Vegas reuined our Service Dog!!

Ok..... that's a little harsh, it's actually The Tournament of Kings that ruined our service dog!!

Having Angel in Vegas was Awesome!  Have you ever been?  Just in case you are unaware, there are a LOT of people in Vegas!  Some of which you don't want to have anything to do with.  A not-all-that surprising benefit to having a "giant breed" service dog is that she is easily noticed.  Whether we are here in Austin, at a mall, or walking the streets of Vegas; Angel can part a crowd like Moses parted the Red Sea!  No need to weave through crowds of crazy people because even the drunks stumble out of our way when Jackson and Angel are in the lead!

Angel did great in Vegas!  She walked through the casinos like she owned the place and sun bathed at the pool like she was on vacation!  She was an awesome celebrity attraction for me at the All Baby and Child expo (which is why we were there), and went back and forth on the monorail like a champ!  We went to multiple shows, restaurants and hotels and she tagged along like always being very attentive and protective at first, and then relaxing and waiting patiently once she felt comfortable there was no threat in the area. 

I've pointed out the difference between Angel (an Autism Service Dog) and a typical service dog for someone that is hearing impaired or blind many times.  Angel NEVER STOPS WORKING.  When we get somewhere new, Angel takes a while before she relaxes enough to nap or lay down completely.  She will table (meaning- go straight under a table at restaurants and stuff) right away, but she won't lay down and relax till she has scanned the entire room and all the people in it.  I swear she makes a mental note of the emergency exists, what route she would take, and who she will take out first to get us to safety if need be!  (You know, like a good, very efficient, Aspie dog will do! ;) )   We have all adjusted and grown patient to this.  We know that it is because of her loyalty and commitment to her job, and her boy, that she does it.

AND THEN WE WALKED TO THE TOURNAMENT OF KINGS SHOW!!!    :/

If you don't know already, The Tournament of Kings is a dinner show!  It's one of those cool medieval shows where you cheer for your assigned knight while eating a traditional renaissance dinner with just your hands!   But of course we are in VEGAS, so it's not just jousting, singing, and eating.... it's fireworks, screaming, fire breathing dragons, fair maidens dancing on your table, sword fights, fake blood, smoke, bombs, lightening!!  It's really a very cool show!!

We were in the front row, dead center of the arena!

Walking down the stadium to our seats everyone was excited and then.... I realized where Angel was going to be! :/    The seats were set up where every other row was a table where your food was served and of course since we were in the front row there was a solid black wall on the back of our table that kept all the dirt and such from the horses from flying up at us while we eat and enjoy the show!  That black dark pit of an area was where our service dog was going to need to lay down and she wasn't going to be able to see ANYTHING.  It was a tight squeeze, but she has dealt with way worse!  The tight quarters were not the problem; you won't believe

the small spaces she can squeeze her giant white self into!  

The problem was the dark.

 Because of the wall dividing us from the arena and the extravagant dark lighting of the show, Angel was stuck down into a black hole where she could see absolutely nothing but our feet, and she could hear EVERYTHING!!   She was immediately nervous that she hadn't had a chance to scope out the environment and I was immediately wishing I had spent another $60 on a seat just for Angel!  I tried bribing her with pieces of food she would NEVER get anywhere else, but once the screaming people, the sword fighting knights riding around on horses, the maidens yelling to be saved, the fireworks that made everyone jump and the loud dramatic music of the show started.... I knew we were in trouble.  Not only was Angel freaking out with what she was hearing, and couldn't see, but she could also tell that her boy was stressing out too.  Jackson did a great job.  He could feel Angel at his feet and that is almost always enough to keep him from going into full on sensory overload, but he had his fingers in his ears and I know she could tell his little heart was pounding. 

The next thirty minutes were rough.  Angel was a nervous disaster.  She was trying so hard to get out of her dark hole.  She was shaking like a leaf and drool was pouring out like a faucet.  She was pawing Jackson's legs to tell him "it's ok" while also pushing with all her might against me to say "I WANT OUT!  I CAN'T PROTECT ANYONE DOWN HERE AND IT SOUNDS LIKE WORLD WAR III IS HAPPENING THREE FEET AWAY FROM MY FAMILY!!"

