hoping that Brandon will experience what my daughter Olivia experiences with her Service Dog Kya," explains Lisa.
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
 Growing Up, But Still the Baby
"Brandon still thinks he's a small puppy. He still loves to be cradled no matter how big he gets, his long legs pass mine as we wit on the floor and I rub his tummy until he snores. Yes, my family thinks I'm over doing it at times, be he's so loving I just can't help myself. He has a very special gentleness about him that you can't help but fall in love with him the minute you look into those warm brown eyes. What makes him extra special is his love for life, he's always happy walking around with a wagging tail and grin, and is curious about everything going on around him," explains Lisa.
"He absolutely is my sidekick no matter what I'm doing, loading the dish washer, to reading a book, or folding laundry. Whatever it may be Brandon is right behind me, ant that's a wonderful feeling. Of course, I give Brandon plenty of practice being alone too, so that he's able to be on his own without being nervous, but it's no exaggeration to say that we both have more fun together," Lisa shares.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
A Look at Canine Companions from Both Sides
Brandon's volunteer puppy raiser Lisa recently watched her daughter Olivia complete Team Training and graduate as Service Team with her assistance dog Kya.
"As I sat and watched Olivia go through Team Training on her own to become a service team with Kya, I dreamed that one day an excited family would be sitting in my spot watching Brandon and hoping their loved one will be bringing him home to live with increased independence," shares Lisa.
Thursday, July 21, 2011
 A Huge Accomplishment
"Brandon has made a huge accomplishment this month! In puppy class we were asked to work on having a pup stay in their crate with the door open and not come out until asked. Well at first this was challenging. After taking my role as pack-leader back and working consistently with Brandon he has achieved the goal. I'm sure his puppy obedience class teacher will be very pleased with his success," Lisa shares.
Thursday, June 30, 2011
 A Year of Devotion
Brandon's size has certainly changed over the last year, but so much about his heart remains the same.
Here are some of Lisa's observations about Brandon as he turns on-year-old:
Same:
Sweet and loving
Devoted and loyal
Loves treats and cuddles
Doesn't love bath time
Different:
Gets in and out of the car on command
"Hurries" appropriately*
Loves tennis balls
* Hurry is the toileting command
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
 One of The Best Moments
"The most endearing moment we had was a few weeks ago when I heard a mom say to her young child, 'maybe one day you will have a dog like that.' Well of course Brandon and I became Canine Companions Ambassadors! The child was a little boy, about 3 years old, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, a subject very close to my heart because my daughter Olivia has cerebral palsy. We educated the parent on how a Canine Companions dog can change a person's life and told her how she could get more information. The best part was Brandon's willingness to let the little boy pet him, which made the little boy giggle and smile. These special times are when I'm honored to be given the chance to raise a puppy and change a life," explains Lisa.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
 Rain Rain Go Away!
This winter Brandon got to experience lots of different weather conditions from sunny and clear to rain showers, hail and thunderstorms.
He decided going "hurry" in the rain was a pain. And playing in the hail made him bail! And the thunder nearly sent him straight into an under. But with Lisa's patience and socializing Brandon was looking like his old self again.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
 Brandon's Puppy Raiser Lisa Knows It's All About Love...
Putting in a hundred percent and getting a hundred percent back in return is one thing we don't always receive in our day to day lives very often. I'm not saying it's easy to love so deeply and then let go and send these pups on their journey that they were meant for, it's actually the hardest thing I've ever done. The truth of the matter is, I'm heartbroken and sad when I send them off, but I know it only means I've done what I'm supposed to do. Love them with all my heart. And it's time for me to hope that they'll pass it on.
