Mavery and Pixie GRADUATE!!

Our day today was filled with talk of going home. What life will be like with our new service dogs. The opposition we will encounter as we try to take our friends in places. The frustration some are already encountering from their employers, their schools etc. It will be interesting to see how things go for us in our town.

After class we ran into Walmart, again. No matter where we go, we manage to visit Wal-Mart way more than I plan too.

Pixie was acting kind of funny in the car and as soon as we walked in Walmart she pooped. And it was disgusting. RIGHT by the food section. We were kind of dumb founded but they were super nice to us and praised CARES and all they do. This town is used to dogs, the employee told me this happens all the time, that I shouldn't worry. And everywhere we go everyone is so kind to us, but especially to Mavery. I know we will miss this welcome once we leave.

During class one of the trainers came in to see her dog and meet it's new owner. The little girl is the same age as Mavery and they have really enjoyed each other. The trainer got teary when she saw them, so you know I got teary! She had the new dogs mom and grandma with her! I LOVE being able to see all angles of this. ALL the people who pour into this program. I have been so encouraged by the new friends who have reached out to us who have either trained or received dogs through CARES. The saying has been, the CARES family. Or in Megan's words, the CARES CULT. And I get it now. It feels like our adoptions. Bringing home our girls opened up this whole new world to us. Friends from all over. People who love and support you through every step. And now we have this CARES family, who get the lengths you will go through to better the life for your loved one.

Graduation was held in the local college theatre. Since my emotions were already on edge I knew it was not going to be done with out tears. It was fun to see Sarah and Megan all dressed up, and Mavery was excited to dress up too!

As we came in trainers were there, and that of course made the tears fall.  What a job they have! To train these dogs, to love them and then to send them on. I can only imagine what it must be like for them on this day. To see their work pay off! To see their dog matched with the perfect person, and know they are going to be so loved. A lady spoke to us who works with the inmates where Pixie was trained. She promised to pass on to Pixies trainer how happy we are!

All of the new owners were on stage. The dogs were taken back stage and brought out one at a time as Sarah introduced them. If the trainer was there, they brought the dog out and handed it to their person. And again I cried. I wish Pixie's trainer had been there, I would have loved to meet them! I did get an email with some information so will be in touch with them soon.

Then the certificates began. First up was Lexie, the Great Dane and her owner. Who is a veteran from Canada. Sarah talked about how she loved being able to match veterans and how thankful she is for all they do in their service. You can tell Lexie was just perfectly matched. Her person started crying and I was pretty sure I was about to start the ugly cry. It was just beautiful. What I really want to see is photos of Lexie on the airplane back to Canada tomorrow! Can you even imagine where a Great Dane is going to fit on an airplane?? Wouldn't you love to be on that flight?

Pixie's sister Genie! 

On down the line the certificates were given. Each story just as beautiful as the first. Each face just as happy and relieved to know they have their dog. Each person forever changed by this week.

It was over to quickly and we said our goodbyes. Mavery gave her teachers a thank you card with a package of pixie sticks, of course! There are no words to say how thankful we are for the work they all do. One thing Sarah said is that she hopes we will share our stories, that we will tell others about CARES. And we will. How can we not? All week I have thought about the children I know who are adopted who could benefit from this program. We will be a voice for CARES. I am so thankful that my friend Kathy encouraged me to really look into it after it worked so well for her daughter from China.

Mavery really enjoyed Kylah this week, they are the same age, same grade. 

After graduation we visited a place in town we really enjoyed, Gambino's. I hear it is a chain but not a chain we have at home. If you are coming for CARES training and need tips on places to eat, I think we hit them all!

Tomorrow morning we will head home. We are anxious to introduce Pixie to our family and to settle back into life. I hope Pixie is ready for the craziness that is going to be reality. This nice calm hotel is just a tease!

I think Mavery's prayer from every day this week sums it all up. "Thank you God for giving me Pixie!"

AMEN!

Thursday at CARES

Today was an earlier start as we had to drive over an hour to the  Correctional Facility. I knew it would be a moving experience but really was not quite sure what to expect...

We were brought in and taken through the metal detectors one at a time. Went through a few doors and were taken into the cafeteria. The men were already sitting there with dogs, about 9 in total. Mavery was ecstatic to see TWO baby goldens!

It took awhile to get us all in and settled, but we made it. The sweetest thing was when the Great Dane came in and she saw the men, and they saw her. They ALL knew Lexie, the Great Dane! You can tell she was loved. All of the dogs seemed a bit more "cheery", as if they recognized this place. Funny to think how much dogs can remember.

As we got started each of the men introduced themselves, how long they have been training dogs and the dog they are working with now.  Then the "head" guy spoke.

