We are eagerly awaiting our visit to 4 Paws for Ability this June. The reasons are numerous, but the first reason we ever considered a service dog for Si is because of the seizures he has intermittently. His first seizures occurred at age 3 months, and they have revisited him throughout his 4 years. We have been through a few dry spells, but when they came back again last summer, we finally decided to commit to fundraising for 4 Paws with the goal of obtaining a seizure alert dog for Si. This will give us such peace of mind, especially at night. If you google the acronym "SUDEP" you will get an eye-opening education on a little-talked about risk of epilepsy. If you remember the runner Florence Griffith Joyner, you know about her amazing gifts as an athlete. She also died in her sleep of a seizure. Just knowing that Si has a buddy to watch over him as he sleeps will be such a relief to us.
We really made our decision based on Si's epilepsy, but the more we delved into the 4 Paws program, the more benefits we saw were available from his future dog. Silas has only been walking independently since August 2013. His balance is improving with lots of work and support from great physical therapists, but he still takes plenty of tumbles, especially when tired. We learned that his dog could also be trained as a mobility support dog, with a special harness handle he can use to steady himself. His physical therapists are excited to learn about this and add this tool to his toolbelt!
In addition, 4 Paws dogs are known for the less quantifiable improvements they bring to children's lives. Behavioral intervention is a big one (4 Paws also specifically trains dogs for Autism Support!). Silas does not have autism, but he does have some behavioral challenges due to delays in development caused by his assorted challenges. 4 paws dogs are trained in behavioral interventions, such as nuzzling, applying deep pressure by laying across the child's lap, and so forth. After a long morning of therapy and doctor's appointments, I know this will come in handy!
Another skill some 4 Paws dogs have is the ability to "tether". This is when the child wears a vest and is connected to the dog. The dogs are trained to respond to handler commands, so if the child starts to bolt, the handler can command the dog to lay down and not budge. This is something we will learn to do with Si's dog. Si is listening better these days, but the first six months of his walking independently left mommy and daddy exhausted and frazzled. He wanted to run off and see everything, just like any new walker.
The other benefit we are really excited about it what 4 Paws calls "the social bridge". Having a service dog brings other children and adults flocking. It gives the child something to talk about and "show off". The child is no longer known solely as "the kid with X disability" so much as "the kid with the cool dog". Those who know Si know that he is pretty friendly-- in fact, he calls all children "friends". But he has a significant speech delay and often can't get the words out when asked questions in a group setting. Our prayer is that his new best friend will help him gain confidence and be able to share what he has to say.
Those are just some of the reasons we are soo excited to meet our new family member. The 4 Paws experience begins the day you start fundraising, and the community really draws you in. I have been able to ask questions of the community about other medical issues and get caring responses. We share ideas and of course, drool over the pictures of all the 4 Paws puppies. We are really looking forward to all the friends we will meet at training, and of course the amazing 4 Paws staff.
Finally, I have to say, that the day we meet our dog in my mind rivals the Christmas mornings of my childhood. I can't describe it any better than that.
Thank you for reading, and many thanks to all those who have supported us from the beginning of this journey last summer. As I told people last summer, the fundraising experience was like getting a giant hug from God. I will never forget how many people have worked to help our little boy in one way or another. Our family is truly blessed!
