Helper Stays with Other Puppy Raisers

March 11-18, 2012
Since my sister (Holly) was visiting from upstate New York, we had planned to tour New Mexico and then spend a couple of days with our cousin Ron in Austin.  This presented a great opportunity to let Helper stay with other Puppy Raisers for the week.  CCI encourages this because it encourages the puppy to be flexible, confident and take direction from another person.  It also exposes them to different pets as is the case in this photo.  The above picture was taken by  PR Jackie.  She has an adult CCI dog that she raised named Houston.  Although he is a great dog, he was released from the advance training program early so he is happily living with Jackie as a pet.  CCI calls these dogs "Change of Career" dogs.  Only 36% of the CCI puppies actually make it thru the advance training and get paired up with a graduate.  Those dogs that do not make it are so well bred and trained that there is a very long list of people that want them should their PR not be able to take them.

During this week Helper also went to work with another PR named Debby.  She works in a medical office and is allowed to bring service dogs in training to the office.  This is excellent training for Helper because she could end up being paired with someone who goes to work everyday.  Debby told me that she was wonderful!!!  She was quiet, well behaved and delighted everyone who saw her!

Finally, Helper also went to a convention this week!  CCI has booths at conventions to get exposure to groups that may need the use of a service dog.  This pic is of Helper at the Case Managers Convention in Dallas.  She was the youngest pup at the convention and very popular with attendees!

All in all she had a busy and productive week!