Picture this if you will. We are in prison. The guy is what you would probably picture to see. And then he starts talking.

He shared many things but what I heard was one word.

 REDEMPTION. 

Because of what they have done in their past, there is a victim.

Through this program, they can try to redeem that through something good.

They can't look back at their past, they can only look forward.

They hope that through what they are giving by working with the dogs, someone will be blessed.

I was once again wiping away the tears.

The pride in their faces as they talked about being in the dog program was just so moving.

Here are guys that are just, well, not good to most people. In all honesty people that I would not think much of. In Jail? Obviously something happened.

But to hear them speak of these dogs? My heart was moved.

They give SO much to these dogs. They get puppies, they get older dogs, and they give them their all. From morning till night they work with the dogs.

They sleep with the dogs. They do not take a break from these dogs.

And they take that job so seriously. They LOVE these dogs.

And it is obvious the dogs love them.

Imagine it.. They don't get much contact with anyone. But they now get a friend. And this furry friend doesn't judge ANYTHING about their past, or their looks or their future.

Redemption can come in many forms.

To be in the program there are rules. You have to prove yourself to even get in. Staying out of trouble. You apply, you get chosen, you have to show that your dog is improving. This is the only job there that is NOT paid. So this is a volunteer thing.

Redeemed....

We were able to spend some time talking to each of them. Unfortunately Pixie was at the other prison so we did not meet her trainer. But we did get some tips on working with her, and enjoyed the entire experience.

So weird to say. We really enjoyed our time in prison. ;-)

We left there and headed to Applebee's to eat as a group. A very busy Applebees, which was a good test. Pixie is not phased by anything so far.

From there we went to the mall for testing. Much of it they just wanted everyone walking/shopping with their dogs. Then they did some tests of leaving your dog, calling your dog, leaving your dog again while food was dropped in front of your dog.

I know I have said this before, but the magic of how these dogs were matched up with EXACTLY who they should be matched with, it is just a miracle, really.

Again, as I watched all of these exercises unfold I was moved. Thinking back to day 2 and now day 4, there is not even hesitation on ANYONE's part as they call their dog.

It is both sides who are saying, you are MINE. I am not letting go and I am not making a move with out your direction.

I wish you could all be here to see this happening. I wish you could hear the stories of mama's or wife's who haven't slept in 10 years because their loved one has diabetes and has to be checked in the night. They can now REST because their dogs are alerting them while they sleep!

The stories are enough to make me weep. And as I look at my own daughter today, calling her dog across that mall, I do weep.

We ARE seeing a change in Mavery. She is calmer, she is happy, she is confidant. She is taking ownership and she is in love with Pixie.

She says, Pixie is MINE. And I know Pixie is saying the same thing.

Tonight we went to the pool and Pixie wanted in terribly. While I know the hotel is used to CARES dogs, I was not so sure they would enjoy the dog hair in the pool. I took her back to the room and she whined. She has not done that.

Because she knows she is not mine, she is Mavery's and she was not here!

Tomorrow is a bit more training, then graduation. I wish that our family could be here to see it all. But I am thankful for this time with Mavery. It would have been hard for her to have the distraction of everyone. And maybe hard on Pixie. Today at the mall were TONS of kids and you can tell she loves children. Thank goodness! Now the real question is, does she like really annoying yappy dogs?? That is going to be interesting as she meets Hershey.

As I meet all these families and listen to the stories, and share our story I am so thankful for this life I get to live. So thankful for an amazing God who has written our story, and who has redeemed me.

Tuesday & Wednesday

Pixie and Mavery slept great last night! At home Mavery is typically the first one up, waking the whole house up. We never heard a peep from Mavery or Pixie. Many said their dogs were up in the night so we are thankful for a quiet night.

This morning was all about the dogs diets and more commands. Mavery is getting much more comfortable and is not wanting us to even stay near when they have them up doing exercises.

One thing they did today was to have the person put their dog into the down position and then walk away. After a few moments they would call, and the dog would respond.

Remember that scene in the movie Annie where she has found the stray dog she named Sandy? The dog pound comes along and wants to take the dog, she claims this is MY dog. And they say prove it….

That is what came to mind as I watched each person start to call his or her dog to them.  As they went down the line and each person would call their dog, and that dog would respond to their person, I started to cry. Just like Annie, this is now THEIR Sandy. Until yesterday each of these people have dreamed for a very long time about this dog. What this animal could do for their lives to make it better. And like Mavery, they met them yesterday and I am sure said “You are exactly what I have always wanted!”

I know they said, YOU are mine.  And I will prove it.

So as I watched these dogs come to this new person they just met yesterday, I was beyond moved. 

And crying in the middle of a dog class is a little embarrassing! J

I enjoy being in places with so many stories. Each such a unique background and yet all here for the same purpose. 

