Because I Don't Have Enough To Do

We have been researching a service dog for Jaime for over a year now. The main problem being, obviously, the cost of a service dog. The training has to be highly specialized, similar to the training a service dog for autism would receive. Rather than being a seeing eye or hearing ear dog, these dogs are trained to help behavior challenged kids with calming, redirecting a kid who is literally running away (i.e. going with the "flight" part of "fight or flight") etc. The cost is astronomical and the waiting list over two years IF you get accepted for the program. The only service dog program in Minnesota is for adults... no children. The other programs would require lots of travel and extended periods away from home, and again, that is IF Jaime were accepted.

After much thought and prayer, we decided we would go with a companion dog for now, letting Jaime do all the care and take puppy training classes with her. We have our preliminary stuff in order: Jaime has her clicker and her first assignments for her puppy. I don't know if this is a such a terrific idea or not, but John and I agreed we have to at least give it a try.