February 15, 2013

It has been four days since Turn-In and I am still at a loss for words. I think the best way to describe the experience was a day full of reward, pride, joy, sunshine, new friends, and peace.

I had expected our family me to not be able to hold it together throughout the day. I was pleasantly surprised that we were able to enjoy the day with laughter, lots of smiles, and good conversation within our family, and among friends, those we just met, and those from our Region. I think the biggest factor that got us through the day was that we met a very fun, lively, sweet mom and daughter from Montana, who were turning in their first dog too. They added the light hearted spark to the entire day, everyone seemed to feed off their energy of welcome, and peace.

After our formal pictures were taken by the photographer, we let Haddie loose in the over sized CCI Dog Park. Talk about Disneyland for Puppies in Training!! Haddie ran her heart out with the other dogs - perhaps fifteen at a time - ran wild chasing each other, and chasing balls and toys. It was a riot and so much fun. She was worn out by the time we leashed her back up, toweled her off with a wet washcloth I had brought from the hotel in a ziploc baggie (thinking ahead - it was a Lifesaver - she was dirty!).

Pre-lunch consisted of lots of talk, lots of pictures, and time for Haddie to catch her breath and relax at our feet. The grounds of the CCI Jean and Charles Schultz Campus were so peaceful, and so well kept. We soaked in the mid-70 degree day among the lemon and orange trees. It was lovely.

Lunch was a great serving of Pasta, Bread, and Salad and we ate outside as a huge group - puppies under foot. It really is amazing to join the CCI Family and see how all the dogs behave so well around food, and around others. The dogs kept away from one another (except in the playground) and were so spot-on ready to work as they showed off their Matriculation Vests. It was neat to see that we each had done our job of training; at least the basics had been covered by all. Rewarding to see.

We also got to spend a few minutes with Haddie's Mom with her Breeder. Some say that dog-families will recognize one another. I like to think that Haddie knew her Momma - she certainly was very excited to pounce upon her playfully once the initial smelling was complete. Waverly is a gorgeous black lab. I am so grateful we got to meet her Breeder in person.

A tour of campus rounded out the day before Graduation. I will keep those pictures private, mainly because I want to support those turning in for the first time, to experience for the first time this tour with their own puppy. I think it was incredibly amazing the spoiling that our pups receive while training. I loved it! The tour was fantastic and it made me feel so happy to send Haddie at the end of the day. No doubt, she will be well cared for, loved, and so happy! I jokingly think that perhaps she will not graduate, nor be released, and will just want to live on campus forever.

Graduation was about a ten minutes drive down the street at a nice, huge, facility. Not too many pictures here, as our family walked on stage together during the Matriculation Ceremony. But I will say that when the nice man bent down to place the ribbon around Haddie's neck, she leaned in for a kiss. Ahh, I loved it!! Listening to the testimony, speeches, and background of those Graduating with their CCI Dog was emotional and inspiring. It has created the "Let's keep Puppy Raising" drive within us.

Returning to the main campus after Graduation - we knew exactly what was going to happen next. This time the playground was more somber. Not as much talking among the Puppy Raisers, but the dogs were having a blast. It was commented that Haddie was in fact the fastest dog among them all. I would never have guessed - as our backyard isn't long enough for top speed, but it was true. She was the talk of the Dog Park for her speed and ability to pick up a tennis ball without losing speed. It was so fun to see her enjoying her new college life.

Haddie's last meal meant that it was time for Turn-In. This is where the tears flowed as we walked the beautiful sidewalk through campus to the Training Room where the Director and Trainers were there to transfer the handling of the leash. It was hard to say our goodbye - no words. We just cried and kissed our Sweet Haddie, who had been thoroughly worn out from her good run in the park with her new friends under the warm sunshine. But she sensed our sadness and did her typical "I'll take care of you" nudges to our face and legs.  I love her.

I am so happy that when it was time for my son to hand the leash to the Trainer, that Haddie did not look back as she went walking through the double doors. She went happily, and confidently. Our job was now officially over. We had raised her to the best of our knowledge, all of our effort, and hard work in understanding the expectations of a Puppy Raiser. Our job is complete, and Haddie is now officially our forever CCI Puppy In Training #1.