I call Sam my tribal child because he loves nature and the outdoors. He also loves being naked outside, loves flowers, trees, dirt, mud, snow, rain, sand, water and fire. I have gotten him dressed four times in one day because he has undressed himself in the backyard while playing. He craves to take off his shoes and socks and walk barefoot in all types of surfaces and weather. Sammy is finally becoming more aware of the cold weather and now will at least stay dressed when it's cold outside and will ask to wear a hat when it's raining. Whenever we take Bubbles for a walk Sammy likes to stop at every sidewalk surface change and feel the pavement. I usually stop and let him feel the surface briefly and then move on.
I had never taken Sammy on a walk around the neighborhood before Bubbles arrived. Sammy's urge to be on his own and run off was constant before Bubbles. If you would let him walk on his own he would run away, he would resist hand holding and we got to a point were we were carrying a five-year old or holding him by his arm while he pulled away at full throttle. So this Thanksgiving I was thankful for being able to take my son for a walk while having both arms/hands free and no struggling. Sammy actually requests "Go walk" and he gathers up Bubbles Har-Vest and leash and we go on our daily walks. Now I'm not home before dark so I'm really missing those walks lately.
Click below to watch Sammy getting Bubbles' Har-Vest on so we can go for a walk.
This morning I had the privilege of getting Sammy up and ready for school. I haven't done this in three or four weeks due to work/holiday/Sammy's illnesses. My job requires me to leave the house by 6:15 in the morning so I usually miss out. Getting Sammy ready for school is usually left for my sister in law, Joyce, and my husband, Gary, to perform. I'm usually available about once a week to help and the scenario is exhausting. Sammy resists everything from going to the restroom, getting dressed and eating breakfast. However once he is dressed and has backpack and lunch in hand he's rearing to go get on the van that takes him to school. This morning Sammy got ready, ate his breakfast and even put on his shoes all on his own. Joyce and I discussed the vast improvement and it was probably a combination of me being home, Sammy getting a good nights rest, Gary having his breakfast ready early and Bubbles waking him up with her nudging.
Who is more blond? :)
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy.
Sam has always had an attraction to dog type things. His favorite shirt was always his “woof woof” shirt pictured below. He usually wants to wear his woof woof shirt on special occasions and favorite places like to Grandma and Grandpa’s house. We actually now have four woof woof shirts with one being in tatters that he prefers to wear around the house. Sammy’s favorite book is Go Dog Go and before Bubbles came along, he insisted on going to see the neighbor’s dogs every time we got out of the car to go in the house. However, he wasn’t too keen on having an actual live dog within his presence and not having a barrier between them (like a pane of glass or a fence).
Several people told me when contemplating a service dog for Sam that he was too afraid of dogs in person. I knew that eventually Sam would grow out of the fear once he became familiar with Bubbles. He now is able to go to a dog class, play fetch with Bubbles, climb into Bubbles’ crate with her and opens the back door for her when she wants to come in or out of the house. Last week while on a walking trip he pet another person’s dog without any qualms. He actually approaches other dogs without prompting. Now our problem is we have to watch and make sure he doesn’t pet/approach another person’s dog without asking.
Trips to malls are usually kind of like doctors appointments with Sammy. He is attracted to exit doors, escalators, fountains and there is always the enjoyment of cutting loose and running away from Mommy, Daddy or Auntie as well. Although I do not always think Sammy is running off for enjoyment (sometimes it is for escape from something he fears), when it is in the mall I can tell from the way he looks back and the grin on his face that those moments are pure gratification for the boy. And sometimes I don’t even begin to know why he is trying to run off. Like in the middle of the night at 3AM when he awakens and runs to the front door or garage door and is almost mad in fear.
