Meet my CCI Pup!

11.06.2012

     My new Canine Companions for Independence partner can finally be revealed!  My Labrador/Golden retriever cross is a very handsome man.  Fernando is part of the 6th litter that was born in 2010 to CCI.  He is about 60lbs and all muscle!  My pup is a very laid back man that is eager to please and work for me.
     Fernando is a sprinting speed demon.  When we have been out for group play, he out runs all the other dogs, turns on a dime, and appears to jump without any effort.  I believe he could easily excel in Agility.  :o)
     The quacking pink dragon that he earned today by performing incredibly during practice seems to be his favorite toy by far.  When I "release" him to do what he wants, he starts bouncing around with his dragon like a crazy man and wanting to play. Lol.  He also has a penchant for Kong like toys too.  Ferno doesn't seem to be a tennis ball addict like my Odin, so I guess I won't have to worry about them stealing those from each other.  Lol.
     Like Odin, Ferno likes to be touching me with some part of his body.  He would rather be up in bed with me, laying with his head on my leg. He also likes to have his paw or head touching my wheelchair when he is next to me during lecture, dinner, or practice.  :o). You can def say that we have bonded in the short we have known each other.
     Fernando and I both share our favorite command, "pull." So! Much! Fun! Some feeling of being free comes over the both of us as we are flying down a sidewalk or up a hallway.  I have mentioned in a previous blog, how proud Ferno is when he is in the pulling command!
     As Fernando and I head down the path of our multi-year partnership, I see him helping me to rebuild my confidence to venture out of the house alone and improve my quality life.  I hope to be able to possibly return to the working sector, even if for just a few hours a week.  One activity I look forward to (and people take for granted) is the ability to walk my kids to and from school if I choose to.  With Fernando's help, I will be able to ride in my wheelchair the block and half to my kid's school and home!
     As my nine year old man, Odin, and Fernando forge their own friendship, I see lots of opportunities for belly laughs and huge ear to ear grins.  Both labs are clowns in their own right, and I cannot wait to see them together!  :o)
     Many people had a hand in raising Fernando.  From the breeder-caretakers, to the puppy raisers and to the trainers, words cannot express the gratitude I have for all these people from CCI.  I am so fortunate to have such an incredible opportunity in my life: Fernando!