Merry Christmas

and a Happy New Year!!!

From Maya and Family

A Failure? No Way!!

Well, Maya failed her CGC test.... ugh! Honestly, for 8 months old, she did extremely well. She failed the part where other dogs were introduced... She wants to play... We will keep working on that..

Maya's New Accessory

Well, a lot has happened this month....

Can you guess?

Maya was spayed.

We surely missed her during her overnight stay. Funny how this four-legged creature has made such a difference in our house! I wasn't sure what to expect when I went to pick her up. I had lined the bottom of the van with blankets expecting her to be a tired, dopey pup. Well, was I wrong.. She came running towards me practically pulling the veterinary assistant. However, she was NOT happy when they put the cone on her.....

She wouldn't move... and let's just say her balance was off!

She's recuperated very well...

No more cone!

Goin' Great!

Well, I won't apologize for the much needed update as I hear that is BORING in the blog world....

Maya has adjusted well... We are up to a few socks a week.. That just means that she is very comfortable here. She has developed quite the relationship with everyone here... We have begun our CGC classes. They are going well. Although, I can tell that our biggest challenge will be the distraction of other dogs. I am posting a few pictures. Enjoy!!

Maya's Come Home!!!

Well, Maya arrived on Sunday, August 16th. Everyone was happy to see her. Maya is doing well. She transitioned with no problems. She is the sweetest, most mellow dog that I have ever met. As a matter of fact, when the trainer arrived on Tuesday, we had to wake her. She didn't even hear (or care that) the doorbell rang. The trainer. Lisa, is helping to teach "come here", "visit" and "heel" to name a few commands. We also started a technique that will help with the stay command.

The kids are so happy. Each one is developing their own relationship with her. This is the great thing about North Star. Although she is here for (and because of) Nikki, she is a family pet. I couldn't imagine telling her siblings that they couldn't play with Maya.


Maya seems to have an intuitiveness about Nikki. She will lick her unbelievably. I can't even explain it. She will sit with (and sometimes on) Nikki with and without prompting.

It's been a great first week!!!

Our First Sleepover - Yeah!!

I have been a little technically challenged recently so I have lots of catching up to do. Last week, we had our first sleep over. It was a very exciting and fun time for us!! Nikki was thrilled to see Maya... She (Maya) was such a good girl. She slept in her crate.. Honestly, she slept better than I did. The next morning, after waiting to be released from the crate, she followed me into Nikki's room. I carried Nikki to the top of the stairs.. gave Maya the "wait" command and she did!! She waited until I got to the bottom of the stairs and called her down. She smothered Nikki with kisses. She definitely has a connection to Nikki. She sits patiently by her with no prompts. She even tries to rest her head in Nikki's hand.

Okay.. so for the part that I wasn't expecting... Obviously, Nikki's brother and sister are excited to get a "dog". They want to help.. some nay-sayers state that this will pass . However, I believe that Maya is starting to fill a gap that I didn't think was there. Nikki is involved in her siblings life (soccer, dance recitals, etc.). Actually, we've always considered ourselves a "typical" family. However, Maya now gives her siblings the chance to particpate in Nikki's life. They really want to help with training, walking, etc.

In just one day, she has made quite an impression on us!!

Our Third Visit

On Wednesday, June 17, Nikki had an appointment with the hemotologist and the neurologist. I now take the day off for these appointments as they are about one hour from our home and usually draining. This day was different because Nikki and I were able to visit with Maya.

Maya has grown. That's a recent picture of her to the left. As you can see, she is still a beautiful dog. She appears to have a great disposition especially with Nikki. Actually, the two of them are quite fond of one another. There was a lot of licking goin' on (and not just from Maya!) You see.. Nikki gives kisses with her tongue.. It's a kiss only a mother (and Maya) could love!!

We are planning our next visit. This time, Maya will spend the night at our house!! We are very excited.. I'll be sure to keep you posted.

More Pictures

Maya is now with Judy. Both Judy and Sharon are her puppy-raisers. Or are they our puppy-raisers(?) Anyway, she's at Judy's right now. Judy shared these pictures. Looks like she is enjoying her new roommates.

We are looking forward to another visit in June. Her home-coming is some time mid-August(?) For now, I hope that you enjoy the pictures... I do. She is just so darn cute!! (and so are her new friends!)

Our Second Visit

Over the Memorial Day weekend, our puppy-raiser's Judy and Sharon graciously allowed us to visit Maya. We were amazed how big she had grown in just four weeks! She is such a sweet puppy. However, a little more adventerous then our first visit. We all learned a few lessons on that day even a few commands. I swear that dog training is more for the owners than for the dog!

Nikki had a very quick seizure that day. It was only a second or two. She was sitting on the floor visiting Maya and immediately "fell" backwards. Maya was sitting by her and started to lick her neck. Could this be a sign that she is already attentive to Nikki's needs(?)

