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What a perfect dog and community for a special needs kiddo. She was very forunate. I couldn't agree more with your description about the conditions that made the dog helpful. So much is in selection of dog with the right temperament, along with a home environment that supports the calm, stable, supportive demeanor that your father (and you?) provided for Bear. Awesome.

Savannah's mother (my sister) was in a very abusive relationship and moved back in with our parents when the baby was born. We were told that with the severity of her Downs and the medical issues she had, we would be luck to have 5 years with her. Five heart surgeries later she just turned 15. Between my sister and my father, Savannah is one lucky little girl. Now learning to deal with her body maturing (puberty and the monthly pain that goes with it, especially with TWO uterus!!) is our new challenge. But she and Bear teach/taught us all so much!!

Awesome story of adaptibility, community, and resilience, Jessica, thanks for sharing!!

So here's the next question. Is there a Bear #2? I'd guess it would not be easy to find such a special dog.

I apologize for skimming...don't have a ton of time but read in somebody's post that certifying a service dog as a therapy dog would be helpful...not so at all. If somebody already addressed this I apologize.

Service dogs and therapy dogs are entirely different animals with completely different skill sets. The only thing they both have in common is a need to behave appropriately in public.

A therapy dog works with a number of people in specific places for a short amount of time. They need to be social, and their time 'on the clock' is relatively short. They may or may not be trained to perform specific duties; either way it doesn't matter.

A service dog needs to ignore everybody but his handler and his job is much more intense as he is working much more than he isn't. He also must be trained to do specific tasks to help his disabled handler in order to be considered a service dog. A great therapy dog may not have the stamina to be a good service dog, and may be far too social to focus on one person for the length of time necessary. Some dogs can do both, but it's exceptionally rare.

Willie Tilton may know where specific, task-related information can be found that's geared to autism. I would send her a PM.

They "borrowed" four different dogs from animal control that had a similar temperament, but Savannah just didn't seem to want anything to do with them. She likes my brothers Pit, but he is not so hot on having his skin pinched by accident and she likes my young Rott, but he is WAY to hyper for her to deal with; he needs two 3mile runs a day to be a house dog...

We will keep looking and the right one will come along. But a puppy is out of the question. To much of a chance the pup would NOT work out and how many can you go through like that? Savannah does like to the pound and the HS to see all the animals. We will keep it up until she finds her next soul mate. Many would have fit the bill, but she has her own opinions on the matter!

But I like some of the ideas that Arron had. She won't wander off, but the tether idea may help the adults be able to let her have a little more "freedom". Might be something to work on when we find a new "Bear"

 Quote: kristel smart

I apologize for skimming...don't have a ton of time but read in somebody's post that certifying a service dog as a therapy dog would be helpful...not so at all. If somebody already addressed this I apologize.

Service dogs and therapy dogs are entirely different animals with completely different skill sets. The only thing they both have in common is a need to behave appropriately in public.

A therapy dog works with a number of people in specific places for a short amount of time. They need to be social, and their time 'on the clock' is relatively short. They may or may not be trained to perform specific duties; either way it doesn't matter.

A service dog needs to ignore everybody but his handler and his job is much more intense as he is working much more than he isn't. He also must be trained to do specific tasks to help his disabled handler in order to be considered a service dog. A great therapy dog may not have the stamina to be a good service dog, and may be far too social to focus on one person for the length of time necessary. Some dogs can do both, but it's exceptionally rare.

Willie Tilton may know where specific, task-related information can be found that's geared to autism. I would send her a PM.

Oh I probably don't have the terminology and labels correct, no doubt. I've worked with children and adolescents with disabilities for 30 years and owned dogs for longer, but am just now discovering what an amazing combination the two can be together. I only brought up the CGC and training as a means of further socializing, training and "proofing" the 6 month old pup as the family is evaluating the dog's potential to serve a purpose in their child's life. Obviously the first purpose is family companion and safe, cooperative, socialized pet (perhaps the "emotional support dog" that Aaron spoke of?) The more advanced stuff goes from there, if it's even desired or necessary....

Between Willie Tilton and Kelly, there is an awful lot of information that could be helpful...

 Quote: jessicakromer

They "borrowed" four different dogs from animal control that had a similar temperament, but Savannah just didn't seem to want anything to do with them. She likes my brothers Pit, but he is not so hot on having his skin pinched by accident and she likes my young Rott, but he is WAY to hyper for her to deal with; he needs two 3mile runs a day to be a house dog...

We will keep looking and the right one will come along. But a puppy is out of the question. To much of a chance the pup would NOT work out and how many can you go through like that? Savannah does like to the pound and the HS to see all the animals. We will keep it up until she finds her next soul mate. Many would have fit the bill, but she has her own opinions on the matter!

But I like some of the ideas that Arron had. She won't wander off, but the tether idea may help the adults be able to let her have a little more "freedom". Might be something to work on when we find a new "Bear"

Isn't it interesting how there is almost a "chemistry" component to the selection process? It goes way beyond something we can even describe. You sort of just know it when you see it...although it can also develop over time. Good luck (and good for you!!) in your continued search.

A child should never be tethered to any dog, including a service dog. It's not just about training a dog, it's understanding Autism. The more you understand about the complexity of Autism, the more you will understand what tasks/training will best serve that child.

I really appreciate all the suggestions,comments and ideas I received in this post. I feel much more equipped and inspired to continue working with this family and their autistic son.

Thanks Again!

Mark