They taught us how to get the dog to “hug” today and so we practiced a bit of pressure therapy with Mavery once back at the hotel.

Many have asked what exactly we hope to see from the dog for Mavery. And that is hard to wrap up into a few simple words.  I am happy to talk to anyone through email in more detail. But our biggest thing is that we want to see the dog be calming for Mavery.  We pray that it gives her confidence and some self control. If she detects heart changes, that of course is wonderful too.

After lunch we visited a nursing home and from there we went to Walmart as a group.  I had to laugh at the nursing home. We were in speaking with one woman and she was telling us how many kids and grandkids she has. 9 kids, 30 grandkids. We told her we have 5 and are trying to bring home more from China. She said, I didn’t have to do that to get my kids. 

What do you do but laugh.

We started talking with Mavery about Thursday, when we will visit the “Correctional Facility”. Mavery understands what jail is, so we tried to talk through that. She asked if WE would get to go behind the bars, and if the men would be behind the bars while we talk to them. 

Have I mentioned that the dogs are trained in prison part of the time? It is quite the process they go through to find out if they will be in the program. They are in homes, at prisons a few times, in homes etc.. So part of this week involves taking them to the facility to let the trainers see the dogs.

After visiting we will visit a mall and have our testing done. Passing would be good! 

We tried to drive and find internet last night (Tuesday) so I could post this.  No luck and our hotel is out again through Thursday. This might be worse than China, I was able to get internet while there! Hoping to find somewhere tonight to post. But since I am already a day behind a quick review of Wednesday.

Today they showed how to put the dogs in submissive position. Pixie has no issues with this. Some, had a bit more trouble and while it sounds SOO mean to me when they yell at them, I know it is for their good. I am certain I could have a much better mutt at home if I had followed just a few of these tips.

We went to a pre-school where the kids could pet the dogs.

Mavery is handling everything amazingly. I am counting it a MIRACLE that she has survived sitting through THREE Days of classes with out meltdowns. The teachers asked if she is always so shy. Those of you who know Mavery know there is not a shy bone in her body, so maybe Pixie is bringing a bit of magic dust our way.

If you would like to check out CARES, the organization in charge of these dogs, please visit their website HERE.  Sarah and Megan are amazing! Sarah started CARES in 1994 and has trained 1100 dogs! I was thinking today how mixed this job has to be. You see SO many needs come through. HARD needs. But then to be able to give a dog to someone and know that it changes their life for good? What a blessing! 

I am now sitting in a BBQ place with WIFI! :-) Hopefully the pictures will go up. No prison photos tomorrow but hopefully I can get some mall photos! You know us girls like to shop and I think Pixie will fit right in that area! 

Mavery Would like to introduce to you.....

PIXIE!! 

Amazingly we all slept in today. After the crazy busy weeks we have had, we needed it. We met a few families at breakfast and then headed to the church where we would be in training. 

There were no signs of the dogs, but the room quickly filled up with families. 12 people were receiving dogs! They went over a few things and then started bringing them in. At this point you still have no idea what dog you are getting. 

They brought in German Shepherds and I was really hoping they were not ours. Beautiful dogs but they are just big and scary looking to me! Thankfully they passed us by. 

I am not sure I mentioned that Mavery had requested a Golden Retriever. It is all she has talked about. We told her we just had no idea and she needed to be happy with whatever. We prayed this morning together that God would just give her the perfect dog. 

Next dog walks in is a golden retriever and they came straight to Mavery! She looks back at me and said, she is just what I always wanted! 

Her name is Pixie and she was born on June 21st, 2012. These dogs go through a variety of training. We were pretty excited to find out part of her training was in a family with kids! As you can see in the photo below, we need SUPER calm. 

In the class are 4 Goldens. 3 Labs, 2 Standard Poodles, 2 German Shepherds and a Great Dane! After introductions they quickly were teaching commands. About half the dogs are medical alert dogs and it was amazing when TWICE today one of them was already in tune knowing their persons blood levels were off. (red vest means medical alert, blue means therapy dog) 

Mavery did really well overall working with Pixie. She is not quite as stern as she needs to be, but by the end of the day she was remembering what to say. Basically Pixie does not move with out Mavery's say. And amazingly overall that is what she does. By the end of the day Mavery was done. 

Dinner was with the group at Pizza Hut and what a site to see 12 dogs calmly laying on the floor at the feet of their peoples. Not begging or barking or fighting with each other. 

Personally I had kind of hoped for a non shedding dog, and that is not what we got. Hair everywhere! BUT when they brought her to Mavery and said her name and I saw Mavery's face I knew this was exactly who Mavery needed. The litter Pixie was in is named after people who never wanted to grow up. 

