Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Tag: canine companions
My four-legged running buddy
Exercise is important — even for our family members with four legs. In the beginning of April, I made a decision to stop walking the dog and running by myself. I decided to teach the dog to run with me, so I could get… Continue Reading “My four-legged running buddy”
Praying for healing
I’m not sure what to title this post, so I’m going to write it first and see what comes to mind. I am very lucky to be surrounded by some amazing people in my life. I hold them in high regard and thank them… Continue Reading “Praying for healing”
Equal time for cats
We’re tired of all this talk about the new dog. While Jeff, Paige and J.P. were out learning all about Karina, we were stuck at the vet wondering when we would get to come home. It seemed like forever. When we got back home… Continue Reading “Equal time for cats”
J.P. is home
J.P. was discharged from Florida Hospital for Children on Monday after spending four days there with a gastrointestinal bug. It was the second hospitalization within a week. He was first admitted May 10 which led to surgery to repair his shunt. It all happened… Continue Reading “J.P. is home”
Getting to know our puppy raiser
It was an exciting Friday as team training at Canine Companions for Independence drew to a close. The day began with a grooming session for Karina in preparation for Saturday’s graduation at SeaWorld. The 11 recipients and their families attended a luncheon with the… Continue Reading “Getting to know our puppy raiser”
Disappointment abounds
I’m disappointed. I’m really disappointed. I’m sad. I’m worried. I’m envious. I’m tired. I’m wondering how what I had hoped would be a bucket-list experience was decimated before my very eyes. At the same time, I’m thankful to the entire staff at Canine Companions… Continue Reading “Disappointment abounds”
Karina visits J.P. before discharge
J.P. tolerated his feeds well and was able to be discharged Wednesday afternoon. It was a really interesting day because Karina was able to spend the day with J.P. in his hospital room. I was very happy with the way she behaved in the… Continue Reading “Karina visits J.P. before discharge”
J.P. wakes up with smile
J.P. was awake and smiling Tuesday afternoon after surgery to repair his shunt earlier in the day. He had reason to smile after his fellow students at Canine Companions for Independence got together and purchased him a big stuffed dog and card to let… Continue Reading “J.P. wakes up with smile”
Getting back on track
J.P. went to surgery Tuesday morning to repair his shunt, and everyone is hoping that will settle his stomach and allow him to get back to dog training in time for graduation Saturday. Dr. Eric Trumble performed the surgery and said it was the same issue… Continue Reading “Getting back on track”
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”
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