The Social Lites » Aspergers Therapy Dog

A Day in the Sun

Jenn Bailey — Sun, 11 Apr 2010 22:01:31 +0000

I mentioned in a previous post (The Boy Who Doesn’t Run) how much Harris dislikes “outdoor activities”. Yard work isn’t a big hit either, although that’s got nothing to do with Asperger’s and everything to do with being a kid. Last weekend was rather nice. We’ve had a long, cold, wet and snowy winter and early spring, so it was time to jump on the annual pruning, trimming and bagging. This is usually accompanied by intense whining and inventive procrastination. But we had Scout with us. For her, the idea of picking up sticks and pulling up grasses is heaven. When you’ve got such an enthusiastic work partner, time and toil fly.

So, what about this weekend? It’s been gorgeous. Temps in the 70s. Gentle breezes from the West. In my childhood, days like these would cause my mom to say, “Go outside and blow the stink off you.” And we would. She wouldn’t see us again until the street lights came on. This was definitely a “stink blowing” weekend in Kansas. We started by playing the Scout, Come game – an early training exercise that involves many kisses and much bacon (turkey bacon). We humans sit on the grass in a rough circle. By turn, we call to Scout. When she comes to us she receives her treats. She was very quick on the uptake and began running to us in order without being called. Clever Puppy! So, we had to start calling randomly. Then Harris ate all the bacon.

It was a lot of fun spent OUTSIDE! With tired legs and a full belly, on both Master and Puppy, Harris pulled out his latest read (Scott Westerfeld’s Leviathan), and plopped on the grass. Scout crawled into his lap and the afternoon got peaceful.

Afterword: It’s 4:30 on Sunday afternoon. There’s been much running about and frisbee today. Nice times, so we’ve told the boys they can get on computer or Wii if they’d like to. Harris’s response? “Okay, but I’m taking my girl for a walk first.”

The Bond Strengthens

Jenn Bailey — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:05:03 +0000

I’ve been worried that Scout will connect with me more than Harris. Our Airedale, Ensign, doggedly follows me about the house. (To know the meaning of doggedly watch our daily routine.) It seems he’s afraid I’ll go off without him and eat garbage or sniff dog butts. Silly Airedale. He dearly loves the entire family, but I am his alpha. And why wouldn’t I be? I taught Ensign everything he knows including that adorable lunge at the mailman.

This is why we’ve insisted Harris handle Scout’s care – the feeding, brushing, walking, house-breaking. This is why Scout sleeps in Harris’ room. And I’ll tell you, for a kid who loved to sleep until noon, he hasn’t once complained about the 6:30 AM puppy potty calls. You see, devotion on one side can lead to devotion on the other. Hard work has rewards.

We all say “Hi”.

Jenn Bailey — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 01:05:43 +0000

Scout has joined the family. All the human components were immediately taken by her friendly nature and adorable face. This is why God made puppies so puppy-like. How could any feeling human put something so adorable in a sack with a brick? Thus puppies survive.

She met Ensign, the resident Airedale, out on the front lawn. It was the most common ground we could find that was reasonable. Scout spotted Ensign first and thought: “Hey, there’s a dog. Cool.” She ran towards him. He, being a terrier, noticed a small, furry thing, rushing towards him. He lunged. Not in ferocity, just in curiousity. Scout put on the brakes and retreated to the safety of Harris.

So, moment #1 was a success. Ensign was thrilled and intrigued by her. Scout felt Harris was her champion and sanctuary.

They’ve worked it all out. Ensign is fascinated. Scout is aloof. (Please don’t fret. Ensign is receiving enormous love and validation as befits his rank as senior member.)

Scout’s introduction to the cat went a little differently. Owen (our rescued Flame Point Siamese who suffers from Mega-colon – don’t ask), has been horrified at the addition of another D-O-G. Yet, he can’t seem to stay away. There have been frequent trips to sniff her and then glare at us in rebuke, but Owen loves Ensign and we are sure he will come around. Cats need more time to adapt to change, just as Aspy kids need more time to adapt. And we are a family adjusted to patient understanding.