We ended up moving her to the top of the seats, as far away from the arena as we could get.  Our "fair maiden", that was assigned to our section, was kind enough to let us know that the end of the show would include a giant fire breathing dragon that also set off an unbelievable amount of fireworks that could light up a stadium, let alone an indoor arena.  However, it was too late.  Angel was in her own full on sensory overload breakdown and when the show was over she literally DRUG all of us out of that casino faster than we can even remember walking!
She wasn't satisfied with being out of the casino either.  She didn't stop pulling until we were safely on the other side of the bridge that took us over the big bright Las Vegas Strip!!

Poor Angel was so traumatized by the Tournament of Kings show that when we would leave the MGM Signature (the hotel we stayed in) and go sightseeing she would absolutely REFUSE to walk up the stairs that led to either of the bridges that took you towards the Excalibur Hotel!   And when I say "refuse", I really mean REFUSE!!  She went from 90 pounds to 1090 pounds.  She was a stone statue that wouldn't budge no matter the pulling, yelling, bribing or threatening!  We had to walk several Vegas blocks out of the way to get where we needed to go.  If we were even pointing in the direction of the Excalibur Angel was not happy about it! 


I bring up the crazy Vegas show experience because this weekend we were reminded of the terror we put our poor broken service dog through! ;)  It was my baby girls first dance performance of the year.  We were in a gym, there was stadium seating...  Angel and the boys were sitting next to me and she was refusing to lay down.  I was embarrassed by her lack of obedience, but too excited to see the sweet smile of my Jovie-girl!   I decided to give Angel the time she needed to scope out the environment before I gave her the "mom look of death" which would make her lay down and chill out!  But...

Then the music started!!! :/

I'm pretty sure Angel went into full on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder because the shaking, drooling, and pushing with all her might started right away.  I was holding her lead so tight as she pulled that my knuckles were turning white; all the while snapping picture after picture of my sweet little dancer!
Eventually, I gave into her fears (Jackson's therapist would be very disappointed!  I can hear her saying- "every time you give into his fear it will be 1000 times harder to help him get over it").   It was one of those "choose your battles" times and I chose dance!

My dog with Aspergers Syndrome could wait!!

I sent the boys and Angel up the elevator to the balcony and decided we would deal with it later!

Here's the problem (and the reason for this giant random rant)!  For the next three weeks my ballerina has her very first dance competitions and because I attempt to stress supporting the ones we love, Jackson and Angel should also be in attendance!   THIS. IS. A. PICKLE!!

Stupid Tournament of Kings Show!!!!! .\/. 

The vicious "Pitbull"....

Ok, someone I love VERY MUCH has got some Seriously WRONG information on this amazing breed and I haven't been able to stop thinking about it, so I just needed to share some of this!!  

As most of you know, over the summer we rescued 11 "Pitbull" puppies and Duchess their amazing Momma, from being euthanized at a shelter in Galveston.  They had been saved from a HORRIBLE person who was abusing Duchess by hiding her in a box under a wood pile and breeding her over and over again for financial gain. (If I ever met one of these people face to face.... I can't explain to you or want to admit what would go down.  It would be no different than meeting someone that had or wanted to hurt one of my children.)

It took over our lives for several months.  (Literally, my daughter and oldest son didn't even have birthday parties this year because of all the house guest that needed every ounce of our time, energy and funds.)  It was more work than I could have ever imagined.  It was hard and sad and we were tested over and over.  Parvo stole three of their lives from us, but we fought back with everything we had (literally) to save the other nine.  My kids gained so much and lost so much at the same time.  I believe their characters were shaped by what we went through saving these animals and the sacrifices they made in order for it to happen.  It took a really long time and we were uncharacteristically judgmental and picky about who was going to get to take one of these babies home.  However,  the pictures and stories I'm getting from the families of the puppies we saved (most of which have small children) are amazing and heartwarming and make every single moment and dollar worth it!!  The three that we still have here could not be more loyal, sweet, or tolerant with the kids.  It breaks my heart to think that anyone would feel anything but respect and joy for these animals.



