My Aussie for Autism: Journal #8

Our Purpose

My only child, Matthew James, is a very special little boy. Born in November of 1999, I lost him to non-verbal Autism in February 2001. He's the greatest joy of my life, although my heart still aches with hope for his life.

Matthew lives on the periphery of our world, only interacting with me or other members of our family when he wants to, or when he needs something. He's a very good little boy, but I long for him to be able to engage with his us and other aspects of our world more appropriately and comfortably.

Inspired by the idea of Animal Assisted Therapy, especially those dogs who are now being trained for children with Autism, I felt strongly that this complimentary therapy could make a difference in his life.

Unlike other families who wish to obtain an Autism Service Dog that has ALREADY been trained, and therefore a much more significant investment upfront, I felt the best option for our family - most specifically the best option for my son, was to get puppy that could grow and learn WITH him.

I knew I could inspire Matthew's interest in a dog more successfully, if he's given a longer period of time to become accustomed to one. From the day to day acclimation that would be required, he'll come to understand that a puppy learns and grows as he does - and can become a valued member of our family!

And so, I'd like to introduce you to Amistad's Falen aka "Pippi" our special dog for our special needs.

Why an Australian Shepherd?

Aussie's are known for their high level of intelligence and their strong desire to "work." I fell in love with the breed when I worked in an Assisted Living community and met "Buddy," a four year old Australian Shepherd who belonged to one of our residents. He still lives with her at the community in the special wing dedicated to residents with memory impairments. He has a wonderful personality, and it was evident that he thoroughly enjoyed visiting with all of the many people he came into contact with everyday.

In an article from Psychiatric Times, "Therapy with children now part of a dog's life," (which I've also included in our blog's navigation to the right) Child and adolescent psychiatrist Rachel Fleissner, M.D., has two trained dogs assisting her in therapy with children diagnosed with mental and developmental disorders. Those dogs are Australian Shepherds!

Because Australian Shepherds are "sight dogs," they are masters at reading body language, said Fleissner.

Having a child who is non-verbal means having to suffer through a crash-course in reading body language! After much research on the topic of Autism Service Dogs, I knew that the Australian Shepherd breed was going to be a good fit for my son and me.

We definitely settled into a routine for our life thus far. Pippi and I get up and have our morning time together - we take care of our four cats (she keeps them active by trying to play with them (hehehe!) and they keep HER on the tips of her paws by swiping at her and making her jump around all the time! They are A LOT faster than she realizes!!! Pippi and I then get Matt up and off to school. She's excited about accompanying him out to his bus, but she cries and cries when he gets on the bus and she's left by my side. But fast as you please, she's excited again like only a 3 months old pup can be. There's a bounce in her step and we're going back inside our home - and onto her next job.

She supervises me as I get dressed for work - all the while trying to get me to consider a new outfit by jumping up to nip at my pants!! (Please note...I did have to change twice on two different days because I found myself with a new little tear in a favorite pair of pants or skirt! Arrrggghhh!) Truth of the matter is...I KNOW she's just wanting to play with me, and I love her enthusiasm, but the seriousness of the matter is...I HAVE to get tough about setting some ground rules for our relationships!

I knew I'd gotten myself a very bright little Australian Shepherd. Her lineage is remarkable and very multipurposed. She's already mastered a few basic lessons: Sit, Stay, and Good Girl! Yeah, yeah...I bet you didn't know "Good Girl" was a lesson. Well what she learned is that when I say 'Good Girl' to her - she sits and waits patiently for a training treat. Where I got into trouble was....the more and more comfortable she became in her new home - the more and more dangerous her little mouth became. The "alligator" had arrived!! Her Montana mommie (Judie Manuel of Amistad Aussies) told me to be very careful of the alligator. And I have to admit, I wasn't totally sure I understood what she'd meant. I've since learned. ;)

Not wanting to ruin any more of my business clothes, I knew I had to implement the "No Bite" lesson. So....one evening when she was particularly fiesty and not wanting to listen or behave...I knew the time had come for me to get stern with her. With her funny little face intently focused on me, and her excited little body just jumping about wherever we walked throughout my house - she jumped up and caught my shorts AND a little bit of my backside and I turned on her with a strong voiced "NO Bite!!" And you know what she did? She sat back on her backside and looked up at me and then she BARKED! Not once, but twice, OH! and then three times... She was BACK TALKING me! The little devil. Her head hanging low like only an Aussie can, she was looking up at me with the infamous Aussie eye - daring me to make the next move. And you know what I did?
I burst out laughing!! It was the funniest dawg gone thing I've ever seen!! It's like a toddler that cusses. You KNOW it's wrong, but you just can't help but laugh. And LAUGH I did! Which totally blew my training moment. I gave in, which was the completely wrong thing to do and got down on my knees so she could kiss me all over. Which is exactly what she was wanting to do. Jeepers creepers - if I didn't get control, this little girl was going to eat me alive...and that would never do.

I didn't waste any time posting a plea for help on the Legends Aussies Yahoo group message board. The group is a vast assortment of breeders and trainers who own all of the relations of Pippi and her lineage. The gal that owns Pippi's grandfather, Bandit, was a fabulous help for me. As well as many others who offered their advice to my plea as well. I began anew with inspiration, know-how, and confidence. I had to incorporate a little physical correction to make certain she knows who the pack leader REALLY is. My new response to her jumping up and nipping me was the "Leave-it" command in conjuction with a setback by grabbing the scruff of her neck (like a Mama dog would). Needless to say, it worked. She was totally surprised when I got stern with her and her little feelings were hurt, but it was quite obvious she was paying attention.

It only took a few occassions for her to get the point. She's steadily learning the boundaries of the human-dog relationship. She's still a challenge, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

My Favorite Quotes About Dogs

Dogs are not our whole life, but they make our lives whole. ~Roger Caras

If there are no dogs in Heaven, then when I die I want to go where they went
~Will Rogers

There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.
~Ben Williams

A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.
~Josh Billings

The average dog is a nicer person than the average person.
~Andy Rooney

We give dogs time we can spare, space we can spare and love we can spare. And in return, dogs give us their all. It’s the best deal man has ever made.
~M. Acklam