Ancil Hoffman Park and the American River

It was a beautiful day in Sacramento today! I took Battier and Shawn on a walk at Ancil Hoffman Park. This was Battier's first big walk and she did very well. Both girls did perfect heels. It was good for Battier to see some different dogs than just Golden Retrievers and Labs. We saw a beautiful, big German Shepherd, Australian Shepherd and a few small dogs. There were a lot of squirrels that would run around the park and it was great practice for Battier to ignore them, she does very well at keeping her focus on me.

We checked out the driving range at Ancil Hoffman. Lots of different sounds for Battier to check out. She did very well and just held her down while we watched. 

It started getting hot, so I decided it would be okay if the girls went swimming. This was Battier's first time in the river, she has been in our pool once before. She thought the river was AWESOME! She really had a lot of fun! I'll be getting a long line for her to play on in the water. 

We hung out in the park after the dogs went swimming. It was nice just enjoying the sun!

Old Sacramento

Today we checked out Old Sacramento! It was a lot of fun and another day of great experiences for Battier. She saw people on bikes, skateboards, kids, adults, birds, horses, other dogs and motorcycles. 

Here Battier is walking over a grate. This might not look difficult, but dogs don't typically like to walk over grates. (I know her position isn't perfect in this picture, but I moved to get the photo). 

Battier with the Tower Bridge in the background. 

In front of the Delta King. 

This was Battier's first time seeing horses! The policemen were very impressed at how well Battier did and said that she was very calm and good for her age! 

Fake Service Dog issue

Today while I was out I saw this great sign on the window at El Forstero in Carmichael! It is great because it shows people who fraudulently put service dog vests on pet dogs are really breaking the law! It does not matter if a person goes to a website about pays for a certification and vest or if they make one themselves, they are still breaking the law. Along with breaking the law, those individuals who use fake vests are hurting people that really need service or guide dogs. Dogs that are not trained are a danger to the public and service dogs if they come in contact with one.


Canine Companions for Independence puppies in training are given access to stores and business' by the goodwill of those establishments. If a puppy raiser is asked to leave they may educate the store or location, but must leave if asked to. Fortunately for us CCI puppies are generally welcomed at most places, since 2001 I have only been asked two times to leave a place with a puppy and they were in very small towns where people really didn't understand much about puppies in training or service dogs. It is very helpful for puppies in training to get exposed to different environments and situations and we thank the business's that allow us access. When puppies are exposed to many different environments they will make a better service dog when they graduate! 

Trained service dogs like those provided by CCI are protected under the ADA and may not be asked to leave any place that is open to the public and where their handler may need to go.

California Penal Code 365.7 (a) states:

Guide Dog—Fraudulent Representation as Misdemeanor

CA PENAL CODE SECTION 365.7

[a] Any person who, knowingly and fraudulently represents himself or herself, through verbal or written notice, to be the owner or trainer of any canine licensed as, to be qualified as, or identified as, a guide, signal, or service dog, as defined in subdivisions (d), (e), and (f) of Section 365.5 and paragraph (6) of subdivision (b) of Section 54.1 of the Civil Code, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment in the county jail not exceeding six months, by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by both that fine and imprisonment.

[b] As used in this section, "owner" means any person who owns a guide, signal, or service dog, or who is authorized by the owner to use the guide, signal, or service dog. Leg.H 1994 ch.1257.

I would personally love to see those fake service dog handlers getting fined $1000, maybe it would finally stop the abuse! 

HELP Canine Companions for Independence get 20,000 signatures to take to the Department of Justice. Click this link for website.  

Weekend update

The rain stopped for a few hours this weekend and we were able to enjoy the sun! I love this picture of Battier, it really captures her personality. She's a very fun, curious, smart and overall great puppy! 

Battier is a cradle, this is how I clip her nails. She's very good about waiting, and of course she gets a cookie after. I already think her favorite word is "cookie", she's also picked up on "hungry" or "are you hungry?" 

Battier with Great Grandma Chandra (aka Shawn), my 3rd CCI puppy. Battier is my 8th. 

Today we went to lunch at on of my favorite places in Sacramento, Jack's Urban Eats! 

After lunch we walked to Pet Food Express and practiced commands in a pet store setting. Battier did great with the distractions. There were 2 Border Collie's getting baths, this was Battier's first time seeing Border Collie's and she was a little curious, but held her down. It's important that CCI puppies get to see dogs of all shapes and sizes while they are in training. Battier also got a new toy! She likes to rip out stuffing of most fluffy toys, so this one is one that says it's indestructible. There are also a few squeakers inside which she really loves. I'll see how this toy last and post of picture of it soon.