Well, at worst, we have a beautiful fuzzy friend for Nikki! Everytime we talk about Maya, Nikki smiles! She may not be able to talk but I know that she understands who Maya is... Maya is not even here yet and she's already brought happiness to Nikki!!

Ain't She Cute?

Judy continues to update us regarding Maya. We so look forward to her emails and new pictures. Here's a few of the latest:

Maya, Maya, Maya

Judy, one of Maya's "puppy raising families", shared these adorable pictures of her. She transitioned there on May 2. It looks like she is fitting in quite well.

Introducing - Maya!!

Yes, our dog is named Maya. Thanks to everyone that voted! We ended in a tie and decided on Maya.

The inspiration for her name, as suggested by a dear "comment", is Maya Angelou. There is a quote that I have tried to pattern my life by. I found it just after Nikki was diagnosed. She says "I can be changed by what happens to me. But I refuse to be reduced by it." While the dog represents hope and love for Nikki, we felt that her name be just as special.

Currently, Maya is with her puppy raising family in New Jersey. We look forward to our next visit with her.

Our North Star Visit ---- Amazing!

Well, we took a road trip to visit Patty and the North Star pups! It was better than I could have imagined.. Patty had a plan.. and, boy, did it play out perfectly. First, she brought out two of the girl pups.. Immediately, one of the pups went to Nikki. The pup was sitting by her. She was playful but sensed something about Nikki. Both were cute.. This pup, in particular, just hung out by her. We played for a while then Patty took the dogs back into the house. She returned with two of the boys. All the time, we could hear the other pup crying from inside the house. The boys were equally as cute. They were already in a sit/stay position. Again, we played. Patty returned them to the house and brought two others out. Without even knowing which two, one of the dogs went right to Nikki.. The original pup.. So, if anyone asks... we didn't choose a pup.. the pup chose us!

Bunny, Dylan and Honeybun!

A Few Minutes of Fame!

The pups and North Star were featured on the local Conneticut news: http://www.nbcconnecticut.com/news/local/Puppies_Help_Change_Lives_Hartford.html

Peaks!

A very close friend and I have the analogy of peaks and valleys in our lives. There are often days when things just get too overwhelming. It could be the seizures, vomiting (from seizure meds), a new symptom and/or new doctor to chase down... We call these times valleys. Then there are the peaks!! We ended the week in a peak... It was the email from a mom with N***'s disorder. Her daughter is 32 years old... It was also another sweet note left on my blog with well wishes for us. It is amazing how many folks, friends and even strangers, share our joy of a dog! They humbly leave such sweet messages wishing us good experiences! They look forward to following our journey. Don't ever let anyone say that there are not good people in the world... Our North Star experience has proved otherwise!

I've attached a few new pictures as our dog is now one month old!! We are looking forward to our visit in April. An update on the pups can be found at: http://northstardogs.com/northstarnews.shtml

Which One?

So, here's the first picture of our North Star Dog!! Not sure exactly which one it will be... One of my children has suggested all 11!!!

I've already spoken to Patty, North Star. We've begun the planning. It is all so exciting!! I have even spoken to one of the trainers. She'll be doing "specialty" training. That will be for public access and the seizure alert/response training. We'll have another trainer who will work on the more basic commands and tasks.
How great is this???

Good News!

From Patty Gross, North Star:
"I have wonderful news this morning! Rosie had eleven lovely and very healthy puppies over the weekend! All the puppies are thriving and Rosie is doing well nursing and caring for them!"

From Me, Anxious Mom:"Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah! Yeah!"

Episodes

When she started having seizures, she was 10 weeks old. It was the final ‘marker’ to her diagnosis. She’s had so many since. I can’t even count. However, I remember that first one as if it was yesterday (and it was 10 years ago). It was like my heart was ripped out. Honestly, it was like a death. It was the same feeling that I had when my dad passed away. It also meant that there was no denying her diagnosis and our confirmation that we were in Holland.

We have become more benign to them. At least, we are so with the small ones. Those last a few minutes and average from one to three a day. They are more tolerable for her and anyone that’s around to see them. Some folks do not even notice. We sometimes use the analogy of hiccups. i.e., sort of annoying and you just need to wait for them to go away.

Then there are the strong ones… the ones that trigger a call from school or a run up the stairs to her bedroom and sometimes a run to the medicine cabinet (for extra medicine to stop them). Those are unfair and unbearable to watch.

Last night was one of those… After we put the kids to bed, I sat on the couch to catch up on an episode of "Lost." I heard a slight tapping or maybe it was mother’s instinct (?) As I approached her room, I could hear the heaviness of her breathing. She was in a sweat and her left fist was clenched. She would stiffen every few seconds. I couldn’t catch her eyes. She was off in a distance – not focused on anything. I called for my husband… We were unable to get her attention. Finally, she gave Daddy a big smile as the seizure continued. Then, after more minutes, it stopped... Thankfully, no “extra” medicine was needed... not this time. Eventually, she would fade off to sleep. She slept somewhat peacefully. That is more than I can say for us (her parents)... I thought: will I hear her through the monitor at the side of my bed? Will I sleep through an episode that would have needed medical intervention?