For me, that's when it's time to start all over again. That's why Brandon is the fourth puppy I've raised for Canine Companions. And something tells me, who won't be the last.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
 New Year's Resolutions
Brandon:
To be less of a clown and more of a Prince in Puppy Class
Learn how to get more treats
Not to cry so much
To go to Lisa the first time she says "Here"
Lisa:
To remain the pack leader even in the face of those puppy dog eyes
To attend every puppy class...even when it's really cold outside
To stay positive when training is a challenge
Continue enjoying every moment I have with Brandon
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
 Making Wishes
My puppy raiser mom Lisa tells me shes wishing for:
*Brandon to help someone gain independence
*More sleep on the weekends
*No more puppy teeth marks on her flip-flops
*Brandon to want to get in and out of the car
*Brandon to stay excited about his training
My wishes, well really I just have one wish. To make all of Lisa's wishes come true.
Okay, and treats!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
 The Prince is The Clown?
They call me the class clown and the class greeter at puppy class. Can you believe that? I'm just trying to help everyone feel comfortable and let everybody know how happy I am to see them. This is what my mom Lisa has to say about it:
Brandon insists on going up to visit all his friends and say hi with a lick on the face and a wag of his tail.
As a puppy raiser, I know this isn't acceptable behavior for puppy class, but trying to convince Brandon of this is not so easy. He's a social puppy and really can't help but to be the life of the party or in this case puppy class. This doesn't mean he's not there to work, he's very willing to learn and does so with great enthusiasm.
Our family put together how we see Brandon's personality at 5 months old. I thought it would be fun to see Brandon's progress in words:
Brave Rambunctious Adorable Needy Determined Observant Noble
Do you have some thoughts about Brandon's personality? Share them on CCI's facebook page.
Friday, October 22, 2010
 BBQs, BFFs and Baths
I went to a BBQ for Olivia's school. So many good smells, bummer I wasn't allowed to sample the flavors - but mom Lisa gave me treats and loves galore for minding my manners.
While I was there, Olivia's friends just started coming up to me, petting me and even taking pictures with me. They're my new BFFs from Olivia's high school. And then there was...the bath. Ok, so totally not my first bath, I always liked the bath in the kitchen sink. But now I'm told I'm too big for the sink.
It was my first "Big Boy" bath. Not so cool. Mom gave me warm water and kibble. But I couldn't help it - I cried and cried. Finally mom wrapped me up in a towel and sat with me in the swing while I fell asleep. This was my favorite part...snuggling...just not my favorite way to get there.
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
 Brandon's First Conquest: The Pine Cone
Hi! I'm Canine Companions puppy Brandon II, but everyone calls me "The Prince." Good thing it only took my puppy raiser a few days to figure that one out (lol)!
My puppy raiser Lisa, is pretty awesome. I'm the fourth puppy she's raised for CCI. But the best part is that her daughter Olivia has a Canine Companions graduate dog Kya. Kya is like my idol, and Olivia, rocks.
I felt pretty special yesterday and more excited than ever to learn how to be a Canine Companions assistance dog when I heard Lisa talking on the phone. Guess what I heard Lisa tell her friend, "I just love Brandon, he's got the most soulful eyes you have ever seen. Not only do I have the pleasure of experiencing so many new things through the eyes of this beautiful boy, I also know first hand the miracles that will be possible as the result of our time together."
Thanks, Mom. I'll do my best. But really there's so much to learn out there! Like pine cones, boy did I learn about pine cones...
So there I am walking with Lisa, staying on the path like a 'good boy' when right there in front of me is this giant, smelly thing.
I stopped right there and reached out to smell it better before I got any closer. I reached my nose right up to it and got the scent of trees when it poked me. I mean really, poking! It hurt, and I decided I didn't want to play with it anymore and ran behind Lisa's legs.
But I cam back the next day and the day after that. Now, I know all about pine cones. They smell good, and they can poke you. But, if you just walk around them, then you're all good.
Bark at 'ya later in the next eNews. Not signed up? Click here and I'll see you in your inbox!
Insights into Volunteer Puppy Raising with Journey
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
 A Good Sit Was Just the Beginning
Then Journey was learning to walk on lead and sit. Now, he's entered into CCI professional training. Esther misses him, but knows he's in the best possible hands with CCI professional instructors. Here's what CCI apprentice Linda has to say about the experience of the puppies joining professional training.
