tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6773554745300952352024-02-20T11:33:29.754-08:00Carlo's Dog BlogThoughts and Perspectives of a CCI DogCarlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.comBlogger191125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-61864253330040877662010-04-11T19:21:00.001-07:002010-04-11T19:51:33.100-07:00He Did It!!! (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDo4dnCILJl7gol1Gee06WBL6zBzwxxEDs6cn9yJWC97Py3-lpCoET3jAODNOpyxw1H5zF-4isPkeM8OVi5N_IFq6i3C0kR5u8mP_zJ2dsNt9SoFeXMIe4Hko40PKS1JamwxhRQQmHcko/s1600/Gerrit_grad1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbDo4dnCILJl7gol1Gee06WBL6zBzwxxEDs6cn9yJWC97Py3-lpCoET3jAODNOpyxw1H5zF-4isPkeM8OVi5N_IFq6i3C0kR5u8mP_zJ2dsNt9SoFeXMIe4Hko40PKS1JamwxhRQQmHcko/s400/Gerrit_grad1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459077108606388226" /></a><br /><div>Well, he did it!!! Gerrit graduated!!! He graduated as a Skilled Companion, which is a dog that enhances independence for children and adults with physical, cognitive, and developmental disabilities. Skilled Companion Dogs are trained to work with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. In Gerrit's case, he was placed with an 18 year old boy and the boy's parents are the facilitators.</div><br /><div>I didn't get to go to the graduation, but my pal told me all about when she got home. She said that it was the most wonderful day ever (besides getting me back, of course ;-)! </div><br /><div>When she first arrived at CCI, she got to meet and have lunch with Gerrit's new family. She said that as soon as she met them, she knew that they were the perfect family for Gerrit! </div><br /><div>After lunch, she got to see Gerrit again. The little clown was so happy when he saw her, that he actually knocked her right off her feet! That must have been so funny! My pal got to spend an hour with Gerrit prior to the graduation ceremony. She said his tail never stopped wagging during that whole hour. </div><br /><div>The most emotional part of the day for my pal was the graduation ceremony, when she presented Gerrit to his new family. She said that while she had to wipe away a few tears, she was so incredibly happy and proud of Gerrit. She could tell that Gerrit had already bonded with "his boy" and she knew that the future was going to be filled with fun and happy times for the two of them.</div><br /><div>Gerrit - We love you little buddy! You made us all so proud!</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dtFOs3-0oEBUp12C2nrhT7XgvKSc1jStNgWBx02PwUHTkwutbGotgzrUPP0T9lKyGv2RfcNgB2UomwMI8VmQz-m6pbIMHWuYfCnccjSsAtwEaoygdtFrmf6sAR-QFeTHqXOt4t9I5JmX/s1600/Gerrit_grad2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7dtFOs3-0oEBUp12C2nrhT7XgvKSc1jStNgWBx02PwUHTkwutbGotgzrUPP0T9lKyGv2RfcNgB2UomwMI8VmQz-m6pbIMHWuYfCnccjSsAtwEaoygdtFrmf6sAR-QFeTHqXOt4t9I5JmX/s400/Gerrit_grad2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459077168849196290" /></a>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-78839192721230307102010-04-07T20:00:00.000-07:002010-04-07T20:09:14.826-07:00My Job (by: Carlo)<div>My job this week has been to be there for my pal. She's had lots of tears in her eyes this week. So, whenever I saw her getting a little choked up, I ran over and put my head right under hand. Without even thinking, she would then begin to stoke my head. As she did this, I could feel the tension in her hand release. And, when I gazed up at her, she smiled. That's when I knew that I was doing my job well. </div><br /><div>The week started with her returning to work after being on maternity leave for over four months. She misses baby boy. And, she misses me and Lucky. We all miss her a ton too. The days just aren't the same without her constantly here with us. But, as hard as it has been on all of us, it almost makes evenings that much more special. We really cherish the time we all have together. Evenings are filled with lots of hugs, laughs, and belly rubs (for me!). </div><br /><div>To make this week even more emotional for my pal, on Monday she heard from CCI that our little clown, Gerrit, is in fact graduating this Friday!!! He will be graduating as a Skilled Companion!!! On Friday, my pal will get to go to CCI to see Gerrit again and present him to his graduate (his person) at the graduation ceremony! My pal is sooooo happy and proud of Gerrit. But, because I know my pal so well, I also know that there is a part of her that is sad. While she always wanted Gerrit to graduate, she always sort of thought he would come home some day... like I did. Call it a dog's intuition, but I knew he was never coming home. I knew that even though Gerrit was a little goofy, he had what it took to graduate. I am so happy and proud of my little buddy!</div> <br /><div>So, this is why I have been working extra hard this week. My pal's eyes has had lots of tears. Tears for missing baby boy. Tears for missing me and Lucky. Tears of joy at the thought of Gerrit graduating... and, tears of sadness at the thought too. I'm glad that I am here for my pal. Right here where I belong.</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-69451302532750913342010-03-28T21:16:00.000-07:002010-03-28T21:38:16.325-07:00Gerrit is Rotating Again! (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OOnWa0Dt7XmWk4quLIWUG-JSpBEFTHwj7blpy3Rw2LQrBiMRSlYPVc5zmd1fQwBT5XJ8y0qfgrXjJA3lM7enly0nHnxw8uvWz-XYQ3GVSbVwfXThni13j2WPXiZ4q_ADCapWBR4Qdb8z/s1600/carlo_hbbeach.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3OOnWa0Dt7XmWk4quLIWUG-JSpBEFTHwj7blpy3Rw2LQrBiMRSlYPVc5zmd1fQwBT5XJ8y0qfgrXjJA3lM7enly0nHnxw8uvWz-XYQ3GVSbVwfXThni13j2WPXiZ4q_ADCapWBR4Qdb8z/s400/carlo_hbbeach.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453909147769534626" /></a><br /><div>While I have been busy on vacation, frolicking on the beaches of Southern California, my little friend, Gerrit has been busy training in school!</div><br /><div>In fact, he's been working so hard, that the little guy is rotating into Team Training again! And, he's rotating earlier than expected! We were hoping he would be rotating in May. But, an even earlier Team Training class is starting tomorrow and Gerrit is rotating into it!!! </div><br /><div>He is one of seven dogs that are rotating into the Skilled Companion/Facility class. IF Gerrit matches as a Skilled Companion, he will be placed with an adult or child with a disability under the guidance of a facilitator. A facilitator is typically a parent, spouse or caregiver who handles and cares for the assistance dog. Disabilities served include but are not limited to, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, autism and Down’s syndrome. IF Gerrit matches as a Facility dog, he will be placed with a facilitator working in a health care, visitation or education setting. </div><br /><div>Of course, we can't get our hopes up too high yet because there are a whole lot of IFs. While there are seven dogs rotating, there are only four people. So, not all of the dogs rotating will be matched. But, those that do will be graduating on April 9! </div><br /><div>My pal has her fingers crossed and I have my paws crossed that Gerrit will find his perfect soul mate in this Team Training class. We will hopefully find out Wednesday if he has pre-matched. I'll keep you posted! </div><br /><div>So, what does the photo above have to do with Gerrit? Absolutely nothing. I just wanted to show you what I've been up to with my own soul mate... my pal! </div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-26818971904264325412010-02-15T07:58:00.000-08:002010-02-15T08:28:04.280-08:00Happy Valentine's Day (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1vhb-yZ0ZQGG4Vbhptgb6LPtdb7gat8azwENeL51jA-kxx0MslPtHs_y_uduFgpLUhM9tOfQHKelg_if-zmF28uSbetGZGsmYNfPzf2pCQHi1EAOguea_zD9VVEJSh0B39n8ks2iQNLp/s1600-h/vday.