and the winner is.....Stinson!

One week until I receive my shiny (well, not really shiny), new 8 week old Golden Retriever/Labrador cross Canine Companions for Independence service puppy in training - Stinson.  Apparently named after a beautiful beach in the area where all CCI puppies are bred and whelped, Southern California and, coincidentally, the surname of a puppy raiser 'extraordinaire' deserving of a namesake from the comments I've seen.  A wonderful photographer, Douglas Bawden, donating time and services to CCI, has been taking photos of Stinson's litter from the beginning, lucky for me!  http://douglasbawdenphotography.wordpress.com/ - there are three posts to date with photos.  Stinson is in the group photo with his mama, Celine, about 1/2 way down the page - the caption points him out.  And, some photos from the Breeder/Caretaker, Ann.....

Scout atop Stinson, snoozing...

What a face!

Scout, Stinson, Sam, Simba, Sorbet

Stinson & older sibling,  Talura

It really IS 'like a box of chocolates'.....you wonder - will he be calm or excitable, quiet or vocal, slow or quick (pace, not brain!), big or small, long-coated or short-coated.....and so many other things running through your mind.  All the teachable moments ahead.  All the things you've learned from the puppies you've raised and what other raisers have taught you.  All the things you don't want to forget.  But, especially you learn to cherish each one as an individual, and the time you have with them.  Because, all too soon, they'll be off to advanced training, breaking your heart.  And, you'll be welcoming a brand new puppy into your life, easing the pain, mending your broken heart - and making it even larger with each one. 

Finding his bliss....

Chewy's journey to becoming a Service Dog ended in January as he was unable to overcome his issues with stairs, and surfaces were becoming a problem, too.  A long time business acquaintance applied for, and permanently adopted, Chewy.  He's living in St. Petersburg, FL with Doug and his four children (ages 9-14) - a very active family that lives on a canal with a pool and a boat!  I visited Chewy in February - very bittersweet.  It was the first time I'd seen him since turn-in last May.  He looks wonderful and happy and while it was very difficult to leave him, again, he's in the perfect home.  Lucky for me, I have an open invitation to visit!

 After a play session with Fredo (CCI puppy) running around the pool and yard, Chewy flopped down and just looked at me.  I still miss this boy.

Even so, after almost a year off from raising, I'm really looking forward to my next CCI puppy - hopefully within the next month.  More to come.......