Quote: kelly

I also got a FB message from a very special person that gave me a different perspective.. that of a parent. How would I feel if my special needs child had bonded with this marvelous dog, and that relationship was broken over one incident?

How can I take her away from them? How can I take them away from her?

She will be returning to work with me tomorrow. There will be some new rules in place to help keep her safe. The kids actually came up with the new rules

I think this is the way to go. I may worry about her, but she needs to be able to do her thing. It's what she was born to do, and it's what she lives for.

Thanks to you all!!!

--Kel and Drifty Dog

Kelly - you got your answers to all your questions. There are way too many stakeholders with major investments to summarily end Drifts work after a single incident. Looking back, I'm sure you are not all that surprised that this happened, just shocked that it actually did.

That dog of yours is so special - to be calm around kids with the most unstable energy in the state. If you could ask Drift - "so, is it worth it - would it be better to stay home while I go to work?" - you know what her answer would be.

Honestly - years ago, I contemplated a career change to police work with intentions to have a working dog. I finally realized that I might not be able to handle it if my dog got hurt on one of the hundreds of times I had to send it into harms way.

Heck, dogs that size get after each other a lot more than one slap from a 12 year old during rigorous play with each other.

I agree with Mara - Drift would be CRUSHED at this point not to be able to go to work ever day. It's what she IS.

My bet is that you'll be more conscious of sending her away or at least putting her in a down-stay once things ramp up in a behavioral episode. Yes, Drift can be effective in de-escalating a tantrumming kiddo - but she's a heck of a lot more valuable in her day-to-day work in all phases.

That letter you got from the parent was special. I'm glad she sent it.

Thanks for sharing, Kel. Now get that dog back to work!!

Wow. What a story.

Drift came back to work with me today, and got lots of hugs from the kids

The girl that hit her told the therapist that it was Drift's fault because she should have known better than to go by her when she was upset. We've got a little work to do with that....sigh....

Glad to hear Drift is back on the job!

Personal Accountability usually doesn't emerge until around 12-13, some take longer, some never seem to get it!