Balsa' Matriculation Photos

Balsa looks so grown up - not like a puppy anymore

 I love this close up of Balsa, it's the best photo ever taken of her - those eyes show so much wisdom

                          Here is our family photo, and we are all smiling !!

Oceanside - CCI Turn in and Matriculation

Well after a long day of driving on Wednesday,  (through a snow storm and lots of rain), we finally made it to Oceanside, California.  Bright and early on Thursday morning after a quick breakfast, mom, dad, and I drove over to the CCI campus to take a tour.  It's a very beautiful campus... very clean and inviting.  It you are ever in Oceanside on the first Thursday of any month, feel free to stop by.  They give free tours, no appointment required.  You will be very impressed by the facilities.

Here is a picture of me by the main entrance sign.  Even though I am a big girl, I look so small next to the sign.  But if you look close, you can see me in front of the sign sitting in among the wonderful smelling flowers.

 Mom really liked this area of the campus.  It was dedicated to the CCI service dogs who died.  Their owners purchased tile squares with the dog's names on them as a remembrance.  There was a lovely fountain and a small reflection pond with benches.  It was a very peaceful place to spend a few moments.

 Here is the door to my dorm room, see my name.  I have 2 roommates.  Most puppies only have 1.  Looks like we are going to have some serious all night PJ parties !!  Dad noticed that I am the youngest of the three.  You can tell by our ID numbers.  The larger the number, the later in the year you were born.  At matriculation, I met Fluffy, (one of my roomies).  A real nice gal.

 That evening Dad declared that today was "Balsa Day".  He said it means all restrictions were off for the rest of the day.  We went to the park across the street from the motel and played catch, I got extra treats to eat.  And I even got to sleep on the bed with mom and dad.  A very strict no, no for CCI rules.  Mom said that this will probably be the one bad habit I will remember forever.  Dad said "so what - it's Balsa Day"  I was so exhausted that evening.  I slept right in the middle between mom and dad all night.  It felt so good and comforting.  Mom kept waking up and petting me every couple of hours all night long.

 The next morning after breakfast the three of us went down to the ocean.  I had never been to the ocean.  I was so excited.

 We walked out on the pier.  I wasn't scared at all.  I got to look down between the boards on the pier and see the ocean.  WOW.  I think I like California.  There are so many new sights and smells here.

 Later that morning we went over to the venue for the graduation and matriculation.  There were so many people there and so much energy and excitement in the room it was scary for me.  But dad let me put my head on his lap and he would comfort me.  He's a good dad that way.  He kept telling me what a good girl I was and petting me.  I am sure going to miss giving him my ear nibbles.

When we lined up for our professional photos, I got to see my litter mate, (my sister Brisbane).  She looks just like our mother.  She was raised in Las Vegas.  And she is a lot smaller than me.  I gave her a kiss on the muzzle for good luck and told her that I would catch up with her in the puppy playground in the next couple of days.  After the ceremony we drove back to CCI and mom and dad said their goodbyes.  Mom was so sad, I think dad was a little sad too.  As I was walking down the hall, I tried so hard not to look back, but just as I was turning the corner I took a quick peek back at mom.  She was crying real hard and that broke my heart.  But I remember the 4 rules that she told me:

1.)  remember my commands, (I'll need them the rest of my life)

2.) remember my manners, (no one likes a bad mannered puppy)

3.) remember I was born for a special job, (I'm a CCI puppy, born for this purpose)

4.) always remember that mom loves me, and she will always be my mom

This will be the last posting from me for a long, long time.  They told me that I am not allowed to use the computer anymore.  But mom has promised that if she gets any pictures or reports from me she will post them to let everyone know how I am doing.  Wish me luck, as I head out on this next chapter of my journey.

LOVE, BALSA

California Here I Come (sing it to "Leaving on a Jet Plane"

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.  I'm standing here beside the door. The dawn is breaking, it's early morn. Dad's in the car, he's honking the horn.  Already mom's so lonesome, she could cry.  So kiss me quick and smile for me, tell me that your proud of me.  Tell me that I'll pass the class with ease.  Oh mom - I hate to leave.            There's so many times, I let you down, so many times I played around.  I tell you now - I was just being a goofy pup.  Every place I go, I'll think of you.  Every face I see, I'll see you.  Every ball I catch, I'll think of you and dad.   So pat me on the head and tell me that your proud of me.  Tell me that you'll remember me.  Tell me that our bond won't ever break.  Cause I'm leaving for CCI, going off to help someone.  Going out to show them I can pull the wheelchair.      Now the time has come to leave you.  One more time, let me kiss you.  Then close your eyes and I'll be on my way.  Dream about the days to come, when I wear the blue cape.  About the days that I will help someone.                  So kiss me and smile for me, tell  me that your proud of me.  Tell that you won't forget me.  Tell me that our bond won't ever break.  Cause I'm leaving for CCI, and I won't ever be back again.  Oh mom, I have to go.

