Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Month: May 2014
I’m a lucky dog
Hello. My name is Karina, and I’ve been matched with J.P. as his soon-to-be skilled companion dog. I’m 2 years old, and I’m part golden retriever and part Labrador retriever. I’m the smallest of all the dogs in my class, and one of the… Continue Reading “I’m a lucky dog”
Preparing for surgery
It’s always nice to have two superheroes pulling for you on the day before surgery. J.P. got to meet Batman and Catwoman on Monday afternoon at Florida Hospital for Children. It is looking more like J.P. won’ be returning to his Canine Companions training… Continue Reading “Preparing for surgery”
Dealing with unforseen problems, part 2
The old saying, “One step forward, two steps back,” is so true in the lives of J.P., Paige and I. We have become so excited about the prospect of bringing home our skilled companion dog over the past week, but what happened Saturday night… Continue Reading “Dealing with unforseen problems, part 2”
Aiming for success
It’s Saturday, but it was a business as usual — at least for the first half of the day. We got started with a lesson in loading and unloading J.P. and the dog from our vehicle, then it was off to Lowe’s with all… Continue Reading “Aiming for success”
Doggone nice people
J.P. had a good night and seemed to feel better today. Our dog also seemed to have more spring in its step this morning and did well as we learned more commands — and we even visited the dogs’ play area at the facility.… Continue Reading “Doggone nice people”
Dealing with unforseen problems
I’m posting this blog entry with a furry friend nearby. We were able to bring our canine companion back to our room which completed the final piece of the training puzzle. It’s been really exciting learning more about the dog that will in all… Continue Reading “Dealing with unforseen problems”
A preliminary match
J.P. was preliminarily matched with a canine companion first thing Wednesday morning. If all goes well, the dog will return to our dormitory room on Thursday night and eventually graduate with us on May 17. There was a short ceremony Wednesday morning when the… Continue Reading “A preliminary match”
J.P. begins his work at dog training
We took the dogs outside for a walk Tuesday, and it seemed pretty clear which one will be our preliminary match. The day began with a lecture on canine motivators. Some of the ongoing things to remember are the importance of immediate correction… Continue Reading “J.P. begins his work at dog training”
Cinco de Canine: Surprise at dog training
What an exciting first day of training at Canine Companions for Independence. We learned a great deal about the program and how dogs behave. The day began with breakfast and a chance to get acquainted with the staff and other students with whom we’ll… Continue Reading “Cinco de Canine: Surprise at dog training”
Teaching this old dog new tricks
When I graduated from college, I told myself I was done with school, homework, studying, tests and anything like it. I don’t think I ever really enjoyed school until attending DeLand High School and getting involved in TV production. I knew I had found… Continue Reading “Teaching this old dog new tricks”
Blogs I Follow
Blogs I Follow
Navigating Life's Detours 