Theda's Thoughts - a CCI graduate's life

Theda update

2010-02-22T15:07:00.001-08:00

Sorry for no posts - will be updating the blog soon :)

It's been a busy summer

2009-08-28T12:02:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Sam's dad was playing ball with me in the back yard. I was having lots of fun till I came back into the house and started wobbling. UGH. I then had to spend the night at the vet getting an IV. I feel much better - especially as we went on vacation the next day. I will write more about that soon.

Theda's Third Birthday

2009-05-15T09:25:00.000-07:00

Theda celebrated her third birthday on May 12, 2009. To celebrate, we bought a doggie birthday cake from a wonderful dog bakery called Chateaux Animaux (http://www.chateau-animaux.com/)

As you can see from the pictures on the right , Theda has a great time eating the cake :)

Cherry Blossom Time in DC

2009-04-05T18:22:00.000-07:00

Recertification

2009-03-29T09:22:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Sam and his dad took me to Tyson's Mall for our very first recertification test. Sam's dad was nervous but I did so well - even when Lauren through some food on the ground, right in front of me. I was tempted but knew not to even look at it - even though I really wanted to eat :). The rest of the test was a breeze and I'm glad I remembered so much from training. It was a pleasure to meet so many other CCI dogs - especially the famous Mercer. Maybe one day I can write a book too.

Oh What fun

2009-02-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we went to New York to visit Sam's grandma. I also got to go to visit the new CCI center for the first time. It was like a spa - much better than Farmingdale. Sam's dad, Sam and I also spoke to the class that was training. I am sure they are having a lot of fun. I know I did. Check out the pictures of me in the graduate yard and also on the beach.

Sorry I have not posted....

2009-02-08T16:26:00.000-08:00

but with all this cold weather, there has not been too much to report. This weekend the weather has been fantastic and Sam and his dad took me for a LONG walk while Sam rode for 2 hours. Then they took me for a bath so now I smell nice and clean.

We are going to visit Sam's grandma in NY next week as Sam's Grandpa passed away recently. Maybe, we'll get a chance to visit CCI and I can get to run around with some dogs in training.

Theda and Sam meet the Caps

2008-12-11T15:48:00.000-08:00

As you know, Sam likes to play hockey and last night, we received some tickets for the Bruins-Caps game. First, the Caps won. Then we went down to the locker room to meet Mike Green and Sergei Federov. Sam and I both had our pictures taken with them and Mike even signed my CCI vest. We were supposed to meet Ovechkin but he was having treatment, so we met Federov instead. I have to say these Caps players are very nice. I wonder if I can learn to play hockey like them - and Sam :). Thanks to Randy and the Cool Cats and the Caps for giving me and Sam this opportunity.

Sam goes horseback riding

2008-10-12T07:45:00.000-07:00

Sam loves to ride horses and this weekend he took part in the TRAV horseshow in Lexington VA. He came in second in the show ring where he showed off his horsemanship skills and first in his class in the pole bending class. It was great fun - and I love those horses too.

Cool Collage of Sam's and Theda's day fishing

2008-09-08T19:56:00.001-07:00

CAST for kids fishing

2008-09-07T17:26:00.000-07:00

Today, Sam and his dad - and of course me- went to a wonderful day of fishing put together by Ken, Sarah, and a wondeful orgnaization called CAST for kids at one of the state parks in VA. We had a wonderful time - and I especially enjoyed going on the boat with Captain Charlie. Sam caught three fish. Charlie was a little nervous of me as he explained he was a former U.S. Postal worker who had not had the best experiences with dogs. But Sam's dad told him I was a CCI dog and he was impressed with how calm I was. Charlie is a relly great fisherman and he helped Sam get the most from the ay. Thanks to all for such a wonderful day. See you next year.

A swim party

2008-09-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

Sam's dad took me to the old town swim party. Lots of fun in the water - except I split open my front paw and ended up at the vet with a bandage. But I am much better now.

