kerrytens

Kerry,

 

With CCI, if a dog or human does not pass the public access test, then you cannot take it out in public until you pass a rescheduled test. They want to make sure the SD doesn't become just a well trained pet that they spent so much time and money to train.

That certainly makes sense! Can you be tested again within a reasonable amount of time (ie days or a week or so) or do you have to wait until testing is rescheduled for another group?? (again, I'm sure it is a silly question so my apologies)

Miriam

Iwas taking a side trip down memory lane and re reading this thread. When I came to this post I had to smile. That puppy graduated in November. She was a young graduate at 13 months, but was a superstar. Her recepient was a little girl, in a wheel chair and the two were bonded from the first moment they came together.

Amazing!!! Thanks for actually taking that trip down memory lane so that I could learn about this superstar. Love it!!!

Do you get regular updates at all about the pups you've helped, either from the organization your volunteer with or the families who have been blessed with them???

I've often wondered if I could raise a SD but from what you describe, the joy/peace of mind/happiness etc that they bring to their families would far outweight that heavy heart. Besides, they are always part of you!!!

Miriam

I love hearing these stories. I had to pass handling classes and a final certification before I became a certified volunteer handler. Yikes, I wouldn't want to do it again! And you have to do it every year??? I didn't know that. Congrats all of you.

The dreaded food court. I am always checking under the table for fries etc before we sit, but I think they just appear from no where.

Same here - I had no idea that the dogs have to be tested every year. Can I ask what happens if a dog does not pass (not possible with any of the guys on this list :) but ...)???

Miriam

Oh, I love Westminster!!! My first Wheaten Terror, err terrier, was sold to us as a potential show prospect (not that we wanted to go that route, it was more the breeder asking us). He didn't really grow into what she thought was suitable, which was fine with me so he lasted out his years as our lovely house dog. One of the best parts about having him come into our lives was the opportunity to get our second Wheaten - a retired show girl that the breeder placed with us. She had a few litters of pups (we raised one!!!) and from one of them, we got my current boy!!!!! Finnegan.

Madison, the Kerry Boo, came into our life after we lost Finn's mom to cancer (gee, I'm just a fountain of 'good' doggy news :(). She was my first REAL intro into dog shows - she was sold to me as 'pet quality' (have to love that term!) but when her breeder saw her again at 14 weeks, she begged me to allow her to show her. Said she made a HUGE mistake in her judgement. And she was right, Maddie went on to to win some pretty big things as a pup, including some specialty shows!!!

As for seeing the Kerry last night, I BAWLED!!! It has been 3 months since losing Maddie but every once in a while something really reminds me of her and the mere thought of not being able to hug that soft curlies fur anymore .... well, you get the idea :(:(

Of course, I loved watching the Wheaten too (I'd stopped crying at that point!!!) but the handler was shaking like a leaf it seemed. Must be nerve wracking to say the least.

But, I still ADORE this show. What an honour it must be to be invited to show in Madison Square Gardens and then to win your breed ... OMG!!!!

My fave terrier last night was the Norwich Terrier - thought he had it for a bit but the Scottie was quite deserving.

Can't wait for tonight's blog!!!

Miriam

Darcie;

Reno is so bad. Kitty can't have any toys because he takes them and shreds them. I think I have bought her 4 mice, one at time. He has snatched each one and shredded it. Both him and kitty go "shopping" in grandson's room for toys. Leann (Kitty) has a nice group. Reno goes for the stuffed animals so he can maul them. Grandson learned the "dog spit" and "kitty spit" words pretty quickly. He doesn't like to touch them all spitted up and tells me "You get them." I tell him "No, you left your bedroom door open." It's really quite comical around here.

 

Now, on topic, "I NEED A CRUISE!" Any cruise would do at this point.......:D

 

Nancy

So nice to know that my guys were not the only ones to 'go shopping' for toys in open bedrooms :D Madison was renowned for it - that and some good old grocery shopping for food too, chow hound that she was!