The saying went through my head from Peter Pan, Faith, Trust, Pixie Dust. And isn't that what our journey with our children is? Especially these children whom had a life before we met them? Faith to say yes.  Trust that the Lord is going to bring them home to us and that no matter what, we will get through. And that pixie dust, the magical moments of seeing our children HOME, ours and loved. The spirit moving as we struggle and settle and grow and figure out this dance of life. 

I was not sure I wanted a dog sleeping with Mavery, but how do you say no to this? 

Tomorrow we will be back for another full day of training. We will visit a Nursing Home as our outing. We are ready for another day full of Magic and Pixie Dust for sure! 

Mavery's 5th Gotcha and a New Adventure!

Today we celebrate 5 years with our Ms Mavery. It feels as if I blink and time is just passing me by. 

Today we also spent our day on the beginning of a BIG adventure with Mavery. We spent the day driving to the middle of Kansas.

Tomorrow she will meet her new service dog, and we will spend our week training while getting to know her new friend. 

I don't think Mavery will ever forget this Gotcha Day!  

So why a Service Dog? Aren't those for people who are blind or have diabetes or who are in wheelchairs? 

Well yes, they ARE used for those situations. But they are also used for many different things. 

If you have read my blog through the years, you know we have had a roller coaster ride with Mavery. While she came home from China with a very serious heart condition, (that is still ongoing) that was not as hard to deal with as her emotional state. 

And while we have seen HUGE improvements over the years, there are still challenges. When a close friend of mine received a service dog for her daughter from China and started sharing how amazing it was for them, I was intrigued. 

We started to do some research, spent some time praying and felt this would be a really big benefit to Mavery. 

Therapeutic in so many ways. Calming. Confidence Building. And as an added benefit they say that these dogs can sense a change in her heart if something happens. 

If you have met Mavery,  you know she is amazing. Now you might have been "Mavery'd" as we say, because she has yet to meet a stranger. She meets you and she throws herself on you, she hugs, she hangs, she loves "fiercely". She is the sweetest child and has such a tender heart for those around her. 

We pray that this dog is going to be exactly what Mavery needs for some of her struggles. 

We applied for the dog back in January. At that time we were told a 12-18 month wait. Which would have put us most likely meeting the dog when we were in China for our adoption! (If we ever get there, wahhhh) We knew that was going to be an issue, because if we missed that class we would not be able to travel till the summer class, with new children. Which sounded rough. THANKFULLY we were able to get into this class last minute and so here we are! Of course this is in the midst of CRAZY time at my house but when isn't?? 

Kind of a funny story... Last month I had asked some family and friends to pray with us for our adoption referral on a specific day. THAT was the day I got the call we were getting the dog! While I was thrilled for Mavery, it was NOT the referral I had in mind!!! :-) 

We have no idea what the dog is. We will find out on Monday morning! We will be in a class with many others getting dogs so it should be a fun experience! 

We drove all day today and checked into our hotel. STRANGE just having ONE child. I think this is going to be such a good week for the 3 of us. We are in training all day every day. 

I am going to try REALLY hard to blog every night. I know this is an experience I want Mavery to always remember. Internet is not good, so pictures might have to be added later but hopefully I can get some up. 

And I have yet to get up Makenna's 16th and Malaine's 11th birthday's from this month. Who knows, with only one child, I might get it all done this week. 

Happy 5 years to Mavery Raye JinSong. We are SOO thankful for every day she has been with us. She has taught me so much about what true love REALLY means. So thankful for how I have grown because of her. 

Feeling blessed. 

Malaine's 11th on October 11th!

We celebrated Malaine's Golden birthday this year! 11 on 10/11!! She is our golden girl for sure! People will ask, does she always smile? And as you can see from her baby photo's, yep, she has always and continues to ALWAYS smile! 

 She is the middle child and just easy! She has the gift of encouragement and she is always looking for ways to make you happy. If I am having a bad day she is the one who will be sure to give me lots of hugs and tell me what a great mom I am! It is great having your own cheerleader!

We are so thankful for that sweet spirit. This year she has started piano lessons and she works so hard and is doing a great job quickly learning to play! She is doing amazing at gymnastics and also loves singing in the choir and being a part of AWANA.

On her birthday we went with some friends to an event near home by Danah Gresh. She was not that thrilled with the event, but she loved the dinner with friends! 

Malaine will be joining us on this China trip and she is SO excited to finally walk the halls of the orphanage that she has only seen in pictures. She knows every child there by name and can tell you more about them than I can sometimes! She has a heart for those children and I can't wait to see her holding some of the faces she has prayed for!

Happy Birthday Lainey Bug! We are so blessed by you every day. We pray you always keep that smile and heart for others. Love you so much!