"A child who connects to a dog, connects to the world"
-Autism Service Dogs of America
The fun, sometimes difficult, often awkward, but always interesting journey of life in a family living with autism.
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Tell me what you want, what you really really want!
While Annika was still in the assessment process, I read a new story about autism service dogs in the UK (where we were living at the time). At first I was sure it must be a joke, but sure enough there were several charities training and placing the dogs with children. I became determined (obsessed as my husband would say) that this is what Annika needed.
My beautiful daughter loves animals, and especially dogs. Her first word was "DOG" and she is constantly sneaking up on them in public, trying to pet and play with them. To have a dog, an individual that is naturally loving and accepting, especially trained to cope with her most difficult traits, seemed like a dream I wanted to come true.
It's been a year since Annika's diagnosis, and in that year, we've moved halfway round the world....and the dream of a dog was put off. Now, I'm back in the saddle. It may take me years to raise the money ($10,000+ for the dog and training and an additional $10,000 for travel and other expenses) but I am determined that not even the Japanese import regulations will keep me from bringing a furry friend for Annika into our home.
I have found a wonderful kennel in North Carolina that is willing to try and work with us. Highland Caning Training trains more than Autism Service Dogs, but they have been the first kennel willing to try and make this international match happen.
So here is to hoping that someday it truly will be a girl and her dog!
My beautiful daughter loves animals, and especially dogs. Her first word was "DOG" and she is constantly sneaking up on them in public, trying to pet and play with them. To have a dog, an individual that is naturally loving and accepting, especially trained to cope with her most difficult traits, seemed like a dream I wanted to come true.
It's been a year since Annika's diagnosis, and in that year, we've moved halfway round the world....and the dream of a dog was put off. Now, I'm back in the saddle. It may take me years to raise the money ($10,000+ for the dog and training and an additional $10,000 for travel and other expenses) but I am determined that not even the Japanese import regulations will keep me from bringing a furry friend for Annika into our home.
I have found a wonderful kennel in North Carolina that is willing to try and work with us. Highland Caning Training trains more than Autism Service Dogs, but they have been the first kennel willing to try and make this international match happen.
So here is to hoping that someday it truly will be a girl and her dog!
The Journey
Most people will say that great people take the "road less travelled". As a parent of 5 children, one with autism and another with speech issues, I can guarantee you that the road less travelled is a bit out of reach. When you have a child with special needs, you travel a special road, the road that most just pass by. It's the road that people walk by on their way to the "road less traveled", the one that looks overgrown, treacherous, difficult, and slightly ominous.
I cannot speak for everyone, but I think most of us who find ourselves on this special road are not here by choice, but rather by fate and necessity. But don't feel too sorry for us here...the rest are really missing out. The road may be difficult, often frustrating, and sometimes impossible, but these drawbacks are far outweighed by the joys. When you struggle through the ugliness, the simple things are far more wonderful and beautiful. When the road becomes impassable, it just means you have more time to stop and look around at all there is to see, and forces you to be ingenious and creative to find ways to travel on. On our special road, there are always others to help you along the way, more willing to stop and aid because they too have been there.
Even in the dark and difficult moments when that road seems empty and impassable, I have to remind myself to look forward. For there are footprints there already, footprints of one who has trod the road and knows the way, and is waiting to walk it with all of us.
It is a road that make the journey far more amazing.
I cannot speak for everyone, but I think most of us who find ourselves on this special road are not here by choice, but rather by fate and necessity. But don't feel too sorry for us here...the rest are really missing out. The road may be difficult, often frustrating, and sometimes impossible, but these drawbacks are far outweighed by the joys. When you struggle through the ugliness, the simple things are far more wonderful and beautiful. When the road becomes impassable, it just means you have more time to stop and look around at all there is to see, and forces you to be ingenious and creative to find ways to travel on. On our special road, there are always others to help you along the way, more willing to stop and aid because they too have been there.
Even in the dark and difficult moments when that road seems empty and impassable, I have to remind myself to look forward. For there are footprints there already, footprints of one who has trod the road and knows the way, and is waiting to walk it with all of us.
It is a road that make the journey far more amazing.
In the Beginning...
As a mom of 5 children, and one with autism, I've found that I have a lot to say, and here is the place to say it. This will be my way of documenting the personal journey of our family as we strive to fulfill the dream of helping our daughter, Annika, find her special place in the world....and hopefully a furry friend to be by her side.
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