Thankfully my 13 yr. old Finn is long past his 'shopping' days and much happier sleeping now - my daughter is quite pleased with that too.

I'll join you in the cruise idea. What in the world has happened to me? I've only been on one and now I spend just about every spare moment on the computer searching for my next one - does it ever stop? :eek:

Miriam

OK, I read my post again, and it does sound like I have two pups of my own. Sorry, did not mean to mislead. I volunteer with an orginization that trains service dogs. Unlike guide dogs these puppies are kept at the training facility and go home on visits with volunteers. They are placed anywhere from 15 months to two years. I like to do a combination of volunteering. Sometimes I will have a dog home for a week or two, lot's of outings, time with my dog, learning house manners etc. Other times I just go up to the farm and help however the trainer wants. Last few weeks I have been working with the two puppies mentioned. I come home reeking of "eue de dog" and my own lab gives me the once over. Has anyone worked with "flat coat retrievers"? I think I am going to be bringing one of these home next week for some house visit time.

Oh man, I wish I had the time to devote to such a wonderful organization!!!! What a great thing to help out with. Can I ask if the pups are fostered at some point (to continue their training with one family) or do they stay in the facility until they are finally placed? Sorry, silly question I'm sure, but your post has really made me rethink how the whole process goes (well, at least in my head anyway :o)

Oh my, is everyone on a cruise? I know I have been busy, unfortunately not cruising. :( Well, the weekend is upon us, so everyone have a great one!

 

Nancy

I was beginning to wonder the same thing - you and I will need to hold down the fort, it seems until everyone returns ... and does some serious 'splaning about how we were forgotten :D:D

Have a great weekend folks!

Miriam

Miriam;

That is very interesting about Hannah and puzzles. I find my Special kids sit and put the puzzle together, without help. They just keep turning the pieces until they fit. The other kids give up, after about 2 trys and say "I can't do it, you do it!" There is definately something magical going on up there in their precious little minds. I also find that my autism kids are not as stubborn as my downs syndrome ones. They all love books and me reading to them, though. My little autism girl can make most animal sounds and does well with words with the letter "p". I know each one is unique in their abilities. I could go on and on, but grandson just informed me it is 7:00 and time for him to eat. He is 5 going on 20, sometimes and on 2 sometimes!

 

Nancy

Pretty sure I was one of those kids who gave up and said 'you do it' considering how terrible I am at puzzles!!! I am challenged with the 12 piece ones she mastered at the age of 2 for goodness sake :o

Your grandson is priceless!!! OMG, your description - 5 going on 20 and sometime 2 :D:D

Roz, they probably have a reading program near you. Check with Delta Society. In addition to being my service dog, Bailey is also a registered therapy dog. I like to do this, as since my disablity, I have been feeling like I didn't have a lot to offer the community.

 

Hey, maybe next time we go on a cruise we can talk to the kids activity director and see if they would like us to come in to read for an hour.

Oh, that is the other thing, they limited to an hour as the dogs get tired; that is also about my stamina limit.

Andar, first off you are far from being someone who has little to offer the community!!! (and, gee, I just met you :D). I absolutely commend you for getting out there with kids. Bravo!!!

And as for talking to the activity director of your next cruise, OMG, as a parent I would be THRILLED to have someone with a registered therapy dog be there for my child in some way. I love this idea!

Miriam

kerrytens - autism on the seas has multiple people on board to assist you. They organize private get togethers, private dinning, talk to the kids club staff and prepare them. They join you at meals, have private tours, and help you as much as you want. I have seen a few kids (including mine) chose to sit with the staff at shows and meals. When we go with them, they are part of our vacation, not just our travel agent, but you chose how much you want them involved. My son has become great friends with them and sends them cards and e-mails them. They are awesome and you can always contact me off list @ Heather@ autism on the go . com (of course no spaces)

 

Ok, the furminator is awesome. It removes the undercoat only. It can take some time to do. You just want to make sure you brush lightly with the coat. Chewy and all the cats love it. There is much less fur covering our house. There is a special at PetSmart right now and you get free shampoo, conditioner and a microfiber towel with the furminator.

