Family Affair

By Thursday we were exhausted. Tired of riding in the car, tired of tourism, just tired. It had been an emotional last few weeks and the excitement of exploring while on vacation had us. The kids and I needed down time and time spent with our hands on our Kolby. This would be our last day before going to Canine Companions for the Matriculation Celebrations and the dreaded return.

My husband, the amazing photographer, knew that this was a day that we needed alone, and took the time to head out on a photography adventure of his own. It worked well as he could get the morning shots he was looking for and enjoy the scenery at a photographer's pace. He is such a good supporter in this journey.

Meanwhile, the kids and I took Kolby to the hotel pool. I was so tempted to take off Kolby's vest and let him swim with us in the pool. But I didn't. Instead I made a cute tent out of pool towels and chairs and offered some shade in the summer California Sun for our buddy. He slept and slept and slept while we played and played and played in the water. It was so nice to be alone with him poolside (we didn't see a single person other than ourselves - it was perfect), getting in our loves and chats.

That evening we were treated to a beautiful and very happy dinner party at Kolby's Breeder Caretaker's house. It was lovely and perfect. The husband and wife team were very thoughtful and spoiled their Puppy Raisers of Kolby's litter; us and another couple that raised Kolby's sister, who was also turning in at the same location.

It is hard to say if Kolby remembered his mom and sister, or if he was just excited to see other dogs and get the chance to play. The dogs were in puppy-heaven getting to run and play and chase and wrestle and chew bones and play ball, and run and play and chase and wrestle and chew bones and play ball, and run .... they did eventually lay still when commanded, but we didn't torture them with too long of a Down Stay. Just enough for everyone to catch their breath! (the cute little yellow puppy is Kolby's half brother, his mom had her second litter of puppies since Kolby and his siblings left home).

When it was time to say goodbye and return to the hotel for our final sleep, it hit me. This was really going to happen. And with that - we snuggled up with Kolby on the bed - who was dog tired!!! and went to sleep. At one point Kolby found his way up to my girl's and my face and snuggled in tight before it was time to wake up. I am positive he knew that this trip was something special, because why else was he invited up on the bed?!

The next morning came way too quickly. I left Kolby on the bed with my girl while I took my shower and got ready for the big day. When I returned to the room all I could see was the silhouette of Kolby looking at me, and then I knew that this was the start of our goodbyes.

*for the record, a Puppy in Program is allowed to sleep on the bed with his/her person only if they are invited to do so. No jumping nor sleeping on the bed is allowed if volunteered by the puppy. I can proudly say that Kolby has slept with us enough to know bed manners and he is just so darn adorable. He snuggles well and holds still all night long, with only an occasional jimmy-leg when he dreams of chasing happy playmates. 

Here we go

We left on August 11th to return Kolby to Canine Companions and to the place where his journey began in Santa Rosa, CA. It was difficult for me to pack myself up and get into the car. I found every excuse on what "had to be done" in order to leave the house, and none of that was getting my clothes into a bag, nor Kolby's travel bag packed. It was a late night on Sunday, but I eventually got myself to do it and we rolled out on Monday.

We planned to have dinner with my hubby's Aunt, Uncle, and cousins on the way the first day. So our trip was not very long as we stopped about three hours to meet them at this fabulous resort. Kolby enjoyed all of the attention and it was nice that our family was able to put a touch to this puppy that they have followed since he was 8 weeks old.

Our Aunt said something that stuck with me, she said she had never fallen so in love with a dog that she had never met before. I found that sweet and probably very true if you have followed his journey, I am not sure what isn't to like about this cute, handsome, and endless-expressioned puppy. And Kolby held true to everything I have shared about him; he proved that I tell the truth (wink).  Kolby was his typical rock-star-self with excellent manners and sweet lovin' when we were saying our goodbyes.

The next day turned into a rather long car ride of twelve hours. Kolby didn't make a sound, but obviously enjoyed his time out of the car for brisk stretching of his legs, water breaks, bathroom, and dinner. He is a fabulous traveler.

On Wednesday we enjoyed a full day traveling from Oceanside to Winery. We fell upon Bodega Bay from the recommendation of the hotel clerk and I am glad we opted for the suggestion. Although the fog held for a bit at the ocean, it was still beautiful and a chance to check off "Pacific Ocean" on Kolby's Puppy in Program List of things to do and see before College.

