In-Home Companions Anyone?

[Marcey E. Finn]

We opted for an in-home companion dog for our son, as opposed to a full service dog, but there don't seem to be any discussions about that. I was wondering if there were any other in-home companion people out there, who have received or are waiting to receive their dogs. We have so many questions!

[Kristy DiVito]

Hi Marcey! My husband just saw your post. Our son Zachary is getting an In-Home Companion. Her name is Aubrey, and she's a lab x hound mix. We're in the December 2009 training class; we leave in one week...we're so excited!! :) We opted for a companion dog since Zachary doesn't need the type of support that a public service dog would provide him with. The "cool factor" would certainly be there for him to bring his dog with him where ever he'd go, but it's not necessary functionally.

Zachary has a Dx of ADHD, Anxiety Disorder and Atypical Autism (which is often questionable by those who have evaluated him!). Zachary suffers from severe anxiety and has great difficulty separating from us if we leave the house. Having said that, he's perfectly fine and there's no anxiety while we're out and about because he's with us! We thought the concept of a companion dog and having a forever best-friend was the most appropriate for him. Aubrey will give him that constant emotional support and companionship that he needs to take those leaps towards more social independence and less anxiety. Zachary is very happy and social and desperately wants to socially engage, but he gets "stuck" and will retreat if he's anxious or doesn't quite know how to make the next step. Everybody should have a best-friend, and we're thrilled Aubrey will be his best-girl! He is so excited about Aubrey and going to Ohio. My daughter, Allison, who is almost 5 is bubbling over as well!

We've set up a blog for Zachary. We'd love for you to subscribe and join us over the next few weeks. :) http://zachsdog.blogspot.com My email address is [e-mail]. PLEASE feel free to email me! I'd love to hear from you and "chat" about our experience. Where are you all from? How old is your little man?? Happy Thanksgiving!
--Kristy

[Marcey E. Finn]

Kristy,
How did it go? We just found out we go at the end of January! I have so many questions for you! Where did you stay? Did you fly in and if so which airport/airline did you use? What did you need to bring with you? What was the training like? Did Zachary fall in love with his dog instantly? Which dog did you get? Oh, please share everything with me. I'm excited and nervous and I just want it to go as well as possible. Good luck with your new companion!
Marcey