FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Chris and the Girls Have a New Addition 

Lynnwood, WA

December 2002  -- Chris, Denise, and Janine brought home an 11 pound bouncing baby puppy.  She is 8 weeks old, weighs 11 pounds. Mom is a golden retriever, Dad is a black lab. They are raising her for the next 14-16 months for Canine Companions for Independence. They will go to Kindergarten puppy classes weekly for the next three months, then every other week after that. She will "graduate" in Feb or May of 2004 then go back to San Francisco for more extensive training for 6-9 months then be placed with her lifelong human. Surely they will cry when that time comes - she has only been with them for two days and has already stolen their hearts.

This whole process began with Janine who has wanted a dog since she could say the word. Chris was not a "dog-person" and did not intend to become one - ever. Chris made the mistake of watching the movie "My Dog Skip" a couple of years ago and when the girls both ganged up on her in September about getting a dog, well.........  A tax client of Chris' has raised dogs for CCI for a number of years.  Chris contacted her and has been in the application process since October. Since they had never had a dog, of course they had and still have many questions but they think they can provide a lot of love and nurturing for Kierra and receive much in return.

There is only a 30% chance that Kierra will be placed with a lifelong human.  CCI has an excellent breeding program and extremely high standards for lifetime placement. In the event she is not placed, she will be offered back to Chris and the girls.  If they say no, she can be offered to a friend or family member and if that does not work out, CCI has a closed waiting list of people that recognize the value of the dog and wonderful training that has gone on. 

Check out Kierra and the girls.