We are getting ready to start Duchess (the Momma we saved!) on her journey to become a certified therapy dog.  She will be visiting hospitals, nursing homes, daycare's, and schools to spread love and joy and snuggles to people and children because she has lived and survived a terrible life from horrible people and she is so incredibly grateful that you can literally feel the power of the love she has for anyone that will touch her.  Everyone that meets her feels it.  Everyone that meets her loves her. 

No one should be afraid of these animals.  Everything you read will tell you about how in the early 1900's "Pitbulls" (which isn't even an actual breed but a label used to describe many breeds with the same features) were the #1 family dog, also known as "the nanny dog" because of their tolerance and gentle nature towards children.  It was after the wars when men had fighting and violence on their minds that the Pitbulls reputation got truly messed up.  It was only because they were the popular dog of the time, so there were Many around, and because of how strong and loyal they are that some people now fear the breed.  

Uuuugggghhhhh, I could go ON and ON!!!   Having an unnecessary fear of these dogs, and even worse spreading it to children, is a heartbreakingly sad and dangerous (for both the dogs and people) thing to have. 

READ THESE, Educate yourself, and then come over and meet some of my babies!  I promise your life will be changed forever!!!----




http://pitsisters.org/facts-about-pit-bulls/

http://www.petfinder.com/pet-adoption/dog-adoption/myths-and-facts-about-pit-bulls/

"Why the Bad Rap?
Sadly, the pit bull has acquired a reputation as an unpredictable and dangerous menace. His intimidating appearance has made him attractive to people looking for a macho status symbol, and this popularity has encouraged unscrupulous breeders to produce puppies without maintaining the pit bull’s typical good nature with people. To make matters worse, irresponsible owners interested in presenting a tough image often encourage their pit bulls to behave aggressively. If a pit bull does bite, he’s far more likely to inflict serious injuries than most other breeds, simply because of his size and strength. A pit bull bite is also far more likely to draw media attention. Many dogs of other breeds bite people, but these incidents almost always go unreported. They’re just not exciting enough fodder for television and print.
Despite this bad rap, a well-bred, well-socialized and well-trained pit bull is one of the most delightful, intelligent and gentle dogs imaginable. It is truly a shame that the media continues to portray such a warped image of this beautiful, loyal and affectionate breed. Pit bulls once enjoyed a wonderful reputation. Some of the most famous dogs in American history were pit bulls. A pit bull named Stubby, a decorated hero during World War One, earned several medals and was even honored at the White House. During duty, he warned soldiers of gas attacks, found wounded men in need of help and listened for oncoming artillery rounds. Pit bulls have been featured in well-known advertising campaigns for companies such as Levis, Buster Brown Shoes and Wells Fargo. The image of a pit bull, which was considered a symbol of unflagging bravery and reliability, represented the United States on recruiting and propaganda posters during World War One. Many famous figures, including Helen Keller, President Theodore Roosevelt, General George Patton, President Woodrow Wilson, Fred Astaire and Humphrey Bogart, shared their lives and homes with pit bulls.
Modern pit bulls can still be ambassadors for their breed. Some are registered therapy dogs and spend time visiting hospitals and nursing homes. Some work in search-and-rescue. Tahoe, Cheyenne and Dakota, three search-and-rescue pit bulls from Sacramento, California, worked tirelessly at the World Trade Center during the aftermath of 9/11. Others, like Popsicle, an accomplished U.S. customs dog, work in narcotics and explosives detection. Still others serve as protection or sentry dogs for the police. The majority are cherished family members. Pit bulls become very attached to their people, and most love nothing better than cuddling on the couch or sleeping in bed with their pet parents (preferably under the covers)!"

 Pit Bull Myths-
 “Pit bulls have locking jaws!” This is patently false. There is nothing unique about the anatomy of pit bull jaws. They do not “lock.” The pit bull’s fighting style, like that of other terriers, usually involves grabbing and shaking. Perhaps because of their hunting and bull-baiting history, some pit bulls also have a tendency to grab and hold on with determination. This does not mean that they can’t or won’t let go of another dog or person if they bite."

It takes a village....and a dog!

