CCI Puppy Raisers

 

Puppy raisers for CCI are the most giving people I know. They take these little bundles of fluff (who in no time thinks they're person is the best) and teaches it the basic commands they must learn in order to enter advanced training. Then 18 months later give them back to CCI, so the puppies can learn the things they need know in order to help people like myself live independent lives, which without our dogs it's only a dream or memory of what life was or could be. This all takes time and money on their part because CCI is a non-profit organization, but the love and support these people give is never forgotten because the people like myself that get these little angels. We see the love and hard work shine through when we need help or even just love and our dogs come running with tails wagging.

In December 2006 there was a puppy named in memory of my mom, Evelyn, who died in 2002 of a brain tumor.

 

This is a picture of puppy Evelyn IV when her breeder caretaker turned her in to CCI National headquarters; from there she gets medically checked, officially named,  tattooed in her ear, and then from there puppies are sent anywhere across the country to live with a volunteer puppy raiser for about 18 months; then turned in to 1 of 5 centers for 6 months of advanced training to learn the skills necessary to help a disabled person.

In Evelyn's case she was part of a prison program, so she was helping someone even before being completely trained.  I'm not allowed any information because of this program, but I think of her often.

The puppies learn basic commands taught by the prisoners who will be guided by instructors from CCI.

UPDATE:  As of February 2007 Evelyn IV is now at CCI Southwest Region in advanced training and in November she graduated as a Service Dog!  :-) .

 



Now that you know all this you probably know why I thought the song "I'll be there" fits perfectly. :-) If you can't hear the music click play below; if that won't work CLICK HERE to download and play.

Dedication to Hudson my first Service Dog

 

For more information on applying or volunteering visit the site listed below:

 

This page was updated Saturday, January 17, 2009 08:06 PM