And on the flip side, we got to enjoy some winery meandering with Kolby. The highlight here were getting super cute photos in 90 degree temps with a black puppy; who held it together like a pro and kept up with our pace. We also met a leash-less winery dog that came quickly out of nowhere, barking and scurrying about next to Kolby. Our puppy was interested, but that was about it and we continued our walk with little Toquiots Taco Bell following us for a little stretch of time.

It was about this day when I realized something very powerful. My daughter explained it best and I appreciate her insight at the moment when I needed to hear it best. I will paraphrase.

She was explaining that it was time for Kolby to leave us, not because we were tired of him, or he was of us, but because he had seen it all. There wasn't anything on our Kolby Bucket List that was left off, we had been thorough and complete in showing him the world. The list is rather long and we are proud to say we did it. I am confident that we gave our all to raising our puppy for Canine Companions. My girl went on to explain that Kolby surpassed our expectations of what he needed to do with us. He knew all of his 30-commands, could perform them in various social outings, and was very trustworthy. We always knew what to expect from Kolby's behavior no matter where we were during our day or night. He was solid.

Therefore, he was ready for his next step. Now he would go to College and learn new tasks, harder tasks, things that will push him to start over in his learning. My girl is very wise and this was her final thought: Kolby will succeed in Advanced Training if he can handle the new expectations. And if he chooses to come home, it does not mean that he was not successful as a Puppy in Program, nor did we do anything that jeopardized his advanced learning. Rather, the success to Graduate or come home is simply the choice of Kolby's if he wants to keep working, or not.

I liked that. College Life is a whole new ball game. While we have equipped our puppy with the skills and foundation, in the end Kolby gets to choose if he wants to step up to the challenge of learning and working, or if he wants to say that he is done, and his 18 months with us provided him with amazing skills that will work great in another avenue in life.

And as we continued on our journey through Calistoga, Sonoma, and Napa with Kolby by our side, I smiled with confidence - not sadness - that we had done an amazing job raising Kolby and in return he held tight to wanting to learn and grow. He chose to work hard and follow through with his training. He chose to have amazing adventures with his solid behavior. And now, no matter his choice in Advanced Training, we can definitely say Kolby completed the high standard of training while in our care and he is one successful puppy!

I am so proud of our Mister Kolby.

Dear Kolby

You buns fit inside the palm of my hand at just 5 weeks old, and your length fit on my lap. You wrapped your paws around my hand and we looked at each other. You held a gaze that was steady and I knew then that you were something special.

Your Breeder Caretaker, Becky, mentioned that although you were one of the last to be born, you certainly had an Alpha quality about you and seemed to get what you wanted from your siblings. Your bulky stature might have helped in that too. It wasn't until you came to be Puppy Raised by my family that I realized what Becky was referring to (wink).

You had a mighty voice that was not afraid to let me know you had an opinion. While it was cute as a wee-little 8 week old pup, I knew that there were program expectations that were clear that you shouldn't Speak until asked. So our first agenda was getting you to accept the rule; which you eventually did.

Through your growing up months you shifted from being just enough-naughty to keep me and our Contract Trainer on our toes, to getting the big picture. You weren't awful by any means, but you still had some Alpha status that needed to be brought down a notch or two. We worked hard at controlling your rough play, and it certainly worked. That overly rambunctious young puppy has matured greatly.

Playing Catch has always been your favorite pastime. Whether that was sitting patiently at the top of the stairs until I tossed it to the bottom floor, telling you Release, and letting you zoom down and back as if I were timing you ... or whether it was in the family room with short distance air tosses and catches ... or whether it was traditional ball in the backyard, you had it covered. You. liked. it. all.

You spent a few weeks in the Military Prison Puppy Program when we went to travel to celebrate Haddie, our first puppy that Graduated in November 2013. You were in your adolescent months and the authority of the male prisoners served you well. Your wisdom clicked-in and you realized your true potential, and chose to settle down and just listen and follow through.

