1 Month

As puppy raisers we know there will be an end to our journey. It seems so far away when we pick up the tiny bundle of fur at a Canine Companions for Independence campus. As difficult as it is to say goodbye to these amazing dogs, we know that there is someone out there right now that is waiting for her or him. The waiting list for one of these amazing assistance dogs can be 2 years or more. Since the day Battier was born she has had someone that is waiting for HER! I know turning her in on May 15th will be tough, she is my 8th puppy and 7th turn in and it does not get any easier. Each puppy is unique and special and they all take a piece of your heart with them. Then there is Graduation day! I don't think there is anything like handing over the leash to the new family of the dog you have raised. It is such an amazing experience and I have been lucky to keep in contact with my graduate dogs. It's so special to hear how they are doing. Canine Companions for Independence does such a great job at placing these amazing dogs just where they are supposed to be.

Battier has been the best of the best...she's such a special girl and will do so well in Advanced Training! We have been on SO many great adventures and met so many people. She is confident and adaptable to new surroundings. She loves everyone she meets and definitely shows her love when she's on a "release".

Some of my favorite experiences with her have been -

• Disneyland with friends. We had such a great time and captured the moments with some amazing pictures. 
• Miami! Flying to Miami and having so many plane delays, but Battier was a champ and took it all in. We landed and went straight to Shane Battier's Battioke charity event. Walking to the beach and around Lincoln Street were also a lot of fun. 
• Watching Battier swim - one of Battier's favorite activities is swimming! Lake Tahoe is her favorite place and I tried to get her there as much as possible. She's also swam at Half Moon Bay, Newport Beach, Folsom Lake and some pools. 
• Hanging out with friends - Battier loves a party and does very well in big groups. We've had a lot of fun times with friends! 
• Kings games - Battier has been to a lot of Sacramento Kings games! We even went to a Kings game in Miami against the Heat. 
• Road Trips - We've done at least 5 trips to Palm Springs (500 miles each way)! Battier does great in the car and is a great road trip buddy. 

Battier is more than ready for her next chapter. She has been prepared since birth for this and will make us all proud! I'm so lucky that I was able to raise her, she has been such an amazing dog. Just thinking of how she will be able to make someone more independent makes all the tears at turn in worth it.