So when we showed up to the mall for a public access meeting/training session on this last Sunday, October 30th and a store employee offered Sammy a lollipop and said that that day was the mall’s Halloween pass out candy day, I thought to myself, “oh my” what are we in for today. With Rachel Friedman and her duagheter, Sophie, by our sides guiding us through the outing, it went very well. We got to sit by a fountain area; Sammy used a public restroom (with Bubbles by his side) and go up and down an escalator. This is video taken and edited by Rachel Friedman, and here is her blog post about the session.
Having to explain to every person at each house during trick or treating on Halloween that your son has Autism can be daunting.Sammy usually does not enjoy Halloween.He does not like costumes, he does not like most candy (believe or not) and he often wants to enter people’s home when you go up to the door.From his point of view, (think about if it is not Halloween, in normal everyday life) what do you usually do once you have walked up to a house, gone up to a front door, knocked on a door, somebody opens the door on the other side and you greet them?You usually go inside, right?So not going inside can be very confusing to Sam.So as we leave each house after being given candy, Sammy usually states, “I want to go inside”.
I have considered not doing Halloween with Sam and most years we just go to one or two houses because of the meltdown that happens whenever we try to leave for the next house.This year was better as Bubbles came with us.We made it down our street and around the block of our old neighborhood.Sammy didn’t even ask to “go inside” until fifteen houses.And his therapist at school had worked with him all week to get him to tolerate his costume.Go Sammy!!
We have had a problem with some creature getting into our garage and into our garbage, so Gary decided to put out a live trap in our garage to catch this said creature. Well sure enough the next afternoon I came home from work and was exiting the garage with Bubbles to take her for a walk when she noticed a mouse in the trap, still alive (yes it’s a live trap since we didn’t know how large this creature was). Well at this moment Gary pulled into the drive and got out of his car I told him he had caught a mouse in his trap and as soon as he said, “Don’t let Bubbles get too close.” I look over at Bubbles and she has knocked the trap upside down and the mouse is loose. Bubbles catches the mouse and I am completely mortified, Bubbles drops the mouse and begins to chase it to the side of the house where there is a vegetable garden. As Bubbles is trying to find the mouse, I hear Joyce exclaim from inside the house, “SAMMY GOT OUT”. (This is another prime example of how Sammy is able to pick the best opportunities to make his run.) Not being able to see Sam because we are at the side of the house, Bubbles is engrossed in her mouse finding activity, I say to her “Go get your Boy” and she had no qualms leaving her mouse to go get her boy. She runs back to the front of the house and goes to Sammy. He had only made it to the street by the time Bubbles and Gary had gotten him. Good Job Bubbles!
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy.
This week has been blown by like a tornado and my head is still spinning. Last Friday, Sammy was off school and since I try to avoid scheduling Sam’s doctor’s appointments during his school day he had two scheduled for last Friday. I try to never take Sam out of school for several reasons with the first being that he actually enjoys going to school. Last summer break he actually cried for his van driver, Freda, and stated, “I want to go to school” (note this was a novel statement and a complete sentence). Doctor appointments in the past have been pretty torturous. Sam is a champion fighter, kicker and screamer and he would literally crawl the walls of an exam room even before the doctor came in the room. Sam has never had his blood pressure taken, getting weighed is a crap shoot and a physical exam usually includes two to three of holding him down.
Well this last Friday, Bubbles came with us to our first appointment and I was BLOWN away. So Rachel, Joyce, Sammy, Bubbles and I all went to the first appointment. There was absolutely none of the previous reported problems; Sam occupied himself with feeding Bubbles some treats while we waited. (I would also like to say kudos for Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Pediatric practice; I don’t think we waited for more than a minute in the waiting room or in the exam room.) When the physician entered the exam room, Sammy actually got up on the exam table and laid flat on his back awaiting his physical exam!!! Joyce and I stood there with our mouths open. Sammy allowed a full exam with just a little grimacing. Rachel also wrote up the experience on her blog as well.
