Summer Outings at the Willowbend Mall

This summer Marsha and I took Helper and Nessie to the Willowbend Mall for several children's programs.  It was a great way to expose them to large, loud crowds of people (lots of children) while we focused them on executing commands.  All events included loud music and performers.  They both did very well handling all of the distractions!

In this pic... Helper rest her head on Nessie as they take a break from the action.

Here Nessie and Helper participate in a photo opportunity with a fun character..."Flumpa".  I was impressed because they were both calm and did not hesitate to get close to "Flumpa" the frog.  Great control for a service dog in training!

Here Marsha is talking with a group of children that stayed after the program to meet with our dogs.  Helper is the dog on the left and Nessie is on the right.  As usual they are calmly accepting the attention of these children.

The last event of the summer was held by the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus.  Here one of the clowns pose with Helper (on the right) and Nessie (on the left).

Allan Public Library Workshop

The Allen Public Library asked Canine Companions for Independence to conduct a workshop for the public interested in learning more about our organization.  Marsha put together the program and organized the event.  Several Puppy Raisers attended and spoke about our experiences raising these great dogs.  We got both pre event publicity and post event publicity from The Dallas Morning News. 

The wonderful puppies that participated are pictured above.  They are (left to right)  Nessie, Helper, Gordo, Baris...too cute!

Last Pool Time with Friends...

These are pictures from Helper's last back yard pool party.







This is Helper in a mid air jump into the kiddie pool.  She loves the water!

Break time and then one final dip in the pool to cool off from the 100 degree temperatures.  Look at all of those smiles!  Helper is going to miss her friends Nessie and Lizzie.

Greenville Public Library

Often times Puppy Raiser's are asked to bring their dogs to community events to help educate the public about service dogs.  These pictures were taken by my friend Linda at the Greenville Library.

In the top photo Becca and her dog Rozlynn, Helper and me are seated with attendees for the Children's Story Hour.  Both Rozlynn and Helper were very well behaved!  

In this picture two children are petting Helper.  Helper stayed "down" and allowed the children to play with her.

In this picture to the right, I am demonstrating the "lap" command to a Mom and her young daughter.

Fellow Puppy Raiser Becca organized our participation in this event.  Thanks Becca!