(our apologies to John Denver for the liberties we took with his song)

A GIFT FOR MOM

Look what Dad and I got for Mom -  do you know what it is?  It's a crying hankie stamped with my CCI Matriculation date on it, so that mom will always remember me and this important date.  Dad and I have been talking about how upset mom has been about my leaving for college and how she's going to be crying when I leave home.  So we bought her one to use during the ceremony.  Pretty cool - huh.  Here is a picture of it.

Just wanted to share it with everyone.  Until next time -  remember your commands, and "don't lick".

COUNTING DOWN THE DAYS !!

Last Saturday mom and dad took me into the vet for my BIG final checkup, (the one from nose to tail).  All the girls at the vet's office gave me big hugs and said they were going to miss seeing me each month.  The first thing was my weigh in, I have lost 2 1/2 lbs this month, ( I am down to 75.3 lbs. - the diet is working !!).  I have never had so many places checked, prodded, poked, looked at, rubbed over and lights shined on before in my whole life.  But the vet said my teeth looked good, my ears, heart, eyes, lungs, EVERYTHING was very good.  He said that I was one of his best patients he every had and he was going to miss me.  He signed off on all the papers for mom and dad and wished me good luck on my next journey.  The girls all gave me more hugs out in the office and told me I was such a "sweetie".  This Saturday will be my last puppy class before we leave for Oceanside, California next week.  Every couple of days, mom keeps telling me to remember the 4 most important rules:
1.)  Always remember my commands - they are so important for the rest of my life
2.)  Always remember my manners - people don't like ill mannered doggies
3.)  Always remember I have a very important mission ahead as a CCI dog for someone special - I was born for this important mission
4.)  Always remember that she will always love me no matter what, and she will always be my mom - she always gets teary eyed and starts to cry when she tells me this rule, and it makes me a little sad to see her start to cry.

Well - only 13 more days till we hit the road and start out for California.  I will try to post some photos of our trip and let you know what the college looks like before mom and dad have to say their goodbyes at the dorm rooms.  I know mom's gonna' have a rough time, but I'll sneak in a couple of good licks to cheer her up, and then she'll say what she always says  "don't lick !!"...  and dad will laugh.

Until next post, don't lick and keep your tails wagging high and proudly.

TURN IN PACKET

Look what mom got in the mail !!  A packet from CCI !  And it had all my paperwork for turn in for my professional advanced training in February.  It's official !  I have been accepted into CCI college.  Mom has alot of papers to fill out, I have to get a complete check up from the vet and all my original vet files, and lots of other forms that mom has to have filled out and back to CCI not later than February 8th.  Boy is she going to be busy getting me ready. 

I went to the vet on December 27th, for my annual shots, annual checkup, and monthly weigh in.  I now weigh 77.8 lbs.  The vet said that for a "pet", I was a good weight, but for a service dog I need to lose a few pounds before turn in date.  So he told mom to cut my food portions by 1/4th.  Can you imagine THAT !!  1/4 LESS FOOD !!   Boy am I ever hungry, ALL THE TIME.  I went from 4 cups of food to 3 cups of food per day.  Did I mention that I am HUNGRY !!  But I must admit I am already starting to look very slim already.  Those boy dogs at college will be wolf whistling at me when I walk by, (what ever that means - that what mom says).  By the way - did I tell you that I am always HUNGRY !!  Mom told dad that if they cut their food by 1/4 they would be hungry all the time also.   Boy, the things a dog has to do for the betterment of mankind.

Well, our household is now counting down the days.  We are driving to California and mom sometimes gets a little teary eyed about the upcoming turn in.  I just look her in the eyes for a few moments and then when she least suspects it - I give her a quick lick.  I know I'm not supposed to lick, but I can't help myself.

Until next post, wag those tails, watch where you step, and don't lick! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS - 2011

I just want to wish everyone a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS.  And remind you to keep those tails wagging, (and don't lick - that's what mom always says to me !).   Anyways until next post, hope your holidays are merry and bright. 

SNOW DAY !!

 On Saturday, (Nov 19th), WE GOT SNOW !!.  Oh how I have missed this stuff.  It seems like forever since I've been able to roll in this glorious stuff.  I LOVE SNOW.  I love to run in the snow.  I love to make tunnels in the snow.  I love to chase my ball in the snow.  I just love, love, love the snow!!!

