PAT

Ivy made me so proud today! Showing off for NSD trainer Amy, Ivy behaved as though we completed advanced training yesterday! Ivy passed her public access test with flying colours! Way to go Ivy!

Ivy at the park, burning off energy before her big test!

Birthday cards for Ivy

Ivy and Cayleb's classmates made birthday cards for Ivy!

First day of school

I have to admit that when I first learned a service dog was an option for Cayleb I was sceptical! 'Right, a busy mother of three, one of whom has autism and takes off all the time with no regard to danger, is going to be able to handle a dog' I thought. 'Just what we need, more responsibility'.

Everything about having Ivy couldn't be further from my original thoughts. What a difference she has made in Cayleb's life, in our lives!

A child who is on his own agenda, ready to take off without notice is now safely secured to his dog. Going out in public is no longer the complete nightmare of losing my child. 

Knowing Cayleb is attached to Ivy and that be is safe is a piece if mind that is priceless. Having his best friend Ivy at Cayleb's side when he is upset or scared gives Cayleb a tool to learn how to calm himself down.

Today Ivy is training at Cayleb's school with the EAs in his class. She will now be a familiar face in the halls opening new opportunities and offering Cayleb independence.

Today Cayleb has his best friend at his side and today I will give Ivy a big hug, holding back tears as I say thank you to the dog who has changed Cayleb's world.

$25,730

Another $105.21 from Tomken Chocolate Bars! We are now at $25,730!
So close!!

It's Ivy and Cayleb's BIG DAY!!

Nearly three years has past since that night I sat at my work computer and filled out the National Service Dog application form. Today has finally arrived, today Ivy is training at ErinOak with Cayleb!

It was really weird for Ivy and me when I handed her leash over to NSD trainer Vicki and said goodbye. Ivy looked utterly confused that I was not taking her back home with me after dropping off Cayleb.

Cayleb was acting ridiculously excited this morning on our way to ErinOak-so happy that his best friend will be at his side 24/7 from now on. 

 

Annual Bottle Drive

The annual Paws for Cayleb bottle drive has begun!

Last year we collected just over $250 collecting empties. 

This year we are already off to a good start! Do you think we can match last year's efforts or surpass them? 

WPBT

Back in the fall, Bryceson's class choose Paws for Cayleb and WWF as the two charities for which their class buisness would work to raise money. The buisness was named WPBT (World, Paws, Bazaar, Theatre). 

Through a TON of hard work including running at school events (hot chocolate & books cafe, raffle and a family fun movie night) as well as approaching local buisnesses WPBT well surpassed my expectations. 

Not only did they raise just over $915 for Paws for Cayleb, but they did it with excitement, energy and a contagious passion that only 8-10 year olds can spread. The support our family felt from Mrs. Belford, her students and the community was nothing short if heart warming.

I am thrilled, as a parent, that my son was involved in such an amazing class project while experiencing what true community is all about!

Grade 1!!

I just got the official word that Ivy will start grade 1 with Cayleb in September!!!

Ivy will be going to ErinOak first mid July and will help make Cayleb's transition to full time school a smooth one.

$5,300

Can you believe we only have $5,300 left to raise to reach our goal of $30K? I can't!

Just in time to help Costco has brought back their ice cream bars, so Tomken station will be stocked ASAP!!!

Calling All Golfers!

(From Eric, who hacked Kaley's password to post this!)

During our NSD training week last October (was it really that long ago?!?!), Kales and I met and worked with Justin and Nikole, whose son Lincoln received NSD Juno (pictured above).

They will be hosting a day of golfing on Saturday July 26, 2014 at Victoria Park Valley Golf Club in Guelph. For $125, you get:

• 18 holes of golf
• Cart
• Dinner
• Prizes!!

If you're not a golfer, but would still like to PAR-take in some of the fun, $40 will let you join FORE! dinner (terrible puns, I'm sorry. But I had to take a SWING at it).

All proceeds will be going to National Service Dogs. You can find more info here:

https://www.facebook.com/events/295541897288974/

They've requested RSVPs by June 1st, so please support them in what's sure to be a great day!

April 2 - Autism Awareness Day!

Cayleb's school held an assembly today in honour of Autism Awareness and their students who live the struggle that is autism. Siblings of students with autism, and autistic students read letters they wrote describing autism in this completely student lead assembly. I felt myself holding back tears several times as the familiarity of their words hit home.

The best part of the assembly for me, was seeing the bond Cayleb and Ivy have built become extremely obvious. Cayleb's teacher had told Cayleb that Mommy, Hermyonie and Ivy were coming to the assembly. Cayleb's eyes lit up the second he found Ivy. He walked over to her, gave her a big hug and sat beside her. His hands did not leaver her once, nor did his smile leave his face even for one moment. Ivy's tail wagged as she gave Cayleb kisses and visited without command. It melted my heart to see these kindred spirits enjoy each other's company.

I am SO looking forward to the day Ivy becomes a student at MSB!

Egg Hunt for Dogs

Join our team and help raise money for Paws for Cayleb all while having fun!

Egg Hunt

Ivy and Cayleb are participating in National Service Dogs' annual 

Egg Hunt for Dogs!

Will you help them raise money for Paws for Cayleb?

Grade 3/4 Business

The grade 3/4 Gifted Class at Sam Sherratt has chosen Paws for Cayleb as one of the two charities that their class business will be fund raising for! What an honour!!!

As their first business endeavour, they will be selling hot chocolate during their nutrition break!



Ivy's first Christmas as a Jevnikar

Just Ivy

...and her family.

Settling In

My apologies for the lack of updates recently. I know you are all eager to know how the bond between Ivy and Cayleb is growing. We moved to Acton from Milton in November and due to some technical difficulties, have yet to have internet access at home. This makes sharing photos difficult. I promise to bombard the blog once we do in fact internet hooked up!

In the meantime, we have had Ivy at home for almost 3 months now and things are going well. Ivy and Cayleb's bond is growing. Of course we are still learning and working on things with Ivy. One issue that has come up, is that Cayleb has been over feeding Ivy on occasion, which has led to a weight gain. Now that I figured out why Ivy has been putting on weight, we are working towards getting her back to her optimum weight.

Ivy enjoys greeting people, which she is not allowed to do in jacket. This has also become an issue as Ivy has greeted strangers in the grocery store or in a restaurant. Having to continually tell people to please ignore the dog is tiresome. I think a HUGE service dog awareness campaign is in order! DON'T TOUCH or TALK TO THE DOG!!! Sigh.

We had a great Christmas with Ivy and took her on her first camping trip last weekend. I cannot wait to share the photos! Thanks for your continued support. The fundraisers we continue to run are selling chocolate bars at Tomken Station and private donations. Mabel's Label's is an ongoing fundraiser.

Cayleb and Ivy while winter camping

 Ivy 'visitin' Cayleb before falling asleep

Cayleb holding Ivy's KONG for her to lick out the PB and kibble