"I'm always excited to get to know the new dogs. It's a fun challenge to understand the specific of each dog, like what gets them motivated," shares Linda.
"I understand the selflessness of volunteer puppy raisers. I want to do my best job possible, give the dogs every opportunity and really make the puppy raisers proud," Linda says.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
 Esther's Journey
Journey is the fourth puppy that Esther, national breeding and puppy program manager has raised for Canine Companions for Independence.
Here's what she has to say:
"This puppy raising experience has been one of the most exciting experiences yet. Journey has helped me become more creative with my training strategies. It's amazing to look back and think about the journey we've had together."
Here's some fun Journey facts:
Then:
- Journey love to work for food as a small pup
- He always learned commands quickly.
- His favorite toy was a seemingly giant purple dinosaur.
Now:
- Journey can out run any other dog in the CCI Park.
- Loves to work, with or without food.
- Proudly prances for 'let's go'
- That purple dinosaur isn't so giant anymore.
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
 The Big Day is Coming Up!
Preparing for the day Journey will matriculate from the puppy program and join professional training requires mental focus and preparation for Journey and Esther both. Here's some recommendations from Esther:
Keep training, but don't overtrain. It's not quite the same as your college finals week! Keep training as 'real life' as possible. Continue submitting monthly progress reports - Canine Companions trainers love these!
For the puppy raiser looking forward to this day can be one of the hardest things to do. Esther recommends continuing with your group puppy classes which offer some support from other raisers and a chance to trade puppies. also, remember to breathe, relax, and know that the puppy you are raising will cross the stage with you at turn-in and that you have helped make a difference in someone's life.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
 A Year of Milestones Journey's first year marks a year of milestones.
Journey's list of accomplishments include crate training, socializing, basic commands, hurry on command, while impulse control is one always to be worked on, Journey is making great strides in this department. He is now able to accompany Esther on longer public outings, including his favorite pit stop at the local pet store for a frosty paw treat.
Here's how Journey's the same now as he was a year ago:
- Has a happy prance-like walk
- Loves people
- Loves food
Here's how Journey's different:
- Sleeps all night
- Hurries outside, on command
- Learning impulse control
- "Speaks" on command
- Moved up to the big puppy class
Of course, Esther couldn't have spent the last year as Journey's puppy raiser without experiencing a few changes herself:
- Sleeps all night
- Takes Journey along for longer outings
- Puppy trading with other puppy raisers
And then there's things that will never change:
- Appreciates and respects volunteer puppy raisers
- Loves the crate
- Always prepared for the unexpected
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
 Journey's Whole Body Wag"Journey likes to greet people visiting my office with a very exciting wiggle," shares Esther.
"This behavior isn't becoming of a future assistance dog," she continues.
Here's some suggestions to nip excitable greetings in the bud:
- Practice controlled interactions on leash
- Reinforce the sit command and praise your puppy for sitting when people approach
- Use the shake command to have your puppy be a part of the interaction
- If your puppy is excitable at home or in the office, use the crate to prevent unsupervised interactions.
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
 Journey's First Sleepover
Tips from Esther:
Pack a favorite toy.
Don't forget the crate.
Make notes of feeding instructions and typical routines.
Tips from Journey:
Be good.
Have fun.
Share.
Listen.
Do you Twitter? Login or sign up to follow Journey and get updates on our Twitter page @ccijourney!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
 Valentine's Top Five
What Esther Likes Most about Journey:
5. He eats everything on his plate.
4. He speaks (and quiets) on command.
3. His agility, he's an athlete and can run super fast.
2. His smarts, learns quickly.
1. His beautiful brown eyes, he has attentive eyes that stare straight to my soul.
What Journey Likes Most About Esther:
5. She takes me on long walks.
4. She lets me lay on her feet.
3. She's made me her sidekick at work.
2. When she has treats in her hands.
1. When she says 'Good Boy.'
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
 Esther and Journey's New Years Resolutions
Journey's Resolutions
Learn to be kind to cats
Go to mom the first time she says "here"
Leap 10 feet to catch frisbee in midair like movie star dog
Chew on toys, not on shoes
Esther's Resolutions
Run half marathon
Attend all puppy classes
Remember that I'm raising a puppy and changing lives
Remember to tweet for Journey @ccijourney
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
 |
Journey's Holiday Wish
Journey, having behaved like a good CCI puppy, hasn't had any holiday turkey. He only has a few wishes for the holidays to acknowledge his tremendous restraint!
