It is truly amazing what a dog can do for a child. When I had my first yorkie we did volunteer work at Childrens Hospital and the differnce it made to take their minds off pain was unbelievable. I hear it's the same with those that go to nursing homes.
I just wish you had a relative that your son knows well that you could leave the pup with and he could go with you that day to deliver him and he would know he was getting good care and where he was. You are the only one that knows your child and his reactions but I've found sometimes vacations close to home while they are small is really your best bet even without a pup.
Say hello to Mickey and Minnie
