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.

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!

Santa's Little Yelpers!

We would appreciate everyone's prayer while we're at training. Families are traveling from all over the country, including Canada. All have a very special someone who may have difficulties with change. Please pray for safety, for bonding between the service dogs & their pawtners, unity among the class, & for whatever else you feel led to. Here's the class roster:

Flutter (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Sean [Autism Assistance Dog]

Champ (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Tucker [Autism Assistance Dog]

Beuford (Hound Retriever) Pawtner: Riley [Autism Assistance Dog]

Sushi (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Drake [Autism Assistance Dog]

Pumpkin (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: William [Multi-purpose Assistance Dog]

Flash (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Matthew [Autism Assistance Dog]

Jack (Labrador Retriever Mix) Pawtners: Owen & Annabelle [Multi-purpose Assistance Dog]

Mercy (Golden Retriever) Pawtner: Chris [Autism Assistance Dog]

Dublin (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Jacey [Autism Assistance Dog]

Kiwi (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Noel [Autism Assistance Dog]

Nokia (Labrador Retriever) Pawtner: Griffin [Autism Assistance Dog]

Zoom (Bloodhound Retriever) Pawtner: Alexander [Autism Assistance Dog]

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)

Begging Songs

A fun tradition with families who are in the next class with 4 Paws for Ability is to "beg" for their matches. The matches don't come any sooner, but it is fun. Here's are try at begging:

Begging, begging time is here
Time for matches should be near
We've been good, but we can't last
...Hurry matches, hurry fast.
Want a dog to search and track
Need to know which [dog] brush to pack
We can hardly stand the wait
Please matches, don't be late.

(See if you can tell what Christmas song the words go with....)

20 days and counting down....