Long Car journey

2008-08-25T16:15:00.000-07:00

It was a long ride to and from South Carolina and Georgia - but I had plenty of room :)

Three Dog Bakery

2008-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite places to visit was the Three Dog Bakery where I was treated to a couple of special treats by Sam and his dad. I love this bakery - full of wonderfully, healthy dog treats. Not sure what Lisa my dog trainer would say of this place - but I liked it anyway :).

Charelston Trip

2008-08-25T16:08:00.000-07:00

We just went on my first family vacation where we visited South Carolina. It was a long journey. I loved walking with Sam and his family around the streets. Lots of fun things to do.

My doggie Pals

2008-08-02T16:36:00.000-07:00

There are many great dogs where I live - but my favorite dogs to play with are Barnaby - a wonderful labradoodle and Ellie who looks just like me. We see each other early in the morning and some days I go on a playdate to their backyard to run and play. I tire Barnaby out. It's great fun.

Dave

2008-07-20T04:32:00.000-07:00

On Friday evening, Sam's dad took me to a memorial celebration for Dave - one of CCI's most incredible puppy raisers. Sam was going to come too but he was a little tired so I went with Sam's dad.

We saw Jan - Dave's wife - and Eric his son as well as many wonderful puppy raisers and other graduate teams. It was a nice celebration and it was good to meet so many wonderful people who help make CCI the family that it is.

Best of all, I got to see L.A. from the N.E. center. Boy, when I saw L.A., I sat up and was on my BEST responsive behavior. It was great to see you L.A. - and I think it was so nice you came all the way from N.Y. for the memorial service. CCI is indeed a family and I think your coming down showed how much the puppy raisers mean to CCI.

I only wish I had met Dave more often. He seemed like such a great person and I think there are many of us CCI dogs who owe him and Jan a big warm thank you for all they have done for us.

Alexandria Birthday Party

2008-07-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

I had a lot of fun this weekend. We went to the river front for Alexandria's birthday party and met lots of interesting people. Check out the pictures of Sam and his sister and of me enjoying the evening sunset. We left before the 1812 overture and the fireworks though as Sam's dad did not want me to be scared as I do not like fireworks. Hope everyone had a good weekend.

We did hear though that one of the great CCI puppy raisers (Dave) passed away on Friday after a long illness. I went with Sam and his Dad to see Dave and Jan a few weeks ago and I had a blast running around with lots of

dogs at their house in VA. Dave was one of the best and he and Jan have done so much for CCI over the years. Without PR's like Jan and Dave there would be no CCI dogs so I know I speak on behalf of all CCI grads that we send our love and thoughts to Jan at this difficult time. Dave - we will all miss you.

Screech and me

2008-07-11T18:47:00.000-07:00

I went to the Nationals game on Thursday and though the game result was not so good, Screech came up to see Sam and me during the game. Sam loves Screech the mascot as you can see in the picture on the left. At first, I was scared of Screech (truth be told, I thought he was dinner !!), but now I can see why he is the best mascot. I even posed for a picture with him and earlier on I even got to catch a soft baseball from Clint who does many of the fan competitions. I love going to Nats games with Sam and everyone in the stadium makes Sam and me feel welcome. Let's go Nats.

Some great photos from July 4

2008-07-11T18:41:00.000-07:00

Here are some more photos from Delray on July 4 courtesy of one of the best photographers in Alexandria - Louise Kraft. Visit her site at http://www.photojumper.com/krafft2/vfpcgi.exe?IDCFile=PHOTLOGI.IDC for more details on Louise - I love these photos of me and Sam

Bath time

2008-07-06T10:30:00.000-07:00

Sam and his family gave me a bath this afternoon. Sam and I had a blast in the play pool and then they gave me a nice shampoo so I smell nice and clean. It was lots of fun. I especially like trying to drink the water from the hose :).

