canine companions

Ezra and Keaton Up North

2008-09-14T19:36:00.000-07:00

We FINALLY have a yard!

2008-09-14T19:31:00.000-07:00

A NEW ARRIVAL!!

2008-04-03T13:40:00.000-07:00

One of our pca friends brought out some orphaned kittens to show me. Of course, they were so tiny and cute that I immediately wanted one. One of the above kittens went to live with my sister and her family and one of them joined my own pack of furry friends. I know that it has been a long time since I blogged, but I am hoping that cute kitten pictures will make up for it.

Bella and friends

2008-04-03T13:37:00.000-07:00

Bella gets along well with all the other animals. Keaton seems to think that she is his kitten. If she is playing with Icarus and lets out a meow, Keaton will step between the two cats and check up on her. Ezra, who did not like Icarus at all when I first got him, had an easier time adjusting to the new kitten this time.

2008-04-03T13:35:00.000-07:00

Bella in da hood

Xmas Cat. . .

2007-12-02T15:15:00.000-08:00

Icarus helped out with decorating the christmas tree.

Naughty or Nice?

2007-12-02T15:10:00.000-08:00

Going Green for Halloween!

2007-11-09T07:18:00.000-08:00

Ezra and Icarus

2007-10-02T10:46:00.000-07:00

2007-10-02T10:43:00.000-07:00

Keaton shows his enthusiasm for getting up early on a Saturday morning to drive to hockey!

Keaton's new little friend

2007-10-02T10:39:00.000-07:00

Keaton enjoyed this year's powerhockey tournament so much more than the games - thanks to his new friend Stitch. Keaton spent a large part of his day playing fetch with a waterbottle with Stitch chasing at his heels. Despite the Gladiators defeat in the first game of the tournament, we all enjoyed the warm weather and had fun visiting with the Sammons.

Liz and Stitch

2007-10-02T10:36:00.000-07:00

Stitch likes to be held like a baby!

Nice Service Dog!

2007-10-02T10:29:00.000-07:00

One thing that I enjoy about going to powerhockey is having the chance to catch up with old friends from camp. Some of them even have service dogs which is fun. I especially like to see other CCI dogs. However, some people claim their dog is a service dog so he can come into public buildings, but the only service the dog offers is barking during games when chairs collide or jumping onto people's laps. I am not going to name any individuals, but please notice the picture of Dustin Sammons and his "service dog" Stitich.

Ezra's new job

2007-10-02T10:24:00.000-07:00

Now that Ezra is a retired service dog, he has found himself a new job. At each mealtime Ezra is ready to perform - acting faster than a vacuum cleaner and reacting before food even has the chance to fall on the floor. Ezra carefully positions himself under Jeremy's wheelchair and is redy for action!

2007-10-02T10:05:00.000-07:00

I apologize for my lengthy break from blogging. Especially because I missed some key events in the lives of my CCI dogs - Keaton turned three and Ezra became a therapy dog!! Please enjoy these summer pics that I should have posted earlier. . .

Keaton's favorite b-day gifts

2007-10-02T09:59:00.000-07:00

Among Keaton's favorite birthday gifts are a giant dog bone and this frog which was a birthday/anniversary gift from Marty. It's true that Frog is Keaton's favorite toy and he welcomed the new one. He and Ezra enjoy playing tug a war with Frog. I warn them they need to be gently after what happened to Frog Sr., but neither seem to take the warning seriously.

Is that Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom?

2007-10-02T09:54:00.000-07:00

Look Again!

Don't be fooled by these Pirate of Carribean look-alikes! It is just Ezra and Keaton at Keaton's birthday celebration. (Not pictured - Icarus(who refused to participate))

Hide and Seek

2007-10-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

Icarus has a new habit of hiding in our furniture. His new favorite place to sleep is in the storage area of our coffee table. As you can see, he just barely fits. Last week we found him sound asleep in one of the drawers under our futon. At first I was worried that he had been shut in the drawer, but discovered that he can access the drawers through the back of the couch!

Sit Stay Read!

2007-10-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

As a therapy dog, Ezra has been visiting the Rochester Public Library where he gets to cuddle with kids as they practice reading to him!

My favorite Tiger

2007-10-02T09:41:00.000-07:00

This summer Keaton and I took my nephew Spencer to a fundraiser. A clown at the fundraiser painted Spencer's face. I was amazed with how cool it turned out. On our drive back to his house Spencer spent the entire ride staring in the mirror at his face. I can't say I blame him.

