What happens when you combine 140 golfers, 55 volunteers, 100 donors, a pack of canine companions and 63 dog years? Why, the 9th Annual Dog Days of Summer Golf Classic of course!
You may remember my blog from a few months back about “angels with tails,” my canine colleagues who are raised and trained through Canine Companions for Independence (CCI) to assist children and adults with disabilities. I met so many new friends during my photo shoot for their upcoming golf tournament, so you can imagine how thrilled I was that September 28 had finally arrived!
Yes, just last week I attended the Dog Days of Summer tournament supporting CCI, and while they kept me from playing (something about being distracted by balls?), I still had a tail-wagging good time meeting new friends, catching up with old ones….and even cruising around in a golf cart (don’t be alarmed, driving skills are in my pet repertoire — see here). In fact, I was on a mission to find the tee box sign with my photo on it, so I headed out on a cart to tour the course. My plans went awry, however, when I came across my mug on the very first tee! Ok, I know this means I’m an important dog, but really? I was hoping to stick out my tongue and let my ears flap in the breeze (not to mention find those elusive golf balls), but I suppose I can settle for top dog.
- Does this make me famous?
After my driving detour…and a few photo ops with the Cypress HomeCare Solutions golf team… we were ready for the big announcement: over $44,000 was raised by the tournament to help CCI further its mission of providing assistance dogs to people with disabilities~ Not only was this accomplishment amazing, but so were the many inspiring stories we heard from people who have their very own CCI dog. It was especially moving to see a wounded war veteran receive the American flag that was flying on the 18th hole, and I was even honored to get a picture with his companion Hilly (she is like the Goldie Hawn of dogs, wouldn’t you say?).
- Me with my new friend Hilly
At the end of the day, I left the tournament with a new-found respect for my CCI friends. These dogs truly make a difference in the lives of the people they serve, and while I try to do the same for our clients at Cypress, I will always look up to them as my hound heroes.