So, I guess that I need to apologize… ‘Cause Our North Star Dog isn’t just for ****… The dog is for her parents and siblings as well… Sorry and thanks! Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Footnote: Episode = A show that is distinctive and separate although partof a larger series; Also, a term that the neurologist uses to describe a seizure event/occurrence.

Treasures

Okay, so every night, I have this routine with my son. We have three stories that we have made up over the years. I surprise him with one of the stories each night. Last night, it was the pirate story: He is on a ship with all his pirate friends, their parents, his family and everyone's pets. They are in search of a pirate treasure. When they get to the island, they find the spot on the map. They dig until they find a treasure chest. Inside, there are lots of special delights: (in no particular order) wii games, ds games, chocolate covered pretzels, spaghetti (w/butter), soccer ball, lentils (for his sister – one of her favs), and much more. They also find a smaller treasure chest. Inside are dog bones, meow mix and yarn. That’s for their pets.
He then says... “Oh wait, Mommy… “There’s another treasure chest!” “It’s bigger than the small one and smaller then the big one!” He says “They open the chest and inside is ****’s Dog!” “That would be a great treasure, Mommy, right?!”

“Yes, it would!” I say.

BooBoos

So, my 5 year old decides to start a conversation: “How did she (her sister) get a booboo on her brain?” Well, I say that she was just born with it. She says, “I feel sorry for her.”
So, I suck it up and proceed to explain how happy she is... That she loves her brother and sister... that they make her so happy... and that we are getting a special dog for her...

Thanks for the diversion!! It worked!

Our "Trip"

When my daughter was diagnosed, almost 11 years ago (wow), a well meaning friend sent me “Welcome to Holland” poem from Chicken Soup for the Mother’s Soul. I am sure that all special needs parents have read it at some time in their child’s life. For those that aren’t familiar with it, it metaphorically compares being a special needs parent to planning a trip to fabulous Italy and ending up in Holland. It explains that, for the unexpected trip to Holland, you need to “buy new guidebooks”, “learn a new language” and “you will meet a whole new group of people you would have never met”. So, my time in “Holland” isn’t so bad. It has brought such a different perspective on life. I have a genuine appreciation of everything... even the simple things. (A day without seizures really ranks!) We are so lucky... Grant it, it’s not always easy…. I’m still looking for the perfect guidebook. But, hey it’s a trip and this “whole new group of people” I now call friends!!

So, now we are on a planned trip… The North Star Express!! I can’t explain to you the feeling that I have right now… It’s like looking forward to a Disney vacation… Disney is a lot of work especially with three kids but it is so much fun… I now have my own metaphor… and, more importantly, I have the feeling that I can’t go wrong with a Disney trip or our North Star dog!

It's Official?

Okay, so now I'm a blogger? It's still a little wierd for me. However, it has been great to connect with others. I have met some wonderful new 'friends' via this forum. More importantly, by sharing our experience, I hope that you may see the joy from North Star.

Hope you're having a great day!

What's In a Name?

We're looking for name suggestions for our pup... Maybe something that can be abbreviated and easy for our daughter to 'say'.. So far, at the top of the list is "Amigo" or "Amiga" i.e. "Moe" or "MeMe" for short. This name would represent all those whose love and generosity made a North Star Dog possible for us.

We don't know the sex of the pup that we'll get.. Suggestions are welcome..

The "Cats" Out of the Bag

Well, we couldn't control our excitement. We told our other two children (ages 5 & 7) about our impending family member "Rosie Jr." They are very excited. Honestly, even I can't remember being this excited since my last pregnancy (LOL). Maybe it's the hope that the dog represents(?) Maybe it's the companion that she so deserves (?)

A New Journey

Our eldest daughter, age 10, is a sweet, happy, alert little girl who loves dogs. She also has a neurological disorder that has left her without speech, non-ambulatory, and daily seizures. How do we know that she loves dogs when she hasn't been able to tell us? Well, you can see it in her eyes. She lights up with such joy.

We had been on a quest to get her dog. A loyal companion... A friend that she couldn't make on her own. Through much research, we found North Star. In speaking with Patty, North Star's founder, she really understood our needs. I was so impressed with the fundamentals of North Star... the 'big' picture. I heard compassion in her voice and hope in her words.

We knew in our hearts that North Star was the place for us. I had forwarded the information to a friend to get his opinion. We never imagined what would take place next. A group of dear, dear friends decided to sponsor the dog for our daughter. We are truly overwhelmed by their love, generosity and compassion. Honestly, I don't know what excites us more: knowing that we are getting a special friend for our daughter or that we have such dear friends rallying around us. On our darkest days, we will remember Patty's email to us confirming that we were on the list for a "Rosie puppy".

We are so excited.... Thank you North Star… Thank you dear, dear friends!!!!!