Keaton and the Order of the Phoenix

2007-07-20T17:01:00.000-07:00

This is a picture of Keaton at the Imax

watching the 3-D version of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

I've been doing some gardening . . .

2007-07-20T16:59:00.000-07:00

You've heard of kitty in the keg?

Us at the Stride and Ride!!

2007-07-20T16:58:00.000-07:00

Splish Spash!!

2007-07-20T15:57:00.000-07:00

With the hot humid summer days here, Jeremy and I decided to purchase a swimming pool for Keaton. As we do not have a lot of space we bought him a small kiddie pool that we could keep on the patio. After getting the pool home, we set it on the patio and filled it with water that evening. The next day I decided to eat lunch on the patio. I made a sandwich and brought out a piece of fruit and a bowl of chips. I was planning on having a relaxing lunch outside while reading a book. Ezra walked onto the patio and sniffed the pool and took a drink. I called Keaton outside and he ran full speed for the pool and dived in!! He started rolling in the pool and splashing all over. My food, my book and I were all drenched!! Keaton really loves his pool.

new FURniture

2007-06-11T12:50:00.001-07:00

Jeremy and I finally purchased new furniture. A red futon and a cocktail table. After it was delivered and set up I left the room to go to the bathroom and came back to find the above scene. . . both dogs sprawled across the futon and our cat lounging across the new table!

Keaton and Caitlin Reunited!!

2007-06-11T12:35:00.001-07:00

My good friend David, who I met at team training, made a visit to Minnesota and stopped by my apartment. David and I had a nice visit. We shared a lot of our favorite memories from CCI! David also brought along one of Kim's scrapbooks for me to look at. While we visited Keaton enjoyed some time with his former kennel mate Caitlin (doesn't she look like Ezra?).

Scroll down to see Ezra's new look . . . . . . .

2007-05-28T19:53:00.000-07:00

BEFORE

AFTER!!

More Before and After Pictures of Ezra

2007-05-28T19:51:00.000-07:00

Ezra and Rosie at the Groomers

2007-05-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

Keaton's many looks

2007-05-28T19:48:00.000-07:00

The wet look

This pic was taken after Keaton attempted to climb into a bucket of water - he did get his front legs and head in before knocking the whole bucket over

Formal wear

(do you recognize the "muggle" in the background?)

Keaton gave Crystal the "Elvis lip" when she blow a bubble in his face.

Walking the pups!

2007-05-28T19:47:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed a family walk after our memorial day cook out. There were nine humans and five dogs. We were lucky to have such great weather.

Icarus's New Toy!

2007-05-28T19:46:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Becky (Jeremy's mom) Icarus has a new kitty condo! Jeremy and I found it in the dumpster wet with pink carpeting hanging on it and Becky redid it. Icarus seldom leaves it and loves looking down at the dogs from his high perch!

Gertrude

2007-05-28T19:45:00.000-07:00

Trudey spent a few days at our house with Crystal. She was a fairly good houseguest except for on her last day her when she jumped the neighbor's balcony and ran into their opened patio door and into their house! She ran back out when they all started screaming!!

Meet Tessa

2007-05-28T19:42:00.000-07:00

This is the newest feline member of our family. A friend of mine gave me a kitten so that I could give it to Tanner and Spencer. Unexpectedly the kitten arrived the day of my birthday party so I gave it to my nephews when they arrived (before clearing it with their mother). Tbe top picture was actually taken when I gave them the kitten. The second was taken on memorial weekend. She is a very friendly and cuddly kitten.

In the car

2007-05-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Ezra has always had some anxiety in the car. I was just learning to accept his heavy breathing and tense body language when traveling and then . . . . Keaton actually laid on top of Ezra calming him down. The two of them slept like this for a two hour car ride!

In loving memory of Kim

2007-02-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Sometimes the hardest thing

is watching a friend travel down a road that you cannot follow.
Saying goodbye is never easy

but wishing them well is what friends do.

Meet Grayson!!

2007-02-05T15:43:00.000-08:00

After waiting impatiently for so long. Grayson is finally here! I traveled to Appleton this weekend with my sister to meet my nephew. He is a perfect fit in our family. He loves dogs!!

Grayson and Keaton meet for the first time

2007-02-05T15:41:00.000-08:00

More pictures of Grayson with Keaton

2007-02-05T15:38:00.000-08:00

Icarus with flowers

2007-02-05T15:35:00.000-08:00

Although Jeremy did not approve of Icarus posing on the table, I thought he looked cute sitting by the flowers.

