Monday marked the two year anniversary of Havan’s crossing. It also marked the first Monday as Team Sally and Cleveland II.
On the 16th we landed in Santa Rosa. We began Team Training the next day on the Canine Companions for Independence North West Training Center. I was one of five awesome people chosen for what is referred to as a ‘side’ placement. We were there for a Successor Service Dog. Between us we had retired 11 companions. For four of us, this was our third dog.
April 21st we Graduated as Teams and met our Puppy Raisers.
Cleveland, received most of his training in a Prison Program right here in Montana. He spent three months before advanced training in California with The Bradshaw Family where he was further socialized before going into advanced training.
I will be forever grateful for the Prison Program and his second family. There are breeders, caretakers, trainers, volunteers, veterinarians, office personnel and donors to be thankful to as well.
To everyone involved, you did one heck of a great job and we intend to honor you by working hard at independence.
After a ridiculous flight home on Saturday we arrived in the graveyard hours of Sunday morning and began our lives together.
I’ve been posting photos for nearly two weeks on Facebook. I’ll be blogging about our adventures. I’ll keep posting even the most mundane things. You’ll see.
On Monday, Cleveland II was a new breath of life beside me and I think Havan is very pleased. I can almost hear her tail thumping.
Introducing Cleveland II a Canine Companion for Independence
Cleveland II is a two year old yellow lab who weighs in at 78 pounds.
If you’d like more information about Service Dogs and the Canine Companions for Independence program visit http://cci.org
Sally & Cleveland II CCI NW ’17
Havan CCI NW ’07 – ’15
Lincoln III CCI NW ’98 – ’07