That isn't to say you gave up your personality. Far from it. I think that is one of the magnets that you have which draw people close to you. Your expressions are priceless, and you'll do anything goofy off leash for a laugh. Buns in the air like you don't care, hoping like a rabbit, bowing, high prancing, rolling on your back while making tip-toeing motions in the air with your front feet, with your mouth wide open, and your tongue hanging out sideways, because you are essentially upside down. Your sideways look, your front paws over your face, your shifty right hind quarters that seems to have a tickle in it whenever you are asked to Down Stay but you KNOW a treat is on the way, because I am talking high pitched and excited on purpose. And you stay, and your right leg twitches, and your tail wags, and you stare. at. me. willing. the. treat. to. float. the. space. between. my. hand. and. your. lips.

Your expressions are endless and your eyes speak volumes.

Then there is the working side of you. From day one you have been solid in our outings. It didn't matter if it was a new adventure or a repeat, you held your ground in staying focused, checking in with your amazing eye contact, going with the flow, and doing your commands. Excitable Greetings didn't last long, and you took in the attention of others only when I said ok. I could always count on you to enjoy an outing, and I always walked back to the car beaming that once again we had another successful adventure together.

Kolby, I have no predictions of what you will choose as your path. I know that we have had an amazing journey together as a family. Your heart is worn in your expressions, your mind is sharp and wise, you love to work, and you love to rest. I am confident and certain of one thing, you love the people in your life and you know how to show them love.

And that is what this Service Work is all about. Giving Love. And I pray that you feel confident to show your best in college, that you are not fearful of the unknown working dog world, that you give it your best and see how it works for you. I know that you have much love to give. I know that you could provide amazing support, independence, and joy to others in Service Work.

But that isn't my job to tell you if that is right for you. My job is complete. My family and I have raised you from 8 weeks to 19 months, our job of "telling you what to do" is over. Our teamwork as a Puppy in Program has concluded. And I am very grateful for the dedication and love and laughter and joy that you brought to Team Kolby.

Your life path is yours to make and it will be perfect. No matter the decision, you will continue to show love and give life to others. It is clear you are meant to be someone's amazing dog, as you were our amazing puppy. It could be us, or it could be a Graduate. But someone will be blessed to call you their dog.

Puppy hood is over, Kolby. You are college bound tomorrow and ready for the next chapter in your life. Our firsts and lasts are complete with you here at home as a puppy. Now you are ready to start a new series of firsts and lasts, and I am so proud.

They never said Puppy Raising was going to be easy, they said it was going to be fun, challenging, inspiring, and hard. And they didn't lie. But I would do this all over again, if it meant that you would be My Puppy.

God Bless you, Kolby. I love you with my entire heart and I will never, ever forget you.

Thank you.

For everything.

Your Puppy Raiser,
Elle J.

The last home outing

I feel so far behind on this blog and I don't know why. I think it is because I feel like every detail about Kolby and his adventures with us needs to be said right here, right now; as if the memory bank is going to expire and I won't be able to share about Kolby ever again. So I will close the outing posts with this one. His last home outing.

Kolby Puppy Sitting Inez during a Long Down Stay

The last home outing was August 9th. We enjoyed our Chapter's Annual Picnic at a beautiful home that was large enough for everyone to enjoy the back yard and the kitchen with ease. It was a nice, calm environment to wish the Matriculating Puppies a farewell from our Chapter. It was even better enjoyed with our sweet friends.

My friend and I have enjoyed many adventures together, but the one adventure that continued to be on our Puppy Raiser's Bucket List was going to a Major League Ball Game, specifically our cities team that has been our favorites no matter the Season's Wins or Losses throughout the years. We are die-hard, forever fans.

We started planning our Summer Outings back in June. Scratching off some due to time constraints and plugging in others to the calendar. The game came up and we quickly rushed to the computer and had a convo via text to figure out what worked for both of us.

The baseball mojo was in line because the game that was the obvious choice was the night when our favorite Manager was being inducted into the Team's Hall of Fame. Of course we HAD to go and bring Kolby and Helaine. And it would work perfectly. Go to the picnic, carpool to the game, enjoy the entire day together.

And that is exactly what we did.

