No poop but no fun

Every few months or so, the local chapter of Canine Companions for Independence gets together to recognize the puppy-raisers who are turning in pups.

Puppy-raisers and turning-in are pretty much just what they sound like: The puppy-raisers raise the dogs from 12 weeks to about 16 months teaching them basic dog obedience and good manners. Then the puppy-raisers turn the dogs in to the regional office of CCI, which works with them until they graduate or leave the program.

I am not going to the lunch on Saturday, and I feel a little guilty. I try to go to the turn-in lunches because it is important to me to acknowledge the great gifts the puppy-raisers have given graduates like me.

I am still astounded by the treasure that Claren's puppy-raisers and CCI gave me 6 and a half years ago. There is no part of my life that has not been sharply improved by having Claren in my life and at my side. (Well, except I have to pick up poop now and have yellow hair on every piece of clothing I own.)

I don't know what I'd do without the dog who dislikes speaking unless we are playing fetch, who -- when I release her to say hi to our co-workers -- ungracefully flops down on to her back so they'll rub her belly, who loves me pretty much unconditionally.

I don't care to imagine my life without Claren -- dreary would be one word for it -- and I know that puppy-raisers are the ones who made the magic of Claren possible. Thanks.