Navigating Life's Detours
Finding the right path for a teen with special needs
Tag: service dog
To hospital or not to hospital?
It’s that time of year, and J.P. appears to be battling something just as cold and flu season arrives. Just before I was supposed to wake up and run Wednesday morning, J.P. could be heard over his monitor, and he just didn’t sound right.… Continue Reading “To hospital or not to hospital?”
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”
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”
Blogs I Follow
Blogs I Follow
Navigating Life's Detours 