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp1vhb-yZ0ZQGG4Vbhptgb6LPtdb7gat8azwENeL51jA-kxx0MslPtHs_y_uduFgpLUhM9tOfQHKelg_if-zmF28uSbetGZGsmYNfPzf2pCQHi1EAOguea_zD9VVEJSh0B39n8ks2iQNLp/s400/vday.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438506067334417378" /></a><br /><div>Even though we now have baby boy, which keeps my pal and me SUPER busy, my pal still always seems to find the time to incorporate me into her photo shoots. Take yesterday, for example...</div><br /><div>Baby boy was asleep in his crib. I was sound asleep on my doggie bed. When, all of a sudden I hear, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Hey, Carlo, come here for a minute!</span>" Groggily, I stood up, did a big stretch and shake, and trotted into the other room to see what was up.</div><br /><div>I found my pal with camera in hand hovering over the floor. "<span style="font-style:italic;">Uh oh</span>", I thought as I slowed my pace down. But, then in my pal's other hand I saw a bag of dog treats! Sweet! And, I happily picked up my pace until I was sitting right next to my pal, nose and mouth strategically placed right next to the bag of treats.</div><br /><div>However, I was not expecting what came next! My pal had me lay down on the floor and she began laying treats down all around my paws in the outline of a heart! Now if you recall, CCI pups are taught not to eat food off the ground. While I am no longer a CCI pup in training, I'm still not supposed to eat food off the ground... at least not when my pal is looking... ;-) So, there I lay as my pal slowly put each treat down, one by one. </div><br /><div>It was torture, I tell you! Well, it was torture between the moments when my pal would look up from her handy work and exclaim, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Good boy Carlo!</span>" as she handed me a treat. But those delicious moments were few and far between... since for some reason my pal thinks I've become a little chunky lately and need to be on a diet. Sigh...</div><br /><div>Finally the grueling photo session was over and the photo above is one of the end results. Hope you all had a happy Valentine's Day! Can I go back to sleep now?</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-50597384647132866172010-02-11T19:45:00.000-08:002010-02-11T20:16:03.338-08:00Gerrit Made It!... Almost (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMII0B5EsdFiOsYJC4xgjtGyuNdjogc7pQzREoSSHYKpW7-QxwyNTomIys-3EzcV9-Gpwm7EHebsp67_cyEeN1ENRq9ZV6g25WKlcz3NeNFCqvoLWemFYlJTALqY1kYGiZg80-LlA_8TfN/s1600-h/gerrit_book.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMII0B5EsdFiOsYJC4xgjtGyuNdjogc7pQzREoSSHYKpW7-QxwyNTomIys-3EzcV9-Gpwm7EHebsp67_cyEeN1ENRq9ZV6g25WKlcz3NeNFCqvoLWemFYlJTALqY1kYGiZg80-LlA_8TfN/s400/gerrit_book.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5437204016335576642" /></a><br /><div>A couple of weeks ago, my pal received an email from CCI that Gerrit... as in little clown boy Gerrit... was rotating through to Team Training! He did it! He made it through 6 months of Advanced Training and actually made it to Team Training! </div><br /><div>For those of you who may not know, Team Training is a two week period in which people with disabilities, who have applied for an assistance dog, come and stay at the CCI campus. During this time, the people are carefully matched with a dog. CCI does a really good job of making the perfect match... they want to make sure that a person and dog are just right for each other and are true soul mates! </div><br /><div>After getting the good news email, we had to wait until midway through the first week of Team Training to find out whether Gerrit had matched. There are always more dogs than people in Team Training, so there are always some dogs that don't make a match. Waiting to find out what the news was on Gerrit was like waiting for a bowl of food... excruciating! </div><br /><div>Well, we finally got the news... and Gerrit did not match. But, that's not really bad news. It just means that he didn't find his soul mate this time. He's going to continue his training at CCI and hopefully he'll make a match at the next Team Training in May. If you ask me, I think Gerrit just wanted to stay in college a little longer and have fun. The party boy probably wasn't ready to get a real job yet! </div><br /><div>The super cool thing is that Gerrit's work buddies, Dupre and Enso, did make a match! They will be graduating TOMORROW!!! My pal and I are so excited for them and their puppy raisers and wish them all the very very best! </div><br /><div>In anticipation of Gerrit graduating, my pal made a Gerrit photo book to give to his future person. That's a picture of it at the top of this blog. It took her awhile to make it cause she had to sort through tons of photos of clown boy. We're going to keep the book in a special place so that it's ready for the day that Gerrit finds his soul mate! </div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-3855349576187146972010-01-24T17:32:00.000-08:002010-01-24T17:57:44.520-08:00Nick is Home! (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkHniL6LiOAOOfiTiKkYxqPnEz-F6203xp9eYwI1pD18T0cQucB3agdy5YPey_j1YWu_7ZIuwbKlXImmS1FxWByFoOovh6IiKatztVCOgYPT1vPAm14c_7E2dYnlWIFdYZa3_iCN_nE1/s1600-h/nickhomecoming.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmFkHniL6LiOAOOfiTiKkYxqPnEz-F6203xp9eYwI1pD18T0cQucB3agdy5YPey_j1YWu_7ZIuwbKlXImmS1FxWByFoOovh6IiKatztVCOgYPT1vPAm14c_7E2dYnlWIFdYZa3_iCN_nE1/s400/nickhomecoming.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5430485169277143554" /></a><br /><div>Remember Nick?... Gerrit's "bestest buddy"? Well, for those of you who may not have been reading this blog back when Gerrit and Nick were pups in training... Nick and Gerrit both went off to CCI doggie college (aka Advanced Training) back in August. They've both been working hard to become assistance dogs. However, Nick was just released from the program a couple of days ago. He decided he wanted to come back home. And, he is now living in his forever home... with his puppy raiser! </div><br /><div>My pal and I went over to visit Nick yesterday. It was quite the doggie party. Not only did I get to see Hope and Nick, but there was also this little beagle dog named Spencer. He was soooo much fun. He would run super duper fast enticing all of us big dogs to chase him. Spencer was not easy to catch... not just because he was like Underdog fast, but also because he bounced off furniture and flew through the air. Come to think of it, he sort of flew just like Underdog! </div><br /><div>It was a ton of fun playing and seeing Nick again. After we played, we got to go on the "dog couch". That's right... the "dog couch"! Nick's puppy raiser has a couch that she lets dogs sleep on! It was awesome! My pal had us pose for this photo, and I was so happy about being on a couch, that I didn't want to get off. I even stayed there after all of my buds hopped off. Geesh, I sure wish WE had a dog couch... hint, hint, hint. </div><br /><div>And, as for Gerrit? Well, believe it or not, the little clown is still in college!!! I'm sure he's missing his bestest buddy, Nick. But, he's still hanging in there. In fact, if he studies really hard this next month, he may actually graduate next month! Wouldn't that be somethin'?! Go little clown boy, go!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-86751769909116025562010-01-14T09:16:00.001-08:002010-01-14T09:20:18.724-08:00Super Nanny (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UiA64IfTyyAjobjIcuyAN_6W6C8nwltJNUOD_S7Qcz77hEYE8u2QEn1a_8VagrLmUWQe7L7sbDTG6k3qUa4ZRirN7HOt0icvKqk3Kvg5x26N2xSzJXQaA6LUuMoQCKoY8okgg38NRLzF/s1600-h/carlo_river.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6UiA64IfTyyAjobjIcuyAN_6W6C8nwltJNUOD_S7Qcz77hEYE8u2QEn1a_8VagrLmUWQe7L7sbDTG6k3qUa4ZRirN7HOt0icvKqk3Kvg5x26N2xSzJXQaA6LUuMoQCKoY8okgg38NRLzF/s400/carlo_river.