The Social Lites » Autism therapy dog

The Boy Who Doesn’t Run

Jenn Bailey — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 18:21:40 +0000

Harris hates to run. And he doesn’t like sports – of any kind. When Harris was in second grade we pretty much gave up on pushing baseball, soccer, or tennis. Nobody was having any fun. It worried Kevin and me that Harris didn’t like to be outside, that he didn’t like to be active. We’re far from triathletes here at the Bailey house, but we do try to stay healthy. When told it’s “an outside day” Harris brings a book and reads through the kite flying or the frisbee throwing or the backyard whiffle ball games. We love that he’s a reader, but sometimes you’ve got to put the book down and move. Since I’m being honest here, I’ll tell you, we thought Harris was just plan lazy.

When Harris was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome (in third grade), we needed to embrace and understand a whole gamut of symptoms, issues and actions. Harris wasn’t lazy. Harris isn’t lazy. Harris, like many folks on the Autism Spectrum, has Vestibular Complications. What’s that mean? It means he gets dizzy. He looses balance. In his own words: “Sometimes I don’t feel connected to the earth.”

Think about it. When you’re coming off a 2 week bender do you want someone insisting you go out and play catch? Yeah. Didn’t think so.

Harris will walk (and hike) and we figured the need to exercise Scout would give him a great opportunity to get outside. Little did we know we’d get a bit more. He’s hardly gazelle-like, but it made this mother smile.

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.