We were not able to take Bubbles into the second doctor visit. They said they have to keep the place hypoallergenic because the physician treats allergies and they have patients with dog allergies. Sammy was actually very calm at the second appointment as well. He really has an aggressive history with this particular physician and always kicked her, even before any exam. (She once yelled very loudly "NO" when he kicked her and it was on since then.) But this visit, there was just the typical trying to keep him distracted and not eloping/escaping. There was no kicking, no hitting, and no crying. Then Sam and Bubbles got to play at the playground after the appointment. Sammy was swinging himself on a horsey swing so high all by himself (he usually needs to be pushed to get going) and he had that magical giggling that is contagious. So nice to see him so happy
Sunday, we decided to get a little exercise and at the same time work on taking Sammy and Bubbles to walk together with numerous distractions. We went to a Chagrin River Park in Willoughby with a nature trail. It’s an interesting place, with a bridge spanning the Chagrin River.
Sammy held onto the handle on Bubbles’ Har-Vest without much prompting, and in spite of numerous distractions, Bubbles walked slowly with the family. Bubbles did begin to suddenly pull hard on the leash and let out a sharp bark. I looked in the direction she was pulling towards and saw a deer running off. Sammy also used the public bathroom at this park as well. It was a nice outing despite the rainy weather, and both Sammy and Bubbles got to burn off some energy.
Sunday night, for the first time in Sammy's five years of life, he went into his own room awake, got in his bed without anyone else with him and fell asleep BY HIMSELF. Bubbles was in sleeping in the hallway and as soon as Sam settled down she went in his room and now she is sleeping at the foot of his bed.
Sammy now enjoys filling Bubble’s Bob-a-lot (Bubbles’ food dispenser) so much when he gets home from school that it’s almost considered a reward now. He sometimes forgets that he’s filled them that day and tries to refill them when they have already been done. He is almost completely independent with this activity and Joyce says its great to have another 20 minutes to occupy Sam when he gets home from school. It's also an activity that is great for fine motor skills. Twisting the lids on and off, putting the morsels of food into the small opening at the top, and manipulating the small doors on the device to keep the food int until it's time to feed Bubbles.
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy.
Gary here, and better late than never, this is my first entry on the blog.Our lives are so hectic that it was a rare treat for the four of us – Jessica, Sammy, Bubbles and me – to be able to spend a few hours together outside the house during daylight hours.We gabbed our juice boxes, peanut butter, veggies and doggie treats, piled in the car and headed east to Lake County.
Sammy has always loved the water.He was in the ocean at five months, and three years later was frolicking in Lake Erie.The problem was, he seemed to know no fear in the lake, which he was powerfully drawn to.It seemed to be another story in swimming pools, where we spent countless hours this summer.He used to hang on for dear life, until he got used to making his way in the shallow water.Fortunately, he seemed very wary about going in too deep.But the lake, for whatever reason, was a different matter.Being that we live just over 100 yards or so from the lake, and as drowning is the number one cause of death among autistic children, our single biggest need for a service dog was to keep Sam from making a run for the water.
Bubbles seems to be a great match for Sam in so many ways.So it came as no surprise that she loves the water too.We thought it would be best to introduce her to the lake without taking Sammy.Plus, we wanted to discourage Sam from going down there from the house for obvious reasons. The first time we took Bubbles down to the lake, she was very tentative, cautiously dipping a paw in the water and jumping back as if shocked.Before long though, she was straining at the leash to get in as far as she could go.She excitedly romped up and down the shore, sniffing around furiously and occasionally stopping to nibble at the carcass of a long dead carp.
So it seemed on this beautiful Fall afternoon that the beach was the perfect place for a little family time.As we drove east on Route 2, we considered stopping at Mentor Headlands, but decided instead to proceed a little farther to the quaint and likely less crowded village of Fairport Harbor.It was a good choice, as we practically had the place to ourselves.
Sam made a beeline for the playground, and busied himself with his favorite routine of carrying handfuls of sand (or mulch or whatever, but in this case sand) up the ladders (no easy trick) and dumping it down the slide.Jessica, meanwhile, took Bubbles down to the water.