 

From what I have heard Canada has amazing service dog programs. The main one for children with autism, National Service Dogs, is not taking applications right now. I would check with ADI and see what schools are listed with them.

Autism on the Seas sounds awesome for sure - even more so after your description. I was looking through the RCCL website for a cruise I would like to take my daughter on and I found one (gee, surprise!). I will be contacting them for sure if the funds will come together ;)

I have been told by the director of NSD in Canada to watch the site all the time and apply immediately. We have emailed each other so there is that possibility. There are also others I'm persuing too so keep your fingers (and paws!) crossed :D I will also check out your recommendation about ADI too! Thanks

Miriam (who BTW is so proud of her daughter tonight after losing a top tooth and not freaking out about it!!! Good job chickie!!)

This is Bailey working in the Read 2 Rover program. We go to the library once a week to find children lined up out the community room door. About twelve dogs (with their human partners) are scattered about the room. Sizes range from a little Yorkie to a big

 

Collie and everything in between.

 

The children sit next to the first available dog with a book they have picked out. They tell the dog what they are going to read and sometimes what happened in their day or what kind of dog they have at home. Then they start reading. The reading levels range from letter recognition to reading adult books.

 

If it is the child's first time to the program, they are given a bookmark with one of the dogs pictures at the top. For every book they read out loud, they receive a paw stamp on their bookmark. When they collect 10 stamps, they are rewarded with a free book to take home.

 

Bailey is very patient and likes to put her head on the reader's lap. She never rushes them or laughs if they stumble on a word. The humans are told to just be there and not interact unless the child asks for help. It seems that 90% of the time, a child struggling with a word given enough time, will sound it out themselves (okay, I can't keep quiet then, I have to say something like, good job or you're right!). I am surprised how much improvement there is week to week.

 

 

 

I LOVE THIS PROGRAM!!!!!! I know as a child, I would have been begging my mom to take me. Bailey is beautiful!!! Is she a whippet? Or Greyhound? (thinking the former though) - do tell me about Bailey please. Yet another group of dogs I love!

Miriam

Miriam:

And talk about resourceful, my little guys and gals can get it done, it may not be the conventional way, but don't even get in their way.

 

Nancy

I so had to laugh at the not so conventional comment - Hannah does puzzles from the inside out!!!! And since I am so puzzle challenged myself, well, she is my hero :) Yup, these kids are amazing and so think outside of the box. Her kindergarten teacher told me that she see her as ultimately as a highly respected paleontologist who freelances with different museums getting their bones together - yup, she could do that. Gee, did I mention she LOVES dinos?? :D

I'm still working on the SD front. One trait I do own (and it probably explains my love of tenacious terriers) is that I don't give up - ever! I'm now talking with a well respected organization in Ontario that trains SD's specifically for kids with autism. I'll keep you updated!

Miriam

Hi Roz .. If I have a new avatar pic ... ITS JUST FOR YOU and brenny of course !!!! i just have to figure it out LOL

 

my 10 cents on most common SD breeds and grooming

labs - will shed 2x a year they blow out their coat and make way for a new coat ... mine sheds some but not terrible

golden retrievers- will SHED !!!! not terrible but sometimes more than a lab they too will blow their coat out 2x a year

golden lab cross- just expect a little of both

 

ALL service dogs will need regular brushing and bathing I bathe Denver every 2-4 weeks . FLEA CONTROL IS A MUST !!!!! goldens can use more brusing than a lab and for me i NEVER brush Denver ... only once in a blue moon .... if you keep up on bathing a lab you wont need to brush as much .... I have herd ( not the gospel but i have herd and agree ) the more you brush a dog the more they shed ... it stimulates coat growth and that in turn stimulates more hair to be shed .

