Autism and family dog.

I just have to share this. The puppy has been with us for 3 short days now. From last night to now still this morning, Emily has been showing such bonding with the puppy! She even gets on all 4 and howls like our pup. They are both inseparable!

We have this rule that the pup cannot sleep with the kids until her routine is set since she wakes up several times a night still. Lexie (dog) whined and shook in the hallway until Emily sneaked by her door (thinking I couldn't hear her) She just went "lexie!" and the dog ran in. I found them both sleeping together on a make shift bed on the floor lol. Emily has now decided she wants to be a dog.

She has even come forward to me communicating some needs like a dog but hey...she's communicating with me!!! I'm just going to bask in this while it's still done in a healthy way lol. It may sound weird but I'm sooo happy! The only bad thing was getting Emily to sit at the table like a human to eat. But then again she always had this habit lol

Cute. I hope the dog really helps her.  

My heart just melted! That is such a cute story   I'm glad that your daughter is finding a really good friend in her dog and that the dog actually is taking an interest as well since some dogs are just bitches lol. You must be so happy  

Thats GREAT!!!  

That is so great!

<blockquote><b>Quoting myr-a-myr:</b>" I just have to share this. The puppy has been with us for 3 short days now. From last night to now still ... [snip!] ... The only bad thing was getting Emily to sit at the table like a human to eat. But then again she always had this habit lol"</blockquote>



I know an autistic boy who is attatched to his lab. He Doesn't like unfamiliar people/voices. He wont respond to them. He got lost in the woods once when he was 7. The search party went on for hours calling his name and lookig under everything. If it wasn't for that dog barking, they don't think he would have come out of hiding. He did some of the same things you said here. Made me think of them  

The worse part is that she HATES my inlaw's smurfzu. I thought she would have a hard time bonding with the pup but nope! Even her OT who came this morning decided to see what Emily does with the pup instead of what we had scheduled. She was impressed!

Awww this story brought me to tears. What a great story and I hope the puppy continues to help   Dogs do amazing things for people! They can heal a broken heart and stop old people from being lonely. And make sad people happy! I dont know what I would do without my lab. She is for sure part of our family. Cant wait for her to meet the new baby in the family.

Awe this is so heartwarming. Ironically my sister told me about an article (here in Canada) that has guide dogs for kids with anxiety and severe ADHD, and she suggested looking into a guide dog for my son-apparently they are 20 000 dollars to train though. Hey I'd use that dog to keep her communicating-win win situation, she gets to love the dog, the dog gets the love, and she will progress.Awesome story mama.

Quoting mama3trish:" Awe this is so heartwarming. Ironically my sister told me about an article (here in Canada) that has ... [snip!] ... her communicating-win win situation, she gets to love the dog, the dog gets the love, and she will progress.Awesome story mama."

Could the 20 000 dollars be covered by healthcare or a charity? That is one heck of a bill!  

I know we did research about what dog to get. Her breed is known to be patient and good with kids and so far she is. She's had her ears pulled, her food taken away etc. She's still young too so it's good. She will learn patience lol.

Maybe you could see if you could get a regular dog with a breed known to be a good companion and has energy. I know for us that was key since the kids, especially Emily, can be hyper and drain energy lol. I even inquired obedience classes and mentioned Emily having autism. The trainer said he gets these situations regularly and asked that Emily and the other kids be part of the training classes. The first batch is 6 classes for $200...which is really not bad and he will mold the training to the specific needs to our family. He also said that the fact that the dog will be much bigger then we expected (we thought she would be a beagle mix, turns out it's a treeing walker/blue tick) is very good, since she will grow with Emily and have the strength and presence to help an older and bigger child compared to a small dog. We're even going to show the dog how to be walked and walk Emily at the same time with the dog tied to her waist! I wont have to put her in a stroller at 5 when we go to busy areas anymore  

If you're interested look it up mama! I can help you if you like  

Quoting myr-a-myr:" Could the 20 000 dollars be covered by healthcare or a charity? That is one heck of a bill!   I know ... [snip!] ... in a stroller at 5 when we go to busy areas anymore   If you're interested look it up mama! I can help you if you like  "

I have a Jack Russell-not that I ever wanted one but my hubby did and we had her before kids (10 years). She is an okay dog, I trained her as best I could, but they aren't the best breed for kids. Brady doesn't even acknowledge the dog is in the room except when she occassionally tries to lick his face, in which he has tried to kick her to get her away. I desperately want a golden retriever after this dog passes, but I think I want a rest from any more responsibility for a bit (maybe a year or two) and who knows how many more years this dog has (maybe 6)? I have also considered horse therapy since Brady has shown interest in horses in books and toys-but I would hate to spend the money (as I have with many other great ideas) and have him be indifferent as usual. Gah I am having a bad couple days, maybe I'll change my mind in a bit. So happy your daughter loves the dog so much.

Quoting mama3trish:" I have a Jack Russell-not that I ever wanted one but my hubby did and we had her before kids (10 years). ... [snip!] ... as usual. Gah I am having a bad couple days, maybe I'll change my mind in a bit. So happy your daughter loves the dog so much."

Man, if you lived near it would be easy! Frig, I have family friends that own a ranch about 45 minutes from my place and have summer camps. They also are a foster care home. They use the ranch to teach responsibility and bonding with the horses for therapy. Most kids going there beg to stay long term and they usually do unless the parents get custody back. They have adopted several of those kids too.

They have been known to give an hour here and there for special needs adults/kids for very cheap and even free! They offered it for Emily but we went once and she freaked out at the sight of the horses so she is not ready.

What area in Ontario are you? Ottawa? I'm 20 minutes from Ottawa so that would not be to far.

Sorry you're having a bad couple of days mama  

Awwww, such a lovely story op.
We too have a beagle (pedigree) and have had him from 8wks old. We too researched the breed as our son has ASD and our daughter ADHD. Zac (our dog) has been absolutely awesome with them from day one. I did have concerns bc at times, as Zac got older my son would sometimes get too rough like holding his muzzle shut or put his fingers close to his eyes etc while playing with him. Although dh and I would always supervise their play and redirect DS's handling Zac never once would snap or show aggression, just move away at times.
He is so tolerant and loves the kids.

I will say tho there are times when DS bounces on the trampoline and Zac gets very excited and barks a lot during this. DS can become anxious and over stimulated by the barking.

BTW, love your chosen name "Lexie". GL with the training too.

Quoting myr-a-myr:" Man, if you lived near it would be easy! Frig, I have family friends that own a ranch about 45 minutes ... [snip!] ... are you? Ottawa? I'm 20 minutes from Ottawa so that would not be to far. Sorry you're having a bad couple of days mama   "

'm near Sarnia (Michigan Sarnia border) in a rural town about 20 minutes away. My Aunt lives in Kemptville which is near Ottawa, we are going there next summer. One of my best friends is from Quebec Ottawa area-um Shawville maybe?idk When I get my bearings back I am going to look into signing all my kids up for something, just gotta get my get-up and go going,lol. and thanks.

<blockquote><b>Quoting myr-a-myr:</b>" Could the 20 000 dollars be covered by healthcare or a charity? That is one heck of a bill!   I know ... [snip!] ... in a stroller at 5 when we go to busy areas anymore   If you're interested look it up mama! I can help you if you like  "</blockquote>




What breed did you get?