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5426645581263154674" /></a><br /><div>I know, I know... I've been one big flakey dog when it comes to writing in my blog lately. But, what's a dog gonna do when he's got a super big important job like me? My pal has officially given me the title of <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Nanny</span>!</div><br /><div>As <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Nanny</span>, every day I help my pal as she takes care of baby boy. I follow her around and make sure I am always by her side in case she needs me. For example, my super sonic nose is always the first to detect that baby boy has done a stinky in his diaper. Personally, I think it smells kinda nice... but my pal said that I like other stinky smells too (errrrrrr, yeah, that's true). Anyways, as soon as my nose starts sniffing baby boy's diaper, my pal knows she will soon also smell the stinky and that it's time to change that diaper.</div><br /><div>Another thing I help with is carrying a toy as I follow my pal and baby boy around the house. My pal has explained to me that it will be some time before baby boy plays with toys, but I like to carry one with me... just so I'm ready when that magic day happens!</div><br /><div>I also help take baby boy on walks. My pal pushes the stroller as I walk proudly next to it. And, I glance into the stroller every once in awhile to make sure that baby boy is doing ok. He's usually sound asleep and looking ever so cute.</div><br /><div>There are still times when just my pal and are able to go out for a break. Just the two of us. Like the other night when Baby Daddy got home from work, my pal took me to the river. It was loads of fun, but we didn't stay too long cause we were both missing baby boy. As soon as we got home, I ran and brought him a toy. Taking care of baby boy is a full time job... but, being <span style="font-style:italic;">Super Nanny</span> sure is the best job I've ever had!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-9937053046648636932009-12-21T15:23:00.000-08:002009-12-21T15:53:13.995-08:00Best Christmas Gift Ever! (by: Carlo)<div>Sorry it has been FOREVER since I've posted a blog. But, you won't believe what happened on Dec 11! Santa delivered my very own baby boy!!! </div><br /><div>Well, actually, my pal delivered him... but, she said that the delivery would have been easier if Santa had brought him down the chimney. I didn't get to see him right away cause my pal and baby boy were in the hospital, but she sent home his receiving blanket so that Lucky and I would know exactly what he smelled like before they came home. And, boy oh boy did he smell good! </div><br /><div>Since baby boy has been home, we haven't gotten much sleep. Well, I've been getting my sleep cause I can sleep through anything... but, the humans haven't been getting much sleep. Baby boy likes to stay up at night... all night. My pal calls him her little night owl. It's kind of like having a new 2 month old CCI puppy... except noisier. Actually, now that I think of it, baby boy sort of reminds me of Gerrit. He sure did have some lungs when he first came home too. Gerrit said that it was because he had aspirations of being on American Idol. Hmmmmmm... I wonder if baby boy wants to be on American Idol too! Maybe he and Gerrit could do a duet!</div><br /><div>Baby boy sure is sweet. I love him so, so much! My favorite thing these days is to lay right next to my pal while she feeds him. I feel so proud and happy to be there! </div><br /><div>I leave you with this cute holiday video. The dog is waiting for his Christmas gift. I got my Christmas gift early this year... and it's the best Christmas gift EVER! </div><br /><div><a href="http://ak.imgag.com/imgag/product/preview/flash/pdShell.swf?ihost=http://ak.imgag.com/imgag&brandldrPath=/product/full/el/&cardNum=/product/full/ap/3173936/graphic1">Christmas Wishes Video</a></div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-58675846021929778572009-12-05T06:55:00.000-08:002009-12-05T07:21:40.782-08:00Holiday Dreams (by: Carlo)<div>I've been getting lots o' razzing since my last post. For some reason, people seem to think that I prefer sleeping over holiday decorating. Well, I'm here to tell all of you people... YOU ARE SO RIGHT! But, it's not as if I'm lazy or anything... it's just that when I sleep, I dream... and when I dream, I dream about REALLY fun stuff.</div> <br /><div>So, what do I dream about that is so fun? Well, when it's the holiday season and it's cold and wet outside... and my pal is busy decorating, I dream about things like summer!!! In fact, this video is a pretty dang good representation of my winter dreams... </div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/pkPNa4DBFHI&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/pkPNa4DBFHI&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div>In case you hadn't noticed while watching this, these are the same dogs as the ones from the holiday decorating crew video. Oh, and one dog in the video has the BEST name ever... which just happens to be the same as mine... ;-)</div><br /><div>Well, I gotta go... so, I can fall asleep and have some more summer dreams... before my pal asks me to help put the Christmas lights on the house!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-10374656331037029002009-11-30T08:42:00.000-08:002009-11-30T20:38:44.593-08:00Decorating... and Napping... for the Holidays (by: Carlo)<div>This weekend all the humans in the house decided to decorate the house for the holidays. They went to a Christmas tree farm up in the mountains, found "the perfect" tree, lugged it home, and proudly displayed it in the front window. Then, in anticipation of decorating the tree, my pal showed Lucky and me this video. She said that it would get us in the holiday spirit and show us how helpful we <span style="font-style:italic;">could</span> be... </div><br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AUtPKbMwnRo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AUtPKbMwnRo&color1=0xb1b1b1&color2=0xcfcfcf&hl=en_US&feature=player_embedded&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div>But, to be honest, the video didn't do all that much to motivate us. Lucky and I got tired just watching these dogs do all of that work! So, we decided that our time would best be spent <span style="font-weight:bold;">supervising</span> the humans as they decorated! Of course, supervising made us sort of sleepy... and then we remembered how all of the dogs in the video fell sound asleep at the end of the video. Hmmmm... that looked like fun! So we only supervised for a little bit... and then settled in early for a long winter's nap. We LOVE napping... errr, I mean decorating... for the holidays!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-48918759945772778102009-11-22T19:44:00.000-08:002009-11-22T19:55:59.120-08:00A Special Purpose (by: Carlo)<div>My pal was watching this video tonight as I cuddled up next to her. My first thought was, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Geesh, that little dog sure is an overachiever. When I was that age, I was scared of things like walking down the stairs! And here that little puppy is doin' things like the pull command! Whatever!</span>"</div><br /><div>But, I kept watching the video anyways (just because my pal kept watching it), and when the dog didn't make it as service dog, it got MUCH more interesting because I could TOTALLY relate. My pal had tears in her eyes by the end of the video. I gotta admit, I was feeling a little emotional too. I'm sooooo happy that my pal lets me just "be" and that she thinks that I'm perfect just the way I am! </div><br /><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/BGODurRfVv4&hl=en_US&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/BGODurRfVv4&hl=en_US&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object></div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-56806217902596644482009-10-31T17:49:00.001-07:002009-10-31T18:05:49.175-07:00Treats and Dogolanterns (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR6i2HEtIonO0gWc4vrBfBlcGfKTH3sxki4m3K3MndBc-5WXgToFB93fuKx3NNvA5zQkRnXL0ni5qQOejTS83t0KGMPM9TkwFve8stz6HB7zPaECKkv-eYCstYEBSdwEVZYnJOkKIugM-/s1600-h/Halloween_091031_0004.