Wow, what a fantastic and rewarding weekend! Easton III graduated as a successor service dog for Lisa, who lives in St Louis. Canine Companions for Independence put a on touching graduation ceremony and celebration and gave us puppy raisers special time alone with the pups we raised but hadn't seen in six months. What a joyful reunion. Silly Easton couldn't quite figure out how to get himself into my lap and look up at me at the same time. After some quality time together, we were treated to a brunch with the human graduates where we could learn about each other and exchange stories. Being the star he is, Easton skipped ahead of the scheduled lessons and was pulling Lisa's jacket sleeves off for her well before team training had ended.
After the graduation itself, we all chatted some more and I could see how attentive Easton was to Lisa and what a bond they are already developing. Lisa tells me he already has bed privileges and snuggled in with her, nose to nose, resting his paw over her shoulder. Nothing could make me happier.
Our reunion
at break before ceremony
Sneaking a bit more quality time during the ceremony before presenting Easton to Lisa.
Easton, Lisa, me and Lilly
Special goodies provided by CCI volunteers
The Next Generation.
Hopefully Easton was whispering some words of advice to Lilly.
She has some big paw prints to fill.
Easton looks as handsome as ever...and of course his trainer does too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI am so thrilled for you, Easton, and Lisa. How fun to have trained an over-achiever. Great job!
ReplyDeleteBTW Lilly is gorgeous! I hope to get a golden some time. Is she a lot of work?