 

NOW-

 

Poodles will need grooming at the groomers for hair cuts every 6-8 weeks ... they have hair so they dont shed really ... they do not have FUR ... it is haur like yours and mine ... they need regular daily brusing to avoid mats in their hair .... bathing etc is same as a lab or golden or LGX ( lab golden cross )

Doodles ( labradoodles and golden doodles ) same as a poodle they too will need to go to a groomer maybe a little less often than a poodle but they still need to go and also need daily brushing ......

groomers can be COSTLY so let that be a deciding factor ... can you afford a 45-60 dollar haircut for your dog every 6-10 weeks .....

good luck and I know youll get the right dog to meet your desires of grooming !!!!

Cari and Denver

 

ps ROZ I WANT TO GO TO ALASKA SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO BAD help me convince my hubby !!!!!

Thanks for the shedding info!!! Blowing coat 2 times a year, I can handle with regular brushing. Grooming does not scare me at all - afterall, I've had high maintenance breeds for the last 15 years. Kerries and Wheatens will mat in a second too (not as bad as poodles mind you) as they have hair too. After spending many $$ on professional grooming, I decided to try it myself and, if I do say so myself (with much modesty :o), I am pretty good with their respective clips.

My current guy has to be bathed weekly right now to help keep a skin issue under control - he hates it but I love a sweet smelling dog!!!;)

Miriam

PS. I LOVE the avatar!!!!! And can I go to Alaska too??? (but not now because we are virtually like Alaska with all of the snow and cold!)

I have a lab/golden mix of my own. Not a SD, just a wonderful family member. She has a course lab coat. I groom her with a shedding tool(I use the "furminator") abt once a month and use a soft brush in between. She still sheds, but this helps keep it undercontrol. Whenever I bring a SD in training home, I give him or her a very good brushing, and if the trainer is OK with it a session with the shedding tool. I think some dog hair is something most of us just get used to. I don't have a service dog, but volunteer with an orginization that breeds and trains them.

OK, last dumb question of the day (meaning there will be more tomorrow, most likely!), what is a furminator? And how does it work? Like a rake? I good friend used one on her GSD all the time and it pulled TONS of fur out?

Miriam

So, as you have probably guessed already, I've always been owned by a high grooming breed and have all of the bells and whistles needed to take care of such duties. Now, I am wondering IF I am blessed to be chosen for a dog and it is a lab or golden (or any other breed for that matter), what grooming is required of these breeds? I believe it was you, Roz, who said that these breeds could be sheared down in order to help with the shedding but if combed daily, does that cut it down a lot? The idea of clipping all those beautiful coats off really isn't what I'd want to do.

I know, really stupid questions here but I have only ever had non shedding breeds and I'm basically clueless other than what friends have told me about their shedding goldens or labs - and who knows how often they were bathed, brushed etc!

Miriam

Hi Miriam, take a look at Canine Assistants located in Atlanta. They place dogs all over the US and I believe Canada. While most of their dogs are more general service and seizure response, it might be worth a look.

Thanks for the info - I'll google them.

Miriam

Miriam;

I know the others are probably sick of hearing this, but, I do not have a service dog. Dh could probably qualify, but just not good timing for us. And they let me hang around this thread. I do have a big yellow lab. Anyway, I work with special needs kids. One of my girls has autism, well not diagnosed, because she is only 4, but has the symptoms. Anyway, I think Flsunnymommy can tell you how much having a service dog (Chewey) has helped her son. I say go for it with gausto!

 

I have never seen a Standard Poodle as a SD, but just love how regal they look.

 

MCDW;

What a handsome young man you have! Is he thinking about going swimming with the ducks? I hope not. :D

 

Nancy

Thanks Nancy! We can be the cheerleaders of this great thread! How cool that you work with kids with autism - they are a very special bunch for sure!!!! My daughter has been the greatest teacher in my life. I used to be the most impatient, get it done NOW type ever but she has shown me that if you slow down, breathe, relax then things will come easier and you just don't stress as much. That and redirect when things get to be too much to handle! :D

I love all of the stories on this thread (hence me lurking for MONTHS, if truth be told :o). Dogs have always been a huge part of my life and knowing that there is a possibility of a dog somehow being able to help my child ... wow, I'm blown away! I would be honoured to have one in our life!

