C5

Cinder turned five months old on Friday and the entire OccuPaws organization celebrated. We had a pizza party with cake and balloons. Well that's what we told Cinder. The celebration was actually the graduation ceremony for our first two children's companion dogs, Bodie and Moby. It was a great opportunity to remind everyone of the true purpose of our blood, sweat, and tears.

It is truly an amazing example of the difference that these dogs make in the lives of their visually impaired handlers. Two shy, fearful, and often panic stricked boys have been transformed into confident, outgoing, and humorous boys. Every time you see the team working together it brings a smile to your face and a tear to your eye.

The celebration obviously included the family and their dogs, but it was also an opportunity to show appreciation for the breeders, puppy raisers, and trainers. Here is Moby with his proud "mom", puppy raiser Tina.

It takes a pack to raise a guide dog.

Hopefully our charge, Cinder, was inspired to someday have a job. She did very good reacting with the mass of humans and canines.

After "her party", we forced her to make another trip to the grocery store. Since it was late, we were able to took a few photos.