TEMPLE, Texas — For the last eight months, we've followed Journey. She's a Canine Companions for Independence puppy-in-training who lives in Temple with her puppy raiser Phil Davis.
Davis will drop Journey off at training in Irving on Wednesday where she will spend the next nine months. 6 News Anchor Leslie Draffin caught up with the pair for one more chat, before Journey’s next journey.
"It’s been one of the best experiences I’ve ever had," Davis said.
Davis has raised the Labrador Retriever mix for the last twenty months.
"It's been rewarding. It’s been a lot of fun. It’s incredible when you go to the grocery store or the box stores and people are just attracted to her. I've just thoroughly enjoyed it," Davis said.
Journey will spend the next nine months with professional trainers to learn dozens of advanced commands. For Davis, this goodbye will be bittersweet.
"So, in a way, this is like your child going off to college. I have mixed emotions. Yes, I'm a little blue. I'm going to miss her. However, I know what she's getting ready to do and the reward is going to be way worth it and to see her paired with someone in need or a facility that would be the greatest reward I could ever receive," Davis said
Davis said he would love to see her come back home to live and work in Central Texas.
"She's definitely attracted to children. I'd love to see her come back here to McLane Children's Hospital in Temple, Texas, and work with her cohort Lorenzo," he said.
But ultimately that decision will be up to CCI. Journey's expected to graduate next February and that'll be the next time Davis sees her.
"There’s gonna be some tears, no doubt. I'm very excited for her though," Davis said.
We're excited too! We’ll continue to follow Journey’s journey throughout the next few months as she continues her training and ultimately gets her new job.
For information on how you can become a volunteer puppy raiser, like Davis, visit the Canine Companions for Independence website.