Even though we only got a little bit, it still felt good when dad opened up the back door and let me run loose in the back yard.  Then after I rolled around in this glorious stuff for a while, he threw my yellow ball and told me to go find the ball, I thought "YES".

One time, dad threw the ball and I had to do some real good digging to find it - but I didn't come up empty handed.  I always return with the ball!!

Mom and dad always get a good laugh and my white beard whenever I am done playing outside.  One of the best things about playing outside is the good rub down with the warm towel.  Oh, it just feels so good on my body to get rubbed all over with the towel, and mom gets between my toes real good to make sure I don't have any ice hidden away in my foot pads.  Then I get a little dog biscuit for being a good girl.  Snow Days are always the best.  Hope you've been enjoying your snow days as much as I have mine.  Until next post, keep wagging those tails high in the air.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

THE LETTER CAME !!

Mom and dad got my matriculation letter !!  I go back to CCI in California for my advanced training, (aka - puppy college), on Friday, February 17th.  Mom had a few tears, dad gave her a hug and said it would be OK.  Mom had a long heart to heart talk with me and told me that I only have 5 1/2 months to get my act "together" and that we have to start acting like we know what we're doing, or I'm going to flunk out of college real fast.  She reminded me that I need a college education to make it in the real world.  My trainer reminder her that there were other options for me, (like; search and rescue / companion training / hearing training / facility training / drug sniffing).  The trainer said there's nothing wrong with being a "change of career" dog.  But mom said not to listen to them.  I need to do my best and graduate as a CCI service dog.  So - I guess I need to buckle down and try a little harder.  No more lease pulling, no more picking up objects when we go for walks, less distractions and more focus.  Boy it's gonna' be tough, but I think I can do it.  Keeping my paw pads crossed.  Until next post, keep those tails poised high.

ONE YEAR OLD

On August 10th, I turned 1 year old.  Mom says I am no longer a puppy, but now I am a dog - but deep in her heart I will always be her little puppy girl.  I still weigh 75 lbs.  So what happens when a CCI puppy turns 1 year old ?   Well it is pretty much like any other day for us.  Here are some photos.

Can you think of anything better than having your coat brushed by mom, followed by a luxurious pedicure by dad.  I love to doze off across dad's legs while he does my nails.  Mom always wants to paint them, but dad says "no, they are to dark and no one will see the paint".    

Next, it's time for mom to clean my ears and then brush my teeth, (I especially love this part).  The toothpaste taste so yummy that I sometimes lick it off the brush before mom can get it on my teeth and then she has to put more on the tooth brush.
 
Of course, every CCI puppy goes through this each week, so we are all used to being handled and groomed without resisting.  We actually love it!   

Then mom put on my birthday necklace, my birthday hat, and gave me a birthday horn.  She said that it was time for me to "toot my own horn for a change".  Here's a photo of me celebrating my moment.

Finally I couldn't believe it, mom brought out my gift !  A new red fleece teddy bear.  She got me a new baby.  It is the bestest gift ever!  Until the next post, happy tails to all.   

WINK'S 2 WEEK VISIT

 My half sister, Wink, came to stay with us for 2 weeks last month, (July 18 - Aug 2), while her mom went home to Idaho to visit family.  It was so much fun around our house!!  Wink and I got to run around the back yard, roll around the grass, chase balls, dad would throw bones and balls for us to chase and bring back to him, (sometimes).

Most times our most favorite game was - "you have my toy and I want it NOW", or "keep away" .  Yea you know what those games are.  We also invented new games on our own, like run at top speed, then dive under the coffee table on our stomach with all four paws straight out to our sides and slide out the other side, we called that the "slip and slider".  Sometimes the one in the back would go fast enough to PUSH the one in the front through the other side of the coffee table.

Sometimes Roudy would try to join us in play, but we were always to rough and wore her out to quickly.  Mom said she was too old to be playing that way with us young kids.  Roudy always needed to lay down and nap a lot during the day while we played.  She's 11 years old.

Sometimes when we got a little too out of hand, mom would say "OK, kennel".  And we would both jump into one kennel together.  If we were lucky she would let us stay in the one kennel together.  One time, we got a little too rough in the kennel and the side popped off.  We just stood there.  We knew not to leave the kennel or mom would be mad, but she wasn't, she just put the side back on and then put me back into my own kennel by myself.