Miriam

Miriam: Have you contacted CCI? Although, they're not in your immediate area we had people from thousands of miles away to come to CCI just for Team Training and to bring their Service Dog home with them.

 

They may be able to answer some of your questions right over the phone and may be a great resource for you.

 

They deal with lots of Autistic children and adults.

No, I've been trying to stick with organizations in Canada (and Ontario specifically) but I would love to contact them. I will email them this evening with some questions for sure!!!

Thanks for the info!

Miriam

PS. I meant to congratulate you on your next cruise!!!! OMG, the bug has hit me hard and I cannot stop thinking about my next one now. Kind of hard to concentrate on work :D

Just had to share this with you folks for good laughs:

 

First, I went into the Ortho Dr. today for the third in a series of shots to my knee. My DH went with me the first two tiimes - no Bailey. This time I took Bailey with me.

 

The doc looks at Bailey and then reads her service dog jacket and says, a service dog, huh with a kind of smirk. I had to explain she was not for the arthitis in my knee :eek:but rather was my medical alert dog for the brain injury and helped me with visual deficits (left field boundaries). He responds, "Well I have never seen that breed as a guide dog" I then had to explain that she is NOT a guide dog but a medical alert dog. So the doc got an education about different kinds of service dogs; guide dogs, hearing dogs , medical alert dogs and mobility dogs. :rolleyes:

 

Second, it is hard not to laugh with the babies or the monkey on this site, enjoy:

http://www.cutethingslaughing.com/

I had to laugh at your post because today I had the same thing happen to me - as you know, I am searching out the possibility of getting a SD for my daughter and despite having a couple of contacts, I thought I would contact my representative from an organization I've been dealing with for years (Resources for Exceptional Children). Great place and full of information for the most part but anyway, I emailed my rep and asked if she could get me the names of more organizations for SD's and info about other families who may be using one for their kids.

Well, her response about not seeing any 'guide' dogs for children with autism before made me chuckle! :D Even someone who should be well versed, like a doctor, doesn't know!

Miriam

PS. One of the organizations wrote back to me today and said that it didn't really seem like my daughter would be a great match. :( Although I gave them very limited info, one thing I did say was that she wasn't a 'runner' - well, it seems they only want runners. Too bad. I did explain that she would wander off though if I wasn't holding her hand so I'll see what she says about that. Of course, I will leave the decision up to them as they do know what their best matches are/will be and I need to trust them ultimately.

Miriam: Okay! My tear for the day! I've never met Madison but she was a very lucky girl to have lived with all of you. Thank you for sharing a little bit of her story. These dogs are amazing how they will fight to remain alive to be with the ones they love.

 

If Finn is a passive kind of guy and if there's lots of room for both dogs, they will allow you to have another dog. I know of several people who have a retiring Service Dog and a successor in their home. Usually, the retiring dog will be cared for by another member of the family leaving the successor dog to deal solely with the person he/she's working for. So they don't get confused or distracted.

 

There are a lot of variables and in some cases it just won't work well and the training organization will recommend that you wait until the elder dog passes before you receive your Service Dog. Of course, that doesn't mean that you can't get the whole process started. And, I would suggest that you do get started ASAP. And, let them tell you what they feel will work best for you.

 

I know how much I love Brenny but I also know that I could not do well without a Service Dog......so, when the day comes that Brenny is done working I will call CCI and inform them of the near change so that I can be put on the top of the list for another SD. Believe me, I can hardly talk about this subject without getting shaky inside........

 

And, we, on this forum love ALL questions/suggestions and ideas and are open to hearing everything.

 

Please don't leave!

OMG, isn't it amazing how much we love our dogs!!!! I can only imagine that extra special bond you have with your SD's - wow! I know how much I love (and have loved) all of my guys.