MAIL TIME!

2007-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

ezra enjoys carrying mail for me to and from our mailbox. He loves being a working dog.

Sleepy time

2007-02-05T15:30:00.000-08:00

Keaton the mascot?

2007-01-10T18:33:00.000-08:00

I recently began working as the assistant coach for the Rochester Raiders Adaptive Floor Hockey Team. Keaton and I have been going to practices every night and had our first away game this week. I was a little nervous about how Keaton would do on such a long bus ride (about 1 1/2 hours) and if he would be able to handle hanging out while I was coaching. Keaton was great! The kids enjoyed having Keaton at the game and took turns sitting with him and petting him when they weren't playing. One of the players even told me that Keaton helped him to stay focused on the game. He has become an important member of the team.

Busted!

2007-01-10T06:48:00.000-08:00

When I first got Ezra (long before there was an Icarus) at the first sight of a cat Ezra would turn his head the other way and tremble in an effort not to look at the cat. Maybe this was due to his CCI training or past experiences at Beth's house as a puppy. Either way Ezra wanted NOTHING to do with cats.

Then I brought home Icarus. Ezra was so jealous! If Icarus was in the same room as him Ezra would turn his back. Icarus spent most of the first year of his life trying to get Ezra to play with him while Ezra spent the year avoiding him.

Then retirement came. The week before Christmas we noticed a strange phenomenon around our house. Ziplock bags full of goodies were disappearing and plastic bags of food from our pantry were found ripped open. I was baffled - knowing Ezra would not or had not ever jumped up on counters or shelves to steal food and not suspecting Icarus because the items were not things that he ate.

The mystery was solved when Jeremy witnessed the two in action! Icarus jumped up on the table and knocked down a baggy of food to Ezra. Ezra ripped it open with his mouth and the two of them ate the food together. We no longer leave baggies of food out!!

The above picture has become a common one in our house. Ezra finds a spot to nap and Icarus curls up against his tummy or side and the two sleep together.

Icarus

2007-01-10T06:43:00.000-08:00

Puppy dog eyes

2007-01-10T06:40:00.000-08:00

The cutest kitten ever . . .

2007-01-10T06:38:00.000-08:00

This is Jeremy's cousin Jake's cat. She was the cutest little kitten. She is extra small and doesn't have much of a tail! She actually looks a lot like Rascal's "mini-me". Keaton really liked her and continually followed her around sniffing her. Finally, she just turned around and swatted him on the nose! After that he kept his distance.

Rascal

2007-01-10T06:34:00.000-08:00

This is Grandma Sue's cat Rascal. He may be the largest cat alive - check out his face - this cat actually has a snout! Rascal is a fun cat because of his large size and laid back nature. Darin enjoyed photographing him.

Beware of dog

2007-01-09T06:41:00.000-08:00

It is hard to believe that this is a photo of gentle Ezra and Keaton the energetic and friendly pup! While at Jeremy's grandparent's house the dogs started roughing house and captured this moment on film. I think that Keaton looks pretty ferocious!

Sleepy dogs

2007-01-09T06:37:00.000-08:00

After the holidays this year, both Keaton and Ezra calmed down and enjoyed some time lounging. Jeremy and I spent part of winter break in Clayton, WI. It was a busy week for us and the dogs!

Keaton gets goosed!

2006-12-27T08:31:00.000-08:00

Keaton's kennel mate and girlfriend Caitlin sent Keaton a special Christmas gift. The postman actually delivered it to my work because it didn't fit in our mailbox. It is the first time that a dog recieved a package at Gage East! Thanks Caitlin!!

I am spoiled.

2006-12-26T13:05:00.000-08:00

Keaton sprawls out with his toys and then abandons his stash to check out Ezra's new bone.

Thanks Spencer!

2006-12-26T13:04:00.000-08:00

When the dogs are carrying it around, Icarus loves playing with catnip!

Ezra loves catnip!

2006-12-26T12:44:00.000-08:00

After opening his stocking Ezra choose his favorite toy. A catnip candy bar that Icarus got for Christmas from my nephew Spencer. This gift has proven to be a favorite among all the animals.

Rastafarian

2006-12-26T12:37:00.000-08:00

After getting a small taste of Christmas, Keaton plunged head first into his stocking looking for more gifts. Jeremy and I bought Keaton a new toy with lots of legs, hoping he would like it as much as frog, who recently was retired due to three new holes!

The stockings were hung . . .