July 4

2008-07-06T07:21:00.000-07:00

I have had a VERY busy weekend. First, Sam and I walked in the Autism Speaks 1 mile walk on July 4. It was a lot of fun and lots of people stopped by to say hi. Then we went to a July 4 celebration in Delray - but we missed the best dogs parade. I am sure I would have won. We also went for lots of long walks in the neighborhood and I was wearing my new U.S.A. scarf which Sam's dad bought for me from Emma and Co. How patriotic was I.?

Hope you all had a great July 4.

End of Season Hockey Party

2008-07-02T04:06:00.000-07:00

Sunday was the end of season party for Sam's hockey team - we also had a cool birthday cake to help celebrate Sam's birthday. Sam liked his birthday cake. But Sam's dad would not give me any :(

Farmers Market

2008-06-28T09:39:00.000-07:00

This morning Sam's dad took me to the Alexandria Farmer's market where we saw Jan who has a stand at the market. She sells all sorts of good stuff including doggie treats, which are very healthy. Sam's dad bought a doggies scarf for me as well as some of the wonderful treats, which help benefit CCI. I think you should all order something from Jan as she is AMAZING. Check out http://www.emma-co.com/ for some cool gifts for your dog.

Also, Jan's husband Dave is in hospital undergoing treatment. I know Sam's family is thinking about him and how wonderful he and Jane. Please think about Dave and Jan.

Screech and my birthday

2008-06-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

As part of Sam's birthday gift, his dad took Sam and me to see the Nationals play the Orioles. We had fun as usual but what was special was that one of the incredible Nationals staff, by the name of Lauren, arranged for Screech, the Nationals Mascot, to stop by and wish Sam a happy birthday. Sam loves Screech but he was tired by the time Screech dropped in - hence he looks a little tired in the picture. I like Screech - and Screech liked me, though I was a little nervous of him - or maybe because I like to chase birds :). Thanks to the Nationals for making Sam's day - and a special, special thanks to Screech for being the best mascot in sports.

Sam's Birthday

2008-06-28T09:23:00.000-07:00

June 27 was Sam's birthday. Sam went to camp and then he came home and we had birthday cake. Guess who was on the cake? Sam is now 12. Check out the happy pictures on the left of Sam and me and the cake

My sister

2008-06-27T10:55:00.000-07:00

I have 13 siblings - and today one of them - or rather her SC team- wrote to Sam's dad. My sister's name is Trieste and she is working with a wonderful young lady called Annie in California. Isn't CCI amazing? I am near Washington D.C. and Trieste is in the Golden State. I think Trieste looks just like me. Thanks to Annie's mom for sending the picture below. Hope we can stay in touch.

Typical Day

2008-06-26T06:18:00.000-07:00

So what is my typical day like. Sam wakes up early and I follow him and try to wake up David. Not easy but normally he realizes its time to get up and take me and Sam for a walk. We do our morning walk around the neighborhood and I get to do my business - if you know what I mean. Then we come back home and Sam, with a little help from his dad, gets my breakfast ready. Sam puts it down and gives me the OK to eat. Did i tell you I love my food? Then I relax with Sam till he goes off to camp and I then go to my crate and take long naps. Normally, Emma or Sam's mom are home first and they take me out for a 'business' visit and then I wait for Sam to come home. I love it when he comes home. We hang out together and Sam then gives me my dinner. Then, with Sam's dad we go for a long walk and end up in the backyard where Sam and his dad brush me. brush my teeth and I get to play my favorite game of all FETCH THE BALL. Then, Sam and I cuddle up on his bed and go to sleep. Of course, weekends are much more fun and more about them each week.

Got to go nap :)

Oh what a dog's life it is

2008-06-22T14:34:00.000-07:00

Today I went out to the countryside to visit an INCREDIBLE couple named Jan and Dave. They are puppy raisers for CCI and have raised many, many pups. Some of the pups have graduated - but some did not and some of them came to visit and play with me today. I had a blast. Jan and Dave and their friends are so cool. They do so much for CCI and it was fun to be able to visit them and to have some dog time. Check me out in the middle of the pack and the slideshow on the right of the page. Jan and Dave have such a big yard to play in. I am exhausted.

