Theda just turned 14.  Unfortunately she has developed cancer and it is almost time for her to cross the rainbow bridge.  I will update the site shortly with a movie of Theda’s life.  I have been unable to update the blog recently but theda worked until a couple of years ago when she earned retirement. She has been a faithful companion to my son and we will all miss her terribly

Theda update

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

It's been a busy summer

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

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

Recertification

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

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....

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

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

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

CAST for kids fishing

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

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

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

Three Dog Bakery

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

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

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

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

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

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.