One Step Closer!

So Sean's evaluation for Perfect Fit Canines was yesterday. It was a rough start, but the day ended fantastic.

In order to get an idea of how severe Sean's autism is and his level of agitation, Sean had to go half of the day without his medicines. Not sure who that was rougher on, Sean or the rest of us! At around 1pm Jim stopped over and got to see Sean in action up close and personal. Sean was extremely hyper, but manageable. Trust me, I've seen him a lot worse. He did give Jim enough material though, and with BJ, my mom, and I filling in the rest of the blanks, gave him a good idea of what he was dealing with and what behaviors Sophia would need to be trained to help with. This is the one thing I truly love about Perfect Fit Canines. I know Jim, Susan, and Jeff are going to make sure both Sophia and Sean are trained and ready before she comes to us. I am an admitted cat person, and have almost no experience training dogs, so that's a huge relief to me that Sophia will come to us with all of the basics learned.

After Sean had a semi-meltdown when Jim asked him to clean up his trains, he was finally allowed his Adderall...and a visit to Misty Pines Dog Park to visit Sophia! The whole family (minus Emma, who was with my aunt for the afternoon) plus our current dog of the house Odie, all packed in the car and headed over.

BJ and my mom had not met Sophia until yesterday, and I think one look at her and they were both in love. She is simply just a sweet dog. She's a kisser. Every time she greets someone she licks the daylights out of their hands. And she just ran from person to person saying hello...before running back and taking her place at Sean's side.

That was the amazing thing as we took Sophia down to one of the agility areas and played with her. No matter where she ran, within a minute or two she ran back to Sean. They've only been together about three times, and it's like she already knows she is going to be taking care of him. I was astounded. It was a great end to the afternoon. The whole family got to hang out with Sophia, Odie was introduced to her and that went well, and to watch Sean play with her was so cool. They are going to be really great together!

We also handed Perfect Fit Canines and $1800 check for the down payment on Sophia, so she is officially reserved for Sean now! None of that would be possible without all of the help and support we have received from all of you. Our family has been extremely blessed to have such supportive family and friends.

Our journey now moves to the next phase. Jim will soon be sending us a schedule, and the fun visits with Sophia are now over. Now whenever Sean sees her, it's for work. Both will soon begin an intensive training program so they learn how to work together. The process is expected to take at least ten months. We also found out Sean won't be able to bring Sophia home, even after training is complete, until she is paid for in full. Jim told us the costs could end up being around $15,000.

With that in mind, and the fact that I was informed today that I did not get the job I was applying for with the Pittsburgh Public Schools, this has officially become my new career. The Sean & Sophia Foundation will be raising funds for Sean and Sophia, but will soon be turning into a nonprofit as well. We feel since everyone has been so supportive in helping Sean that we are obligated to pay that love forward, and our mission will be to help provide funding to obtain service dogs or any other equipment for those with special needs that may otherwise be financially out of reach. So I guess I got a new job today after all!