Scout takes a break from the pool

I’ve been asked a lot lately, “How’s the training going?”

And I respond, “It’s going well.”

But I’m not talking about the training you may be asking about. Yes, we still plan on Scout being Harris’ Therapy Dog and Yes there are plans to train her, with a certificate and everything, in that capacity. What Scout has needed to learn first though, is how to be a Proper Dog. She has needed to learn “come” and “sit” and “stay”. She has needed to learn “shhh” and “leave it” and “down”. All those lovely commands doggies should know if they want to get on well in the bipedal human world. After all, cuteness will only take her so far.

So, her summer was spent doing just that. She can be a little rough (no pun intended) around the edges when it is not Her Boy commanding her and still prefers treats as opposed to pats on the head as her reward, but as long as rabbits and squirrels are vacated from the area she will be focused and try hard. It is clear that whatever else is in her DNA, she is a Terrier, and is rather independent minded. She likes a good reason for things and gets bored with repetition. But aren’t we all that way?

Scout is definitely living up to her namesake. No pink collars or poodle skirts for this girl. She is an avid rabbit-hunter, puddle stomper, cat chaser and pool swimmer. She dotes on Harris, whining when he leaves for school in the morning and beside herself with joy when he returns.

Two weeks ago our church had a family service where we were all asked to finish the sentence, “I knew God loved me . . . ”

Harris wrote: “I knew God loved me when He gave me Scout”.

We will continue with training and certification and making Scout a “Good Dog”, but frankly, watching my laughing, beaming social son, I know we’ve already accomplished our goals.

People shouldn’t be allowed to take their dogs anywhere because people are dopes. Watch how they let their kids act in a movie theater. Why would they take any more responsibility for the behavior of their pets? That’s why I can’t blame the staff at The Oread when they cocked an eyebrow at my mumbled “she’s a therapy dog in training” lame excuse. They let me slide and come on in with her, but I knew, deep in their hearts, they were saying “Pull the other one. Its got bells on it.”

But I am a responsible owner and Scout is not a Purse Dog, she is, or will be, a Therapy Dog. With The Oread experience fresh in my head, I knew she would have to start looking like one. I went to WireDog. They’ve got everything and in the mini sizes we needed. We chose a “breathable, yet attractive,” mesh vest with “accompanying service designation.” Love It! Appropriately, WireDog warned us that you can’t claim your dog is a Service Animal without it actually being a Service Animal. Understood! We’re not claiming anything we aren’t doing. I could have added the “In Training” tag, but Scout is only so big. Where would it go?

I must say, the Vest is a bit magical – walk it up to any door and the door opens. Just so you know I’m not taking advantage, I always let the business know that we are ‘In Training.’ They can kick us out, but, so far, nobody has. What I’ve gotten is reactions like the guy at KU Edwards coffee shop. He said, “We all have to learn sometime. And she’s soooo cute!”

Who has made my life easy? Who has helped train a Therapy Dog? Who is Covered in Awesome in the KC Metro Area?
Free State Social – Especially Whitney Mathews and Ben Smith! they took the first chance on us and let Scout attend their Social Media Conference. (more in another post)
LaMar’s Donuts – Good donuts and great staff.
KU Edwards Campus – They totally get the need to train and welcomed Scout back anytime!
Prairie Star Elementary School – PSE was Harris’s first school here in Kansasand they’re still helping him! If Scout is going to go to class with Harris, she needs school time. PSE has been invaluable. Scout has visited multiple classes and the library.
Rob Sight Ford Dealership – She made many friends so they’ll probably make a sale, someday soon I hope.
Christ Church Anglican – All are Indeed, Welcome! She helped teach Sunday School. Matt 25:40 “I tell you the truth. Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me.”

Thanks KC Metro! Watch for us. We’re out there (in training).

FYI: I always carry a bag stuffed with Nature’s Miracle, poop bags, paper towels, water, treats and toys (so glad we haven’t needed it).

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.”

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.

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.