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJR6i2HEtIonO0gWc4vrBfBlcGfKTH3sxki4m3K3MndBc-5WXgToFB93fuKx3NNvA5zQkRnXL0ni5qQOejTS83t0KGMPM9TkwFve8stz6HB7zPaECKkv-eYCstYEBSdwEVZYnJOkKIugM-/s400/Halloween_091031_0004.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398931687474205794" /></a><br /><div>For Halloween this year, we made a dogolantern! It's like a jackolantern only better cause its name isn't Jack and it looks like a dog. We actually haven't named it yet, but, I'm thinking Carlo sounds pretty good... as in Carlolantern! </div><br /><div>We also went to a harvest festival where my pal said that I was a total kid magnet. Every kid there wanted to come over and pet me. It was great! All of the kids smelled like yummy treats... and they had gooey good smellin' stuff all over their hands... so, being the helpful dog that I am, I helped them clean their hands! </div><br /><div>The trick-or-treaters are now about to arrive, so I've gotta get going. Hope you all have a Happy Halloween with lots & lots of treats and dogolanterns!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-40563760443562193552009-10-25T18:40:00.000-07:002009-10-25T19:19:16.557-07:00Stinky Stuff and Showers (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KpdONBTdd1Hz67Rq8ardva32KANoguM9oJfhU5UmcD6BkO8PsJf7WG4NSq3sz7lVwNJw9lI7UJbSJKS7kpBeLNVpi2QI_6q-HoFJ5sxb_biYhPQaGiewjf5RGhuSqRsPWj1UXV8pWqXI/s1600-h/shower.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1KpdONBTdd1Hz67Rq8ardva32KANoguM9oJfhU5UmcD6BkO8PsJf7WG4NSq3sz7lVwNJw9lI7UJbSJKS7kpBeLNVpi2QI_6q-HoFJ5sxb_biYhPQaGiewjf5RGhuSqRsPWj1UXV8pWqXI/s400/shower.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5396717739635553170" /></a><br /><div>Earlier this week my pal came home and told me she had a shower at work. I didn't understand why the heck she would need to shower at work since she takes a shower every morning before going to work. But, I thought that maybe she did something extra fun that day to make herself really stinky. I know from experience, that the best days are the days I roll in stinky stuff!</div><br /><div>I told my pal all of this and she rolled her eyes and said, "<span style="font-style:italic;">No, Carlo, unlike you, I do not like to roll in stank!</span>"</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">Then why the heck would you take another shower at work?!</span>" I asked.</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">Follow me, Carlo,</span>" she said, "<span style="font-style:italic;">I'll show you!</span>"</div><br /><div>So, she led me out to her car, where she proceeded to unload a bunch of boxes and bags. I didn't really find it all that interesting... until I saw IT. A soft stuffed froggie toy was hanging from one of the bags! I LOVE soft stuffed toys almost as much as rolling in stank!</div><br /><div>My pal noticed my interest, and said, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Check out what this toy does, Carlo!</span>" and she pushed the belly of the froggie. You'll never believe it, but the nicest music started playing! My pal said the music was called a lullaby.</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!</span>" I shouted as I tried to put the stuffed froggie in my mouth, "<span style="font-style:italic;">What else did you bring me?</span>"</div><br /><div>My pal pushed my nose away from the froggie, but before she could answer my question, I had already stuck my head in another bag... and saw... a STUFFED DOGGIE TOY!</div><br /><div>Smiling, my pal pulled my head out of that bag before I could grab the stuffed doggie and then told me that these toys weren't for me.</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">Huh?</span>" I asked, dumbfounded, "<span style="font-style:italic;">but I thought ALL stuffed squishy toys were for me!</span>"</div><br /><div>She then told me that these toys were for the soon to arrive baby boy. She went on to explain that the stuffed toys were just a few of the wonderful baby shower gifts that she had received at work. She said that she had the best co-workers in the world and they had given her a really nice baby shower. Excitedly, she showed me other things she had received... like a diaper genie.</div><br /><div>Noticing that I was looking a little bummed that the toys weren't for me, she said softly, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Carlo, I'm sure that the baby wouldn't mind playing with his toys with you some day when he is big enough... but, we have to wait awhile before you can do that. And, when you do play with him and the toys, you have to be careful to keep these toys in really nice shape... that means no getting them dirty... and definitely, NO PULLING STUFFING OUT OF THEM.</span>"</div><br /><div>I pondered what she said for a few minutes, and then gave her a big lick on the cheek. "Ok!" I said, "I'll wait for baby boy! I can't wait to play with him and the toys!" Then, I got distracted and said, "Hey, what are you supposed to do with this diaper genie thingy anyways?!" </div><br /><div>My pal explained what the diaper genie was used for. "<span style="font-style:italic;">Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy!</span>" I shouted, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Forget the soft stuffed toys... I really can't wait to play with the diaper genie... stinky stuff here I come!</span>"</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-70731527495527906292009-10-18T17:04:00.000-07:002009-10-18T17:42:25.068-07:00My Baby Boy! (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbLaFhXKJEC6L1okkQJo-pIpCnpfIfsLBq6ZdZ785zm-IZe_2jK1jTaDNsnclQmAwcVBED4IZMBxHPaBDPqVqAgLqRkYZHAZWgZ-Epy1ghA61a96JsLgLo5muCAri47xFt2ZVrruNZS0b/s1600-h/Carlo_babyclothes.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJbLaFhXKJEC6L1okkQJo-pIpCnpfIfsLBq6ZdZ785zm-IZe_2jK1jTaDNsnclQmAwcVBED4IZMBxHPaBDPqVqAgLqRkYZHAZWgZ-Epy1ghA61a96JsLgLo5muCAri47xFt2ZVrruNZS0b/s400/Carlo_babyclothes.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5394096319852431874" /></a><br /><div>Today my pal was putting away a bunch of itsy bitsy miniature clothing. I'd never seen such small clothing before! I looked inquisically at the mini clothes and wondered what they heck they were for...</div><br /><div>The clothing was so tiny that I started worrying that my pal was planning on replacing all of her socks with the tiny clothes. I LOVE socks... and couldn't imagine a house without socks laying all around for me to carry from one room to the next. But, the clothing was so itsy bitsy, I also couldn't imagine it fitting anything but perhaps my pal's feet!</div><br /><div>My pal noticed my fretting and when I told her my worries about a house with no socks, she started laughing.</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">These clothes aren't for my feet, Carlo</span>", she said with a giggle. Then she sat me down and explained to me that the clothing was going to be for a new addition to our family!</div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">You mean we're going to get another CCI puppy?!</span>" I asked in excitement. The mini clothing still puzzled me... but, I thought, that maybe they were some type of new assistance puppy in training capes. </div><br /><div>"<span style="font-style:italic;">No</span>," my pal laughed, "<span style="font-style:italic;">we're not getting another CCI puppy... or, at least not for a little while,</span>" she said, as she winked. "<span style="font-style:italic;">We're going to be getting a different kind of puppy... a human puppy... a baby boy!