    

     Today was Angel's first visit to Jovie's dance class.  It's surprising because Jovie goes to dance three days a week. However, since we have Angel (and our other guard dogs!) plus the fact that we live 60 seconds away from the studio, I typically leave the boys at home and run and drop her off real quick!   Angel hadn't gone anywhere in a couple of days and in case you were not aware, service dogs (well ours anyway) HAVE to work or they go a little crazy!  Very similar to a child that hasn't left the house in a week, or no recess at school cause it's raining.  We had already left the house this morning without her because Duchess had a vet appointment, so there was no leaving her again!
     Jovie's rehearsal was at a different location since they are preparing for competition season and I was a little concerned it was going to be a disaster since I have not sent out my usual "could you let everyone know we have a service dog" letter!  Typically, I let the school, church, class, troop.... know we are coming so they can give a heads up to everyone there.  It just makes it easier for all involved!  This way Jackson and Angel don't get overwhelmed with crowds of kids and I don't have to feel like the bad guy telling every single child they can't pet or touch the giant white teddy bear we have brought in! 
      Anyway, practice was over and we were sitting listening to some last minute instructions when Angel let out her fourth ever BARK in a public place!!  I turned to see what she was looking at and a little girl from Jovie's class had opened the heavy gym door to come in, but only made it to the point of her arm and her head getting through.  Once I turned to look at her I could hear her saying "Ow, ow, ow.." because she couldn't get the door opened any further!  I was standing right next to her but was listening to the teachers talk so I didn't even notice.  She wasn't getting seriously hurt or anything, but it bothered Angel enough to let out one quick loud bark to get my attention! 
     It was another one of those moments when the "old schoolers" (that's what I like to call them!) would say that Angel was being a bad service dog by barking in a public place.  However, to me, it's another example of Angel doing exactly what she is breed and taught to do.  She was protecting a child she thought needed help.   This is one of the most common characteristics of a Great Pyrenees.  They have been bread to protect.  They have been bread to bond to the little things that need them the most and do whatever it takes to keep them safe. 
     It was a one second of our busy day, and I'm sure some people were upset that the large dog in the room barked and scared them; especially because I'm not sure that anyone saw what she barked at!  But to me, it was a reminder of why Angel is a part of our lives and how amazing she is when it comes to paying attention to everything and everyone around her! 
     The funny thing is Jackson was jealous!!  I asked him if he noticed that the little girl was stuck in the door saying "ow" and that was why she barked.  He said yes and then said "I thought Angel was MY service dog that also watches out for our family sometimes.  Does she have to protect everyone?"!!  I had to remind him that she is HIS service dog and she first and for most looks out for HIM, but that Angel has a big heart and she will naturally look out for anyone that needs help, especially a child!  Just like the Great Pyrenees at our friends ranch that watch over hundreds of momma and baby goats all at the same time!!


     Just like all my children, sometimes Angel drives me absolutely insane!   She is stubborn, emotional, sometimes Overly Protective (like in the middle of the night!- this is a common issue with Great Pyrenees since they actually have a nocturnal nature to be up all night protecting the herd while the Shepard is asleep), and definitely likes things done Her way.  She's my fluffy aspie child!  Only she doesn't have an amazing therapist to talk to when I'm not sure what to do next!  (please let me know if you hear of a dog autism therapist in town!).   However, my Snugglebug and his Angel are a match made in heaven.  The unconditional love and understanding they have for each other is something many people will never know or even witness in a lifetime! 

     Jackson summed it up a couple of weeks ago when talking to a stranger at Target about his dog!  They mentioned Austin Dog Alliance and was asking some questions.  Jackson started talking about being at Aspergers Camp and how when the kids were all seated in the center of the room working on stuff Angel didn't lay next to him like the other therapy dogs.  Angel always circled the room a couple of times and laid down in the far corner facing whatever direction the doors were.  He didn't understand why she did that at first, but he does now.  I know because he told the stranger at Target that she did that "because she loves me even more than most dogs love their boys.  She wants to see everywhere around me and everything I'm doing to make sure I'm safe.  She's the best protector in the world!!"  <3 

