Monday, July 14, 2008

First Day at Canine Assistants Camp




Today we attended out first day of dog camp! It was amazing. These dogs are so beautiful and smart. It's a little overwhelming to stand in the room and witness all of the help and hope they will give to their recipients. We met some pretty incredible people today too.

Spencer got to work with a wonderful dog named Lucia today. She will probably be the dog we end up with. She has worked with a volunteer whose daughter has epilepsy before, and was able to detect a seizure prior to onset. We are hoping she will be able to do this with Spencer also.

We immediately fell in love with her. She seemed to love Spencer too. We grew so attached to her in just under two hours that we didn't want to put her back in the kennel and leave her. 
We will return tomorrow and find out for sure if she will be our dog. Starting on Thursday, the dog will be with us full time including overnights. 

I will try to update you guys as the week goes on but the schedule is pretty hectic. Please be in prayer for us as it's a little emotional and stressful even though it is exciting. Spencer had another seizure last night. I think it was from the excitement. 

In the meantime, enjoy these few pictures I took with my Iphone. I will try to take some better pictures later in the week.

Blessings to you!
Amy

14 comments:

Drew, Amber and Anna Kate said...

Lucia is beautiful! I am so excited for Spencer! By the way, I love his glasses. He is so handsome in them.

Marla Taviano said...

I am so amazed by God's creatures and how He has designed them to help His precious children. Wow!

You don't actually have to set up a xanga account to leave comments on my blog. You can just have your name link to this blog. (somehow...)

Thanks for the American Girl recommendation! I'll have to take my older 2 on a date to see it.

Your kids are so cute. :) Can't wait to keep up with Spencer and his new friend!

Cheri said...

What an amazing opportunity this is for you all! I have tears in my eyes for you. I bet Spencer is so excited he can hardly stand it!

Will be praying for you my friend.

Skoots1moM said...

is it pronounced loo see a or
loo sha? just curious...
i used to work with a speaker at united way that had a wonder dog named bingo...she was a wonderful companion and protector, her owner had become blind in teenage-hood. she is now a mommy of several and continues to speak for united way. I love knowing about God's creation helping each other in such a neat way. Eager to hear more about Lucia and Spencer : )

elizabeth embracing life said...

I hope this doggie gets to be yours. Your pictures are just darling. What a wonderful experience for Spencer.

Darlene said...

She is beautiful! I am sure Spencer is so excited. Still praying.

Blessings,
Darlene

Andrea @ Mommy Snacks.net said...

Cool! Finally your dog! I think I mentioned this before, but as a child, our lab could detect the seizures in my younger sister before they occurred, something about the aura of the seizure. Anyway, I'm sure your new doggie will be able to do the same for ya - I'm excited for ya!

A Stone Gatherer said...

What a sweet looking dog! I hope if works that she is yours, I'm so sorry your son had anonther seizure! Poor boy!

Christina said...

So glad to hear you guys made a connection with Lucia especially Spencer. I pray for him and think of him all the time. I told you my son has tourettes and although very mild he reacts to all kinds of things environmental and other. It almost looks at times like he is having some sort of seizure. These are the days when it is not mild. He has went to school all his life with most of the kids he knows so they basically are used to it and it bothers no one and the fact that he has no verbal tics other then throat clearing helps. I hope the same for Spencer, that he has many friends who support him as he grows and that he finds out what may set his seizures off so that he can feel somewhat in control of them. My niece has epilepsy, I think I mentioned it, but hers is pretty mild to although there are moments when it's not.

Kimberly said...

Oh, thank you for sharing these pictures. She is beautiful! I am praying that she will indeed be a perfect fit for Spencer.

Love and blessings,
K

Michelle said...

Awesome! I've been thinking about y'all. Thanks for sharing the pictures. Keeping you all in my prayers.

ocean mommy said...

She is beautiful! Spencer looks like he is already attached!!!

Praying for you both! Can't wait to meet the new family member.

steph.

Andi said...

Amy,
I am so happy for Spencer that he will have this dog. We had a Brittany Spaniel who could sense a seizure with me before it happened. It was a blessing. I will pray that Lucia becomes a great help to you all.
Andie

Andi said...

How awesome is God to create His creatures to be so sensitive to our needs that they can detect something as significant as a seizure. We had a Brittany Spaniel who could tell when I was going to have a seizure and he'd stay right near me until it was over and then go and get someone.
I am so excited that Spencer will have the same guardian! I will continue to pray for God's guidance in this as Spencer works with Lucia.
Blessings,
Andie