Not Just Any Dog

When we started looking into a service dog for Charlie we researched and researched different avenues, different training groups, funding, you name it.  We looked at no less than 10 different training groups to see if we were eligible to get a dog from them or if they would make a good fit with us.  We searched from Minnesota to Oregon, Oklahoma to Tennessee.  The only group that seemed like a good fit was a group in Minnesota called Can Do Canines.  So we made the decision to put Charlie's name on their wait list knowing that we needed to start the process even though our family dog was still alive at that time and helping Charlie. At the time we applied, we were told the wait list would likely be close to 2 years.  Can Do Canines needed more funding, more dogs and trainers for their Autism Support Dogs.

So we began the wait.  A little over a year on the wait list and our family dog, Tank, passed away at almost 13 years old.  Over the years Tank had became Charlie's best friend, his anchor.  We quickly saw a decline in Charlie after Tank was gone and we became nervous.  We knew Tank made a difference with Charlie but we didn't know the huge impact he had with him.  We contacted Can Do Canines to see where we were on the wait list and were told that we were #86 on the list and it would likely take another 2 years before our name would be at the top.  Not much we could do but continue to wait.  

Fortunately we found Mike Burkel a year ago and we were quickly able to change our plans and start training Sunny almost immediately.  We knew a service dog would be great for Charlie, but we didn't know the life changer it would be- not only for Charlie, but for our whole family.  Charlie is able to sleep better when Sunny sleeps with him, he can do car rides with ease, eating out at a restaurant is manageable and going into stores isn't as big of a challenge as they used to be.  These are just a few things that Sunny has made a huge difference with in Charlie's every day life.

Since Autism Awareness Month started a few days ago I've seen numerous articles and videos on all the websites and pages I follow.  This video I saw today grabbed my heart.  We know exactly how this family feels- it seems we've walked a similar road.  Even though we didn't get Sunny from Can Do Canines, they continue to serve others on the Spectrum with highly trained dogs.  These dogs are making a huge difference for these families.  They're not just any dog. 

Watch the video here:   https://youtu.be/1Y8azgYp4C8


On another note....someone is celebrating her 2nd birthday today!  Happy birthday Sunny!!  We are so happy you are with us and you've quickly become an important part of our family!