After about 15 minutes, I suggested to Sam that we go see mommy and Bubbles, and without protest he took my hand and we headed toward the water.This is somewhat significant since Sammy usually puts up a fuss when we leave the playground.He was interested in the sand and the water, however, and we made our way across the beach to where Jessica had Bubbles jumping around in the water, barking at passing boats, and shaking the water from her coat in torrents.We all took off our shoes and walked in the shallow water, with Sammy and Bubbles loving it.Sam took to grabbing handfuls of wet sand, and heaving them into the water.Bubbles thought Sammy was trying to play catch, and lunged into the water trying to catch the clods of wet sand, occasionally coming up with a mouthful and swallowing it.
We kept Bubbles on her leash, partly because it was probably the law but mostly because we were afraid she might take off.She was on sensory overload, soaking in the sights, sounds, smells and feel of a new environment.Yet she adapted to it quickly, and in spite of all the distractions, seemed very protective of Sammy.She seemed to instinctively know enough to keep in front of Sammy and prevent him from going in too deep.This was impressive, as she had never been taught this.She seemed to understand the concept of protecting Sam from possible danger. Even though she doesn’t know how to swim (I suspect she’ll learn that next summer) I got the feeling that had Sam gone into the deep water, she would not have hesitated to go after him.
As the sun set, Sam offered only token resistance as we rinsed off and got into the car to go home.Both he and Bubbles were well tired and fell asleep early, Bubbles looking fluffier than ever after her bath in Lake Erie.
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy
I realized several months ago that some of the behavioral problems Sammy had were manifestations of boredom, attention seeking, and wanting to escape the given situation. I knew that Sammy's behavior out of school (Sam attends the Cleveland Clinic Center for Autism where he has a very structured and therapeutic education and they have almost no behavior problems with him except some rigidity) was that at home, at the park, at the store or in general with me (or Gary or Joyce). As he became stronger, faster and more agile we got to the point were we never took Sam anywhere unless the following requirements were met: the place had to be enclosed, if outside it had to be fenced in. If we were going to a doctor's appointment or store, two people had to go. We had to take a camping potty because Sam refuses to use public bathrooms. It got to a point where Sammy's only activities were school, doctor's appointments and backyard play. We did take Sammy to the local Euclid pool almost daily this summer, but it was still a headache every time. Sammy was not appropriate with the other children. He would hit or bite other children which required an immediate "go home" after any biting or hitting. He would run off into the lifeguards office (If there is place that is off limits, Sam will find it) and have a meltdown during the allotted hourly pool break. And every time it was time to go home it was a wrestling match to get him in his car seat.
So here we were before Bubbles came, Sam would come home from school, go to his backyard and play by himself for hours. But hey, he was happy and, mostly, out of trouble (until he starting eating sand and dirt). I remember telling Gary that we had to do something, that although it was so much easier for us, that Sammy was getting more and more isolated and slipping into his autistic world.
So as of lately our lives are a little upside down as we have been taking Sammy to some outing almost daily. Sunday morning we took him to the park and it was just so much easier. Bubbles just kind of followed him wherever he went. He did not try to run off and it was easier getting him back in the car when it was time to go. He still resisted, but it was not a wrestling match. In fact, it has not been a wrestling match at all when Bubbles goes with us, just a little bit of protest and some pulling as we walk to the car, but no kicking, hitting, or squirming out of the seat.
Sunday afternoon Sammy and I took Bubbles to her old home where she got to play with some old friends for a DIP (Drop In Play). Something new I have learned is that dogs need to play and interact with other dogs to be properly and holistically socialized, (I've been having a lot of ah-ha moments lately.) Some amazing things happened on this outing. First, Sammy had no fear or anxiety and played on the playground and in the yard with several dogs off leash playing and barking around him. Second, we got to see first hand and Rachel Friedman, owner of A Better Pet, LLC, dog and people trainer expert, got some great video how the bond has developed between Bubbles and Sam.
