Answered Prayers & Miracles

Answered Prayers: that’s what we experienced this week. From having surgery scheduled as quickly as possible to friends taking care of Ashley (thank you, Wendy, Jay, Tyler, Kathleen, and Sharon) to Sandy coming to the hospital, staying with us until William was being wheeled to surgery and praying with us. And after Sandy prayed, then William prayed.

Our experience is that surgeries usually start later than scheduled. When we got back to the room where you get ready for surgery, we were told William surgery was scheduled to being 20 minutes earlier than originally scheduled. Less time to think….

Pumpkin was a tremendous help. She helped calm all of us and provided a diversion for William. She walked her boy to the induction room and stayed with him until he feel asleep. Not sure she wanted to leave him. Who did William ask for first thing in recovery? Pumpkin! He keep thumping his arm signing her name. Pumpkin got up on his bed with a little assist from Ed (too high for her to jump) and gave her boy kisses. William ate popsicles. Pumpkin ate ice.

William and Pumpkin led the “parade” from recovery to his hospital room. Pumpkin laid beside her boy until he feel asleep and then stretched out on her mutt mat. She took care of her boy. Staff would come to visit William and his service dog. Just hope Pumpkin doesn’t get a “big” head from all the attention.

Our surgeon told us post surgery to expect at least a 2 day hospital stay and the possibility of coming home on oxygen overnight. We’re home - a day earlier than anticipated and no oxygen. Another sleep study will be scheduled in 4 weeks to make sure the sleep apnea is resolved.

A week of miracles, answered prayers and a 4 paws angel keeping watch over her boy….

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.

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!

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.

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.

A Service Dog for William = Priceless

No more counting down the days or even the hours! Pumpkin is here. She's beautiful & 4 Paws terrific.

All the dogs are bought out 1 by 1 and introduced to their adopted pawtner. William was first! As soon as he heard Pumpkin's name he yelled: "Yippie, me, Me, ME!"

My heart is overwhelmed and grateful to the many people who have made this miracle possible. To the 4 Paws trainers and staff, you have already made a different in one boy's life. Thank you!

Dear William

Hello!

My name is Pumpkin nut not like the Great Pumpkin or anything like that! I am a member of the Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream litter and there is one flavor called Pumpkin. My sister Kiwi and my brother Dublin are also in this class. How cool is that? I like to play ball, do you? Do you really live in Cincinnati? Does that mean we can visit 4 Paws? That is awesome! I will miss everyone here but I have been dreaming of you for a whole year. My own boy to play ball and Frisbee with! My birthday is 11-1-2010 [born 11-1-2009]and I am a Labrador Retriever. I can't wait for you to come here. I will be counting down the days!

xoxo Pumpkin

(PS. I hope you do not mind if I am a girl)