- Stay home for the holidays
- Have puppy raisers build big warm fire to nap in front of
- Help puppy raisers root for our favorite football teams
- A new bone, please....pretty please!
|
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
 Don't Stop Believin'
You knew we'd have to go there eventually, with CCI puppy Journey we just couldn't help ourselves. That's Journey and Esther in their appropriately themed 1980s Halloween costumes.
Esther and Journey happily survived their first Halloween together, and the experience generated some helpful hints from Esther:
1. Never force a puppy to wear anything they seem uncomfortable with. That's just not fun for anybody.
2. The crate is your friend with new guests in your home. It's safe and welcoming for the puppy and with a peanut butter stuffed Kong, it's an absolute treat!
3. Remember to keep candles, decorations and your pumpkins up high or out of reach.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
 Journey Ventures Into Socialization
In addition to outings to stores, Journey also participated in a fire drill recently. He did great! He met firemen in uniform, observed the fire truck and responded to his commands and stayed comfortable the whole time.
But Esther and Journey's favorite socializing time is one on one, an evening walk in the neighborhood followed by a cradling session before bedtime.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Journey Trades His Puppy Vest for a Life Jacket Vest for Family Fun
Journey traveled on a camping and boating trip. Volunteer puppy raiser Esther made sure the trip was safe and fun by doing a few simple things:
-
Always bring a crate with you, Esther enjoys the portable collapsible crate for easy transport
-
Bring plenty of chew toys to keep the puppy occupied
-
A long leash or tie out to keep the puppy near you, so you can be hands free
-
Give the puppy breaks and on hot days, keep him in shady areas
-
Be prepared for illness, Esther's first aid kit includes benadryl in the event of a bee sting
Wednesday, August, 19, 2009
Crate Training: Check.
 Journey is fully crate trained, but his behavior still leaves something to be desired. He is just a puppy after all. But, Esther has a plan...
*Puppy socialization
*Teaching Journey to walk on leash and ignore the other dogs
*Continue working on new skills
*Get to know each other better and better
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Introducing Journey
 Canine Companions puppy Journey is one of seven puppies from Meeko's "J" litter. All the puppies are playing and working hard with their new volunteer puppy raisers.
With the hardest part of the first week behind them, Canine Companions puppy Journey and volunteer puppy raiser Esther are learning lots and lots.
Journey's learned how to consistently sleep through the night. Woo-Hoo!
Esther's learned--We should all take lessons from puppies...work tirelessly for what you want, play hard, take naps and don't stress out about a thing!
Do you Twitter? Login or sign up to follow Journey and get updates on our Twitter page @ccijourney!
The Chronicles of Skipper, puppy in training
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Skipper's Turn-In
 Eight time volunteer puppy raiser Jill shares three tips for coping with puppy turn-in:
-
1. A designated driver-- it's hard to drive and cry at the same time
-
2. A friend with a camera--to capture the last day
-
3. A surrogate dog-- a dog to love on the car trip home
Friday, May 15, 2009
Ready for College
 Skipper's all grown up and ready for professional training. We know he can't really talk, but we think he probably has a few things to say Jill, his volunteer puppy raiser:
Thank You
I Love You
Don't Worry About Me
I'm Ready
Thank You
I Love You
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
News Skills, Same Skipper
 Skipper may have better manners and lots of new skills, but at heart he's the same Skipper he was a year ago.
New: Skipper has learned to keep his voice to himself until given the "speak" command. When Jill first took him home, he "serenaded" her the whole car ride.