</span>"</div><br /><div>I sat back on my haunches in stunned silence. "<span style="font-style:italic;">A BABY BOY!!!</span>" I then shouted as I pounced on her and licked her face. I've visited lots of little boys while doing my therapy work at Shriners Hospital for Children and I've loved them all... but, I've never had my VERY OWN BABY BOY! "<span style="font-style:italic;">When, when, when?!</span>" I asked as I danced in circles around her.</div><br /><div>She smiled and said, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Well, it looks as if he will be arriving in December.</span>"</div> <br /><div>I ran over and grabbed my toy... my favorite toy... the toy that I won at Woofstock a few weeks ago. I proudly put the toy down on the mini clothing and exclaimed in excitement, "<span style="font-style:italic;">I can't wait to share my favorite toy with my VERY OWN BABY BOY!!!</span>" </div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-9450291753289891802009-10-11T20:39:00.000-07:002009-10-11T20:51:24.737-07:00Surfin Paws Dog Surfing CompetitionSURF'S UP DUDE! Today was the Surfin Paws Dog Surfing Competition in Huntington Beach! It was the first annual dog surf contest to benefit the Orange County SPCA. I sure do wish we could have gone!<br /><br />Those of you who know me well, know that there is absolutely NO WAY I would get on a surf board. That is just way too scary for me. But, I still wished we could have watched the competition. I would have kept my four paws where they belong... on dry land! And, I would have been the official greeter... greeting each and every dog as they surfed ashore! I would even have brought them a toy! <br /><br />While we didn't get to go, we did have fun watching the video from the event...<br /><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/GYoSKsWcMLk&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/GYoSKsWcMLk&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-8747650732714883242009-10-04T17:29:00.000-07:002009-10-04T18:11:36.957-07:00Woofstock (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4czT_LrX6dQO2CVjSlLCHtboHFXrmPb33byZMlYfrN9pi_CPy9wglEGTCJJEiV-vGTwEWEUZ_nj0y8dCbF_SZhZyvmQCes3JaZNNpkmbanNxKqtrBDcbrOtP2MmMKTY2z4mOYW3p2Hkp/s1600-h/woofstock.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 253px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig4czT_LrX6dQO2CVjSlLCHtboHFXrmPb33byZMlYfrN9pi_CPy9wglEGTCJJEiV-vGTwEWEUZ_nj0y8dCbF_SZhZyvmQCes3JaZNNpkmbanNxKqtrBDcbrOtP2MmMKTY2z4mOYW3p2Hkp/s400/woofstock.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388916534080682754" /></a><br /><div>Today I traveled back in time to the 60s, put on a tie dye shirt, and wore flowers in my fur! Ok, ok... not really... but, I did go with my pal to an event where other people and dogs did dress up like it was the 60s! The event was called Woofstock and it was a benefit for an organization called <a href="http://www.pawedpets.org/">PAWED</a> (People for Animal Welfare in El Dorado County).</div><br /><div>There were lots of people and dogs there... and like, I said, many were dressed up for the occasion in 60's attire. My pal and I didn't dress up... but, I did sport that cool bandanna my pal got for me when we went up to Tahoe a few weeks ago. Oh yeah, I was lookin' sharp! </div><br /><div>There were all kinds of dog organizations at Woofstock. My buddy Hope was working with her human at the <a href="http://www.lendaheart.org/">Lend a Heart</a> table. Lend a Heart provides animal-assisted therapy to local facilities. At the Lend a Heart table, there was a game where if you rang a bell, you could win a prize. So, I rang the bell and won a toy! It's a plush bone... and I lOVE it! Since winning it, I've been carrying it ALL over the place. </div><br /><div>And, guess what else? We ran into my buddy, Jake (aka "The Other Sandy")! If you don't remember, about a year ago I was in a stage production of Annie. I played the role of Sandy. Because there were so many performances, two dogs were selected to play the role... me and Jake! It was good seeing him again and we both agreed that we missed the ole' stage life! </div><br /><div>We also chatted up the lady from <a href="http://www.musicplusdogs.com/">Music Plus Dogs</a>. This organization teaches the art and sport of musical canine freestyle. My pal and I have been wanting to learn this for awhile. It looks super duper fun! I can't wait to learn some boogie woogie moves! If you've never seen musical canine freestyle, you can check out one of the BEST musical canine freestyle teams EVER here: </div><br /><div><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HqbVbPvlDoM&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HqbVbPvlDoM&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>.</div><br /><div>Woofstock sure was loads of fun. I wonder if that's really what life was like in the 60s? Oh, and I almost forgot to tell you about one of the BESTEST things... I got a yogurt treat in a cup! It was sooooo good! I licked the whole thing clean and would have eaten the cup too, if my pal had let me! I LOVE the 60s!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-51227141014439152212009-09-21T20:32:00.001-07:002009-11-23T08:45:25.334-08:00Meet Me at the Corner (by: Carlo)<div>This week one of my readers wrote and told me about a really cool web site called <a href="http://www.meetmeatthecorner.org">MEET ME AT THE CORNER, Virtual Field Trips for Kids</a>. The site has tons of educational kid-friendly videos. And, guess what? This week's video features CCI!</div><br /><div>In the video, eight-year old, Katelyn, learns about the importance of service dogs for people with disabilities and interviews a puppy raiser for Canine Companions for Independence.</div><br /><div>Check it out! <br><br /><a href="http://www.meetmeatthecorner.org/episodes/canine-companions-for-independence">http://www.meetmeatthecorner.org/episodes/canine-companions-for-independence</a></div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-49784616607680754512009-09-20T18:15:00.000-07:002009-09-20T18:44:32.947-07:00Art Bark Fest (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJofGdgTPVrI2s_QstVJr4dV_CGtBIm1tSUcrpFBmvXguY67vUMiX6dikDYGwZrzTOvBnv8C2n7G7uI7tq6qfcCHO2Kvy4L2MyJwSyVYU_P0TyEnvWpCCoJGJn-YVgjOmBcrZHOZjVfq_H/s1600-h/BarkFestTahoe_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJofGdgTPVrI2s_QstVJr4dV_CGtBIm1tSUcrpFBmvXguY67vUMiX6dikDYGwZrzTOvBnv8C2n7G7uI7tq6qfcCHO2Kvy4L2MyJwSyVYU_P0TyEnvWpCCoJGJn-YVgjOmBcrZHOZjVfq_H/s400/BarkFestTahoe_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383723734056234786" /></a><br /><div>Yesterday we went to a super cool event in Tahoe called <a href="http://www.tailsbythelake.com/tbafe.html">Art Bark Fest</a>! Art Bark Fest is an annual event at the Village at Squaw Valley. The event benefits the Humane Society of Truckee-Tahoe & Squaw Rescue Dogs. Lots of artists come to show and sell their artwork... and all of their art features... DOGS!!! There are lots of special dog events too... and dogs are welcome to join in all of the fun. In other words, this is one cool event!</div><br /><div>A bunch of my dog friends and their peeps (people) joined us. That's all of us dogs in the photo above! I'm sitting on the monster chair to the left... sporting my brand new sparkly blue bandanna! My pal got it for me at the event! It's blue with sparkly snowflakes on one side and it's purple on the other side. It sure was nice strutting around the event in my new bandanna. People told me I was lookin' very handsome! </div><br /><div>There were all kinds of weird chairs at Squaw Valley. In addition to the monster chair, my buddy Hope and I found the chairs in the photo below. They looked sort of scary to me at first! And, I didn't much like sitting on any of them cause I ain't never sat in a chair like those before! But, once my pal explained to me that they were just made out of a bunch of skis... and to stop being such a big baby about it, I didn't mind so much. