A GIRL AND HER DOG

Wylea, or Lea as we like to call her, was awarded to Jessica in Feb. of 2000.  It was one of the best days of our lives.  I had applied for a canine companion for my daughter, Jessica, about four years before.  Jessica and I love animals and she cared for them dearly.  She even had a “therapy rabbit” (Hoppy) at home.  I felt she was ready for an animal that could offer her more.  We went down to Delaware, OH for two weeks and trained with five other dogs and Wylea.  We learned so much about dogs.  How to care for them, dog behavior and even how they think.  After about three or four days of training the trainers felt Wylea was the best fit for Jessica.  We spent the remainder of the time in Ohio training with her.  We got to know her and she got to know us. 

After passing many tests (written and field tests), Wylea came home with us to live and work in Minnesota.  We were so excited we had a dog party to welcome her into the family.  We invited all the Grandpa’s and Grandma’s and Aunt Rebekka and Uncle Jim.  Uncle Jim loves dogs very much and wanted to make sure Wylea felt especially welcome by bringing her a REAL dog present!!

Wylea, or by this time we were calling her Lea for short, was helping Jessica in many ways.  She slept with Jessica every night.  Before, Jessica had always been too afraid to fall asleep alone at night.  Lea changed that.  As long as Lea was there, she wasn’t afraid.  Lea would stay in bed with her every night at least until she fell asleep. 

More importantly, Lea’s number one job was to help get Jessica out into the community and help her feel more comfortable around large groups of people.  Lea came with us anywhere Jessica felt uncomfortable about being.  Doctor appointments, community classes, church, even trips to the store were sometimes very hard for Jessica in the past.  Lea brought a sense of security for Jessica.  Jessica even signed up for a theatre class that first summer we had Lea.  Lea not only accompanied Jessica, but actually participated!  Lea and Jessica both were in the play!  Lea became just another cast member to the teacher and students.  Jessica didn’t feel different in a bad way anymore, she still felt different, but in a “good way”.  Lea was the catalysis to connect Jessica with everyone else in the class.

Lea does her work so well for us and she loves every minute of it.  But she also is a member of our family and participates in every way possible, even if it means the “job” of dressing up for Halloween and trick and treating with Jessica around the neighborhood.  She is a perfect ANGEL!

Lea has also helped in keeping Jessica consistent and interested in special programs.

Before, Jessica had a hard time staying interested in extra curricular activities.  She might go the first and second time, but then refused to go anymore.  Now, if she can bring Lea, she remains much more consistent and active in a long running program.   An example is the Robins Adapted Sports Team.  She decided to would join the team this year and would “try it”.  Lea came as of the very first day.  Lea helped keep Jessica company while she got to know the other kids and the coaches.  As Jessica kept coming to the practices and the games, Lea became the “the mascot” for the team and Jessica became a solid team member.  Even thought she complains a little now and then about going to practices and games, she has continued and always has tried to put forth her best effort. 

Lea is truly more than a canine companion to us; she is a member of our family.  We love her and feel blessed by her presence in our lives.  It’s really a miracle to have her and more of a miracle for everything that she has done for Jessica.