NOVA Cool Cats Bike Ride

2008-06-22T14:09:00.000-07:00

Today was a special day. Sam LOVES to play hockey with the Nova Cool Cats and today they held a motor bike ride through the countryside of Virginia. We joined the bikers for breakfast - and Sam sat on Wally's bike. He also enjoyed some great pancakes - wish I could have tried them :(. Check me out with Sam in front of the bikes. Thanks
to all the great bikers for coming out and supporting the amazing Cool Cats.

My dog family

2008-06-21T01:38:00.001-07:00

Sam's dad has been in touch with the breeder/caretaker named Emily who looked after me from the time I was born till I was 8 weeks old and went to live with my puppy raisers. Emily is an incredible person who helps bring us CCI pups into this world. She lives in California so she can be near the CCI head office and she must have one busy house every time us pups are born. Above are some pictures of me and my litter mates and my mom Beth. Apparently I was designated with blue as my color so see if you can pick me out :). Thanks Emily for bringing me into this world and for setting me on the road to being a CCI dog.

UCP

2008-06-19T18:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I attended my first event - a conference for UCP in Washington DC. I got to see Jessica, the amazing applicant coordinator for CCI, who Sam loves and also got to meet many wonderful puppy raisers and other pups in training. I loved meeting Wheeler. Check out the pictures of me and Sam in front of the CCI table.

Beach Weekend

2008-06-17T12:23:00.000-07:00

Sam and his dad took me to the beach this weekend. What fun we had. We went for long walks on the beach every morning and evening and hung out on n the boardwalk in Bethany every evening. Dogs are not allowed on the beach or boardwalk but as I am an assistance dog, I was allowed to. People thought I was so well behaved- which of course I am, because I am CCI trained.

A real hero

2008-06-11T13:36:00.000-07:00

Please help support an INCREDIBLE man by the name of Doug Levy who is cycling 3000 miles across America to raise money for CCI. Talk about a real hero. Visit his blog at http://raam2008douglevy.wordpress.com/about/ for more information and if you are near D.C. and Annapolis come out and greet him on his arrival. I plan to try and be there so you can get to meet me too :).

Team Training

2008-06-09T13:38:00.000-07:00

Well now that I have been Sam for a few weeks, I can talk a little about team training. Team training is when we dogs get matched with the participant who needs us. It is 2 weeks of hard, hard work, where David and Sam had to learn how to handle me. The instructors are pretty tough - but they want to make sure we canines are going to be able to do the work we are trained to do. At the end, we had to take a test. It was OK, except when they threw food under the table at me, and I had to ignore it. I love my food, but Sam only gives me what CCI tells them to give so I have to try and give the "Labrador" look to ask for more. Unfortunately, David and Sam ignore my longing looks. I guess it is OK as I am nice and fit.

At the end of the 2 weeks, we have graduation and Crystal and Judy came back and gave me to Sam. It was pretty emotional for all concerned but the ceremony makes all the work worthwhile. Check out the graduation slide show at the bottom of the blog.

Frosty Paws

2008-06-08T07:28:00.000-07:00

Boy is it hot. Sam gave me a special ice cream for dogs called Frosty Paws. Even better some of the money that is spent on Frosty Paws is given to CCI. I love Frosty Paws. Can I have another one Sam?

Theda and Pebbles

2008-06-08T07:22:00.000-07:00

As can be seen from the pictures on the left, I am not the only animal in the household. There is a cat called Pebbles. I have been very well trained as I do not run after Pebbles. She treats me with disdain - but she is beginning to warm up to me as can be seen by the pictures on the left. I did manage to eat her food one time - but now David
makes sure I do not sneak any of her food. Most unfortunate :(

Theda loves to play fetch with Sam

2008-06-08T07:18:00.000-07:00

I love to play fetch with Sam in the backyard. He throws the tennis ball and I run after it or even catch it in my mouth. David says I should be playing for the Nationals but I think I would have problems hitting the ball.