2006-12-26T12:27:00.000-08:00

Ezra and keaton pose by their stockings. It was Keaton's first Christmas with us. I bought Keaton this oversized stocking and it proved to be a lot of fun. Ezra seemed to remember his stocking from last year and tried to get it down a couple of times before Christmas. Despite stocking size the dogs each recieved three presents!

From the archives.

2006-12-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

As I was getting together photos to post on my blog, I came across two old favorites and thought that they were too cute not to share. These pictures were taken shortly after we got Icarus. He was constantly pestering Ezra. Lucky for both of them Keaton moved in and has the energy and patience for the cat.

Life is good!~

2006-12-25T11:19:00.000-08:00

Can we come in now?

2006-12-25T09:42:00.000-08:00

The dogs enjoyed some exercise time in Janeal and Ray's yard!

COUSINS!

2006-12-25T09:39:00.000-08:00

Ezra and Keaton take some time to pose with their cousins Naboo. The three of them enjoyed some quality time together over Thanksgiving.

2006-12-25T09:32:00.000-08:00

merry christmas!!

Crystal and dogs

2006-11-09T20:59:00.000-08:00

Ezra in his CCI bandana

2006-11-09T20:57:00.000-08:00

Ezra shows his past affliation with CCI and his continued support by wearing his CCI bandana.

Enjoying some down time . . .

2006-11-09T20:54:00.000-08:00

Although Ezra is retired, I couldn't help but bring him out on a family outting. Ezra and Keaton both attended Janeal's babyshower. Both dogs were well behaved, but preferred napping to watching Janeal and Ray open gifts.

The Gathering

2006-11-09T20:52:00.000-08:00

Gertrude came over to visit Ezra and Keaton and the three of them gathered together around the treat jar, waiting patient for a human to help them out with getting a dog biscuit.

How do Ezra and Keaton get along?

2006-11-09T20:49:00.000-08:00

Ezra and Keaton made themselves at home on our bed while Jeremy and I were watching a movie. Upon first glanced they looked pretty cute laying next to each other on the bed. But photo two shows a different picture - is Ezra trying to push Keaton off the edge - he is dangerously close.

Keaton gets a bath

2006-11-09T20:45:00.000-08:00

Keaton enjoyed getting a bath and spent his entire time in the tub trying to drink as much water as possible even if that meant licking it off the walls!

Happy Halloween from your favorite caped crusaders!

2006-10-30T06:51:00.000-08:00

Me and my dogs

2006-10-17T19:40:00.000-07:00

Photographed by Spencer Burton.

Some of my favorite boys

2006-10-17T19:32:00.000-07:00

Spencer and Ezra

2006-10-17T19:29:00.000-07:00

Spencer couldn't resist sneaking into some of the dog photos. If you look closely you will see that he recently lost a tooth.

A Day at the Park

2006-10-17T19:24:00.000-07:00

Ezra and Keaton enjoyed playing at Roy Watson Park with Tanner and Spencer. It was a perfect fall day (sunny and 70 degrees). We played at the park for over an hour. Tanner and Spencer took turns taking photographs of the dogs. I am not sure who captured these photos. The boys brought a squeaky toy to the park and both dogs were mesmerized by it - as you can see!!

Action Shot

2006-10-17T19:18:00.000-07:00

This photo was taken by Spencer at Roy Watson Park. I like this photo because it captures some of Keaton's energy. He is the most active service dog that I have ever had. He loves retrieving and enjoys his time off duty. He is constantly playing with toys. He even has developed his own game of retrieve that he plays by hisself in our apartment.

Minneapolis/St. Paul CCI Chapter

2006-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

After returning from CCI I felt so motivated and inspired I decided I wanted to become more active in CCI fundraising efforts as well as as continuing to educate the general public about CCI. I was doing some browsing on the internet and came across a CCI chapter in Minnesota and had the opportunity on Monday to go to a meeting. It was a wonderful experience. Leaving CCI was tough and left me feeling a little "seperation anxiety" as I traveled away from so many friends and people who were supportive and understanding of my relationship with my service dog. Coming back to the world where most people do not travel with a dog by their side or understand how important a service dog is left me feeling a little alone in the world. Being reunited with others who had service dogs and were raising puppies was such a great feeling. There were so many incredible people there and everyone was very friendly. I loved meeting all their furry friends as well. The meeting was very relaxed with people sharing photos and visiting. We also talked about some future fundraising possibilities. I am hoping to attend more meetings because it was such a great experience! Please check out the Champions website.

