The Return

Well, it seems I am not good at this blogging thing in regard to keeping up to date!  The truth is life is busy!   Thats that!

Our training was very exhausting.  It was more then I think any of us expected, good and bad.  I am not good at the "readers digest" version but lets give it a try.  We started that second day with Pace and continued on to day 6.  During that time Pace (the golden retriever) was a champ at "heeling" and keeping CC close.  He was awesome at tracking CC in the woods.  At one point he actually took me down racing to get to him.  Luckily I was ready and did a "graceful" tuck and roll!  In the car and the hotel we did start to notice that CC became very congested.  It got so bad that we had to fill a prescription for an antibiotic for a sinus infection.  We were trying to deal with that for the most part,  hoping things would get better.  However, on top of the allergy, Pace was definitely living up to his name.  He had more energy then 4 of us combined!  It was a blessing and a curse.  We had to constantly correct him for jumping up on CC.  As much as we knew he was only being a pup and playing, it was apparent that this was sort of a danger.  You see CC is missing vertebrae due to decompression surgery.  Should he fall back and hit his head on something it could be more then just a minor bump.  Needless to say by day 6 I completely melted down at class.  All I could think about was trying to watch over CC, get the things done in the house and still be correcting the dog while at home. One of the reason we wanted the dog was to give CC more independence.   My husband and I went and sat outside in the car as I balled my eyes out.  Even he was shocked as he has never seen me break down like that in our 12 years together.  So for a moment there we thought we would be going home empty handed to wait for another class for tracking (which wouldn't be till March).  Yup, gave me more to cry about!  However, I pride myself on recognizing when I am not able to truly do something well!  Thats when FATE stepped in.  The owner and head trainer asked to speak with us in one of the rooms.  As we sat down they began to tell us about 2 dogs that might be an option.  Head trainer JD thought for sure our perfect match would be a german Shepard names Holmes. I on the other hand knew that was not good since I was bit by one as a kid and still have that intimidation in the back of my head.  Also because I know his fur was similar to Pace.  But we decided to meet him.  The other back up was a Golden Doodle named Vito.  I remember seeing his picture online in the "training" photos.  We met them both and while Holmes I knew would not be a good match I was a little hesitant on Vito too.  But, I didn't want to give up on CC and a friend just yet.  There were some reason too why Vito was still at 4 Paws.  He developed a sac of fluid on his elbow.  This is actually common in tall dogs and horses.  Its more like a blister from rubbing against the hard floors.  They were waiting for the fluid to reabsorb back into his body before they put him back into a class.  Thankfully it wasn't gone yet or we would not have Vito home with us today!  Thats right, Vito is now CC's new best friend.  He is a beautiful gentle giant!  He does however, have some leg problems, but, like our kids we aren't going to let that stop us from loving him!

Vito is truly amazing.  I know it will continue to take time for CC and his relationship to build, but, for the moment the things we are working on with him seem to be making such a difference.  As I have been saying CC is unique in all his diagnosis.  Even his Autism is as unique as each snowflake.  CC has a hard time getting from one thought to the next.  Especially when he has an agenda in his mind!  Take for instance the other night.  He had it planned in his mind that he would play the Wii.  Well when he was told he was not allowed at that "time" he couldn't get over it.  Now you maybe thinking that it is just a tantrum.  Sure in a 2 or 3 year old maybe.  However, for CC it's a "break" in "HIS" thought out schedule.  Normally this would have consumed him for over an hour or so, but, on this day the first that we would implement Vito, it would only last about 7 minutes!  So while we have graduated class and he is a certified service dog, we will continue to make him "personal" to CC.  How do we do that? Well for instance, during this episode I had Vito follow CC and "nuzzle" and "lick" his cheek (which he hates dog licks on anything but his legs or feet (yea I know)).  CC began to laugh after a few minutes of this as to say "enough all ready"!  In time Vito should see this break down as a cue to "follow and nuzzle" all on his own without prompting and treats.  Just as we are working on distractions from "stemming".  I am amazed already and cannot wait for it to all come full circle!

I can't wait to have a few extra minutes again to share some stories from our 2 weeks!