Mom and dad said taking walks with two dogs and one person was a real challenge, since we always seemed to want to get tangled up.  I'm a right side walker and Wink is a left side walker, unless we start sniffing.  What's the problem??

Wink said the best part about our house was Sunday evenings.  And I agree.  Because that's when we get Frosty Paws.  Frosty Paws are a doggy version of ice cream cups - YUMMY.  At first Wink wasn't so sure how to eat hers.  But Roudy and I were wolfing ours down and she caught on real fast that this is "good stuff", then she couldn't wait until the next Sunday for Frosty Paws night.  It was a sad day when mom had to pack up all of Winks stuff so she could go home to her mom.  Our house was so quiet without that little puppy around.  Wink is only 8 months old and I hope I taught her a few good things to get her through life.  I love my little half-sister.
Until the next post, remember to hold those tails high and proud.

WINNER, WINNER, WINNER

Mom's new boss is in the office this week and today everyone got together for a luncheon in the conference room.  Her new boss had a special announcement to make.  Every year mom's work place gives out special cash awards to charitable organizations that provide worthy and notable contributions to society.  Mom filled out the reams of paperwork last April and today, Mom's new boss announced that my mom WON a $10,000 award for CCI.  Mom was so excited that she jumped out of her chair hugged a couple of the guys and started crying and jumping for joy.  She is so excited for Canine Companions for Independence.  She knows that there is so much good work they can do with this award.  The check for CCI will be coming to mom in a couple of days and then mom will be allowed to tell CCI and make the presentation.  So, we can't tell anyone at CCI just yet that they have this money coming.  It's a surprise - shh.   But I had to tell all my friends how excited my mom was.  And all the guys at mom's work were so glad for her and me that she won this award for CCI.   Watch for photos of the presentation of the check, and keep those tails wagging.

Liberty Park Outing

Last week our CCI puppy class went to Liberty Park.  Our trainer want to see how we reacted to the ducks, (yawn, better things to do than look at ducks), the kids playing in water, (now that's neat !), the water fountains, (pretty interesting), the birds, (ho, hum - got one at home), and other distractions.  It was a beautiful day and after a couple of hours our tails and tongues were dragging.  A couple of people stopped us and asked questions about CCI and got literature.  Who knows, maybe we might get future puppy raisers, and be able to help someone who needs a CCI dog to help a handicap person.  It was a very good outting.  Here are some photos, enjoy - see you next posting.  Keep those tails wagging.

Trip to Gateway Shopping Plaza

Two weeks ago during the evening hours, our CCI puppy class went to the downtown Gateway Shopping Center.  Our trainer wanted to see how we reacted to new types of distraction.  It was GREAT.  We got to stand on the rocks, watch the horse and carriages, and ride the elevators. 

 We watched the kids play in the water fountains, climbed stairs.  Everywhere we went people wanted us to stop so they could pet us, but our moms and dads told them that we were working right now and maybe later.

Here's a picture of me and my mom taking a break by one of the waterfalls.  I just love sitting here on the cool rock watching everything going on around us.  Mom likes to "people watch" too.  It was a fun outing.  And I didn't get to distracted - well not much!

Here's a picture of me, mom and dad.  We were on the 2nd level by the restaurants.  It was pretty hard for dad to resist the good smells coming out of the restaurants - (jk dad).   Until next post, keep those tails wagging.

VACATION TIME

This year mom and dad went on a long, long, very long vacation WITHOUT me!!  They made arrangements for me to stay with Lindsay and her husband.  At first I was very excited, because I thought that I would get to play all day with Daya, (another CCI puppy).  But then mom explained to me that Daya had gone off to advanced training at CCI in California.  But, on the bright side for the very first time ever, I was going to be an only puppy and get all the one-on-one attention.

I thought Oh Boy, this is going to be my vacation also.  Man was I every wrong.  When I got to Lindsay's house the first thing I did was run through the house, up and down the stairs.  Right away I learned real fast that Lindsay knew all the CCI rules and the same rules that apply at home also apply at Lindsay's.  BUMMER.  But it was real nice at Lindsay's.  She did let me into the bedroom - which is something mom and dad never do.

I also got to have 2 Saturday play dates with other CCI puppies, we went to the grocery store, and everyday Lindsay took to work with her at the beauty salon where all the women would pet me and say that I was such a good girl and that I had such a pretty coat.    I was pretty much a good girl, once I learned that I still had to obey the rules.  But I missed mom and dad, and I know that they missed me.  2 weeks is such a long time to leave me.  These are the photos that Lindsay took and emailed to mom and dad while they were on their cruise.   Until next post - see ya'.