Today was sadly the second to last day of camp. When the campers arrived, they ran their dogs up and down the grass strip to get them ready for their big field trip today!
 
After the dogs were tired out, the campers packed their bags and loaded onto the bus. 
 
Today, the campers went to Lake Mills to kayak and explore the trails with their dogs. 
 
Before kayaking, Mari from Canine Companions for Independence came to talk to the campers. She described her experiences training dogs to help people who are deaf or hard of hearing. 
 
Mari talked about the breeding program at CCI, and the dogs’ journey from puppy raiser...to everyday training sessions...to their handlers, when they are about two years old. 
 
She talked about how one time she had 17 dogs to train! Right now, she has 8 dogs, but because some have kennel cough, she was not able to bring them. 
 
Mari shared all the places she takes the dogs to help them train in real world experiences. She also talked about her puppy that she adopted from Doglando Foundation!
 
Then, it was time to board the kayaks. The campers all loaded up and began kayaking around the lake.
 
It was a very nice day and the dogs enjoyed the breeze and laid down in their kayaks. 

After about an hour of kayaking, the campers came back and took their dogs on a trail through the forest.

The dogs were happy to stretch their legs and explore their surroundings.

Then, they rested by the picnic tables while the campers had a snack.

Before leaving, the dogs went on one more walk around the park, and it was time to head out.

For lunch, the campers had some delicious tacos at Barrios. The dogs took this opportunity to take a nice long nap and enjoy the rays of the sun.

Back at Doglando, campers moved the dog crates into a line in the back barn and folded up the tables. They also bleached and blew out the barn, so it was clean for their sleepover tonight.

Then the campers headed home to take showers and pack for their fun night tonight!

To celebrate their last night together with the dogs and their fellow campers, they will be going to dinner at Yummy Taste, then have a sleepover in the barn at Doglando.

Tomorrow is Session 1 Graduation at 4pm, and we hope to see you there!

-Sofia