The first ingredient to raising a miracle is the “MIRACLE” – the birth of the C.C.I. puppy
The breeder caretaker (BC) catches the little miracle at birth, cares for and monitors the puppy as it grows for the first 8 weeks. The BC adds LOVE and PATIENCE in spite of sleepless nights and a lot of work.
The little miracle leaves mom and the BC to make a short trip to “The Puppy Park” where they are checked, given their first shots, a tattoo in their ear, and are prepped to fly to their puppy raiser. The ‘puppy caregivers’ add more LOVE and a hug for the send off to their new home.
Next is the Puppy Raiser (PR) who meets the little miracle, scoops it up into their arms regardless of pee or poop, and gives it a big hug and kiss. The 15 – 18 month adventure begins. The puppy learns 30+ commands, goes many places, sees many things, meets many people, and all the while learns house manners. The PR adds MORE LOVE, patience, boundaries, pride, fun, work, laughter, and tears. Then it is time to say goodbye as they leave for ‘puppy college.’
At ‘puppy college’ AKA Advance Training, the trainer takes the leash from the PR who is both excited and heartbroken at the same time. The trainer shows the puppy its ‘dorm room,’ around the campus, and introduces him or her to their new roommate. At AT the puppy becomes a dog, an assistance dog. They learn the skills needed to help their future partner. The trainer adds EVEN MORE LOVE, patience, boundaries, fun, work, a lap when they are homesick, and a job well done at the end of the work day. Now it’s time for the ‘match.’
Team Training (TT) comes next. This is where the final ingredient is added. During the two weeks of TT, the recipient of the dog learns how to care for and ‘work’ their dog. After a few days of TT, the instructors make ‘the match.’ This is where they partner the dog with their human and create the Graduate Team (GT). The process is magical. Within days the MIRACLE is performing miracles for their partner. The GT reaches new heights and begins their ‘Flight’ – the “Flight of Independence.”
Please visit the www.cci.org for more information regarding 'Raising a Miracle'