My trainer

2008-06-04T12:08:00.000-07:00

From the age of 18 months till I turned 2, I attended advanced training at CCI North East headquarters with a team of wonderful trainers led by Ellen and L.A. L.A., Flora, Lauren and Lisa all helped us turn into CCI graduates. But my heart is with Lisa because she was my main trainer. Check out her picture with me above.

Lisa is also one of the trainers who works with the humans who are partnered with us canines. She is very funny when she works with humans and was always reminding Sam's dad to correct and praise me. I think he finally got it - but he is not as good as Lisa or LA when it comes to correcting me. Thanks Lisa for turning me into a CCI dog.

My puppy raiser

2008-06-03T18:22:00.000-07:00

From the age of 8 weeks till I matriculated at 18 months, I lived in PA with my puppy raisers Crystal and Judy. Words cannot express how much love and affection I have for these 2 selfless individuals. When I got to meet them at the graduation ceremony with Sam, I realized how much they had both given me. Crystal had undertaken to raise me as a high school project and her care and attention gave me a good basis for advanced training. There would be no CCI dogs without the puppy raisers and I know Sam and his dad will always be grateful to Crystal and Judy. I hope I get to see them again - Sam's dad promises I will. And Crystal: I love the duck and bone you gave to Sam at graduation.

Public Hearing

2008-06-03T13:58:00.000-07:00

I attended my first public hearing yesterday evening on Virginia's special education regulations at Oakton High School. It was great to meet so many supporters of children with disabilties. Everyone was very friendly and I even got to meet another service dog. Mind you - what a lot of speeches :). I helped keep Sam calm during the long speeches.

Please support kids with disabilties and their parents. Send comments to the Virginia Department of Education on why it is important to preserve rights for parents and children in the Virginia Regulations. Check out the incredible Arc of Virginia for more information on how to comment http://capwiz.com/arcofva/issues/alert/?alertid=11371526&queueid=[capwiz:queue_id]

What a day

2008-06-01T17:44:00.000-07:00

Had a busy day today. Went for a hike with Sam and his dad on Roosevelt Island. Lots of interesting critters to see but Sam's dad kept me in check. The best thing was one of the other kids had a Lab/retriever mix called Bernie. Lots of fun as we sniffed each other out and walked around the island together. Bernie's caretaker said he was well behaved - must be because I was around :)).

Then we went to the hockey rink and met some more of Sam's teammates. It is amazing - many of them are apparently scared of us but they like me. Must be because I am so well behaved and CCI-trained :).

Since Team Training

2008-05-31T18:02:00.000-07:00

Team training was hard - I will write about that later. But since then, I have become a part of Sam's family. They take me everywhere: from a Nationals baseball game to the movies; from restaurants to Starbucks. Everywhere Sam goes, I go. Sam's dad even took me after school to meet Sam's friends at school. That was fun. Then we went to Kennedy Krieger and I was a star attraction with the nurses and the other kids and especially with Sam's incredible doctor Z.

Sam gets up early most days and he and his dad take me for long walks before Sam goes to school. And it is Sam who measures out my food and gives me the command to eat. I love to eat but Sam and his dad make sure I only eat what I am supposed to.

Every night Sam's dad makes me practice some commands so I don't forget them - and then I end up in the back yard with Sam and his dad, playing my favorite game - fetch - with a squeaky tennis ball. Oh what fun that is. I love to play fetch.

OK, off to bed with Sam. I love to snuggle next to him and keep him company.

Welcome

2008-05-30T13:45:00.001-07:00

Hi

I am Theda. I am a Companion Canine for my pal Sam. I recently graduated with Sam at Canine Companions for Independence North East Regional Center in New York. This is my blog which I am writing with the help of Sam's dad. Please visit www.cci.org for more details on the incredible organization which raised me and paired me with my new pal Sam.