Why a Service Dog? The Magic of Pika

Making your case to others about the benefit of a Service Dog isn't easy. In fact, it's downright scary. I really had no idea just how scary until we started doing some digging; started sending out feelers. I will say I was warned but I didn't quite get it. I think I'm starting to now. The best way I can think of to start off with, is by telling you about the Magic of Pika.

That's what we call it. The Magic of Pika. Pika is our 4lb. chihuahua. Tobi *really* has a love for chihuahuas. She's been obsessed with them since she was very, very young. The great big eyes, the big radar ears, the little bodies; the eternal puppy look. It was chihuahua this, chihuahua that. Her drawings, her movies, books, games, stuffed animals, pictures - everything chihuahua. Eventually, it seemed the next step. Get Tobi a chihuahua. A real one.

We already had dogs so a chi wasn't our top priority. We talked about it for three years, really, but didn't do any serious looking. Then one day, a customer came into my husband's store with her chihuahua and he started asking her about it. The woman gave him the name and contact information of the breeder who just so happened to live not so very far away. We took a chance and sure enough, his dogs had just had a litter. They sent us pictures of the 3 day old puppies and just like that, we were sold.

Since Pika has come into our lives, the change in Tobi has been dramatic and awe-inspiring. When she holds Pika, she doesn't need to hold someone else's hand - she wants to walk and tackle stairs on her own. When she cries, Pika licks her face and she calms down. At night, when she's restless in bed, as she always is, Pika's presence keeps her from rolling. When we go *anywhere*, Tobi wants Pika to come and gets upset when she can't. Tobi even started reading out loud to Pika and doing her homework with Pika in her lap. These are just a handful of ways that Pika has helped Tobi.

But Pika can't be everything to our little girl. Pika is only 4 pounds and Tobi lacks spatial awareness. She tends to be clumsy, her body movements often wild and uncontrolled. She can seem scary to such a small dog! What's more, Pika can't go to school with Tobi, she can't go to the store, or a restaurant, or a movie. And Pika can't handle the big, deep pressure hugs that Tobi sometimes needs.

The more and more I read about the benefits of service dogs for children with autism spectrum disorders and anxiety, the more convinced I am that we have to do this for Tobi. It's hard to think of ways to convince you, too, without sitting you down and gluing your eyes open and making you read everything I've found. All the advice and support and information from a dear friend of mine who uses a service dog; from people she knows who use them. From a mother who campaigned to get her ASD child a service dog of his own.

Maybe it would be easier if I listed some of the tasks that a SD could provide for Tobi? I'm not as knowledgeable about the kinds of things they can do but I tell you, it's no joke when you hear people calling service dogs super-heroes! Just look at some of the assistance they can offer - this is from the Psychiatric Service Dog Society and this is from the International Association of Assistance Dog Partners.

For Tobi, we worry endlessly about her problems sleeping and her restlessness while she is asleep. She rolls, she sits up, she sits cross-legged and bends over to put her head on the bed. She covers her face with a blanket or pillow, has rolled off the bed and bumped her head on the wall a number of times and it means I don't sleep at night for fear of something happening to her. Tobi needs help to fall asleep on school nights and often wakes at 3 or 4 in the morning and can't get back to bed. A SD would be able to sleep beside her or with a head on her chest, keeping Tobi safe at night. This alone would be no small thing.

Anxiety. Tobi is riddled with it. It works against her at school, it makes transitioning from place to place difficult, going out places hard. A SD would help ground and calm her.

Running off can be a problem, as can keeping Tobi moving. A SD would help keep Tobi tethered and more aware of her surroundings.

Frustration - a SD can alert to a meltdown before it begins and re-direct Tobi's energy.

Social Interaction - Tobi has 'friends', but no one who seeks her out. Can you imagine how sad you would feel if you didn't know why the other kids like to play together but never ask you to join? Or when you're told "something is wrong with you". Right now, some of the other kids will walk over when Tobi is drawing to see what she's doing but she always has to ask to join in play and 'plays alongside' the other kids. She eats her snack alone. A SD would give Tobi more confidence and give the other kids something to talk about with her.

In short, a best friend who goes everywhere with Tobi, does everything with Tobi, and can perform tasks to benefit Tobi in her everyday life. This is what a Service Dog would be for Tobi. This is what we're on a quest to find.