Jack’s Special Bond
In a post we wrote sometime ago we introduced you to our ‘5th’ member of the family (Max the cat), and his special ability to calm and influence Jacks behaviour. This past weekend we had the opportunity to babysit another family favourite - Dunstan the dog.
Dunstan (or Dun, as he is called) has been in the extended family for over 10 years, and is a beautiful natured dog who just senses the mood and needs of others around him. Jack has a very special bond with Dun, and is always excited when he comes to stay.
Saturday was the day, and Jack was pacing the floor waiting for his special friend to arrive. By early morning he had already placed 2 bowls of food, 3 water containers and a pile of sticks neatly out on the grass in readiness for play.
From the moment Dun arrived, he was so excited!! He began jumping all over the place, chasing birds, and rolling in the dirt! (Dun did some of those things too!)
From the photo you can see how happy both Dun and Jack looked together, and considering they spent the best part of 5 hours on Saturday afternoon playing together, they both slept like babies that night! Sometimes we underestimate the effect that family pets can have on our kids, and considering I grew up with family pets it was nice to have some of the memories come flooding back.
Now, if only I can convince Elissa to let Jack and I have a puppy…….!
Steve 
March 17th, 2008 at 10:15 am
Hmmm… looks like Steve couldn’t resist a ‘dig’ at me here!
When he made me out to be the ‘one who won’t let us have a dog’… he failed to mention was that when Dun visits, Max becomes completely terrified of moving around the house, and that during Dun’s extended stays in the past, we have had terrible problems with Max not eating, and ‘toileting’ in wardrobes, on furniture, and on carpet!
Really, truly, I’d love for Jack to have a dog - but at this stage, Max’s needs have to come first.
For now, Dun’s short overnight stays are enough to keep Jack happy, and to keep Max out of therapy (LOL)
Okay, so now that Steve is laughing about our little blogging ‘tiff’… I love you honey… I really do!! xx
March 17th, 2008 at 10:27 am
There are many stories of dogs helping autistic children. Here in the UK we have animal assissted therapies. Maybe worth having a google!!
March 17th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
Jack looks so incredibly happy in that photo. It sounds like Dun’s visit was really good for him. I have been trying to convince D. for over a year now that a dog would be great fun/therapy for SB. I still haven’t given up hope.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:07 pm
That dog is beautiful. I can’t imagine our lives without dogs. M loves playing with them. When we are out and about the dogs allow M to communicate with others. She loves telling people all about our dogs and asking people about their dogs. It is one of the only times she will walk up and ask people questions(when they have a dog). I really think for M they are the best therapy.
I am so glad your weekend of dog sitting was so much fun. The photo of Jack says it all.
March 17th, 2008 at 1:38 pm
I wish our pets had calming effects on my son… these poor kitties we got are really being run through the ringer with my boy… he taken to dancing with them.
March 17th, 2008 at 8:17 pm
Dun and Jack really do look happy together. : ) Glad Dun could come stay for awhile, but your poor cat! My son is kind of scared of dogs. Don’t know why as there has never been any incidents with dogs. We’ll have to stay cat people too for awhile-but for a different reason.
March 18th, 2008 at 10:11 pm
Jack looks so happy!
I’m sure Adrian would love having a dog, he loves my mom’s dogs but unfortunately I’m too busy right now to properly care for a pet so no pets for us right now.
March 20th, 2008 at 1:12 am
“Dun did some of those things too!” Steve, you’re a nut!
I was just missing our doggy the other day too… but I blamed it on sleep deprivation