Lastly, Monday evening, Gary, Joyce, Sammy, Bubbles and I went to our group dog training class given by Rachel Friedman. Sam had a great time and several great moments happened again. First, Sammy got to see his beloved Sophie (I write about Sammy's connection with Sophie here) again, and I have no idea how, but Sophie got Sam to sit with her for at least thirty minutes while I was learning how to work with Bubbles. Second, Sammy played basketball in the gym where we were training, with several dogs off leash during dog play, without fear or anxiety. He even approached and pet another dog appropriately.
Lastly, but not least. Gary was able to take Sammy and USE A PUBLIC BATHROOM without any hesitation. This is huge, Sammy has a huge fear of public bathrooms. And I mean, crawling up my back, heart thumping through his chest, white as a ghost fear. I'm so thrilled and excited and can't even think of the possibilities to come.
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy
Gary must be more intuitive than I give him credit for. Yesterday, he took Sam and Bubbles to a big fenced-in football field, harnessed Bubbles to Sam's waist an let them run wild. This is something Rachel had suggested to Joyce and I the night before when Gary was not present (However I don't think she said to harness them together). They both came back full of mud and wet. Apparently both had a blast and just ran wild. I wish I had some pictures or video but we're supposed to try it again this morning so I can see.
This morning Sam was up at 5 AM again (for the third time this week, with his usual wake up time at 7 AM). Joyce got up with Sam and Bubbles and I decided to take advantage and slept in this Sunday morning. When I woke up later, Joyce said Sammy had been playing very nicely with his puzzles. This is another activity that he has previously enjoyed, but had not wanted to participate in lately. Sam also has been enjoying his "dot to dot" workbooks too (an activity he used to love, but could not do lately until Rachel and Sophie came for training on Friday). Is this a coincidence that his concentration, impulsiveness and ability to stay on task have improved this weekend? I think not.
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy
Yesterday’s training session was amazing. There was so much progress in such a short period of time. Rachel Friedman, dog and people behavioral expert (in additon to being a licenced social worker) and her daughter Sophie came to the house for a private training session. Sammy is very endeared to Sophie and truely responds to her spirit.
Sophie, Sammy and Bubbles
I am amazed at how Rachel is able to accomplish so much in so little time. Sophie was able to model how to play with Bubbles, and before we knew it, Sammy, Sophie and Bubbles were all together in Bubbles’ crate. It was so exciting to see Sammy playing fetch and chase with Bubbles. I also had the pleasure of seeing Sammy interacting with Sophie appropriately (mostly).
Our upcoming goals are to go to a public place such as a mall with both Sam and Bubbles. Bring Bubbles to Sam’s water therapy session, and eventually to Sammy’s doctors appointment and even his school (possibly in winter).
Last evening after the session, Joyce Sammy, Bubbles and I all packed up and took a trip to get a bite to eat. Bubbles sat right next to Sam with her head next to his and Sammy petted her very nicely. Sam fell asleep in the car ride home which also shows how much more relaxed he is around Bubbles now. When we got home he was so tired he could hardly walk to his bed. I’m also happy (and a little sad) to report that Bubbles’ has moved her sleep spot at night from my bedroom to in the hallway in between Sam’s bedroom and my bedroom. It is sooo amazing how she just knows when the time is right and what she is supposed to do.
Also, this morning I was awakened when Bubbles came into my room whining at me. My initial thoughts were she is probably hungry or needs to potty and I closed my eyes just to catch a couple more winks before I got up. As I came to, I realized that I heard Sammy speaking to himself and I realized he was not in his room. I got up and went out find him on top of the refrigerator and a pint of ice cream, unopened, still frozen (it must not have been long at all) on the floor. GREAT JOB BUBBLES!!!!!
Please consider donating to allow full placement and training of Bubbles for Sammy