Keaton gets comfortable

2006-10-04T07:16:00.000-07:00

Keaton has officially made himself at home. Here are a few fun pictures of Keaton with Tanner and Spencer. My favorite is the third picture - it may look like one of those rare photo opportunity moments, but Keaton actually sleeps like this every night! It is one of many of his funny personality traits. Keaton has a lot of energy and personality. Every morning when he gets up he bucks around the house in circles celebrating the morning.

Our Big Slumber Party!!

2006-10-04T07:10:00.000-07:00

After returning to Minnesota from Florida, Tanner and Spencer came over for a sleepover. We had a great time with the boys at our house. They were very excited to meet Keaton and of course be reunited with Ezra. Both dogs got lots of extra attention and cuddle time with the boys.

Cheating Banker and Accomplice Wind up In Jail

2006-10-04T06:54:00.000-07:00

Spencer Curtis, the official Dogopoly banker was arrested last Saturday when he was found guilty of stealing thousands of dollars from the local Dogopoly bank. Officials were stunned to learn he had a feline accomplice. In an interview early Sunday morning, his accomplice stated, "He did it out of pure greed, but I at least had my reasons. It was going to be my ultimate revenge against the canines world". Spencer could not be reached for comment.

Bubbles

2006-10-04T06:38:00.001-07:00

During the visit to our house, Spencer spent a lot of time chasing Icarus around the house and playing with the animals. We originally bought bubbles thinking Icarus would be interested in them, but Keaton was just as curious as the cat.

Retired Life

2006-10-03T20:58:00.000-07:00

Ezra has been enjoying life as a retired dog. I have been keeping him busy with agility classes and doing some work around the house. Retired life has been good to Ezra. He spends his days napping with Icarus and his evenings playing with Keaton, going to agility or just hanging out around the house. *Ezra's favorite retirement benefit is getting to sleep in bed with us and not getting scolded for eating table scraps off the floor.

Ezra Extrodinair

2006-10-03T20:49:00.000-07:00

To help Ezra cope with the lose of being a service dog, we have joined an agility class. Ezra and I have class twice a week. We are just learning how to go through different obstacles. These [pictures were taken on our third day of class, Ezra can now go through all of the obstacles off leash on command. Agility classes have been great for us because it has been a way for Ezra and I to spend time together and celebrate our bond. I originally signed up for agility just to give Ezra some extra attention, but we both enjoy it so much and Ezra is actually pretty great at it - I think it is something we will continue with next summer. It has been a great for Ezra and it has also given me a chance to leave Keaton at home by himself to prevent him from developing seperation anxiety.

Ezra's Competition

2006-10-03T20:39:00.000-07:00

Misty and George are also in agility classes with us. Here are some pictures of Misty with George the Great. It has been great getting to spend time with them at class.

Feline Companions?

2006-09-20T19:45:00.000-07:00

Some of you may be thinking - what is with all the cat pictures on this supposedly Canine Companions blog. But I just couldn't leave him out and he seems to be a bit of a ham for the camera. Icarus is quite the wheelchair cat - as in this picture it is not unusual to find him riding around on the back of a wheelchair. He really is a unique cat. Having grown up around Ezra, he thinks he is a dog. He often carries around q-tips and lays next to the dogs with their bones and chews on the q-tip! I am a little concerned for what might happen if he ever comes across a non-CCI dog because he honestly thinks he is a dog and a dominate one at that!!

Keaton's first week of kindergarten!

2006-09-20T19:41:00.000-07:00

Keaton has done a great job as a service dog. The kids at Gage East really like him and ask me lots of questions about him. His name is a little hard for kindergarteners who have called him everything including "Kledus", Keathon", and oddly enough even "Caitlyn"! I have my own work space this year which means Keaton gets to use his new bed that was made for him by CCI puppy raisers. The bed even has his name on it! Keaton has done really well retrieving items for me at work and turns on and off the light in my room. The light is actually up pretty high and Keaton can JUST reach it. He has also been really good in the lunch room. He stays calm and isn't distracted by all the noise and food.

Kennel Time

2006-09-20T19:38:00.000-07:00

My cat thinks he is a dog!! Here is a picture of Keaton sleeping in his kennel and Icarus crawled in to join him. Actually all three of the animals love the kennel. Although Keaton sleeps in it in the evening, I leave the door open during the day and both Keaton and Ezra will wonder in and lay down. One day last week both Ezra and Keaton tried to fit in the kennel at the same time - needless to say there was sitting/crouching room only and it didn't last long!

