Matriculation Photos

WOW - this last month has been such a busy one for me!!  I have been getting a complete physical from the tip of my nose to the end of my tail, by the Canine Companion vet doctors.  They have taken x-rays of all my joints, drawn blood, checked my eyes, looked deep down in my eyes, checked over everyone of my teeth.  Even looked at all my toes on each one of my paws!!  I didn't know a puppy could be looked over so completely!!  They even looked under my tail at my backside, (and I didn't care for that area being poked and prodded very much, thank you!!).  My kennel mate, (Fraggle), and I are getting along very well.  We like our trainer and she gives us lots of hugs.  This month we have started our advanced training schedule and it is very hectic!!  We are up and fed at 7:30.  Then we get to go out to play and exercise, (yea).  Then, it's off to the training rooms for about 2 hours.  We are in groups of 12 right now, they will start releasing those of us that are not able to be service dogs and directing us to other areas for assessment, (hopefully, I am not one of those!).  Then it's back to the kennel for our afternoon meal, (we eat at 11:30, have a short rest, and then another exercise play break).  Then back to the training facility again for another 3 hours with our trainers.  Around 4:30, we get our final exercise play break and then we are back to our kennels for the evening.  Fraggle and I usually are so tired that we just collapse into our kennel and fall asleep.  A few times we have had girl talk about our moms and dads back home, (wondering what they are doing and if they miss us as much as we miss them).    Right now my favorite time is the exercise play time.  Anyways, right now we are doing a lot of the review of the commands that mom and dad taught me, but the trainers said it will start to get harder, as I learn many more new commands.

I just wanted to pass along a couple of photos that were taken by the professional photographer at the ceremony during my turn-in:

 Here's one of mom, dad, and me.  I think this one turned out real good.  This is the only picture ever taken of all 3 of us together at once!!  I'm going to keep this next to my cot in my kennel.

This photo is us walking up to the stage to be presented as the new in-coming group of puppies.  Mom didn't know that they were taking this photo, (but dad did!!).

Finally - here is a collage of me and all my sisters and brothers on our matriculation.  Poor Koda, wasn't too happy about leaving home.  Kira and I got to meet up and take a few photos together.  I was so glad to get to see her again!  I would sure like to see the others again soon.



I probably won't be writing very much more, as my schedule will be getting so busy.  But mom will starting getting a monthly report card next month.  I'm guessing that she will be sharing that with everyone and letting them know how I am doing.  Keep you paws crossed for me, and remember me in your nightly prayers.  I miss everyone, even the cat!!
Love, Karlyn

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.

My Final Nose to Tail Vet Visit, before CCI turn in

Well it's getting close to my matriculation date, (only 3 more weeks !!).  Last week mom took me to the vet for my very last visit, (my nose to tail check up), and to have the ole' doc fill out my medical paperwork.  And of course, like all moms, she had to document everything with photos.

This is my buddy, Christina.  She's always the first one to greet me when I check in at the doc's office.  She always tells me that I'm such a good girl, and how beautiful I am.

 Christina said she's going to miss me so much.  She said she can still remember the first day when mom "carried me into the office" for my first check up.  Christina wants to adopt me, "if I don't make it in advance training".  Christina has a handicapped niece that she wants me to live with.  And I just love children!!

As you can tell my my tail, I love Christina also.  She give such good rub downs!!

Now it's time to just wait patiently for Dr. Todd to make his rounds.  This is the boring part.  But I remember when I went with mom to her different doctor appointments - we had to wait for her doctor to make his rounds.  What is it with these guys always making us wait?

I can't believe mom saved this photo.  This is one of my first visits to Dr. Todd's office.  And the first thing the ole' doc does is strip me down to my nothingness and put me on top of the table!!  I look so little on the table top.  In this photo, I weighed about 10 pounds.

Well guess what - he did it again today!!  Oh the shame a girl has to go through...  Look how much more of the table I fill up now!!  Today I weighed in at 61.4 pounds.  Mom was so surprised.  She said I need to cut back on the Frosty Paws and the midnight Milk Bones!!

Here's Doctor Todd.  Today he's not only looking in my ears, but he's also putting a scope down the ear.  He said that Canine Companions wants a through exam of everything.  Let's see; eyes - good, / teeth, mouth, and breath - good, / heart - good / lungs - good, / ears - good, (just a slight infection but he gave mom some drops and in a couple of days it will be all cleared up, they call it Lab ear syndrome), / bone structure - good, / weight - very good, (doc says he  wishes more of his patients kept their weight down), / rear side, (hey watch it back there) - good.   OK, everything checks out great.  Doc fills out all the paperwork and declares me A-1, perfectly fit for service duty!!  He gives me a treat, a pat on the head, and wishes me good luck.

On the way out to the lobby, the girls at the front desk have to give my my usual hugs, kisses, and pats on the head.  They all ooh and aah when they realize that this is my last visit.  They make mom promise to bring my back one more time for a visit before we leave for California.

While mom is checking out and paying the bill, I stroll over to say goodbye to my buddy - Milo.  Poor guy, he still hasn't been adopted.  He's a good guy and he's only $25, and the money will go to an animal fund.  Mom wishes she could take him home, cause he's a cuddle buddy, but Callie will NOT allow it.

I decide to sit down and tell Milo all about my up coming advance training.  I tell Milo to keep his spirits up and don't lose hope, someone nice will soon come along and adopt him.  I will miss and remember Milo.  Milo purrs and sings me a little song before I go.  Thanks buddy.  You take care now.

Well mom's all done, time to head home.  Roudy's waiting for us and I need to give her a hard time for sleeping on my bed while I was gone.

Until next post, find a cool shady spot to curl up and sleep during the hot summer day.  And remember to drink lots of water.

Turn in Packet for Advance Training (Puppy College here I come)

Yesterday, Mom and Dad got the final official envelope from Canine Companions!!  Yup, my turn in packet.  All the paperwork that needs to be filled out, all the forms for the vet to fill out, all the travel plans that need to be made.  The time has come and it's moving so quickly!!  Only 7 more weeks and then I'm off to puppy college, (aka - advanced training).  I sure hope I'm ready.  One thing I am excited for is to see some of my litter mates.  It's been a long time since we've been together.  I hope they remember me.  Well, gotta' go practice my commands.

Keep waggin' those tail high.

Snore - Me, no never!!

Yesterday, mom and I went to Macy's Dept. store to do some shopping.  When we got home, I was so exhausted.  So I grabbed my beloved Kong and thought, "I'll just take a short little nap".  Pretty soon a sound of a buzz saw woke me up.  Mom and dad were laughing, and mom asked "did you enjoy your little nap".  Now mom's telling everyone that I need to go in for a sleep study and get fitted for something called a C-Pap machine.  She thinks I snore!!  I do NOT!!  She says I snore loud enough to hear me across the room.  I say it was those buzz saws that the workmen on the house across the street were using that she was hearing, (yea, that's my story and I'm sticking to it).  Wonder if any of my litter mates snore??

Well - hope you can find a cool shade to curl up in and take lots of summer time naps.  Until next post, stay nice and cool.