Service Dogs. A Real BFF

Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the CCI Regional Training Center in Orlando, FL. (Canine Companions for Independence). It wasn't just to tour the facility, although we did that. I was there for a much more thrilling reason! After a long application and interviewing process, I had been invited to go to meet with people I had previously only met over the phone and in emails. My emotions had bounced all over the place during the 8 long months of paper work, phone calls, interviews, more paper work, doctor references & interviews, daily journals and spousal interviews. Every step I
wondered if I had successfully jumped through that hoop. So when they invited me to Orlando, I was a tiny bit more encouraged, but I still wondered. This was probably the biggest hurdle of all. When the day arrived, I thought, 'I'm finally going to see this place I've come to love.'

We drove the 3 1/2 hours from home the night before the big day. After a lot of coffee and some prayer, we made our way to the CCI campus.  My first impression was that the grounds were beautiful and well-kept. I wondered if there were really dogs anywhere on site! We spent the first part of our time there in an education session. Then we toured the grounds, including each of the buildings in this park-like facility setting. We saw the dormitory building (fully accessible, of course) for patients who come to train with their dogs, the doggy dorms and their training rooms, the
administrative offices, the veterinarians offices, etc. I mean this place is phenomenal. And it's one of several regional campuses. Their national headquarters is in Santa Rosa, CA. This is impressive stuff. I urge you to see more at  cci.org

You see, to put it bluntly, a legitimate service dog organization isn't some poser with a $50 vest you can buy over the internet,  just so you can take your spoiled pooch to the mall. Yes, I take exception with every cheater out there who is profiting from this otherwise noble and amazing process of providing working companions for those with different types of 'disabilities.'

 As a quick overview, CCI breeds and trains most of it's own puppies. Through the very hard work of its volunteers, the puppy-raisers begin teaching these service dogs in training when they're only 8 weeks old, allowing mama and the rest of the pack to do their job while gently introducing words that
will become lifelong commands. They will then teach the pups their foundational commands. And there are a lot of them. These puppy-raisers are situated throughout the U.S quietly knowing that they are taking part in providing the gift of hope to hurting, broken and lonely people. They are heroes, raising a puppy they know they will love and enjoy and also make a profound investment in, just so they can hand it off to CCI for advanced training. I don't know if I could do it!  They will tell you that they must keep their focus on the recipient of that service dog one day. Otherwise, they'd fall apart each time they parted ways with their special babies. And when each puppy is ready, these incredible puppy-raisers relinquish their charges into the hands of one of the regional CCI facilities to further their training. This usually happens around 18 months of age.

From there, the trainers at the regional campuses continue to build on the foundation that these puppy-raisers have set. What a process, huh?! They spend at least 6 more months training these uniquely bred (lab/golden retriever) dogs for services including:  pulling wheelchairs, picking up dropped objects like cell phones, pencils, papers, keys, shopping bags, etc., retrieving objects left in another room, getting water bottles out of the refrigerator, opening cabinets to get meds, opening doors, closing doors, turning lights on and off and retrieving laundry from the dryer. Actually this is not a complete list and each dog can be trained to add specified commands based on the needs of it's human companion.

But the ABSOLUTE BEST thing every service dog provides is companionship; constant, unconditional, loving, affectionate, companionship. These dogs are trained to be laser-focused on their companions. I will become the center of my dog's universe! Being a wheelchair user in public is a very lonely place. At least it is for me, whenever I go out alone. I could never have imagined...which, I think, is why God has brought me here. I don't camp-out on this topic very much anymore, but I'd be a liar if I told you it doesn't still occasionally cross my mind.

So. By now you've guessed it. I'm at home waiting for the call that they have my wonderful companion all ready and waiting for me. That day will be absolutely thrilling but also it will be when the really hard work starts for me! I will be spending 2 weeks training with the new love of my life in Orlando, and if I want to earn the extra certification that gives me the ability to take my companion out into public places, I'll have to work even harder. That certification isn't a given. It's a separate honor and privilege that is tough to achieve. (Unlike our internet scammers)

Please consider all that CCI provides to the U.S soldier returning from war, the little child with neuromuscular disease or the teenage victim of an auto accident, who is now paralyzed and to men and women like me. Read about the amazing work they do and think about sending a gift to help them.

cci.org

Peace xx
Ann

"My ears had heard of You, but now my eyes have seen You."
~Job