    
 BTW, if you are curious, the three other times Angel has barked in public are-
1. At SeaWorld when the trainers told the killer whales to start "talking"!  I think the high pitch squeaking freaked her out!
2. At the Omaha Zoo when the Giant Gorilla charged at the glass where her and Jackson were sitting!  (Don't get me started on the "old schoolers" that were upset with the lack of Gorilla charging training Angel has had???!!!)  Charging Gorilla!
3. It was right after we got back from a week in Las Vegas! (Poor girl was slightly overstimulated from the crowds, casinos, shows, arcades....we ALL were!) and we were at the Alamo Drafthouse watching a movie!  She has been to the movie tons of times, but it just happened to be a loud point in the movie when the "waiter" person was sneaking down the dark aisle towards us to see if we needed anything for last call.   She got startled by the noise and the sight of the waiter crouching towards us in the dark (I'm assuming she had been asleep. That's what she does at movies!) and jumped to her feet and barked!   The second she did it she looked at me with this "crap, I wasn't suppose to do that face"!  I told her it was cool!  I hadn't recovered from Vegas either!! ;)

Post Office Mama...

    
 I was at the post office for forty five minutes today dealing with shipping a ton of product.  Luckily, there was lots of drama keeping me busy as I sorted everything out!!

      I had a TON of boxes and packages to ship out today!  The surprisingly pleasant post office lady hooked me up with some flat rate boxes and shipping supplies which saved me more than $60!! 
     While I was re-boxing and labeling everything a woman came in with two small children; probably two and three years old.  Mamma was clearly OVERWHELMED! :/  She went up to the counter and had everything wrong for what she needed to send out of the country.  The kids were running all around and grabbing things off the counter.... She suddenly leaned down and shouted "This is a Federal building.  Do you understand?  A FEDERAL BUILDING" to her two and three year olds!??  (Personally, I don't thing they understood!)  They got the basic message though and stood quietly for a second.
      She stepped away from the counter to fill out the right paperwork and grabbed some customs forms for her kids to scribble on while they were having to wait.   She was filling out her forms, assuming her kids were where she left them, when the Post Office worker informed her that her daughter had grabbed a greeting card off the display and started scribbling on it.  The woman quickly grabbed the card away and told her daughter she was not suppose to be touching that and then turned back to her form.  When she was finished she asked the worker walking around what she should do with the card.  The postal worker said "I'm afraid you will have to pay for that Ma'am.  No one else will want to purchase the card now". 

The Mamma FREAKED OUT!!!

"Are you Kidding Me??" she yelled! "She is a child.  She made a mistake.  You are expecting me to pay for it because my three year old did something she didn't mean to do?"

"Uhhhhhhh, yes.  I'm sorry, but she wrote all over the card, so you will need to purchase it now."

"This is ridiculous.  I'm trying to fill this stuff out for my sister who has cancer and is starting chemo tomorrow and you expect me to be able to watch every single thing around me at the same time?"

"I'm really sorry to hear that Ma'am."

Then I see her walk over and grab her child who was off doing who-knows-what now and drags her over to the lady.   Then she says "How about if she apologizes?  Will that do?  That will teach her a lesson and we can be done with this."

At this point you could tell the postal worker was thinking "Are You Freakin Kidding Me, Lady?? Pay for the Stupid card already!!" 
This was clearly not a money issue.  She just really felt that her daughter scribbling on the card should be ignored.  She turned down money from a stranger saying "I don't need the money.  It's a matter of how they are treating a child that made an innocent mistake!"

The worker reminded her again that it had nothing to do with the child, but since she did write on the card it would need to be paid for.

The Momma started doing the "You're the supervisor?  I want to talk to your manager.  This is going to go all the way to the top.  (at this point I was feeling a little sorry for her.  Until....) My husband the Dr. will see that this is heard about at the highest level!"

Uh, lady. Who cars who your husband is.  You were not watching your child, she messed up some product, So PAY FOR IT!!!

And this is when it happened-   The rare and strange moment when your mouth opens, words come out, and it doesn't feel like you have any control over what is happening.

"Ma'am, maybe it would be a good lesson for you to pay for the card showing your daughter the consequences of her actions. Then maybe she could help with some chores or something as payment  for the card she ruined!"   (The words came out of my mouth but I don't Think I planned to say them!)

