Before Rupee came into our lives we had difficulty going anywhere as a family. Jacob would run or become violent. When Rupee is at Jacob’s side we never have to worry that our son is safe. Jacob loves his dog and Rupee loves Jacob. Rupee has also alerted for other children. While on the bus on the way to school, Rupee began barking and wouldn’t stop. The little girl next to Jacob had a seizure and Rupee barked until someone came to help. He can’t sense them before, but he is always very alert to his surroundings and in this awareness helped ensure that another child was safe. Rupee’s pretense is felt throughout the family. He is very affectionate with everyone. He is always able to make someone smile with his “drive-by” kisses (He drops a little lick on your leg to say hello as he passes). Rupee has made life easier for our family by helping our son navigate the world around him.
It’s the simple things. Sitting in a restaurant with your child calmly sitting next to you. It’s going up to grab more pizza and knowing that with a simple “stay” your child can remain in place and not try to run off simply because he is connected to his service dog. It’s being able to give the command “blanket” and seeing your son go from screaming and banging his head on the wall to giggling and hugging his service dog. It’s the small things most people take for granted that matter more than anything else.