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JC5ORdMSApWJzq1K3TwOoiJsRm1l-IOK9unJkSu4Kai2XlVrLLyBEPDEO1gHA27zCJBauyf7YzUmFzTAauql7GPfOKS9kZicOvQ06ieJ9LoZzg6od436vsHWqB0CJksjrJ0VHN2_IKMF/s1600-h/BarkFestTahoe_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3JC5ORdMSApWJzq1K3TwOoiJsRm1l-IOK9unJkSu4Kai2XlVrLLyBEPDEO1gHA27zCJBauyf7YzUmFzTAauql7GPfOKS9kZicOvQ06ieJ9LoZzg6od436vsHWqB0CJksjrJ0VHN2_IKMF/s400/BarkFestTahoe_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383727749132262434" /></a><br /><div>We did do lots of other stuff besides just find crazy chairs. My buddies, Cara and Omeeka, competed in a splash dog contest. We also went shopping. My pal bought a doggie necklace that has a dog on one side and it says "Live, Laugh, Bark" on the other side. It's pretty cool... especially cause I helped pick it out! The lady that sold it to my pal gave me treats and loved my smile! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn27bED4EDmOSL_hfqpikCm1NshO8KRQJkigNS0woDRkrKLIAr7zjVaQM9LGVbMjVsy4zTtAUCTE-opYhqj5xsV_gzmV3JZbMwY0wy6uA42Gd6SCyGPdCskySFMSDsmaFU62mTBKs6CqJR/s1600-h/BarkFestTahoe_4.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 286px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn27bED4EDmOSL_hfqpikCm1NshO8KRQJkigNS0woDRkrKLIAr7zjVaQM9LGVbMjVsy4zTtAUCTE-opYhqj5xsV_gzmV3JZbMwY0wy6uA42Gd6SCyGPdCskySFMSDsmaFU62mTBKs6CqJR/s400/BarkFestTahoe_4.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383727907907419090" /></a><br /><div>As if this event wasn't enough to make for a super cool day, after we left the event, we went hiking!!! All us dogs got to play off leash. We hiked along a creek... so, all of us dogs would all dive into the creek, and then run on dry land, then dive back into creek. It was the best and we were all covered in mud! You know you've had a good time when you're covered in mud from nose to paw! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwwwPs-nRaZQ_hKDyAFhgPn4RUBUyUMTYiDz2abfgiTugAlxK4yDt1aNF0IJMJvZFvizf4qLC_QnaPM1p1HApo-vwCOi3QLAClPR55FM2deB8QW_iso2tNPQRh18Of0B3tY3YJ16wrYUF/s1600-h/BarkFestTahoe_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwwwPs-nRaZQ_hKDyAFhgPn4RUBUyUMTYiDz2abfgiTugAlxK4yDt1aNF0IJMJvZFvizf4qLC_QnaPM1p1HApo-vwCOi3QLAClPR55FM2deB8QW_iso2tNPQRh18Of0B3tY3YJ16wrYUF/s400/BarkFestTahoe_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383728040645677362" /></a>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-9255053318100667582009-09-07T16:47:00.000-07:002009-09-07T19:49:37.433-07:00Zoom Zoom Woof Woof (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi9GU9ttXEgz5TxdEHztPQz6fhCGAOrEEHTbX3Di2bbUgk54hYzyvVRluotKWx5RU0ypj2C8d__2TXFwPDgBSeEfiaZjjqlIQFApUJvRfsCFxmPzBnxIq5_XENBUP4fCkvmB6Q7DvQgSo/s1600-h/ZoomZoomWoofWoof_Carlo2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMi9GU9ttXEgz5TxdEHztPQz6fhCGAOrEEHTbX3Di2bbUgk54hYzyvVRluotKWx5RU0ypj2C8d__2TXFwPDgBSeEfiaZjjqlIQFApUJvRfsCFxmPzBnxIq5_XENBUP4fCkvmB6Q7DvQgSo/s400/ZoomZoomWoofWoof_Carlo2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378919050610873474" /></a><br /><div>Since Gerrit, the clown, went off to college, life sure has been busy! I knew something was going on when my pal started putting all our stuff in boxes. Next thing you know... all our stuff is in a different house! We've been busy unpacking and getting used to the new digs. But, it hasn't been all work and no play (which is a good thing cause life without play wouldn't be any fun at all!).</div><br /><div>We took a break this weekend from unpacking and my pal took me to an event called Zoom Zoom Woof Woof! The event featured two things... cars and dogs... specifically CCI dogs! The car show helped benefit CCI. It sure was a heck of a lot of fun! CCI dog training classes were being held and I even got to help out by being the "distraction". I got to walk around all the dogs in class while they were in down stays and sniff and mess with them. Talk about fun!!! To be honest, it sure was a lot more fun than when I was a pup in training and I had to do the down stays!</div><br /><div>We also looked at a bunch of shiny cars, visited with lots of puppy raisers and dogs, and sat and watched the band for awhile... </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7ptIlv0N7EQ6aA0zGnn2eG0_2Q_IfmRlrq6_ewKYuY-krDgHul_KHCdDrAjOQsRT3_YUozKFY0aJ7jevpy7qs-TZUEebrR9uTcrqquWh5IYsf2m6mUhW3ENQLAXJ7AQilD-ddX5AxNOf/s1600-h/ZoomZoomWoofWoof_Carlo1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7ptIlv0N7EQ6aA0zGnn2eG0_2Q_IfmRlrq6_ewKYuY-krDgHul_KHCdDrAjOQsRT3_YUozKFY0aJ7jevpy7qs-TZUEebrR9uTcrqquWh5IYsf2m6mUhW3ENQLAXJ7AQilD-ddX5AxNOf/s400/ZoomZoomWoofWoof_Carlo1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5378919132500212834" /></a><br /><div>It was a really fun outing! I'm sure that Gerrit would have loved doing it too. Speaking of Gerrit, we still haven't received his first progress report. But, we did receive his "Dear Family" letter. He said that his trainer is named Erin. And, he said that he gets to play in the yard every day and that it even has a pool with a slide. He didn't make any mention of doing any clown-like antics in college... but, I betcha a zoom zoom car he is the biggest class clown there! </div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-83046772333519017162009-08-18T21:37:00.000-07:002009-08-18T21:47:36.229-07:00Lots and Lots of Play! (by: Carlo)<div>Courtesy of one of Nick's puppy raisers, here are some videos of Gerrit and me playing at Dillon Beach before Gerrit headed off to college! </div><br /><div>In this video, Gerrit and I are playin' with Hope. Gerrit is the one out in front, I'm the big one sort of lagging behind, and Hope is the one that looks nothin' like us...</div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qAuc_Uq4C-4&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qAuc_Uq4C-4&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><br /><div>This next video is of Gerrit and his bestest buddy, Nick. I was snoozing by this time...</div><br /><object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/JxQ-BCPysa8&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/JxQ-BCPysa8&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-4418769177404265292009-08-16T20:28:00.001-07:002009-08-16T20:52:02.597-07:00Sending the Clown off to College (by: Carlo)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp_HxZ7hKisQYbugIfR_3z8IHrnSjuyzmTDo4GhbxrdbHlZkh4ajDmZyJrotPfE3sUFHsIcJK-x_jSxO88HpVbcHPNDzh1ui0sOqPrMjxOw1tRfkyp6NueAnhRKngJaF5xMlWDkPZyKk6/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_01.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxp_HxZ7hKisQYbugIfR_3z8IHrnSjuyzmTDo4GhbxrdbHlZkh4ajDmZyJrotPfE3sUFHsIcJK-x_jSxO88HpVbcHPNDzh1ui0sOqPrMjxOw1tRfkyp6NueAnhRKngJaF5xMlWDkPZyKk6/s400/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_01.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370775312795457666" /></a><br /><div>Well, the little clown, Gerrit, is off to college. He already wrote about what happened before we took him to college, so I'll tell you all about what happened after! </div><br /><div>After my pal turned in Gerrit, we (the puppy raisers and pet dogs) headed back to Dillon Beach. I gotta admit... I was relieved to be heading back. When we first got to CCI, I was a little worried that my pal was sending me off to college... AGAIN! College was ok and everything... but, it just wasn't for me... and I sure as heck didn't wanna have to go there again!