Words cannot even begin to describe the heart felt gratitude I feel towards National Service Dogs! The hard work, dedication, passion and love that is put into the service dog program is unprecedented! The gift of safety, independence and love that Cayleb is receiving can only be summed up into one word....Ivy!
It dawned on me this morning that the moment Ivy has been working towards her whole life will happen today when she meets Cayleb. Actually, it started before her life began when NSD paired up her parents, NSD Jemma and GD Tommy to breed. With the care and dedication given to Ivy by Misha and Josie during her Puppy raising, Ivy was started on the right foot that has brought her to today. At 18 months when Ivy was removed from the family she loved, she was met by the amazing trainers that would teach her to keep our child safe. Many hours this team spent discussing our family, Cayleb and the dogs in intensive training to make a perfect match. Not all the dogs are suited to be autism service dogs for a variety of reasons. Finally these dogs are met by a group of scared and uncertain adults, two of whom they will call Mom and Dad (or whatever appropriate names reflect that family and their dynamics) for the rest of their lives.
5 days later they are brought to meet the child that they will be bonded to and of whom they will become inseperable!
Ivy has dedicated her life to help Cayleb and because of that, she is worthy of carrying the name National Service Dog.
It took a village to raise Ivy and by association our Cayleb. We are so greatful for that village and are honoured to be a part of it-forever part of the NSD family!
We are thrilled that Ivy has been joined your family. We know that you will love her as much as we did. All the best as you make this transition and settle in with her
ReplyDelete