Racer

We have been matched with a male Black Lab named Racer. He has the most expressive eyes I have ever seen! He has been trained to recognize and obey 30 or more voice commands----it is very impressive! So now the humans have the task of learning all of the commands and knowing when to use them!

It is much harder than it seems! The command for them to stop something they are doing and pay attention is "don't" The command for them to walk is "let's go" and the command for them to stand at your left side is "heel"---but now if you are left handed like I am and they need to be on your right side the command is "side". "Hurry" is the command to go potty...."kennel" is the command to go to their cage and so on. It is all common sense and every command must be well thought out before it is issued! But oh how was all get so confused...the humans that is!

The dogs just kinda stand there looking at us very patiently, waiting for us to get it right. Even if we mess up, they for the most part know what we REALLY want and do it! It is just amazing to watch!

And Josiah's face---when the dog does a command---like speak----well.....let's just say I have had some teary moments today!

The other children that are here getting dogs are becoming friends, as well as their parents. We have a commonality---we are all getting a dog---but the disabilities vary as well as the stories.

One family has waited 6 years to be here. Another 4. One family knows that their son may not outlive this dog. Another girl, so severely handicapped it is hard to see how this dog will help, has transformed into a smiling little girl each time the dog gets on her lap. And that is what it is all about! All the volunteers and all the hours and hours spent training these dogs....it is worth the smiles that are on the faces of all these children. I am so glad we are here!