"What is wrong with you people she is three, it was an accident!" She shouts at me!

"So is a car wreck, but you still have to pay for it"  (That one REALLY Slipped out!)  "Listen, I totally get it, I had three in three years and lord knows it was crazy.  But if it were me, I would have paid for the card and moved on."

"Why are you still talking to me.  This has nothing to do with you." She glares at me! :/

Then my business side comes out and the words "Plus, that is not their product to give away.  Someone else creates that product to support their family and when they leave it here they expect to get paid for it."  (I don't know what was wrong with me.... Shut Up Jamie!!!  It has been a long day is my only excuse!)

In the end the Momma was Furious, took down everybody's information and couldn't wait to tell her Dr. husband how horrific the post office was to her and her kids. 



It was such a strange feeling....  It's not like I couldn't relate. 
Girl, had Obviously had a ROUGH day.  Not to mention she was shipping stuff cross country for her sister who has cancer.  Two little tiny ones is no easy task and like so many of us; Momma clearly, had not had a chance to shower or put herself together.   HOWEVER, it was a two dollar card!!  She wasn't watching her kids as they were running around.  The child grabbed the card, opened it up, and drew all over it.... she didn't accidentally mark it as she was wobbling by. 

In the end, I wanted to give her a hug and say "I know it's hard.... tomorrow is a new day!"


Instead, I was asked to fill out a piece of paper with my contact info for the post office.  They asked if I was willing to be a character witness.


What do you think?  Should they have just gave it to her and not worried about it?  Honestly, this could have went both ways for me.  I think her initial reaction rubbed me wrong.  My hope is that she is at home enjoying a glass of wine while reading her newly decorated greeting card!! ;)

Awakening Souls....

"Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul is unawakened"- Anatole France

Yesterday I met with Crystal Dunn, an amazing dog trainer, with Leaps n' Hounds Pet Training!  Crystal was sweet enough to volunteer her time and expertise to my crazy pack of animals because of her love of Pitbulls and the efforts/madness that was our recent 11 Pitbull rescue!!  She was talking about my commitment to our animals and how much time and effort it involves.  She mentioned how many people don’t realize how much of a time commitment it is and are not able to make that work in their lives.

When being asked how I find the time, I think that my reaction must come across as strange because I HAVE NO TIME!!

 

“What. In. The. World. is she thinking?”, must be the thoughts of the people that know me!  How can I commit to the welfare of abused and neglected animals?....  I had three children in three years, one of which has some extra special needs, I am a single parent, my kids go to a University Model school that involves me as their “teacher” 50% of the time.  The lessons I am doing with them right now in 1^st and 3^rd grade outreach ANYTHING I did in my career as a student.  I own, operate, and maintain a business, on my own, that sells a product, which I invented, to people all over the world (and I have absolutely no business doing any of that since I spent the first 25 years of my life in a leotard and pink tights!).   I live in a house with an acre of yard and toys that I completely pretend to know how to take care of and only get that accomplished half the time! 

However, I currently have 5 dogs (one of which is a Giant white polar bear who doubles as my son’s Autism Service dog and goes everywhere we go…. So basically is another very hairy child!  Two rescued Pitbulls, one little pain in the booty mutt mix, and my best friend for the last 14 years!), two goats, two doves, several chickens, and a turtle….. And when I’m asked if I have enough time and energy to take care of everyone the way they deserve, I respond instantly with, “YES, of course!!”.  My kids, my animals, my company….. they need me, but more importantly I NEED THEM!  It’s not a matter of “how do I find the time”, it’s that I have no choice!

My children are my world.  They are pieces of my heart walking around outside my body and the reason for every single breath I take and decision I make!

My company is my forth child.  It’s my hard work, it’s me proving to myself that I can do more than I ever imagined, my time away from the kids, a better future for all of us, and the example I want to set for them about hard work and perseverance.  

And, my heart is dramatically changed by every animal we take in.  My life is infinitely better (crazy, chaotic, and a mess….. but better) because of what they teach me about unconditional love, commitment, and sacrifice.  Our world is bigger, brighter and more beautiful because of every single one of them.    

I just wouldn’t have it any other way! <3