What Churry has taught me

 

     I knew being a puppy raiser would be a life-changing experience.  Never in a million years would I have guessed the impact this has had on me and my family.  In August of 2011 I was handed a big notebook full of information about canine care and obedience commands I was to teach my puppy.  But, what wasn't in it was the list of what I would learn...

Devotion...this dog is the most devoted dog ever.  I will miss opening doors knowing she's waiting for me on the other side.  And sitting at the dinner table without her on my feet or by my side.

Education...there is so much more in life to learn than what I teach at school.  I had the very fortunate opportunity to be able to teach my students and public about assistance dogs.

Freedom...Countless times have I thanked God for the opportunity to have my physical abilities.  When you're raising an assistance dog, it does cross you mind that perhaps what you are doing at that moment is not possible for someone else.  But, perhaps that puppy at the end of your leash will make it possible for someone.

Empathy and Awareness...I certainly have not ever had the opportunity to try and count money or make snacks without the help of my vision before puppy raising.  Or have I ever tried to maneuver my uncoordinated self in a wheelchair!  And I totally cheated and used my feet!

Patience...it's not easy teaching a puppy to ignore their food!  And it's not easy for a puppy to wait patiently for a toddler!

Perseverance...it doesn't always happen nicely the first time.  Keep trying and don't give up!

Give back...it's good for your spirit!

But most importantly....love with all your heart! 

Sweet cherished moments...

I'll miss this!

The start of our goodbyes...

My sister has always been one of Churry's very favorite people.  Churry has a sense about people who really "love her".  And she tends to go a little crazy around them!  Today was likely the last time she will ever see Nicole...

My very favorite!

Nicole gives great hugs!

Practicing our Mountain goat walking skills!

     While we were visiting my hometown this weekend, we went to the Monument rocks, otherwise known as "the pyramids".  Churry was very interested in all of the smells.  She pulled on me pretty good while we were walking around so I should have probably had her Halti on her.  However, she was very brave about climbing!  In the pictures where we were heading back down to the bottom she went "slow" for a little bit, then pulled ahead.  So we practiced it again and she did much better the 2nd time.  It was a very different surface and type of work for her to try.  She did pretty good, other than the pulling.  I don't know if she'd make it as a mountain goat, but possibly a good assistance dog for someone who would like to climb!

Retirement party

Well, I'm down to the wire with raising Churry!  And I'm having tons of doubts about how I have done.  It seems like she's having lots of little habits popping up that I need to get under control!  This weekend we went to my parent's house for the weekend to celebrate my dad's retirement.

Checking out something good smelling in the grass rather than posing!

She got a bath to clean up for the party...

And got lots of practice with "leave its" and "stays" while preparing for the party...

It was hard work to "stay" while those very fun bean bags were being thrown back and forth in front of her!

And practiced her manners of greeting people and not seeking attention (she needed some work on not seeking attention this weekend!)...

Doing the best she can to not beg for pets from my Aunt Dina, her tail was wagging wildly in this pic!

Doing a great "down" by my side while the guests were arriving

And got lots of pretty pictures taken around my mom's pretty yard!

Did a great "jump on" the first time she was asked

Doing a good job of not plunging into the fish pond like she usually does!

More "Stays" while the guests are arriving

Such a pretty girl!

Look who's back!

SOOOOO glad to have my girl back!  She settled right into her spot in our house after greeting Bailey.  I am so glad it's summer so we can enjoy our last couple of months together before her return to KSDS for formal training!

Churry's Vacation

Due to the health problems I mentioned in the last post, I had to have surgery.  While I'm down, Churry is visiting her friend, Clara at https://www.facebook.com/ClarasCalling.  You can follow Clara on Facebook and maybe catch a glimpse of my sweet girl!