First week home

Sam's Tale:
Wow, we finally made it home. We drove forever and Lolo didn't want to "hurry" at any of the rest stops because it was windy and lacking grass. No accidents though! It took me a few days to recover - I was grumpy. I had fun bringing Lolo to school one morning to meet my friends. She did all her commands great - visit, shake, step, lap. Mrs Bitner's class all went "aaaahhh" and clapped for her when she picked up my washcloth and gave it back to me. My mom was kind of nutty and decided to bring Lolo with us to the zoo for Disability Night. Lolo was so well behaved even though there were tons of things to distract her everywhere!! The cougars wanted to eat her but she remained strong. Now it is summer vacation (with only a little summer school)....more time to get to know my girl, Lolo! Oh yeah, I almost forgot....tonight we were watching TV and a doorbell rang on a commercial. Lolo darted up from a deep sleep on our lap and ran to the door. I laughed and laughed! Silly girl.

Amy's Tale:
Life sure is different now than it was on the CCI campus. We (not neccessarily Lolo) have all these other distractions! It has been fun to have Sam introduce his special buddy to our friends. He always gets a big smile when people ask him about her. Lolo followed me around the house the first few days but now she is feeling more at home. Her and Napa (our pet dog) are doing fine coexisting and even swapping each other's bed on occasion. Lolo took to Sarah right away and Sarah to her however, Sarah has been very sensitive to making sure she doesn't distract Lolo away from Sam. I was trying to designate a dirt patch in our back yard for Lolo to potty. She doesn't like it and we have had a few "mexican-standoffs". She is winning this battle and Andy thinks it is funny. We enjoyed celebrating Lolo's 2nd birthday with her on the 4th. She got a sterilized bone and seemed to enjoy the treat. Tonight we got Lolo to "speak" without a toy to encourage her - Sam laughed and laughed. It has been great to share emails with our new friends to hear how they are adjusting with their new companions. Thank you all again for your wonderful responses. I will try to continue to update this blog once a week.

GRADUATION DAY

Sam's Tale:

Yesterday was the big day!!  Lolo and I graduated!  It was fun meeting the Fox family who raised Lolo.  They are really fun and I know Lolo was happy to see them and missed them.  My cousins Kathy and Emily came to see graduation.  And my Aunt Beth surprised me and came too!  It was special to me that they were there.  I will miss all my new friends from our class.  I hope we keep in touch.  We drove until 10pm last night.  I was a little cranky at the end but today we only have about 5 hours to go until we see Sarah, Daddy, Pawpaw, and Napa.  I can't wait for them to meet Lolo!

Amy's Tale:

Wow, what a day and great culmination of 2 hard but fantastic weeks!  It was so great to meet the Fox family who raised Lolo until she went into training 6 months ago.  They gave us some great insight about Lolo as a puppy.  They love Lolo so much and wecan tell she feels the same.  I can only imagine how hard it is to see her go!  We have only been with her 2 weeks and couldn't imagine not being with her!  I am excited that they also were able to meet Sam and see how much Lolo has already enriched his and all of our lives.  We are looking forward to keeping in touch with them.

CCI did an awesome job at graduation recapping our 2 weeks in Team Training and recognizing all the work that goes into this awesome organization.  It was sad to say goodbye to everyone but we have made lifelong friends in people and dogs.  Emily, Kathy, and Beth - Thank you so much for sharing in this very special day for Sam and Lolo (and me)!! Grandmother Kay - we could not have done any of this without your help these 2 weeks and I know Canine Companions has made a new friend in you!

Almost home and very ready to see my sweet girl Sarah (and Andy and Pawpaw too)!