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Training Leo |
Progress Reports |
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March 15, 2006 Just a quick update. Both boys are doing great. On Saturday last, they began a woodworking class at Home Depot. (they offer a free once a month woodworking class to kids). Both of them got orange Home Depot aprons to wear with their names on them-they look great :) and of course Leo is a hit with all the kids. He good naturedlly sits to be fussed over, and then we tell the kids it is hands off and he goes into a down/stay while Adam does his project and gets lots of praise for a job well done when we are ready to leave. It is terrific - Adam is actually there with "regular" kids and he is the "lucky" kid (not the one to be pitied!) It is just so wonderful!!!!! And no "melt down". Granted they have only been the once so far, but it makes me very optimistic that this is working as it should. And the store has been great - allowing Leo the courtesy of a fully certified dog even though he is only still "in training". Gosh, people who have known Adam for years can hardly believe this is him out and about with "regular" kids and only standing out in positive ways! |
| Hi Mary, My name is Pam Taylor, I am the Assistance Dog Trainer currently working with Adam & Leo (The Adam Project). I'm writing to let you know how it's going with Adam & Leo, and how pleased I am to have the opportunity to work with such a solid dog with a truly awsome temperment as Leo. As you know, one of the many needs that Adam has for Leo is Leo's ability to soothe Adam when Adam is in overwhelming situations. "Attending the dentist is grounds for an all out melt down for Adam", were the words that Barb (Adam's mom) used as we planned our outing for that day. Yesterday, Barb, Leo, and myself, went with Adam to the dentist. Adam needed to have a tooth removed, several fillings, and some x-rays done. I viewed this outing as an opportunity for Leo to get some socialization and training in public. Knowing that Adam would be given anesthetic I didn't anticipate any real interaction between Adam and Leo other than their usual companionship and hugging. After a short wait in the waiting area Adam was taken to the surgical area where he would be given the anesthetic and prepared for removal of the tooth. Leo and I waited patiently in the waiting area. Suddenly an attendant rushed into the waiting area demanding "where is Leo, Leo, where is Leo?!!", I was so startled by her urgency that I forgot for a few seconds that I had Leo. I jumped up and said "here he is, this is Leo!" rushing toward her with Leo in tow. She said "That's Leo? "I was expecting a stuffed animal...follow me!". We rushed toward the sounds of dispair coming from Adam as his shaking little body lay on the table. In an effort to calm Adam the Doctor kept repeating, " here's Leo, here he is Adam". it's O.K. he is on his way!". As I reached the door I noticed Adam's little hand reaching and waving desperately at the air in every direction to find Leo's comfort. The six feet from the door to where Adam lay with his pale face contorted in fear and unfamiliarity was the longest six feet ever encountered by me. When Leo and I finally reached Adam and Adam's little waving hand connected with Leo the scene brought tears to my eyes, Leo approached Adam, so gentle, and pressed his face to Adam's, Adam put his hand on Leo's shoulders and clutched him as though he would never let go, Adam's face relaxed and his breathing began to steady. Once Adam became calm anesthesia was given and the procedure was completed. Leo patiently waited in the waiting area until we were notified that we could sit with Adam until he had come out of the anesthesia. Leo laid by Adam's bed until the nurse encouraged Leo to assist in waking Adam. Adam was not awakening as quickly as they had hoped. Again Leo gently approached Adam licking his face and conjoling Adam to wake up. Adam drifted in and out of conciousness with his little hand always touching Leo. After a time of cuddling with Leo and then his mom Adam was ready to leave. Leo rode in the back seat with his head on Adam's lap as Adam slept peacefully on the one and a half hour ride home. All in all our dental visit took five and a half hours and Leo was amazing. Leo's bond with Adam and ability to perform his job even amazed me, I'm and a seasoned assistance dog trainer of 12 years! Leo is amazing especially considering he is only six months old. Obviously, Leo needs more training to learn the manners expected in public, but Leo already knows what no trainer can teach him and that’s how to care for his own little boy. That kind of bond comes from the heart, the heart of Leo the lion hearted as he is so appropriately named. I tell you this story because I want you to know what a wonderful thing you have done, and the difference you have made in the lives that Leo has touched, including mine. Thanks so much, Pam |
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