Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Tag: children with special needs
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”
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”
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Navigating Life's Detours 