At this stage of training, there isn't much to share about the workings of our Puppies in Training because they are just that smooth. That isn't to say they are guaranteed a Graduate, but it means that they have completed their Puppy Program fully and successfully. The next stage of learning Advanced Commands and being under the direction and leadership of professional trainers is now up to our puppies. Our team work is complete and we have no regrets, no do-over wishes, and only positive, beaming pride at what we have accomplished.

Helaine and Kolby slept through the Hall of Fame ceremony and the first two innings of the game, they walked the pavilion of food while we gathered our choices, they returned to our seats to sleep innings three through eight, they watched the last inning of the tied up game, they watched the extra inning, they had more photo ops before we left, they walked the crowded city streets back to the car, they had their first Hurry break since leaving the picnic, they jumped in the car together, and they road back across the bridge where professional Fireworks were being displayed across the water.

A perfect day. A perfect ending. The last home outing.

Walking just might be his favorite

When I say, "Kolby, do you want to go for a walk?" his ears perk quickly and his eyes grow bigger and he stares at me with his excited look. Then I move my feet toward the door and he quickly follows as if he just might be left behind because he didn't make it clear enough!

My daughter had the idea of traveling by car to get to our walking spot. A location not terribly far away but in a different city that houses a huge master-built community; where you have all the stores, elementary school, and houses in one neatly tight area in an otherwise desolate space.

This particular place is built on a hillside that once on top you have views of the two largest cities in our area that are miles away. The view is breathtaking.

Finding our parking space under a shade of trees, we got Kolby suited up and we were off, strolling among beautiful multi-million dollar homes. It was quiet. We saw a deer with two of her babies taking a similar walk down the sidewalk, Kolby saw them but didn't care, and they saw us and didn't care. We saw "Bear Safe" warning signs on mailbox outposts but thankfully did not see any taking a walk.

It was so peaceful. Simple. A perfect summer morning with Kolby. I will always remember his gentle walk on his leash, no matter the leach-accessory used, he does not pull, but follows in step with the pace of his person. I will always remember his panting up and down the sidewalk hills (it has been so beautifully HOT this summer), he was getting conditioned for his soon-to-be California Living. I will always remember our stops in the shade for water, his sweet nose drowning in the bowl I had brought in the backpack and coming up for air with water droplets creating his own masterpiece on the cement.

I will always remember Kolby. For our very simple adventures where he always made you feel like it was an excellent choice to bring him along too.

Puppy Inez and Kolby

Before any fellow readers get too excited that this might be an announcement of our Puppy #3 ~ this isn't it. This sweet, smart, and fun puppy belongs to Helaine's Puppy Raiser and her name is Inez.

She had just turned 12 weeks old and her Puppy Starter had a full day commitment that was not puppy-friendly (Helaine's Puppy Raiser is waiting for Helaine to go to College in two weeks before she takes Inez full time). The Puppy Starter of Inez is our great friend who lives ten minutes away, so it was a quick Yes and logistics set that we would keep Inez for the day. Unfortunately, Helaine's Raiser lives two hours away which is not conducive for a-quick-and-easy-last-minute-setup, otherwise for sure she would have loved-on Inez this day.

My kiddos were instantly sold and my daughter especially was all about chatting up our Puppy #3. While Inez was incredibly well mannered and easy to keep up with her command work, I was not having any of those "puppy feelings" that showed I was ready for #3. It is definite that at least one person in this family needs a break, and that one person is the person who is home with puppy the most, therefore, we are keeping our plan to have a break once Kolby goes to college.

That isn't to say that we are stepping out of Canine Companions. That will not be happening. Rather we will continue to volunteer with my writing work for the Chapter, and Puppy Sitting for Puppy Raiser's who need a short term break, or who have a day conflict such as Inez's. Puppy Sitting is very valuable, I have used many different volunteers during the raising of Haddie and Kolby. Each brought with them a new experience and way of doing life, and that is important for our Puppies to know how to behave and work no matter their location or person in charge.

Kolby didn't know what to think of Inez. He was sweet and gentle, but he definitely had a curious look when she romped around and wasn't too sure about her cuddling up to him for photos. His tail wagged (thankfully, and go figure) when she got on her back two legs to reach high up to his long ears for a little mouthy tug. Adorable.

If I play my cards right, we might actually get to Puppy Sit Inez for over night stays as she continues to grow (wink wink). If so, you'll be seeing her again on the Blog.