Scrub-a-dub-dub

Sam's Tale:

Water every where!!!!! I thought it was so funny when Lolo got her bath this morning.  She shook very hard and got me all wet which made me laugh even more!!  Then they turned a vacuum-like-thing on that dried her a bit and then guess what????  They put her in a doggie dryer for 20 minutes.  It didn't go round and round.  She looks and smells pretty for graduation day tomorrow. 

Amy's Tale:  

The bath was hilarious especially to watch Sam.  I will post some pictures soon.  We wrapped up today getting information about Lolo's puppy raisers who we will meet tomorrow.  She was raised in New Mexico!!  We are really looking forward to getting to know about her before we knew her (first year and 1/2).  We also heard how to transition Lolo into our household and life like meeting other dogs and family members, etc.  Kind of sad to be leaving all of our new friends. Graduation is exciting and I know will be tear-jerking.  But most of you who know me, know that I won't cry at all - HA!

Exams

Sam's Tale:

Mom and I had to go through our testing today.  I think we did ok because Lolo was on her best behavior again!  I was wiped out during the public certification testing at the mall - plus I just hate malls.  I am ready to come home with Lolo and see Daddy, Sarah, Napa, and PawPaw.  We learned how to have Lolo meet Napa.  I think Napa will like her but I don't think Napa will be allowed to eat our dinner leftovers any more!!

Amy's Tale:

I am also wiped out after a day of testing but relieved to have it over.  I think we did well enough to pass.  I was so afraid that after all of this travel and work that I was going to let down Sam and not pass the tests.  We enjoyed a nice meal out with a few of the families and made gifts for the puppy raisers we will meet on Saturday.  I am also ready to come home - just wish we could blink and that 11 hour drive would be done.

Toys

Sam's Tale:

We took Lolo to Petco today to buy her toys and stuff.  She really likes the squeaky squishy ball in the CCI play yard.  We bought her a squishy green ball and a toy called "King Kong".  I know she will love it!!!  We also got her a fluffy bed so she won't want to sleep on Napa's.

Amy's Tale:

Food is not hard to come by here!  The awesome volunteers have fed us a hearty lunch every day most of them are also puppy raisers or breeders so we have learned all about the program from the birth of the dog on!!  Incredible!!!  During Sam's and Lolo's graduation, there will also be puppy's going to their raisers from breeders and we will be able to meet Lolo'a puppy raiser!    

Walk or Ride??

Sam's Tale

Guess what?  When I am "stuck" in my walker and can't move, Lolo will tug on the front of it and help me get in the right position to move my feet again.  But I was thinking.......why doesn't she just tug me to where I want to go??  Hmmm, we'll have to work on that.

Amy's Tale

Thank you all for your comments!!  I read them to Sam and he smiles and laughs. 

Today we went down to the Harbor to practice our skills in public.  Lolo and Sam were once again on their best behavior ignoring all smell, animal, and people distractions.  At one point Lolo did get spooked at something - we couldn't figure out what.  Instead of staying by the wheelchair, she quickly hugged my leg and proceeded with caution.  She also likes to step "around" bird poop on the ground and not dare put her paw on it.  What a little lady!  It was fun to see her tug at Sam's walker to get him in position and then when he reached her, she stood on the lower rim of the walker and gave him some praise. He loved it!!!

We are ramping up for our upcoming public certification test, our written exam, and final performance evaluation.  Hope all goes well!!

Tug and Push!!!

Sam's Tale:

Today, Lolo opened the refrigerator door for me and closed the bathroom door.  She helped me by tugging a laundry basket of items across the floor BACKWARDS!!!  How cool is that!!!  I can't wait for you to meet her!

Amy's Tale:

We enjoyed our much needed day off at church, the beach, and eating seafood (yummm!).  Today, we were back in the grind learning new commands and practicing to pass our public certification exam.  A big "aha" happened last night as we were playing fetch with Lolo.  I asked Sam to say Fetch and IMMEDIATELY a large sound came from his mouth.  He yelled the same sound without hesitation for 10 minutes playing fetch with his new girlfriend.  

Tested and Conquered!!

Sam's Tale:

I wish you could have seen my girl Lolo today.  We had a field trip to Lowe's to practice handling our dogs in a busy public place.  Lowe's was so crowded!! One lady even had a little yappy dog with her.  Do you know what?  When my girl Lolo walked beside her, she didn't even look at that little dog who was lunging at her!!!  Way to go Girl!! We gave her lots of lovin' for that.  I also learned today that Lolo can play fetch so well with me.  Her energy really makes me laugh!  Also, when my mom says "UP", Lolo will pick up an object (like my cup) off the floor, put her front paws on my wheelchair tray, and give me the item from the floor.  Is she smart or what???

Amy's Tale:

Wow, I can't believe a week has gone by and I am finally having the opportunity to write something!!  It has been great and exhausting.  Kind of like running a very long race.  Seeing Sam's reactions to his dog has made it all worthwhile.! He is vocalizing to the dog, initiating petting, and most importantly smiling and laughing all the time.  We have a group of nine families getting dogs.  Amazingly, all seemed to get matched with the dog that fitted their personality.  Canine Companions is a fantastic organization and very thorough in their training.  I am amazed at all that goes in to breeding, raising, training, and then the matching process.  Lolo is a cross between a yellow lab and golden retriever and the perfect combination of love, obedience, and fun.  I am looking forward to getting to know her more and watching her relationship with Sam grow.  Tomorrow we have a break so we are going to go to the beach (without Lolo - not allowed to yet) and then seek out some good seafood.  

Welcome to our blog

Welcome to our blog everyone!!

Sam Tale:  

Long drive.  Mom and Grandma behaved themselves.  Southern CA is hot, cold, windy and rainy. Beach was fun.  Love Canine Companion's Campus!  lots of dog EVERYTHING!!    Grandmom is snoring - earplugs help.  My new friends - dogs, kids, and trainers are all super cool and fun.  Like the smooth floors and open spaces.  I am cruising in my walker every evening to catch Lolo.  Isn't she awesome??  Her brown ears are so soft!!  She loves me!!