One thing I've always found with my puppers is that their dispositions have usually remained constant over the course of their lives. Rudy-angel always carried himself like he was thinking "You know, if I only had opposable digits, I'd be calling all the shots around here". Max-angel so desperately wanted to communicate with us. He always looking like he was ready to pontificate on a certain point, but when he opened his mouth, only a bark came out, which frustrated him to no end. Zora has always been a sweetie, a mix of constant maternal instinct, THE biggest chow hound of all my dachsies, combined with the skittishness of a submissive dog.
Then there is Zeke. Zeke, of all my puppers, seems to truly revel in his doggitiness. Zeke loves being a dog and has no desire to be anything else but a dog. He has always been a very happy-go-lucky type towards everything...until Jessica.
When the Zs first came to live with us, they didn't really know what to make of Jessica and vice versa. For quite some time, Jessica simply ignored them. The Zs quickly came to realize the Jessica was a good food supply, but other than that really had little to do with her, or so we thought.
Somewhere over the last 12 months, that began to change. Jessica began to suddenly notice Zeke...especially Zeke. At first Zeke seemed very uncertain about what to do with the attention. Eventually, he began to figure it out. While Zeke still retained his happy-go-lucky quality, Zeke also began to develop a sense of responsibility and loyalty to Jessica. Sometimes Jessica can be rough with Zeke. However, unless she actually hurts him, which is rare, Zeke just sits there and takes it. He has become supremely patient with her. Jessica, has grown even closer to Zeke. One morning when she got back from grocery shopping with Margie, Jessica quickly pushed me aside so she could say "hello" to Zeke.
From Zeke, Jessica is beginning to pay more attention to Zora, but more importantly, she is now beginning to notice and interact with all other animals. We now have Jessica feeding the Zs in the morning as part of her daily routine. It is funny, in retrospect, when we look at pictures or videos from the "ignore" phase of their relationship, we actually see Zeke trying to engage with Jessica, we just never noticed it.
Jessica continues to make slow, but steady, progress, as we are getting more verbalizations these days, but still a long way to go. Everyone, though, seems to agree that her relationship with Zeke has been a positive influence, not only on her, but on Zeke, as he has matured and "risen to the occasion"
When the Z's came to you, it is apparent they filled more than one need. It is incredible how Zeke has helped Jessica open up. I've noticed in your pictures from the last few months that she seems almost like a different child. Definitely a big difference between this summer and last summer. I may have told you before, but around here they have Dogs for Autism, where the families of autistic children get a dog to help protect and watch out for the child, and also be a comfort and company for the child. It is an excellent program with great results.
It will be exciting to see how the relationship with Zeke and Jessica continues to develop.
Hi Teresa,
We actually did speak with the local program that provides service dogs for autistic children. Their objection was that we already had two existing dogs in the house, and they were concerned the service dog could not focus on its "mission" with the Zs around. So, Zeke has taken up the role of "service dog".
Margie's aunt is part of an organization called "Paws for Progress" in Louisville, Kentucky. While her most recent adopted pup failed to become a service dog (too much of a predatory instinct), Oliver, a beautiful Golden Retriever) has become an absolutely outstanding therapy dog. Jessica had a wonderful time with Oliver when we visited, and it was after that visit when she really began to figure Zeke out.
That is wonderful David - for both of them ! I have to tell you, your story gave me chills....the power that these furkids have to connect. Would love to see a picture of Jessica with "her" doggies !
How great it is that Zeke has this amazing tallent. :apls: To tolerate a child is no small feat for any dog. I'm so happy that Zeke is there for Jessica.
Darcel
What a great story!!!
Thats great for Jessica and Zeke. :thumb:
Sometimes our babies are more aware and smarter than we give them credit for.