Day One...

Today was an exciting day for sure!   Zachary's eyes popped open, and he already was asking when we were going to get "my friend Aubrey". :)  He initially did not want to go for breakfast because he was on the schedule of 1) wake-up and 2) get Aubrey.  After we explained that breakfast was part of OUR plan and that we weren't leaving to get Aubrey until we ate breakfast, he happily started his day with a big bowl of Corn Chex and milk.

We arrived at 4 Paws at 945am and claimed our seats as we eagerly awaited Aubrey's arrival.  OMG...there were a gazillion dogs of all shapes and sizes.  I've never seen anything like it.  The level of energy within the training facility was incredible.  There were many introductions and smiles from new friends from all over the United States and Canada.  It was really quite remarkable to see so many different families all in the same place with a mutual goal...to help thier children.  One by one, Jeremy and the other trainers brought each child their dog.  There are children with various types of special needs in our class....Autism, Down's Syndrome, Seizure Disorder, etc.  This was such an exciting and emotional moment for each and every family; their lives were about to change in a way only they could possibly imagine and understand. 

Aubrey was the last of the 13 dogs to make her debut.  Zachary was really so good about it.  We were so proud of him.  Aubrey becomes a little overwhelmed in large, loud groups.  There are over 50 people in our group, so it was better for her to see all of her doggie pals walk the red carpet before her.  She is just so sweet and gentle.  It's obvious how much she loves her trainers and they love her.  One of the trainers actually started to cry when we told her Aubrey was Zachary's service dog.  She was happy for Zachary but hated to see Aubrey go.  Zachary was so happy to finally meet his best-girl Aubrey.  He sat in his chair like a big boy and gave her lots and lots of treats. He was really good about not jumping up and becoming overly excited.  We talked to him about sitting in his chair as not to scare her.  At first, Aubrey was very overwhelmed and tentative around us.  Truthfully, I think we were all a little overwhelmed and over-stimulated; there was a lot going on around us!  There were times when I could've definitely used a sensory break!  Aubrey's favorite trainers were Jen and Jessa, and it showed.  They both worked with us and Aubrey throughout the morning to help her with the transition to her new family.  Passing out rapid-fire treats were a big help, too! :)  The bonding process between child/family and dog must start immediately for this to be a successful partnership.

Little by little Aubrey settled in and became more comfortable with us.  Her body language became more relaxed and she slowly started letting us pat her without pulling back and wagging her tail when we spoke to her.  She even started to give me kisses which I was thrilled by!  After lunch, Aubrey definitely seemed much more at ease.  By this time, Jen and Jessa were no longer sitting with us.  As the afternoon progressed Jeremy, the Training Director, began the teaching process.  He is incredibly knowledgable, and his 16 years experience as a trainer is quite obvious.   In small groups, we all started obedience training.  These dogs have all become very attached to and accustomed to their trainers.  These are the people who are their handlers or "leaders of the pack".  These are the people who have taught them everything they know as well as what they can and cannot do, and now we're stepping in.  Needless to say, this can be confusing for the dogs.  We look different, we smell different and most of all, we sound different.  This afternoon we not only worked on establishing a bond with Aubrey but teaching her to follow our command and how to best give her these commands.  We started with sit, down and "free".  Tone of voice, clear commands, rewards and positive verbal reinforcement are all key to success. 

The kids were beyond excited to take Aubrey home with us.  As soon as we told Zachary it was time to go back to the hotel, the very first thing he asked was if Aubrey could come home with us.  This is a slam-dunk...the connection is already there!  Although Aubrey was a little unsure about getting in the truck with us and leaving the only place she's known as home for the past two years, she settled into our suite without any problems.  She drank water from her bowl and happily accepted the kids playing with her.  They were thrilled to give her their "presents"...a Nylabone, two balls, and, of course, her pink leash!  She ran and played fetch with the kids, she took treats from them and she let them give her hugs and kisses all of which made them squeal with delight.  In kind, this warmed our hearts in a way I can't even explain.  Aubrey is our dog now, and they know it. 

Aubrey is absolutely perfect, and today was everything

we could've ever hoped it would be.