</div><br /><div>The reason we were going back to Dillon Beach is cause we were all going camping! When we got back to our camp site, the people ate dinner, played a game, and commiserated on having turned in puppies... while us pet dogs slept. I sure was tired! Between playing in the sand dunes, watching a bunch of photo shoots of Gerrit, and stressing out about thinking about going to college again, I was one tired doggie! </div><br /><div>The people were tired too cause they didn't even play their game all that long. My pal and I retreated to our huge 6 person spacious tent. Even though we had lots of room to spread out, we cuddled next to each other. My pal was feeling REALLY sad because she was missing Gerrit. I've gotta admit... I was missing the little crazy clown too. But, I did what I do best and comforted my pal, and we soon both fell asleep to the sound of slight beach breezes rustling the tent. </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlV8u018x_MMAeuOoTB2eujwhNqih0wKJ-LRf3bhuJMciN9ysakmWVz1adpgwwIU1INeJYfynX3hMJT6Ob4qVkUImOj4_y2t7spYf96L40iFPKB4MFrYFb5p6Dl0N2Cg1_JOmfPKOm8Ha/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_02.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnlV8u018x_MMAeuOoTB2eujwhNqih0wKJ-LRf3bhuJMciN9ysakmWVz1adpgwwIU1INeJYfynX3hMJT6Ob4qVkUImOj4_y2t7spYf96L40iFPKB4MFrYFb5p6Dl0N2Cg1_JOmfPKOm8Ha/s400/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_02.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370769574906278066" /></a><br /><div>The next day, we all went to the beach to play. It was so much fun! And, the perfect way to spend the day after sending the little clown off to college! </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap0w3dQcl9GMIBpOQKKURnWoyMDxBkziHWhw7cO5zttmYokldMLA1AtcnmPkNeQfc3-clH9dVOeJbda8PASh-UwoPGAs2x6KNWkFkpSrNAFcIMXozTKau9YAE3gV2GYP5aOh2fjRpubWT/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_03.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhap0w3dQcl9GMIBpOQKKURnWoyMDxBkziHWhw7cO5zttmYokldMLA1AtcnmPkNeQfc3-clH9dVOeJbda8PASh-UwoPGAs2x6KNWkFkpSrNAFcIMXozTKau9YAE3gV2GYP5aOh2fjRpubWT/s400/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_03.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370771702940631250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDDYJbOsYyg_fjCzsAxNcUYrFQFZhhO3kowW3q0oDeU_0MjQBMHdCJ7JGffYLNWYXcuFMXk9JH-DFqP0BSSL566S1KFkXXzRZPwoY-lRSoNrouthlZTe6M5tMQvUlKM3qlcJnCMzQPDll/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_04.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirDDYJbOsYyg_fjCzsAxNcUYrFQFZhhO3kowW3q0oDeU_0MjQBMHdCJ7JGffYLNWYXcuFMXk9JH-DFqP0BSSL566S1KFkXXzRZPwoY-lRSoNrouthlZTe6M5tMQvUlKM3qlcJnCMzQPDll/s400/GerritMatriculation_Carlo_04.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370771826920510786" /></a>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-16500667004512968092009-08-16T20:06:00.000-07:002009-08-16T20:28:04.048-07:00Off to College (by: Gerrit)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AzEIN-rAeSvRC-sW_eAGxHvSL7QCaTxSdPEmZU5nGLSKwSawOxvzQlOtY3X4sk2LeE2NphYx0c8Y0joykdfG_tyoG_j-aELkSeekNaz6AWjo7o4mosOY_ifcwDwp3zRcvGDze7GFU9qu/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1AzEIN-rAeSvRC-sW_eAGxHvSL7QCaTxSdPEmZU5nGLSKwSawOxvzQlOtY3X4sk2LeE2NphYx0c8Y0joykdfG_tyoG_j-aELkSeekNaz6AWjo7o4mosOY_ifcwDwp3zRcvGDze7GFU9qu/s400/GerritMatriculation_1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370764112502875074" /></a><br /><div>I did it!!! I'm off to college (aka Advanced Training)! And, boy oh boy what a send off it was! </div><br /><div>First, as I already wrote about, we had a Big Dog party last week. Our party was so happening, it even made the news! Check it out: "<a target="_blank" href="http://www.news10.net/news/featured/story.aspx?storyid=65145&catid=49">College Next for Service Dogs</a>". If you look really close, you'll see me... I'm the very first dog they show when they squeak the toy. The squeaking toy made me very happy! </div><br /><div>As if that wasn't super duper cool enough, this Friday (before I went to college), my puppy raiser took me and Carlo to a place called Dillon Beach. A bunch of my doggie buddies and their puppy raisers were there too! </div><br /><div>Dillon Beach had these HUGE sand dunes that were so much fun to play in. We rolled... and frolicked... and ran... and pounced! It was the best! Here is a photo of me, Nick, and Idelle posing in front of the sand dunes...</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulRyMVC8X3tdq-fhJlhwzhK5BKbz8tdl2-kzWmRcA2fBClJOdQGjsMrCBritf35ruL2c93nvsJlAgl1D_ZEUYLqTDK21qStDmixck18ndKyTpkPOZ8ItDDeObrPeoFvUqKP7mNQ23Gluf/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhulRyMVC8X3tdq-fhJlhwzhK5BKbz8tdl2-kzWmRcA2fBClJOdQGjsMrCBritf35ruL2c93nvsJlAgl1D_ZEUYLqTDK21qStDmixck18ndKyTpkPOZ8ItDDeObrPeoFvUqKP7mNQ23Gluf/s400/GerritMatriculation_2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370764570419979954" /></a><br /><div>And, here's a photo of us wearing our shades under the sun umbrella. Yeah, we're gonna make quite the cool crew in doggie college!...</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrEscFP_vPa2eAU2NSBUKC_-w9pFq4LuDiFIcGte6V87farZXmSJREe4lWBCj89J7W8Jw8oGTaAlTUiLmLG_GJozc7Rv5oRSZujSbLlA7usbHOvppc-rHNLS-vhHFuIeblWO3neA9Q5tw/s1600-h/GerritMatriculation_3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggrEscFP_vPa2eAU2NSBUKC_-w9pFq4LuDiFIcGte6V87farZXmSJREe4lWBCj89J7W8Jw8oGTaAlTUiLmLG_GJozc7Rv5oRSZujSbLlA7usbHOvppc-rHNLS-vhHFuIeblWO3neA9Q5tw/s400/GerritMatriculation_3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370764851436789058" /></a><br /><div>Late in the afternoon, we all headed over to CCI. And, guess what? We got to play there too! By the time my puppy raiser took my official matriculation photo (which is the photo at the top of this blog entry), I had played so much that my tongue was just about hangin' on the floor. You know you've had a good time when that happens!</div><br /><div>My puppy raiser then took me to the "turn in room". My puppy raiser was told that my kennel mate is going to be a pup named Storm. I was really hoping that my kennel mate would be Nick, my bestest buddy in the whole world. But, I've met Storm before... and loves to play! Cool!!!</div><br /><div>Before the CCI trainers took me to my room to get settled in, my puppy raiser gave me a big hug and told me to be a good boy. She also told me that know matter what happens, to always be my happy clown-like self. No problem there! That's easy to do!!! Well, I gotta go... I gotta clown around with Storm! </div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-77860091367045725662009-08-09T20:23:00.000-07:002009-08-09T20:49:31.510-07:00PARRRRTTTTYYY!!! (by: Gerrit)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99XedT6THQYV5vYuyR2QlE2_pZHf428TaM5ldylMGqp4tdTPGYAtXpvys7sUbNligHFeDXbrJRgpO7bB1gOSFpM7wpbbLqpt2EEXZatxTTnwhe0GHUyQOvFMt_luzerNbrgCKgiDhttjA/s1600-h/Gerrit_BigDogParty.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh99XedT6THQYV5vYuyR2QlE2_pZHf428TaM5ldylMGqp4tdTPGYAtXpvys7sUbNligHFeDXbrJRgpO7bB1gOSFpM7wpbbLqpt2EEXZatxTTnwhe0GHUyQOvFMt_luzerNbrgCKgiDhttjA/s400/Gerrit_BigDogParty.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368170753927794866" /></a><br /><div>Friday night was our Big Dog Party!!! It was a party for all of us Big Dogs that are heading off to doggie college NEXT FRIDAY!</div><br /><div>There were lots and lots of people and dogs at the party... cause everyone in our chapter of CCI was invited. There was even a guy there from the news filming us!</div><br /><div>The part that I didn't get is that even though it was a party... us Big Dogs still had to have class! First we had distraction training. We all had to stay in a down position while the trainer tried to distract us with all kinds of cool looking and sounding toys. Talk about tough! Then, we had to go to all of these stations and do different commands. Each station had written commands posted on the fence. Our puppy raisers had to read all of the commands and then give us the commands... and we had to do 'em all. So, for example, a station might have been something like: Jump, Off, Heel, Jump, Off, Down, Side, Let's Go on Right. There were a ton of stations and it was sort of tough. But, because I'm a Big Dog, I knew all of the commands and my puppy raiser said I did really well!