Last Tuesday night I was at the gym riding energetically on
the stationery bike when I looked up at the television to see “The Project’
segment on the Pride of Australia 2012 nominee; the story of Katie Hunter’s
organisation DKD (Dogs for Kids with Disabilities) and the work she has achieved
with two families Jenny and two year old Jackson and Julie- Ann, Joshua and
their beloved dog Buddy.
Joshua has high functioning autism and refused to sleep by
himself until his pal Buddy became his sleeping companion. Jackson is harnessed to Rollie when they go
out into the community. This prevents
Jackson from absconding and allows independence for the family to access the
community safely. One of the high points of having Buddy in their lives according
to Julie- Ann is that Joshua finally has a friend which is a huge problem for
children like Joshua.
My gym associates must have thought my workout was frustrating
me, as tears were streaming down my eyes whilst watching this segment. And why
you make ask?
The difference that our dog Indie has made to our family could
only have been dreamed about. Indie is a gorgeous dog in her own right and as a
cute pet would be successful but the bond she and Brandon have, can only be
instinctual and could never be taught. Katie’s instinct on being able to pair
up suitable dogs to children is the essential key here. If we were to do no dog training at all, we
would still have a dog who chooses to: sleep with Brandon; barks when Brandon
is about to have a seizure; taps on our door or barks at our door when Brandon
is up unattended; nudge us or barks when Brandon has soiled himself; run to the
gate when Brandon’s bus is due to arrive; stay by Brandon’s side when he is
walking, sick, angry, stressed or happy.
Indie loves Brandon unconditionally for the boy he is and
she expects nothing in return from him.
If only I could be so good???
The link to view, ‘The Project’ segment is below:
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