Two Buddy's

The two Buddy's are becoming better buds!! (We have called Mason, Buddy since he was a baby causing us confusion now!) Because of Mason's unpredictable behavior, he can at times become too rough with Buddy, causing Buddy to avoid Mason more. Over the last few days that has begun to change. It started off with Mason playing with his squeaky fish. It turns out that nothing gets Buddy more excited than the "squeak". Those two had the time of their life for about twenty minutes taking that thing from each other. Mason howled with laughter, while Buddy jumped and ran around like crazy! After that Buddy has been checking Mason out more. When Mason throws a temper tantrum, Buddy comes over and starts sniffing his head, tickling Mason, quickly causing severe giggles. We are working at teaching Mason how to play with a dog. They have some other similar interests as well. Mason made his way into the garage today, and made a bee-line for the car, opened the door and climbed in. Buddy was right there, too. So there they sat in the back seat, waiting to go bye-bye. I couldn't drag either of them out, so they sat there for a bit. I couldn't find the camera quick enough, but next time (and I'm sure there will be a next time!!!) I find those two in there, I will take a picture!

School - day five

Each day is getting better for Mason as he gets used to school. Friday I decided to stay to see if that would lessen his anxiety. (his seizures have been increasing because of the stress) It actually made it worse, so now I cut it quick at the door. A cute little story though . . . we ( me, Mason and his special needsteacher- Ms. S) had been walking down the hall, went into the kindergarten room a bit, then to the water fountain just outside the door. I pressed the button so Mason could drink. It went up his nose a few times which he thought was very funny. After a couple of minutes, I signalled Ms. S to come and press the button. I didn't move, and she stood behind him and pressed the button without him noticing it. Shortly Mason did notice! He grabbed her hand and shoved it back. Grabbed my hand and put it on the button and kept his hand on my hand. He knew what we were up to, and was not going to let us pull the wool over his eyes again!!!

Yesterday he pulled me into the classroom but cried as I left. Apparently he stopped within a minute or two.

Today he made a couple of quick complaining sounds before going into the classroom. Once again he pulled me into the classroom, only this time HE let go of my hand as he stepped through the door!! He did not cry at all!! Very exciting!!

Keep on praying, children of God!!!

Buddy

After years of saying no to my family, I caved in and now we have a dog. Well, it wasn't exactly caving in, as I was the one who initiated it. Every one who knows me is in shock! Can I tell you the whole story? A few years ago I read about seizure dogs, and decided that that would be a good reason to get a dog. It also had to meet my long list of criteria. Trained, well behaved, not jumping on people, quiet, no shedding, small but tough, maybe a few other things. Recently I read an article in the local newspaper about a man who trains fox terriers for children with certain kinds of special needs for free. I gave him a call, and he brought Buddy over the next day. He seemed to target in on Mason quite quickly. So now we have a dog! This is a very special thing for someone to put all that work and cost into training a dog, to give it away to someone else's child!




Although we could see there was an initial attraction between the boy and the dog, right now Buddy is a little scared of Mason at times. That is because Mason does not behave as a typical child, petting and playing with animals. There will be some work involved in training Mason how to play with Buddy, but I think it is very possible. Especially as the girls get older and more involved with their sports and friends. There are those kinds of things that Mason will not be likely to do much, especially in the next number of years.

Buddy is a great dog. He is very social, will jump straight up in the air, but not onto people, unless by mistake if he is too excited. He loves going for car rides, he went along to Childrens Hospital last week and did great!! He also has Service Animal papers, so we just need to get a vest to that effect and we can take him anywhere. Mason can be kinda rough on Buddy, but really likes him. He does shed a little, but i can deal with that.

SOme of the goals for the future of Buddy with Mason, first off to be companions, guarding Mason from danger, or running off. It would really be great if Buddy would recognize the onset of a seizure, as some dogs are capable of doing.

I look forward to telling you more stories of a boy and his dog!

Back to School

Hello! We have discovered an new and easy way to keep you updated on Mason's progress! Previously with Mason's Web ( www.bluesticker.com/mason ) I had to have Daryl post what I wanted, which was a lot of work for him. This, even I can do!!




Well, Mason has started kindergarten. What an adventure! First I need to back track a bit. Last year when he started pre-school, he sailed right into that room, said bye to me and had the time of his life! He has always entered new territory without a look back. Since starting the ketogenic diet, his seizures have been reduced a lot and that has also increased his alertness, and awareness of his surroundings. He is saying more words, and just plain progressing at a slightly faster speed. That is a fabulous thing!! The other side, is that with being more aware of his surroundings, separation anxiety has kicked in . . . big time. Two weeks before school!!

Anyway, the first few days have been quite rocky for Mason. He screams with everything he's got initially, but does settle down shortly after I leave and has a good time. When I pick him up, he gives me the biggest hugs of his lifetime! His seizures have increased because of all this anxiety, but his nurse has recommended to continue as we are and hopefully the seizures settle down quickly and Mason gets over the separation soon. The teachers involved with Mason at school are great at accommodating his needs. I know he'll do fine in a little while. Me too! Yesterday he cried a total of less than 5 minutes, I was told. My reply:" So, I cried more than he did!" Apparently kindergarten moms are allowed to do that. Especially if it is their last child.

He will be in the all day kindergarten program. The plan is for him to be in the kindergarten classroom in the morning and the resource room (special needs) for lunch and the afternoon. So we will work into that. So far he is there for about two and a half hours.

With this as my first official entry I shall say good night, and look up other stuff I have written about Mason and post it in the near future. Bye!