Matriculation Day - August 15

WOW - this last weekend has been a busy one!!  On Thursday morning mom, dad and I left home for Oceanside, CA.  The only time we made any stops was for gas, pee-pee breaks, and for me to have my dinner.  After 12 hours on the road, we finally reached our hotel room around 9 pm.    I don't mind telling you that I was a little afraid of all the traffic when mom and I took a short walk around the block.  Those California people are crazy drivers, and I wasn't used to all the heavy traffic!!

 I was so glad to be inside the hotel room, where it was nice and quiet.  Dad said, "tonight is officially declared Karlyn Night".  I was actually allowed to get on the bed with mom and dad!!  Imagine that!!  I have never been allowed on the bed.  It was fun to cuddle on the bed with mom and dad.  In the middle of the night I got on the floor and slept on dad's side on the bed.  There was more room down there.

The next morning, we posed for a couple of pictures with the professional photographer, (watch for them in about a week).  Them mom had me stand over in front of this banner for a quick pic.  

 As mom was over talking to some other puppy raisers, dad and I strolled around and I immediately spotted my sister, (Kira).  I went right over to her and started kissing her on the nose.  Dad asked her puppy raiser "is this Karlyn's sister".  When she said "yes", dad was so amazed that I remembered my litter mate.  When he told mom, mom told dad that we will forget our birth mothers, but remember our litter mates.  We all then decided to go get some "sister photos".  While mom and Kira's mom were taking this photo, the media event lady from Petsmart came up and asked if she could take a couple of shoots also.  On Monday morning, we were on the Petsmart Facebook front page!  Can you say Celebrity Girls!!  If you get a chance, go check out our glam photo on the Petsmart Facebook page.

Then we went outside for a couple of quick photos, then back inside for the matriculation and graduation program. There were 41 puppies matriculating into the new program, (only 11 of us will make it to graduation next February).  There were 6 dogs graduating and 5 successor dogs, (dogs replacing retiring service dogs), in the graduation program.

 Two hours later it was time to head over to the Canine Companions for Independence training campus.  First mom and dad had to give me my Friday evening meal before checking me in.  But first a couple of quick outdoor photos at the campus signage.

Mom wanted a quick photo by the main entrance sign, when she told me to do an "up", I surprised her by jumping up on the narrow ledge in one quick movement and sitting down, ever so swift.  She was speechless.

 Time to check in.  OK, last chance - do we head for one of the borders?  Mexico is closer, but Canada is more friendly to Americans.  Heck, let's just get this over with and check in.

Becca, the puppy training manager offered to take one final photo at the check in desk.  Yup, this is it.  Now I'm going to do the long mile walk to my kennel.  I'll get a quick check over by the vet, and then a short play date with my kennel mate, (Fraggle).  Then we'll all settle down for the evening and dream about what lies ahead, and of course our mom and dads.

The last thing mom did was kiss me on the top of the head and said "be good, mind your commands, and remember your a CCI dog, and I love you".  Then she started crying.  I was so sure she was going to be able to hold it back, but at the end she couldn't.  Dad took her by the arm and led her to the car.  Be brave mom - it's OK.

I Love you too,  Karlyn

Oceanside Here I Come, (Sung to Leaving on a Jet Plane)

All my bags are packed, I'm ready to go.  I'm sitting 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 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 the songwriter, John Denver, for the liberties we took with his song.

My Last Grooming At Petco

 This morning, mom took me into Petco for my last visit and my monthly bath, brush, and pedi, (nail clipping and buffing).  As soon as I walking in my Petco BFF, (Allison), was waiting for me.  She took one look at starting crying.   She said, "I can't even look at her today, I know what's coming tomorrow.  I am both happy and sad for her."  Allison was my very first puppy class trainer for almost a year.  Sometimes I really tried her patience, and sometimes I was the smartest dog in the class and she was so proud of me.  Here is Allison's selfie of us this morning.  Mom said this was definitely going on the post.  I will miss you Allison.

Here is the last goodbye at the grooming station.  They always gave me high marks on my report card.  Mom always said that they probably stretched the truth, but the girls all love me, even when I'm a little naughty, which isn't very often.  I will miss all of them.

Well girls, wish me luck.  Mom promises to keep you informed of my progress at advanced training.

Watch for future posts.