Our New Family Member
 

For those of you who don't know, my 9 year old son Ethan has a genetic disorder called Kabuki Syndrome. For a long time we thought it was Noonan Syndrome. He has a lot of autism/aspergers characteristics, but he is very intelligent and does great in school (in a regular class). He is in Occupational and Physical Therapy, as he has some sensory stuff and low muscle tone. He is terrified of animals though. How anyone can be terrified of animals in my house is beyond me ;) . So when Ethan started bugging me awhile ago to get a golden retriever, I thought it was odd. I didn't take it real seriously at first, as he loves Air Bud, and all of those movies and figured he just wanted one because of the movie. Lately though, he has been leaving pictures of goldens up on the computer screen for me to see, and asking more. Now, I had no desire to get a big dog. I always have loved big dogs, but didn't want the hassle. Then I had to bring my daughter to the doctor one day and picked up a magazine in the waiting room. I opened it up to an article about a 9 year old boy with aspergers and his golden retriever. That got my attention. So I talked to his pediatrician about it. She went on about goldens and their amazing ability to sense things in people and how it was a great thing I should look into. That didn't convince me still, as we have our little dogs and they are more than enough. So I talked to his Occupational Therapist. She was on the same page as the doctor :rolleyes: So I looked into some local breeders and found a great retired couple that breeds them. Their prize girl just had her last litter a little over 12 weeks ago and they were just finding homes for the puppies. They were sad because it was her last litter and they had her into the vet to be fixed because it was time for her to retire. They have never had a pup ever have any genetic problems, and there are many champions in just the 3 generation pedigree. I must say that I wasn't looking for a dog to be a champion, but we needed a good quality line to insure temperment and intelligence, not that it always insures it, but there is a better chance. Ethan never pets dogs or likes to be around them. When I brought him to see the pups, one came up to him and licked his hand and sat. The puppy picked Ethan. Ethan pet him all over! He doesn't even like it when our dogs sit on the couch by him! So we picked him up yesterday, and it's amazing. Ethan named him Sunny, and Sunny slept in Ethans bed with him all night. He has had no potty accidents at all. He is so smart and sweet, and the other dogs like him too. I was very very unsure about this initially, but I think it was a good choice for Ethan. I think this is going to be very good for him. To see him in the pictures, you would never guess that just before this, he was a child that was terrified of animals.
So here is Sunny and Ethan...oh and he LOVES the basketballs, and Ethan's absolute favorite sport is Basketball, esp. the Pistons, lol.

Congratulations he is so cute!! Your kids look so happy!

That is so wonderful. I just love the pictures. Your kids are beautiful.

Wow! What a cool story! The pup is beautiful as are your children!! Congratulations!:D

Your new puppy is so adorable. Your son looks so happy. Sometimes we just let nature take it's coarse. They were meant for each other. What a great story. God bless

That just warms my heart to no end :). It's just fascinating how Ethan felt/feels a very particular connection with this breed. I am so happy for Ethan - this will probably be an incredible relationship for him. How sweet. :)

Awe....what a wonderful thing you did for you son by adding Sunny to your family. :smile::animal-pa I can see how happy Ethan is in the picture you posted. Thank You for sharing that with all of us. :)

How great to add the golden to your family! Wishing they bring many happy adventures into each other's lives.

That is such a touching story. He looks SO happy and comfortable! The puppy is adorbale. Let us know if Ethan warms up to the other dogs.

Angie

What a doll... looks like Sunny and Ethan are bonded already!

that's a really sweet story. I bet the 2 of them have the most incredible relationship-sounds like they have a great start already. I think goldens are one of the sweetest most loyal dogs around. :)

That's so touching! I love Goldens and that one is beautiful!
It really is amazing how dogs sense things.
I was diagnosed with Epilepsy several years back and I was at a candle party in our community and they had a standard size Poodle. The owner let us all know that the dog doesn't go near anyone, but the family. That dog came over to me right away and sat by my side the whole night! The lady asked me if I had any medical conditions and I told her and she said that is the only time she has ever seen the dog go near someone, if they have certain medical conditions.
I hope this brings your son and family alot of joy!

We were actually told by our doctor that Goldens and some other breeds are great at predicting seizures in epileptic patients. My brother has epilepsy, so that would have been beneficial when he was little, and probably would be now.

Thank you everyone! I have already noticed a difference in his ability to empathize. This is one area that Ethan has problems. Already though he has shown concern over Sunny getting hurt. For instance I told him to pull on his collar to get him to go outside because Sunny was scared to go out the slider door. Ethan's eyes got teary and he says "but what if I choke him?" It's really exciting to see this new side of him. :)

What a wonderful story. I am so happy for your Ethan! Sunny will be a great addition, I am sure. I have 2 goldens and they are gentle giants. Love them both.

Aww, what a great story! I'm so happy for Ethan - it must be an amazing transformation to watch take place. I love the pictures! I'll bet Sunny and Ethan will be inseparable soon. :)

That first picture is precious!

It's amazing to me how dogs can sense and predict things like that, I think it's so wonderful!
I'm so glad that it's helping with your son, that's a great bonding experience!

You know I just thought of this... since he's assisting your son with medical needs and being a companion for him, you could probably get Sunny therapy dog certified when he gets trained. Just a thought.

Your son and him are going to be best friends. They are too cute together!

Yes that is what we planned, I just have to find somewhere locally to go for it. I would like to him certified for something like that so we can bring him places with us, and he can go with us to the nursing home when we go up there and he can go to the kids' football games and things like that.

How are they doing together?

Great! Ethan was upset last night because I put Sunny in his crate instead of letting him sleep with him. Sunny kept getting out of bed and wanting to play, and I didn't want him wandering the house at night and chewing on things.
My husband picked the kids up from school yesterday and brought Sunny with him when he got out of the car so that Ethan's class could see him. That really made Ethan's day.
I have an appointment this Saturday with an animal trainer and behavioralist for a consultation and quote for therapy training. I am hoping there is a way I can get my insurance to cover some of the cost.

I am so happy for your son Ethan. Our pets are so in turn to our needs, sometimes more so than even people are at times. This picture of your son and his new friend just melts my heart. Blessings to you and your family!

about the golden
 

My Grandson is 3 and will be an only child seeing he was an invitro baby, they just got a Golden given to them at around Thanksgiving, him and my Grandson are best of buddies, she has a playtent in the fam. room and Connor and the dog Jake go in it together , wherever Connor is, jake is right there,my Grandson loves him, alwys hugging and kissing him. the are a beautiful breed and very smart.

That story completely warms my heart. Ethan is so lucky to have such a wonderful mommy, and he and Sunny will be amazing friends. Thank you for sharing!!!

Aww! What a great story. :) I'm so glad he's already bonding with the golden.

This is such a great story!!! Thank you for posting!