March 21, 2008

Marianne was filling out my monthly puppy report recently, and she told me rather sternly that she was going to call Stu to discuss my little barking problem.

"I don't think it's a problem," I said. "I can stop anytime I want to."

"It IS a problem," Marianne scolded me. "It's not your job and you need to stop NOW, or I'm enrolling you in a 12-step program for Barkers Anonymous."

Jeepers. I changed the subject, hoping to divert her. "Who is Stu?"

"Stu Wahrenbrock is the Southwest Regional Puppy Program Manager. He keeps track of all the puppy raisers and puppies in our region, which includes Arizona, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Southern California, Southern Nevada and Hawaii."

"Yow, that's a lot of people and puppies!" I yelped. "He must be really busy. I bet he doesn't have time to worry about a little barking."

I thought about it for a minute. "Hey, does that mean he's your BOSS?" I couldn't help it; I actually snickered.

"Well, yes, it does," Marianne admitted. "He's the person who decides if we can raise another puppy, and he holds us accountable for the current puppy -- which would be YOU. I don't know why you find that so amusing."

I dunno, I guess I was just glad to find out that someone gets to boss Marianne around, since she's always telling me what to do. And not do. Like barking. Bother.

Anyhow, I decided I wanted to talk to Stu and find out more about him and his job.

PARKER: Hey, Stu. What brought you to CCI?

STU: I saw a 9-week-old CCI puppy at work, talked with the Puppy Raiser and became committed to the program.

PARKER: Wow, that must have been some puppy to make that kind of first impression. Possibly he almost as cute as I was at nine weeks. What interested you about the position of puppy program manager?

STU: I feel that the CCI program really begins with the puppies and the Puppy Raisers. Without their love and commitment we wouldn't be able to perform the miracles that we do. In this position I am able to directly help place puppies with raisers.

PARKER: Yup, it's all about the puppies, at least in my opinion. How many puppy raisers are in your region? How do you keep everyone straight?

STU: We have about 225 Puppy Raisers in the Southwest Region. It can sometimes be tough to remember everyone, but each one has an individual personality and over time you get to know them by their commitment to the program.

PARKER: I know that sometimes Puppy Raisers want a puppy from a particular litter if they raised the mom or dad. Do they drive you crazy with questions and/or special requests?

STU: Not really. I know that every one of our Puppy Raisers is focused on the same objective, and so we all have to keep things in perspective. Whenever possible, I try to deal with special requests and answer questions as fully and honestly as possible. When I can't grant a request, I try to be sure and give an answer as to why. Usually, people understand.

PARKER: How do you know which puppies go where? How on earth do you keep track of everyone?!

STU: A number of our puppies are named to honor donors or supporters of CCI. When that is the case, I try to place those puppies close to where the donor or supporter lives. In other situations we place puppies where we have available Puppy Raisers. We have a very complete database that helps, but I'm still learning.

PARKER: Hey, that's pretty cool about honoring the donors and supporters. Maybe I was named for a donor! What is your favorite part of your job?

STU: When I can watch Puppy Raisers see their new CCI puppies for the first time. It is really a special moment.

PARKER: Awww, I bet that is amazing. Marianne says she vividly remembers the first time she saw each of her pups, and she says it's wonderful every single time. What's the hardest part of your job?

STU: Having to call Puppy Raisers to tell them that the puppies they raised are being released from the program. I always try to provide complete and honest information, but I know that it is an emotional time.

PARKER: Um....yeah. Marianne told me the puppy raisers refer to it as THE CALL, and she's experienced it three times. I gather there were some tears each time, and in one case actual sobbing on her end of the phone. I guess I better work hard at Advanced Training so she doesn't get THE CALL from you about me! What is your biggest challenge?

STU: Continuing to find good Puppy Raisers.

PARKER: Hey, maybe someone reading my DogBlog will be interested! I'll include the information at the end so they can call CCI if they want more information. What was your biggest surprise about working for CCI?

STU: I knew that the volunteers were at the heart of making CCI work, but I am continually amazed at all they will do for the organization. So many of our volunteers are very successful in their own professions but will "drop everything" if a major CCI need arises.

PARKER: OK Stu, here's the 64,000 kibble question: When are you going to raise a CCI puppy?

STU: Time will tell. I have two golden retrievers now and I'm still trying to learn this job. I do foster-sit CCI puppies when the need arises.

PARKER: Is there anything else you'd like to tell me?

STU: CCI is a great organization filled with incredible people, both staff and volunteers. Everyone seems to know why we're here, and they are committed to the mission.

PARKER: I couldn't have said it better myself.

Chow for now!

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or how to become a puppy raiser? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to www.cci.org for details.

Questions or comments for Parker? Send them to Call7ForHelp@TheDenverChannel.com.