DENVER -- May 29, 2008

Big excitement around here.

Marianne received a phone call last week from the SW CCI puppy program manager regarding the arrival of puppy #6 on July 11. I get to be an Assistant Puppy Raiser for a little while!

We know that his mom is named Jennifer and dad is Weldin. There are seven puppies in the litter: four girls and three boys. We're getting one of the boys.

We don't know his name yet. See, CCI names all the pups in a litter with the same first letter and this is a K litter, the so-called Special Ks.

(Huh. I guess my litter was the Perfect Ps. HA!)

Anyhow, CCI has a Naming Fairy who chooses the names for the pups. She accepts input from the breeder caretakers (of the breeder mom and dad) and others, but she has ultimate say on the names. Names of CCI dogs are not used more than once, unless the currently-named dog retires, is released from the program, or (UGH) dies. I am Parker II, meaning Parker I is no longer in the CCI program. Often names are used to honor donors, volunteers, supporters, etc.

Marianne has been humming some Beatles song about Mr. Kite, something about "Mr. K. will challenge the world!" and "Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound," which, according to Marianne, means he's not going to be a loud opinionated boy like me. She wishes.

Not that anyone asked me, but I've been thinking of K names.

Mr. Kite, of course.

Katmandu. (Just because I like the sound of it. Oh, and the idea of Marianne calling "Here Kat," and confusing the kitties.)

Koontz. (For Dean, Gerda and Trixie Koontz, CCI supporters for whom the SW campus is named!)

Kibble. (FOOD....yum.)

Klinger. (We watch a lot of M*A*S*H reruns around here.)

Kangaroo. (Boing! Boing! Boing!)

King. (What boy dog doesn't want to be named King?)

Kelpie. (Mischievous water spirit; it would serve Marianne right.)

Klaxon (Loud horn. HAHAHAHA.)

Knickknack (Paddywack. Give the dog a bone.)

Ah, well. Soon enough we'll find out the new puppy's name. In the meantime, here are the lyrics (with thanks to Lennon and McCartney) so you can sing along with us:

Being For The Benefit Of Mr. Kite

For the benefit of Mr. Kite

There will be a show tonight on trampoline.

The Hendersons will all be there

Late of Pablo-Fanques Fair.

What a scene!

Over men and horses, hoops and garters,

Lastly through a hogshead of real fire!

In this way Mr. K. will challenge the world!

The celebrated Mr. K.

Performs his feat on Saturday

at Bishops Gate.

The Hendersons will dance and sing

As Mr. Kite flies through the ring.

Don't be late!

Messrs. K and H. assure the public

Their production will be second to none.

And, of course, Henry The Horse dances the waltz!

The band begins at ten to six

When Mr. K. performs his tricks without a sound.

And Mr. H. will demonstrate:

Ten somersets he'll undertake on solid ground.

Having been some days in preparation

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

AND TONIGHT MR. KITE IS TOPPING THE BILL!

Chow for now!

Parker

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

Would you like more information about Canine Companions for Independence, or puppy raising? Call 1-800-572-BARK or go to CCI for details.