A Bump in the Road

I am very sad to report that we have to return Hans to 4Paws. In the past two weeks he has shown signs of aggression. He has been nervous in new environments, growled at people on a number of occasions, and snapped at a couple of people. We have been in contact with the head trainer, who is retiring him from service work. Unfortunately, one of the people he has been aggressive with is our youngest son, Aaron, so we cannot even keep him as a pet. We are all heartbroken over this.

To those of you who have been taking this journey with us, we realize that you are disappointed as well. This is one of those times that we just hold on to God, because we don't understand why this has happened. Jonathan was making progress with his speech and we could see improvement in lots of ways. Now it feels like we are back to square one.

4Paws is training our new dog now. We will go back for another two weeks of training in August. Yes, that's 10 months away. They are replacing Hans free of charge, so we only have to pay travel expenses when we go.

We still believe that 4Paws for Ability is an amazing organization. There are behaviors in some animals that aren't apparent until they go to live in a family environment. Unfortunately, we were in that small percentage of families.

Thanks for supporting us through all of this.

Heather

We passed! We're home! We're tired!

Hi Everyone!

Well, I passed the public access test last Friday and we graduated that afternoon. Life has been incredibly busy since we got home. Hans has been to church, the chiropractor's office, and multiple times to Jonathan's school. Next Tuesday will be his first full day at school without me. I have had staff meetings and taken him around to each individual classroom to have the student body meet him and answered lots of questions. I gave the kids an opportunity to pet Hans and see some of his tricks. By the time we were on our 16th class he was tired and looking at me like, 'you want me to do that trick AGAIN!' But he was a trooper and everyone is in love with him.

We've done three practice tracks since we've been home. This is the hardest part for us...and I have to say it's a lot easier in Ohio with the trainer running along with you giving instruction and encouragement! We've had one total flop and two successes. Hans knows what he's doing, it's the two dummies holding the leash that need to figure this out!!!

I'm getting use to the fact that getting ready to go places takes an extra half hour...and the idea of just running in and out of places is a thing of the past because EVERYONE wants to meet him and ask questions. This is a really great opportunity to tell our story and educate the public about autism and what service dogs can do to help!

Here's our graduation picture.

We're still working on the bond between Jonathan and Hans. Tethering goes pretty well as long as we keep moving. I'm going to have to tailor Jonathan's vest so that he can't pull it over his head. (We should've named him Houdini!!!) Hans sleeps in Jonathan's room next to his bed. Our goal is to eventually have him in the bed so that Jonathan can fall asleep and stay asleep without being with me...but we'll need to take baby steps in that area. Occasionally, Jonathan has reached out to touch Hans in the car...and I have to say I'm completely amazed that Jonathan can eat french fries in the car right next to Hans-and Hans stays in a down and doesn't try to eat them! Jonathan loves to throw balls, and Hans loves to fetch balls, so that is a match made in heaven!

We feel so fortunate to have Hans in our lives. This journey has been incredible and very worth all the effort and time that went into it. Thank you to all who have contributed in many ways. We sure couldn't have done this alone!

Heather

Finals on Friday!

Friday is the big day! We have to pass a public access test at the mall with the head trainer, Jeremy. He will go through a checklist while I walk through stores to make sure that I am in control of Hans and that it is safe to have him in public. We also have to go to a restaurant and put Hans in an 'under' command - it's a good thing we don't have to actually eat...because I don't think I could due to nerves! We also have to show that we can load him safely into the car. Fortunately, we do not have to have our children with us. We are not tested on tethering or tracking. Yay! Jonathan still fights being tethered sometimes, so if he's having a bad day...well, let's just say that it's going to be A LOT easier without kids there.

If all goes well, we graduate at 3:oo.

We'll drive home at least part of the way on Saturday. We're still deciding if we want to stop half way to break up the drive a bit for the kids.

See you soon!

Heather

What is a restaurant?

I'm thrilled to tell you that we went out for dinner as a whole family for the first time in over 3 years. Hans went with us and was perfect under the table. Jonathan did very well and even stayed tethered for the first 15 minutes. We told Aaron that we were going to a restaurant - but he didn't know what that meant. Andrew said, "it's been a long time since we've been to a place where a waiter comes to the table." Our life is already changing for the better. Thank you 4 Paws!

Today, I ran another track. Jeremy (the head dog trainer) had me do this one without knowing which direction they hid. Then he followed a good distance behind me to see how I would do - no pressure! It went well. We overshot one place by a bit, but I was able to tell that Hans had lost the scent, so I backed up to where I last knew he had it really strong and we started from there. I have to tell you, this dog is big and he can run! My back and shoulders are sore from being pulled behind him. I'm so glad that he's a great tracker! We will be practicing a lot when we come home...so anyone who wants to hide with Jonathan...we could use your help!

One more day of training...then Friday we have to pass a public access test to become certified.

We're all looking forward to coming home!

Heather

Heather and Karen wait to track

Hans does a 'lap' command with Heather

Karen and Jonathan head off to lay a track