DENVER -- July 10, 2008

We're a little sad around here right now.

Kirby, the next CCI puppy after me, was supposed to arrive this week. But Marianne got a phone call from Stu, our puppy program manager, explaining that Kirby would be delayed while the veterinarians at our national CCI office in Santa Rosa, Calif. checked him out.

The next day Stu called to let us know that Kirby won't be coming to Colorado after all. He has some serious health issues and the veterinary staff at our national office thought it would be best to keep him there so he could continue receiving superb medical care under their supervision.

Marianne says she certainly understands and supports their decision, but she fell in love with his little furry face and misses him, even though she never met him. Love at first sight works like that.

I've been giving her lots of little kisses, hanging out under her feet even more than usual, and generally comforting her, which she says she appreciates. I am a helper dog, after all.

We have our paws crossed that little Kirby makes a full recovery very soon. He will be placed with a puppy raiser in the Northwest Region so that he's close to the CCI vets who can keep an eye on him.

Spare a thought for my friend Kirby and his wonderful Breeder Caretakers Linda and Pauline, would you?

Chow for now!

Parker

Questions or comments for Parker? Send me an e-mail!

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