We are so Lucky!

After Zach was diagnosed, we went on the next set of doctors visits - one of them being to a neurologist. Dr B recommended that we look into a therapy dog for Zach. Of course I was right on that (especially after losing Buddy)- but after seeing the $13,000 price tag - I was not jumping for joy. A few families managed to get funds from Medicaid or other public funds for these dogs. Some held fundraising parties. We decided that there were other things that needed our resources at that time. Not to mention, we were still mourning the loss of Buddy and needed some time.



Yes, this is a picture of our beautiful puppy, appropriately named Lucky. She was named by one little girl Sophia. The day before Sophia's birthday parties - we received a call from a rescue group that they were interested in coming to see our house. My cousins Karen, John and Heather had told us about the group after they brought their dog Griffin over to meet our kids to help us see if a dog was possible for us - and if so - what kind. We indeed like the golden retriever breed after trying out a bunch of breeds to include a rottweiler, boxer, and newfoundland.

I had submitted an application during the late spring and hoped for a nice potty trained 1 year old to cross our threshold one day, although I though it unlikely. Instead, we received a 10 week old who has managed to piddle on carpeting that we will need to replace because there is only so much a carpet steamer can do. And we just love her!

We had just discussed how we thought it was time for a dog in the house yet how finances were tight. In a separate conversation I had told Steve that I was going to have to cut back on some of the advocacy and iPad work- because although it was so-o-o worthwhile, free doesn't pay the bills. I felt a bit of karma working for us. The rescue group has not charged us a dime for adoption fees, and has even paid for her veterinarian care.

With this in mind - I am asking my readers to consider a donation to support this wonderful group who have given us another light in our house.
GRRCNY P. O. Box 735 Jamesville, NY 13078
Please let them know that your donation is in recognition of their work for our family. Please click on the picture to the right to bring you to their website for more details.

It is so nice to have her here. Sophia is totally in love with her. Her name? Sophia came home from French camp with a hand written request: Chère maman, on peut appeler le chien "Lucky"? My hopes for "Sadie" and Steve's for "Sheldon" were dashed. Next dog.

Now, as to be expected, Zach basically ignored her if he paid her any mind at all. That is until she discovered him and the ability to pull down his pants like he was a little Coppertone Baby. Then he became annoyed with her. But I did not fear. I knew they would figure it out. Zach has been slowly engaging with her, more and more every day. As of the past week, I love to watch him pet her. While he can be a little rough - he poked her in the eye when trying to touch her nose and grabs at her tail when she scurries by, she has not minded one bit. She no longer tries to undress him. She brings her toys to him. He doesn't quite know what to do about that yet. They have even cuddled a few times, although not for long, because they, along with Sophia, are about the most active creatures in the world.

As I pondered her name and mourned that Sadie didn't make the cut, I knowingly asked Sophia: "Why'd you name her Lucky?" Her response: "Well, we're lucky to have her Mom. " what I didn't expect was when she continued: "We're lucky to all be together." And so we are! Bonne chance!