Keaton, the black sheep.

2006-09-20T19:35:00.000-07:00

Although the dogs got along fine, Keaton was a little reserved during our visit to the Crable house. Ezra and George played really hard the entire time.

Here is a picture of the three of them.

Pack Play

2006-09-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some pictures of the dogs at the Crable house. I know that Ezra was in good hands while I was at CCI because when we pulled in the drive way he recognized the house and was wagging his tail like crazy. Here are some pictures of Ezra and Keaton with their favorite Labradoodle George. (FYI: George's name was inspired by the character on Grey's Anatomy.)

Hanging out under the table

2006-09-20T19:26:00.000-07:00

Keaton and Icarus getting quite well. We have even spotted Icarus laying around the house crossing his front paws - Keaton style. The two of them often lounge around together.

Keaton and Frog

2006-09-20T19:23:00.000-07:00

Keaton's puppy raiser Marty passed along this frog stuffed animal. This was Keaton's favorite toy as a puppy. Since he has been in Minnesota his favorite toy seems to be tennis balls or anything he can retrieve.

Dogopoly Anyone?

2006-09-20T19:20:00.000-07:00

I got this game as a gift last year and have enjoyed many monopoly tournaments. Part of the proceeds from this game go to CCI! There is even a card featuring a golden retriever and the player is rewarded money for "helping the handicapped". The two properties that are worth the most are golden retriever and labrador retriever!

The Boys

2006-09-20T18:43:00.000-07:00

Keaton fits right in with Ezra and Icarus. Ezra and Keaton even share the same dog bed. Icarus mainly just pesters both of them. Icarus's favorite new game is sitting on a kitchen chair and swatting at Keaton when he walks by.

Extreme Close Ups

2006-09-20T18:38:00.000-07:00

A Visit from Cohyn

2006-09-20T18:32:00.000-07:00

Misty came over with Cohyn and Keaton was very excited and wanted to be as close as possible to Cohyn. I was more than a little nervous that Keaton was going to knock Cohyn over, but he was happy just laying next to him.

Ezra and Keaton

2006-09-20T18:19:00.000-07:00

It has been a BIG change going from Sharon and Ezra to Sharon and Jeremy and Ezra and Icarus and Keaton. So much has happened in the last year! Ezra has really done well in the last two weeks. He has adjusted to staying at home during the week. I wasn't sure how it would all work out, but he really seems to be enjoying life as a retired dog. He no longer tries to sneak out the door with us when Keaton and I leave - instead he looks up briefly and then goes back to napping.

Ezra and Keaton actually get along and enjoy going for walks together and occassionally rough house. I have worked hard since last spring to make this a smooth transition for Ezra and I do feel that it is paying off.

While I was away . . .

2006-09-02T08:40:00.000-07:00

While I was working hard at CCI team training Ezra stayed with his favorite dog sitters - Misty, Dave, and Cohyn. He got a lot of play time with George the labradoodle and even went swimming! Here are some photos of Ezra taking a dip.

I couldn't resist

2006-09-01T07:23:00.000-07:00

I couldn't help but add a few of my favorite pictures from class that didn't get put on the web earlier. I am also going to try to add some new photos of Keaton and Ezra at home. Life with two dogs has been a little challenging, but seems to get easier every day!

amazing friendships

2006-08-30T08:36:00.000-07:00

While at CCI I was lucky enough to meet Kim.

We had a lot of fun going through team training together and we've been keeping in touch.

I truly believe that Kim is someone that I was meant to meet and have in my life.

Coincidently, Keaton's kennel mate at CCI was Caitlin (Kim's service dog).

~We both found forever friends~

Public Access Testing

2006-08-30T08:33:00.000-07:00

During public access testing the trainers drop food on the floor in front of the dogs.

The dogs are not suppose to eat the food. You can see in this photo both Keaton (on the right) and Harley are concentrating at NOT looking at the food.

It's a dog's life

2006-08-30T08:29:00.000-07:00

Keaton

keaton's first new toy

2006-08-30T08:19:00.000-07:00

Every time I have gotten a CCI dog, I have always bought

them a new toy. I chose a kong for Rex and Ezra got a new dog bone so

I needed to think of something original for Keaton.

I finally settled on this cigar!!

Dog Tags

2006-08-30T08:12:00.000-07:00

While at the kennels in CCI, the dogs are given tags to alert staff of any health or behavioral issues a dog may be having. We had to borrow some of the tags because Jeremy wasn't feeling well.