ChristmasTown

Another first for the Burke family: this week we ventured out to the Creation Museum's ChristmasTown. Of course we left later than we wanted to and when we arrived, the parking lot was full. We were directed to a church about a mile away from the museum to take the "shuttle bus" (school bus) over to the museum. It was a balmy 24 degrees outside. Not sure if this was Pumpkin's first ride on a school bus, but it was William's & Ashley's first ride. Funny, I don't remember the aisle's being so narrow when I rode the school bus!

When we got off the bus, one of the security guards greeted us: "We just wanted to let you know that we have canine patrols on duty tonight. We've already alerted them that you are with a service dog & will try to stay clear of you. If there's anything you need, please let us know." Couldn't have asked for a better reception.

William was tethered to Pumpkin along with holding the "short leash". No meltdowns. No escape artist tricks. We had a great time walking through the outdoor gardens set-up to look like Biblical times. Then there were the lights. Fabulous! We had an awesome, stress-free time.

Ok, we'll admit that we're still getting used to having Pumpkin with us everywhere William goes. And it does take a few extra minutes getting ready to go places. But the extra set of eyes, and the security she provides it worth everything.

Forever begins!

Sometimes you wonder what your kids are thinking. Then there are those times they left you know. This was one of those times Ashley let us know.

The last day of training at 4 Paws is full of activity. First, there is meeting the trainers at the mall for the Public Access Test. The test consists of three parts. You walk with your dog around the mall for about 20+ minutes. One of the trainers follows behind you to observe. Is your dog behaving? (Are you behaving? I think that's the real rest!) Do you have your dog under control? What do you do as a team when someone wants to pet your dog? When an unexpected sudden noise happens? A stroller or in our case a LOUD, squeaky cleaning cart goes by? People drop food as they pass by? You get the picture. Typical crowd in a mall at Christmas time. One of the things you must do is to be walking and drop the dog's leash. Will they take off or stay with you? Then you place your dog in a down position and people step over your dog, walk nearby, talk with you, etc. Will you dog stay in "command"?

The second part of the test was to sit in the food court area for another 20 minutes. The dog needs to stay in a "down" or be under the table. It's amazing with all kinds of food smells that the dog are so obedient. We were so proud of Pumpkin. A gentleman came up to us and offered to let Pumpkin "lick" his plate while another person offered to buy Pumpkin an ice cream cone. There are all kinds of different people out there.

Finally, you take your dog to your vehicle and the trainers observe you both in the parking lot and loading up in your vehicle. Pumpkin was on her best behavior despite me being nervous. And yes, we passed the Public Access Test. Pumpkin was the veteran while I was the newbie.

After that, you return to 4 Paws and sign all the paper work. That was exciting! When we finished signing, Ashley said to me: "Is Pumpkin adopted just like us?" "Yes!" "Yippee, that means she is part of our forever family and going home with us!"

And so forever begins!

Christmas Photo

This is it! The official Christmas photo taken at the foster/adoptive parents Christmas party given by the Bethel United Methodist Church. William gave Santa a hug for everyday of the year. What a patient Santa! Santa even sat on the floor with William and Pumpkin. It was great to watch all the kids gather 'round Pumpkin, William, and Santa. Pumpkin got lots of hugs during the party, too.

It's amazing the difference Pumpkin has already made in our lives. The stress level is much less since there are an extra set of eyes and paws watching William. And, William does keep track of his girl. One of the many benefits of having a service dog with you is that people will stop and talk with you (Ok, now it takes twice as long to do anything when we go out!) giving William the opportunity to socialize more. Pumpkin is a wonderful ambassador for all service dogs since she is so gentle and kind to everyone especially little kids. We do have to tell people that she loves to give kisses. William truly now has a bff. Thank you 4 Paws!

We're Official!

We officially passed our "Public Access Test" on Friday morning. It was as though she knew I was a tad nervous about the test and was on her best 'command obeying' behavior. Pumpkin had to sit, heel, down, come, weave in and out of clothing racks, allow strangers to come & pet her, people stepping over her, not be rattled by carts, strollers, yells of kids, or distracted by various odors. That was just a few of the things Pumpkin had to deal with during the test. At one point while we were "heeling", I had to drop her leash to make sure she would stay with me and not run off. Another time I had to put her in a down, walk away, and call her to come to me. We had to go in and out doors, walk through the parking lot, and load up in the van. Then we had to sit in the food court for at least 20 minutes while she remained in a down position. Pumpkin took it in stride, feel asleep, and entertained everyone around us with her snoring. She is awesome!

After the test, we returned to 4 Paws for Ability to sign the "adoption" papers. We are family!
Legally, we are a 3 unit team: service dog, William, & adult handler. Ashley enjoys walking with us, too!

The extra set of eyes, the super sensitive nose, and her 4 paws are just what we needed to help keep William safe. We are officially official!

Day 8 of Training

Today we practiced searching and tracking for William both outdoors (temperature in the teens) and at the mall. Pumpkin was fantastic. Ed and I are learning to “read” her as she tracks for William. It is truly amazing to watch her work. Pumpkin loves tracking. She gets so excited when we connect the tracking leash to her service harness. Once that happens, in her mind, the game’s afoot!

Ed did get to practice a “real” track at the park this morning. Usually an adult goes out with William. Then Pumpkin “tracks” with a trainer, Ed, or I handling her lead. While at the park, William took off. Ed was pretty sure he went to the playground. Jeremy, who is 4 Paws Director of Training, said: “Let Pumpkin track him.” And off they went. Pumpkin was right on in all 4 of her tracks today.

At the mall we also practiced “tethering”. Instead of keeping a tight grip on William’s hand, he is tethered to Pumpkin and also has a child’s lead (short lead) he can hold. William was resistant to the tether at first. But, when we were leaving the mall, he insisted on having the tether and his own lead. How reassuring to us that Pumpkin is on the job taking care of “her boy” in many ways! And I will admit our stress level is going down.

Ashley constantly reminds us that Pumpkin goes with us everywhere. After 8 very full days of training, the family needs a little down time.

Miracle Upon Miracle

Some say God doesn't perform miracles any more. We're proof that He does!

Wish I could relate everything that has been to us since Pumpkin has become part of our family. William loves her giving her plenty of hugs & kisses (Ashley does, too!). Pumpkin reciprocates. They say a picture is worth a thousand words, they're right! The kids told us the other day that we can no longer go out without Pumpkin being with us. We've been to several restaurants, the store, the mall, all over our hotel, plus various parks practicing searching and tracking.

It's amazing how many people come up to us when Pumpkin is with us. Some are polite & ask to pet her, others just assume they can. But Pumpkin takes it all in stride.

We can't say enough for all the trainers and staff at 4 Paws. Not only do they train the service dogs extremely well, but are very patient with us as well tray to master service dog commands and tracking.

Then there are the kids. There are 12 families in our class. Each family has at least one person with a special need. Kids are playing all around us providing distraction training not only for the service dogs but for us as handlers being able to focus on the task at hand.

This has been an amazing journey for our family as we've experience miracle upon miracle.

Bonding!

Anyone who doubts miracles need to witness the bonding that is taking place between Pumpkin and William. Last night William slept through the night - a total miracle since he is usually up 3-4 times each night.

Today Pumpkin "tracked" William for the 1st time. It was AWESOME watching her search for her boy. Pumpkin is already attentive to William as well as Ashley. Her ears perk up when she hears either one of them. This is truly a match made in heaven.