Finn is so incredibly passive and LOVES other dogs to no end (geez, he put up with the saucy one for 9 years!) so I will give it a go and see what happens for sure!!!! You have me all excited about the world that can possibly open up to my daughter. And to know she is safe ... wow! Maybe I can even start to give her some space :)

As for Maddie, sorry, never meant to give you a tear or two. She would hate that actually being so full of life and spirt!!!!! I will leave her story on that happy note because that is the best way to describe her - happy, loving, gentle, sweet, saucy and a total goof :D:D

No worries, I'm not leaving now. I love this thread!!!

Miriam

Hello again,

I was just reading hostcaroline's post (and although I'd love to welcome her, I don't know if such a newbie to this thread should be the first one but what the heck - welcome!!!!) and it made me think - are standard poodles used often for SD's??? The reason I'm asking is that we've always been owned by non shedding breeds (meaning hypoallergenic) and I'm wondering if that is an option for me and my daughter? Or should I not limit myself like that? Is the pairing based on suitability to a specific case (which I am thinking is the case)???

Is there something you folks do with Labs/goldens etc do on a regular basis that limits the shedding?

Again, my apologies for the stupid questions but I'm sure you all understand! :D

Miriam

First, I must give flsunnymommy a HUGE SHOUT-OUT you are my hero of the week.

 

 

Miriam: You're going to make a wonderful SD handler. Let us know when it happens. Are you even looking?

 

First off, I totally agree about Flsunnymommy!!! I know what it is like to deal with a child who is having a meltdown because they can't handle the situation any longer!!!! Awesome job standing your ground for all involved!

Roz, thanks for the compliment - I am still searching out agencies in Ontario, Canada. I do plan on getting my application in shortly once I can get everything in order. I also hope that having an aged canine in residence won't hurt my chances - anyone have any experience with that? I had been told by one agency that they won't place a SD in a home with an existing dog (although exceptions are made of course).

Although I don't want to take away from the SD purpose of this thread, I must say another thanks for Flsunnymommy too - I know we have spoken briefly about our common ground, kids with autism. Your input about cruising with our kids has really given me the courage to give it a go with my daughter. I do have a question (yet another one) about autism at sea, is there someone from the organization on board with you??? Your post made me think that is true. It would definitely be that much more comforting for sure to know there was an advocate behind you (and one who wouldn't just start to cry - read me - if things weren't going perfectly :o).

As I said, I hate to detract from this great thread about doggies and if my questions are better directed to the organization don't hesitate to tell me. I have broad shoulders - although not when it comes to fighting for my child, then I'm mush ;) Kidding! Just watch out for this momma bear!

Thanks again and keep up those great doggy stories - I'm loving them!!!

Miriam

PS. The blond guy in my avatar is my much loved, nearly 13 year old Wheaten Terrier, Finn. The 'blue' dog beside him is Madison - she just passed over Rainbow Bridge in early December after a valiant fight with lymphoma. She was my saucy Kerry Blue Terrier - and, BTW, she adored and protected my daughter to no end and if trained properly I think she could have made an excellent SD albeit a tad too high in prey drive I would think. :D

As some of you are aware, I've been lurking in this thread for quite sometime! Although I don't have a service dog, I do have a child with autism who I am seriously thinking about looking into a SD for right now. However, with all that said, I am blessed to own a Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier who will be 13 years young in a few weeks.

I decided to jump into the thread after reading about FlSunny's post about Chewy - OMG, what a horrid experience for you!!! I certainly know what it is like to have to advocate for my child but to have to do the same thing for your dog when all was supposed to be set - bravo!!!

May I ask if this cruise was the one you booked through Autism at Sea? I know we had mentioned it in other thread, I believe. From the sounds of it, they were there for you. Do they only deal with RCCL or can they make the same arrangements that they offer for other lines?

Anyway, welcome home. I am so happy to hear that Chewy is feeling better albeit lazy now :D Also, how did your son like the cruise? Was there anything that was too overwhelming for him? How were the staff and crew with him? So many questions!!

Miriam (hoping to be a SD owner some day!)

PS. My Finn is fed a grain free diet now too - Acana Prairie. He loves it.