Hey everyone, it’s your girl Nala. I’ve been getting back in my rhythm here at CMC, and I’m having lots of fun. My friends teach me how to be a real lady dog, but sometimes I just want to run wild and then sleep, which is okay with them. I’m looking forward to meeting some newborn friends and maybe finding a home of my own. I’ll keep you posted. Love, Nala.

Hi everyone! Yep, it’s me, your favorite Lil Princess. Guess what?! I am a teenager now. Well two in your years, but 14 in mine! My brothers, Koa and Delta, had birthdays too! I’m learning a bunch of new stuff, but most importantly, I am learning how to be nice to new dogs. I did meet any for a while during COVID so I have been a little suspicious when I see dogs I don’t know. I am getting over it, I just need to meet more dogs, or really just take the time to get to know new dogs. I was uneasy seeing new people too, but we have had so many visitors over the last several weeks so I have gotten good at new people. If only they all brought their dogs, it would be good.

We had the Secretary of CDCR come see us a few weeks ago and she loved our program. We also had people from three different prisons come to see us. Even national politicians are sending their people to see us, so we are becoming famous I think (though I have always been famous). So I am helping my brother cope with all of the stares. Being a Princess makes you feel like a fish in a bowl sometimes, but that is the price of being Gorgeous! Well, I hope you are all safe and healthy out there and getting out more now that things are getting better. I will write to you again next month. I hope you all know how grateful I am for everything you have done out there to help us here through this last year! Love Nala

Hi, everybody! It’s your favorite lil' girl Nala! So much has happened since I talked to you last. I have learned what a water bottle is and how it is different from a pill bottle. I also learned how to pick one up and bring it to Joey without crushing it. It was hard at first because I love the crinkle it makes but I got it in no time. Then I went to get Joey the pill bottle and after that, he said he would need water if he had to take pills so I got him a full water bottle. He said he was especially proud that I put both right into his hand.

Yeah, I am the best, that is just what I do. Joey and the guys made a couple of store isles for us to practice going to the store and walking with carts and stuff. He said in a couple of days we are going to try it with bags of food on each side to see if I can mind my manners. I told him I am going to try real hard to do real good. He will probably start with yucky stuff so I am not tempted beyond my control to start with. He said it might be hard to find a bunch of stuff like that because I am a Labrador. I guess he thinks I will eat anything. Silly Joey, I won’t eat grapefruit duh!

We also had a bunch of visitors who came to see what we do and we have been getting ready for the Secretary of CDR to come next week too because she said she wants to meet us while she is here. I feel really special and honored that so many people are taking an interest in what we do here. I hope they want to make it possible for more dogs to come here and be prepared to help those who give everything to keep us all safe. Well, wish us luck, though. Joey says that preparation + opportunity = luck, so we have been getting prepared for a while. But we could always use your support and your prayers. So thank you all so much for all that you do for us in here from out there.
I will talk to you sooner than later, I love you all. Please stay healthy and safe out there and keep rooting us on as a bunch of us are getting ready to graduate from PVSP in six months or so.

Love,
Nala

Hi everyone! It’s your favorite little girl, Nala, again! We have had an awesome month here at PVSP. I have learned a few new things, like how to go get help, and how to come back to my handler in an emergency. Well almost, but I will get it because I am really smart! A bunch of people came to see us and wanted to know about what we do here. I think they were from another prison that is interested in starting their own dog program.

The guys got to share how much all of us (the dogs) mean to them, and we got to show off our skills. I got to go first because I am the lady and ladies go first. Well, Joey says because I am the smartest, but tell all my brothers because I am a lady. I executed my skills perfectly, and so did my brothers. It went very well, I hear we may have another one this week too. I will be ready. Any way we can help more dogs be able to help more veterans and first responders is awesome, and I am proud to show off if it means more programs will start at more prisons. Well, that is it from me, from here, for now! I hope you are feeling healthy and loved like I am.

Love,
Nala

Hi everyone! it’s little princess, Nala. I just wanted to send you all a quick note to say hi! I am on vacation from PVSP for a few weeks because people got sick. everything is good
though!

I have been working on my manners a lot and Joey says I will be a perfect little lady sooner than later. We took a break from working on skills but did some for fun last week. I remembered how to take off a jacket, and how to go get something the first time Joey asked me if I could do it. Those things seem to be easy for me. Now I just need to keep working on being calm around people, other dogs, and small animals. Once I get that down, I know I will graduate as a service dog. Well, stay safe and healthy and I will write again soon!

Love,
Nala

Hi everyone!

It's your favorite little princess, Nala! I hope you are all staying safe and healthy out there. Things have been good in here since no one has gotten sick. My brother Delta got hurt and I haven't seen him in a while. I have missed playing with him. He's not only my brother but he is also my best friend! I think I've been doing naughty things lately and wound up on the naughty list. Good thing it's not December!

I went on an outing with Kate and I forgot all of my manners. Joey says that some people might think I'm a wild animal. He said that's what they thought about Ol' Yeller too. I don't know who that is but he sounds like a brave guy! Joey says I was just having an off day and that I'm going to ace the next outing for sure. Since then, we have been working on my manners. We always work on manners but now we have been really focusing on them in different situations. Joey says that this will help me know exactly what to do in similar situations when I am with my recipient. I know I can do much better with Joey's help. Joey says that if I don't get it, he'll probably get put in. the shed that Ol' Yeller lived in. I sure hope it's a nice shed because I love Joey and I don't want him to get any splinters.

Well, I love you guys! Thank you for all that you do for us out there. Stay safe, healthy, and happy.

Love,
Nala