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.

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.

If you know us, you’re probably thinking this is a lame April Fool’s joke. A Shorkie? In the Bailey household? Well *face goes red* it’s true. You see, my husband and I like real dogs. Dogs that can carry the newspaper and the newspaper boy. Dogs that can sniff a visitor’s crotch without having to jump up. Dogs that don’t need clothes. And Scout? Well, she’s a Shorkie.

Ah, but there’s a reason behind the madness. You see, our middle son, Harris, has Asperger’s Syndrome, a high-functioning form of Autism. Scout is going to be his dog. He will be responsible for her. He will train her. He will be her everything. And she (hopefully) will be his companion, his focal point, his therapy dog.

Here’s the quick FAQ:

Q: You really think you can train a therapy dog?
A: Yes. The “why we think so” is another post.

Q: What if she doesn’t train to it?
A: Then she will just have to be a beloved family pet.

Q: Is Harris really ready for this? What if he gets bored after a week?
A: Harris is an incredibly responsible boy. If you understand the rules-oriented, black & white reasoning of an Aspy kid, you’ll know what I’m talking about. And if he does happen to get bored, or if Scout becomes a stress to him, instead of a comfort, see the answer above.

Q: Is this Shorkie breed a good fit for this line of “work”?
A: You never know what you’re going to get. There are reasons we like the idea of a smaller dog for Harris. Once again, that is another post. I have spent time with Scout’s mom and she is the mellowest, most intelligent, non-barkingest Yorkshire Terrier I know. Okay. She’s the only Yorkshire Terrier I know. But she’s impressive. I’ve not met the father, but from the evidence, he’s a scoundrel. Hasn’t helped out at all. We’re hoping Scout can rise above that. Here is a bit about the temperament of these two breeds.

Yorkshire Terrier: Brave, Loyal, Clever. A true Terrier. Eager for Adventure. Owner must provide Gentle Leadership.

Shih Tzu: Alert, Happy, Hardy, Playful. Likes to be with People. A Lap Dog. Owner must provide Strong Leadership.

We understand these breeds can develop Small Dog Syndrome, but we’re not nice people, so I don’t think we have to worry.

I’ll be blogging about this adventure often – how we are trying to help Harris with his Aspergers by raising and training a dog that can be responsive to our son’s needs. I hope you’ll follow our progress. It’s a new world for us and we’d like your company. I promise to be as transparent as I can. Ask questions if you want. Give advice if you think you can help. Negative comments or scorn can be kept to yourself.