August 27, 2007

Marianne is all excited because one of the puppy raisers saw Hudson at CCI College last weekend at Turn In, and snapped a quick photo with her cell phone..

The puppy raisers aren't allowed to see "their" dogs at Advanced Training because it might confuse or distract the dog. However, puppy raisers look out for each other, so Marianne was thrilled to see a photo of Hudson. Should Hudson graduate in November (PAWS CROSSED!) Marianne and John will go to the graduation in Oceanside. They will try to get a glimpse of Sandy's puppy Therese at CCI College and snap a quick photo.

Sandy reported that Hudson looks quite svelte (big word: means skinny) and very happy. Human freshmen often gain 15 pounds when they go to college, but CCI pups usually lose weight because of all the running and playing they do. Marianne says it's like human boot camp without the funny haircuts.

We're expecting Hudson's third report card in another week. Marianne says this is the first week of his second semester. I hope I make it to the second semester when I go to college. I hear that first semester is some remedial work, and learning some new things. Second semester is all about learning more new commands, and the trainers' expectations are higher. Marianne says that as long as Hudson is happy and doing his best, she's pleased.

Meanwhile, tomorrow I'm going to the vet to get tutored. Marianne has a Gary Larson cartoon on the refrigerator where one dog is saying to the other, ""Ha Ha Ha, Biff, guess what? After we go to the drugstore and the post office, I'm going to the vet's to get tutored!" She seems to think that cartoon is quite hilarious, but I'm not sure why.

The pet dogs aren't telling me much, only that I won't get breakfast (YIKES!) and I won't feel very peppy tomorrow afternoon when Marianne picks me up. And they keep giggling about a "lampshade collar." Huh. I don't get it. I'll give you an update later in the week when I figure it out.

Chow for now.

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to call7forhelp@thedenverchannel.com.

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or perhaps be a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.