Same: Letting loose and running around like crazy!
New: Skipper is excellent at "stand," "down," and "heel"
Same: Skipper is patient and calm
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Life. Unleashed. Puppy Style.
 Volunteer puppy raiser Jill knows that a happy and healthy puppy needs plenty of regular exercise and time to play. With safety top of mind Jill makes sure that Skipper gets to play with other dogs and enjoy time "off-leash" when he's in a fenced area.
Playtime Discoveries: Snow is fun, it's a treasure hunt to find the sticks.
Predictions: Spring will be fun, so will Summer and Autumn and Winter!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Puppy Love
Can you believe that puppy in the pink heart scarf was Skipper? That's his "mom" CCI Breeder Rowina. Who knew Skipper would grow so big and wise?
Valentine's Wisdom: Love the ones your with! And if you have to pick, pick the ones with treats!
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
New Adventures for the New Year
 CCI puppy in training, Skipper, is busy having new adventures with volunteer puppy raiser Jill. Skipper and his friend Nick, left, are getting all grown up, at least that's what they thought until they saw Shamu at SeaWorld in San Diego, CA.
Most recently they went to San Francisco, CA.
"With these outings Skipper learns to be attentive and trust his handler in any situation," explains Jill.
Skipper's take on San Francisco:
Likes: The smells of Fisherman's Wharf and free belly rubs from the children at Ghirardelli Square.
Dislikes: The public rapid transit took some getting used to.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Skipper's Holiday Wish List
 Skipper dreams of:
1. His puppy raiser giving him treats, instead of having to earn them.
2. Romping in the snow.
3. Seeing eight tiny reindeer (he promises not to chase them).
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Giving Thanks
 Skipper is thankful for:
1. Bones, squeaky toys, the cat, and my best pal Maddy (the pet dog!)
2. Getting treats when I do what my puppy raiser wants!
3. Having a great social life, going to baseball games, the park, a movie, the park, the theater, the park, work, the park. Oh, and going to the park.
4. Kibble! Kibble! Kibble!
Puppy raiser Jill is thankful for:
-
The support of chapter volunteers and fellow puppy raisers.
-
The patience, commitment and excellence of our contract trainers.
-
CCI graduates who share their stories. (Share your CCI story by sending us an email to marketing@cci.org).
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Sixty-Four Pounds of Pup
 Strengths: Great MannersHobbies: Seeing what new noises the cat will make today
Activities: Helping kids learn about assistance dogs
Wisdoms: You're never too big to snuggle with your mom.
"Skipper's favorite thing to do is to sit next to me when I'm at my computer, place his head on my lap and peer up at me," shares volunteer puppy raiser Jill.
Thursday, August 20, 2008
Skipper: The Teenage Pup
 Skipper is nine-months-old, and we thought you'd like to know what he's up to!
Hobbies: Sleeping
Talents: Learning new commands, Skipper is really good at "Under" and "Down"
Games: Playing Chase
Wisdoms: Little details make a big difference
"Today, trying to see the world through Skipper's eyes is my key to training him. For instance, Skipper was doing well at going up and down stairs, but came to a screeching halt at a new set of stairs. These new stairs were like walking off the edge of the cliff," says volunteer puppy raiser Jill.
Jill and Skipper are practicing Skipper's skills on various types of surfaces to help skipper feel comfortable and confident wherever he is.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Meet CCI Puppy Skipper, volunteer puppy raiser Jill
 Talents: Singing
Skills: Landscape maintenance
Personality: Confident and Sensitive
Wisdoms: Ordinary things can be new discoveries
After only ten short weeks with Skipper, volunteer puppy raiser Jill learned a great deal.
She thinks that Skipper must be studying opera because he serenaded her during their first car ride together.
After winter rains, Jill noticed that Skipper feels obligated to clear walking paths of debris like stray sticks.
Most importantly, she has learned that Skipper offers her a fresh perspective on things.
Check out our next e-News for updates as Skipper grows! Subscribe to e-News now.
|
