Oct
25
In the last two week ends, I have taken Sophia to a movie, hosted a baby shower at my house and taken her to Chuck E. Cheese. This seems surreal. There is an interesting thing that happens when you get your service dog. Before getting the service dog, we very rarely took Sophia into public …
Oct
12
Okay, this takes serious time and engagement! The best way I heard this explained in the service dog training class is that Truman needs to have the MOST fun with Sophia. In the early stages, every time he is around her he should be getting a treat, attention or praise. If you have other kids, you have the added …
Aug
03
Today was the big day we had been waiting for. The day Sophia met Truman in person! It was a long day yesterday, getting packed, dropping off my 7 year old daughter Cece at her Aunt’s and listening to Sophia ask “Are we there yet?” every 20 minutes for 5 hours. That was nothing compared …
Aug
03
Whew! Today was much better on many levels. First of all, let me thank God for Claritin D Non-Drowsy so my eyes can stop itching without the sugar and caffeine kick of Mt. Dew. This made a huge difference and gave me a lot more patience. No one else seems to be having any allergy …
Aug
03
Each day seems to get better and better. I don’t think Sophia agrees as she is getting very tired of this new routine. This organization is absolutely great and the trainers and dogs are wonderful but the stress of this schedule and lack of coping mechanisms for our autistic kids is already overwhelming. All of …
Aug
03
Okay. Maybe I’m a wuss, but I feel like I’ve been entered into a reality TV show called Amazing Race Autism Service Dog Edition. Every day brings a new challenge. I’m tired, a little frustrated, now have hives, and really wish I could fast forward through this and get home with our new dog, back …
Aug
03
Day 5 had a bumpy start. We have quite the checklist of items now when we leave to go anywhere that we are bound to forget something. Kids…check, dog…check, leash…check, lunches…check, meds…check, backpacks…oops! we missed those and they had the treats, special leashes and chew toys. My husband had to drop us off, turn around …
Aug
03
Today was a really good day and somewhat easier than the prior days. The morning began with a lesson on “off leash” commands. That meant all of the dogs including our lovely Truman sat in the middle of the room with a tiny short leash. We practiced giving commands and walking with them with no …
Aug
03
Famous quotes from training so far: “Do you want a piece of bacon for your pocket? Something is tickling my foot. No, I will not take that bag of sh-t for you.” Yes, we have a whole new vocabulary with Truman in our life. Things I never imagined saying or having said to me. Share …
Aug
03
The last two days have been very hot. We are all getting really tired and the hotel room seems to be closing in a few inches every day. Last night we took a night to just sit by the pool for a few hours and relax with some of the other families. We are now …
