Wednesday, July 16, 2008

The Dog Days of Summer

Meet Lucia... the newest member of the Wyatt Family!
(They pronounce it LOO-Sha after the island, but Spencer is calling her Lucy)
I always wondered what the "Dog Days of Summer" really meant. I knew they were associated with the time period during the summer when the weather becomes unbearably hot. I actually looked it up tonight to see what the exact meaning is. Click here if you are interested.


I have decided to rename the next two weeks our "Dog Days of Summer." Not because of the ancient meaning of the term, but because of a newer connotation...being "dog tired" on hot and humid days. I have to tell you that these last three days of dog camp have me and Spencer "dog tired."


I don't think I realized how much work it would be to learn how to live with a service dog. Work that I know will be absolutely worth it, but hard work none the less. It's not like having a pet. It's more like adding another child to your family.Today was the last day we will drive back and forth from the camp. Starting tomorrow morning, we will be there non stop with the dog 24/7 until July 25 when we graduate. Then she will come home with us.


Today we took two quizzes on the information we have learned so far and worked on commands. The dogs already know approximately 90 commands. Now, Spencer and I have to learn the commands and how to get the dog to obey us. She has to learn our voices and intonations.


Spencer did a great job today. He and Lucia are already bonding. This morning when camp started, she sort of got anxious in her kennel when we came in. Greg was with Spencer and she (Lucia) had not met Greg before. The director wanted to see why she was so anxious and let her out of the kennel to see what she would do. When released, she came straight to Spencer (out of a room of about 35 people) and acted as though she wanted to protect him from Greg. Until we let her know that Greg was a person who was "OK" to be with Spencer, she wanted to protect him. Spencer is "her person" and no one else's. It was pretty amazing to watch.
We rotate between lectures and practice sessions with the dogs. Starting tomorrow we will begin "field trips" where we take the dogs to places like Wal-Mart, the movies and restaurants. It ought to be fun, but a little stressful until we get used to it.


I appreciate all the prayers and encouragement that many of you have sent through emails and comments. It means a lot to us and we still need them, so keep em coming. I will post a few more pictures through out the week, but I probably won't have much time to post until TSMS this Saturday.

Hope you are all having a blessed week.
Amy

14 comments:

Skoots1moM said...

"Lucy" is beautiful and she has her priorities in order...good for her!
Congratulations on doing such a great job, Spencer. I know Lucy is eager to know you more and more over the next couple of weeks.

Lucia's love for Spencer, and your family, will be a love given especially for you. She, too, is a beautiful creation by our Maker.

1 Corinthians 13:6-8 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Janet Roller said...

She's beautiful! I CANNOT wait to see the Wyatt's with a dog! She'll have you trained in no time.
-Janet

A Stone Gatherer said...

What a sweet little face! She looks so precious! It sounds like you guys have a big week ahead of you! Alot of work, but like you said worth it!
May the Lord bless you and keep you. May he make His face to shine upon you both and be gracious to you. May he turn his face towards you and give you peace and rest(I added that last one)

Celly B said...

Lucia is beautiful! I think that it is wonderful that she and Spencer have already developed a bond. The story of Lucy wanting to protect him from Greg is precious.

I pray for refreshment for you and Spencer during these dog days!

Kelley said...

Amy,
I have LOVED catching up with you this morning. You are such a busy lady. I don't know how you do it, you must be just filled to the brim with energy!

Lucia is a beautiful dog! Thanks for sharing all of this, it is so interesting how these dogs are helping people in this way. I think I will share your posts with my 8 yr. old daughter, she is a HUGE dog lover! We can pray for your family together as we learn about service dogs!

Good luck on the field trips, I can't wait to hear how they go....

Kimberly said...

How tender that Lucia already wants to protect Spencer. God is just so good and so amazing. He can love on us through any means He chooses...even a beautiful, sweet dog!

May you feel Him carrying you through this time.

Love and prayers,
K :)

Cheri said...

I have never been a pet person but Cooper loves dogs so much that we got a puppy for the kids this past Christmas. His name is Ralphie.

Now I know there is just something about dogs. They are keenly aware of who their master is. It is such an awesome thing!

It has taken me awhile to get adjusted to him but now that I am he is a very rewarding.

Lucia is so beautiful and I love the way she has her head tilted in the latest picture.

It's so true when they say dogs are smart. That's something I didn't belive until we had one of our own.

Can't wait to hear more of this new adventure and of this new member of the family. I'll be praying for "awakeness" to your tired bones! :)

elizabeth embracing life said...

This blog just brought tears to my eyes. How precious for your son to have this connection to Lucy. I know my son loved his black lab and for years those two were inseparable. Boys and dogs rock!!! How God has directed you and given you this new sense of hope and security is beautiful. I always say that with the blessing comes more responsibility. In your case the responsibility of learning your dog. Blessings to you all and thanks for sharing your journey.

ocean mommy said...

She is beautiful!!!

I can't wait for Spencer to get to 4th grade so I can have them both in choir! Do you think she'll sing along?

He looks so proud of her. :)

Tari said...

Lucy means "bringer of light" so I think Spencer has the name right on target!

Tanja said...

That is so neat. I have to go catch up on your blog, but in the meantime, she is beautiful. I'm sure she'll be great friend to Spencer... so cool that they have already bonded. I'm loving that. Oh, and I know you are! I'll pray all goes well on your outings.

Melanie said...

Hi, Amy. I find this just fascinating what all service dogs can do and the love and assistance they can give. I think this is so great and love seeing the picture of Lucia and Spencer together!

Have a great weekend!

Mindy said...

What a sweet girl....just look at those loving eyes! This is a great thing you and your family are doing and just think of the blessing you are bringing into someone's life!

DeAnna said...

She is beautiful. Can't wait to meet her and see her with Spencer.