___________________
In late August I
found myself attending the 2013 Volunteer Leadership Conference at Canine
Companions' National Headquarters in Santa Rosa, California. I am not a
"meeting person" at all, so to be attending a 2 1/2 day conference
was stepping way out of my comfort zone...BIG TIME. The trip was an early
birthday gift from my daughter and her family and although so thoughtful,
I was already having doubts about sitting for long stretches of
time, being bored out of mind. It's not that I didn't want to attend, I
just wanted to be there on my own terms. I wanted to see the campus, see dogs
and meet people I'd read posts from on e-mails and blogs. I wanted to
find "relatives" of the "W" litter (Jolee/Luca) and I
wanted to be with folks who loved dogs and this program as much as I
do. I wanted to share the excitement I get when picking up a new
puppy, doing an outreach presentation or filling out my monthly Progress
Report........okay, maybe not that last one. I guess I went to California to
see where I fit into this big jig-saw puzzle they call Canine Companions
for Independence.
I am a Puppy Raiser
first and foremost. My purpose for being in this program is to hopefully,
someday, be able to pass my dog's leash into the hands of someone
who really needs her and will be her partner through thick and thin. I want
to know that I truly helped someone live a more independent life. I
can do this by raising puppies; so why the conference? why suffer with TB
(tired butt) and the fact that after sitting for awhile I can't straighten
myself up and walk in a straight line? As the conference unfurled, these
questions faded and I found myself engaged in just about every aspect the
conference had to offer.
In my opinion,
conferences and guest speakers are one and the same.However, the
keynote speakers at this year's Leadership Conference, Colonel Christopher
Conlin, USMC (Ret) and Robert James (also retired military) were charismatic
and engaging and made one feel that anyone could be an inspiring leader, if
they would adhere to some basic common courtesies. Graduate speaker,
Captain James Van Thach (Ret) with Service Dog, Liz, is a tireless
supporter of the Wounded Veterans Initiative,who travels exstensively
speaking to other wounded veterans about the difference an assistance
dog can make in their lives. Speakers from the corporate sector were
also on hand to promote Canine Companions' signature national event,
"DogFest" and gave information as to how to get involved in this
endeavor. The "Breakout Sessions" were a favorite and included, a
walking course of the Santa Rosa Campus, a Hearing Dog Demo, a session on
"disability etiquette", a "yard sale" of sorts with
great bargains from the gift shop, and ways to "breathe new life into
your chapter". This year's conference definitely offered
"something for everyone".
So how about meeting
those people raising Wiita's littermates and sharing the excitement with those
who get just as teary as I do when talking about Canine Companions? Yep, that
was included, too. Wiita is from a litter of 10 and I met Wilda (YF) and Wistar
(BF), both being raised in the NW Region. I was able to put "doggie
names" to breeder faces; "Tatum", "Jubilee"
and "Sabina" and even met the lady who sells Gentle Leaders, Terry
Laundon, from Virginia (a co-raiser to "Wiggles", sister to our very
own, "Wallis"). I also realized that our chapter is no different
when it comes to member retention and involvement, concerns of "all
regions being on the same page", and the never ending "what if"
questions. We're all in this together; raising puppies for people with
disabilities, trying to find our way through the mire, that at times, gets us
down and holds us back. Each of us in our own way is making a difference. We
can't forget that. "Special people raising special
puppies".......that's us......we're Puppy Raisers first and
foremost.
This all being said,
would I go again? Absolutely. Only this time, I want YOU to go, too. Start
saving your spare change and start looking for affordable air fares and
lodging. August 2014 will be here before we know it. I would love to
have a large delegation from the state of Utah. It would be AWESOME! Let's make
it a plan!
Marilyn & Wiita