</div><br /><div>When we were done with class, the real party started! Each of us Big Dogs got special treats... and the puppy raisers all ate ice cream. The puppy raisers talked and talked and talked. It was nice laying on the grass while the puppy raisers talked... but, I was really wishin' they would finish talking and eating ice cream so the real REAL party could start!</div><br /><div>Finally, the puppy raisers were done with all of their gabbin' and eatin'... and we got to PLAY! What a parrrtty! Oh boy oh boy was it fun! As soon as I was released, I ran around looking for a toy to play with. When I couldn't find one, I grabbed the nearest thing I could find... a CCI cape! I grabbed it and ran... tempting all of the other dogs to chase me! They chased me... but, didn't try to take the cape away from me cause well... we're not supposed to play with our CCI capes. Oops! Soon, I found a errrr... more appropriate toy... a ball! So, I dropped the cape, grabbed the ball and took off running!</div><br /><div>I finished the party off by drinking about a gallon of water. I would have had more, but my puppy raiser yelled, "<span style="font-style:italic;">Gerrit, stop tanking!</span>". It was the best party EVER! I can't wait to go to doggie college! I hope we all get to party there!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-6398656748854875242009-08-07T09:16:00.000-07:002009-08-07T13:14:37.384-07:00Nick's Photo Shoot (by: Gerrit)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0e1_1HZnjk5pdflItMmaJpGyVExjDOY2muhLP7REktk2ceZvnrGoRKB0i79VieaxjPMnbOSdjDppG6_2M1wa9Rrj2SiyRc9MoRTvsJ8b8mqnu7tED5edbOSWSn1NQuQYyIbyVXnKvjCm/s1600-h/NickPhotoShoot.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim0e1_1HZnjk5pdflItMmaJpGyVExjDOY2muhLP7REktk2ceZvnrGoRKB0i79VieaxjPMnbOSdjDppG6_2M1wa9Rrj2SiyRc9MoRTvsJ8b8mqnu7tED5edbOSWSn1NQuQYyIbyVXnKvjCm/s400/NickPhotoShoot.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367317249514060642" /></a><br /><div>The other day my bestest buddy in the whole world, Nick, came over to our house! We got to play outside for a bit, and then my puppy raiser brought Nick into her photo studio to do a photo shoot of him. </div><br /><div>My puppy raiser wouldn't let Lucky, Carlo, and Me into the photo studio to watch. She told us we had to stay out cause the room was too small... especially for us 3 clowns who would want to just goof around. Like we would do that... ;-) </div><br /><div>So, we were good dogs, and stayed outside the room. Well, Lucky was a good dog. Carlo and I did our best to mess with Nick from outside the room. Hee hee! First, I peeked into the room... </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz1IaHZsRJHrqGcWbWwBc48ibVL30JXVlMWJnvhkEqKoxCyeZVy5RBvd21VD3PFcYBscuIa9JcASrqvOzITzhV12j32O19OcMcXnRzqzXEvNNRycSMffeoVqFY6ZporoJtjDXl4WE9wbb/s1600-h/NickPhoto1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzz1IaHZsRJHrqGcWbWwBc48ibVL30JXVlMWJnvhkEqKoxCyeZVy5RBvd21VD3PFcYBscuIa9JcASrqvOzITzhV12j32O19OcMcXnRzqzXEvNNRycSMffeoVqFY6ZporoJtjDXl4WE9wbb/s400/NickPhoto1.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367314379141328018" /></a><br /><div>Then, I grabbed a toy and Carlo and I both peeked into the room... </div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Kau-aGn569zlox9Da5Ucf9F5g-_imQ2zTA1UoM21r0mppYfsaCdvkox2gEGE27H6-i1O5aLSyfEtRTMFGcEeCFmi5Q1xMi3SdbPVRa-jBKSlYzS2OiZmzf5L4VcbM4oranB1TKhfywph/s1600-h/NickPhoto2.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Kau-aGn569zlox9Da5Ucf9F5g-_imQ2zTA1UoM21r0mppYfsaCdvkox2gEGE27H6-i1O5aLSyfEtRTMFGcEeCFmi5Q1xMi3SdbPVRa-jBKSlYzS2OiZmzf5L4VcbM4oranB1TKhfywph/s400/NickPhoto2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367314500874767778" /></a><br /><div>And, finally, we took a step in and dropped a toy on the floor for Nick...</div> <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Tl5T6XjdXzeYzHNhx6MGi2BbUdMsm9p6i2nml2f0ci-L9mWHBjejpO4oamD1Cj9RY5olPt-cfwL7uKA6FpbdWLY7vRjXwhWEdnd2abjSbRe45mCGrLRPn1q2sWHc1hpsogtp2uOvQOI5/s1600-h/NickPhoto3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0Tl5T6XjdXzeYzHNhx6MGi2BbUdMsm9p6i2nml2f0ci-L9mWHBjejpO4oamD1Cj9RY5olPt-cfwL7uKA6FpbdWLY7vRjXwhWEdnd2abjSbRe45mCGrLRPn1q2sWHc1hpsogtp2uOvQOI5/s400/NickPhoto3.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5367314645356525730" /></a><br /><div>Staying outside the photo studio sure did turn out to be fun! I can't wait for our next victim... I mean model... to come over!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-677355474530095235.post-65171494605608698882009-08-02T21:22:00.000-07:002009-08-02T21:52:07.762-07:00My Stepping Stone (by: Gerrit)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MgkEBW-rFXfA5NJ3n9q1uceswBX9p-_hINyyJiQQFKGKz7sS9pgto76h7XsB2XXkhiMDrAx9v4pIXOhFToug0pVwI6SnefEG-C1z2ae2V_tbrvn3a-HOEVp620drMkh1MFat3HFkCSGm/s1600-h/Gerrit_SteppingStone_090801_0017.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0MgkEBW-rFXfA5NJ3n9q1uceswBX9p-_hINyyJiQQFKGKz7sS9pgto76h7XsB2XXkhiMDrAx9v4pIXOhFToug0pVwI6SnefEG-C1z2ae2V_tbrvn3a-HOEVp620drMkh1MFat3HFkCSGm/s400/Gerrit_SteppingStone_090801_0017.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365588272291052114" /></a><br /><div>This weekend we made my stepping stone! My puppy raiser has made a stepping stone for all of the CCI dogs she has raised <span style="font-style:italic;">[Side note by Lucky: Ummmm... aren't you forgetting someone?]</span>. Oh yeah! AND she has made one for Lucky. </div><br /><div>Anywaysssssss... today was all about ME and MY stepping stone! It was lots of fun making my stepping stone! Carlo laid on his bed and watched as I put my paw in the cement. Lucky stayed in the house and hid. She likes her stepping stone now that it's done, but she wasn't a big fan of making it. I think she didn't like it cause the cement felt funny. It was cold and really squishy between my paw pads. My puppy raiser made me stick my paw in the cement a few times cause we kept messing up. Every time we messed up, she wiped the cement off my paw and we'd start all over. I didn't mind so much cause heck... I love attention... any kind of attention! </div><br /><div>After we did my paw print, we carefully designed my stepping stone with green and blue glass chips... and a heart! My puppy raiser said the heart was cause she loves me, the blue was cause I'm a boy, and the green was cause that was my color when I was a puppy. When us CCI pups are first born, we are assigned a color. The color is based on the order in which we were born. My color was neon green... which means that I was the 4th puppy born! This helps the breeder caretaker keep track of all of the pups in a litter. Of course I didn't really need a color to distinguish me cause I've got my special wish spot between my eyes! But, I do think I look pretty dang cute in green. Here's a photo of me wearing my neon green collar when I was a puppy...</div><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhO-0dzPVOg2T4duog6aESaU-toPgGEi-Us7moVw_k6KTjLrvdXj1AQj9-MNUve18tlvTmTTrYn_sqOETmaz1HvmvmFWxj8XlXnG5yVeQzBeC2vdUmw72110kMgyCTwy2x3YM4715FBNE/s1600-h/Gerrit_SteppingStone.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyhO-0dzPVOg2T4duog6aESaU-toPgGEi-Us7moVw_k6KTjLrvdXj1AQj9-MNUve18tlvTmTTrYn_sqOETmaz1HvmvmFWxj8XlXnG5yVeQzBeC2vdUmw72110kMgyCTwy2x3YM4715FBNE/s400/Gerrit_SteppingStone.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365595173729019714" /></a><br /><div>The grand finale of my stepping stone was when my puppy raiser wrote my name in big letters on it. The stepping stone is out in the garage right now drying. I can't wait until it's all dry and we can put it out in the backyard with all of the other doggie stepping stones! I feel like I've just made the Hollywood walk of fame!</div>Carlohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09751184453779899768noreply@blogger.com0