May 4, 2007

Dear Labby, I'm going to CCI College in Oceanside, California next weekend. I'm nervous! What will it be like? Who will be my trainer? I'm afraid I won't get hugged and petted like I do now. Help! Signed, Phearful Phlox

Dear Phloxie, You're going to LOVE college, I promise! You'll make lots of new friends, and your sister Perrin will be there too. Maybe you'll get to be roommates! Your dorm room will be very nice, with heated floors, a skylight, and classical music. I don't know who your trainer will be, but rest assured that he or she will love you every bit as much as your puppy raisers. You'll still get cuddle time every day, frequent play time in the yard with your classmates, and lots of attention from the rest of the staff. Hugs are as much a part of your training day as lessons. Have fun! Love, Labby

Dear Labby, I'm a laid-back kind of dog. Some days I want to work, and others I want to sleep in. Will CCI College be too demanding for me? Will the trainer let me sleep in? I'm afraid the commands will be too hard for me to learn. Chow for now, Hudson

Dear Hudson, Never fear, you'll get plenty of rest at College. Each trainer has six or seven other dogs on his or her "string." While the trainer is working with one dog, the rest can nap in crates in the training room. You may find you're more interested in watching your classmates than napping, because you're going to be learning cool stuff like how to open doors, turn on lights, and retrieve all kinds of things. And no, College will not be too hard for you, silly boy. Love, Labby

Dear Labby, How long is College? What if I don't like it or decide that I don't want to be a working dog? Was Thomas Wolfe wrong -- can I go home again? Signed, "Super P" Perrin

Dear Perrin, I think you really ought to give it the old college try (sorry, I couldn't resist) for at least the first semester. College is usually two or three semesters (six to nine months). You may find that you really like working and can't wait to be matched to your forever partner. One of the best things about CCI is that they understand that some dogs don't want to work, they want to be beloved pets. And that's OK, because it means that the dogs who graduate really love their jobs. So, it's all up to you. If you decide you want to be a CCI graduate dog, then pay attention in class, mind your trainer, and do your best. If you decide it's not right for you, let your trainer know and you'll be released from the program and become a "change of career" dog. Either way, you'll be someone's best friend! Love, Labby

Dear Labby, I'm very excited about College and I think I will do well. I'm not sure what my major will be. What if I pick the wrong one or want to change my mind? Can you help me decide? Signed, Major Madeleine

Dear Madeleine, You don't need to worry about this! Your trainer will work with you and help you decide what your major will be. You might be a Service Dog and open doors, turn on lights, retrieve dropped items, and perhaps even pull a wheelchair. Or you might become a Skilled Companion and help with physical tasks and emotional bonding. Your trainer might decide you'd be best as a Facility Dog, helping someone like a teacher or therapist at work. You might even be suited as a Hearing Dog and let your partner know when the phone rings, the baby cries, or other noises. Your trainer will help you pick the best job for your skills. Good luck and send me an invitation to your graduation, OK? Love, Labby

Dear Labby, I've been told I might be picked for the Breeding Program. What the heck does that mean? I was all set to learn cool stuff at college, like how to fetch sodas from the frig and help with the laundry. Signed, Not-Sure-I'm-Ready-For-Motherhood Haji

Dear Haji, Wow - what an honor! CCI has its own breeding program, and only the best of the best, the cream of the crop, are selected as breeders. In that case you'd go live with a Breeder Caretaker near Santa Rosa, Calif. Breeder girls usually have four or five litters of puppies in their careers. Puppies are turned in to the National CCI Campus in Santa Rosa when they're only 8 weeks old, and the puppies go to live with puppy raisers all over the country. Just think how many people you might help through your wonderful children! Send me lots of pictures, and make sure at least one of your pups comes to Denver so I can play with it. Love, Labby

Next week: Hudson says goodbye!