Nurse Detour saves the day...again.

Thor has been sick with the flu the past week and it got so bad I had to take him into the emergency room. 

He wasn't able to keep even a sip of water down for days. Detour was worried and stuck by his side...even in the bathroom while Thor was getting sick; he wasn't letting his boy out of his sight. 

I found myself having to reassure Detour that Thor would be ok. 

We are finally getting over the days of nausea and uncontrollable sickness.

Thank you Detour -again - for being my boy's guardian angel and best friend. 

My Boys - 8 months later.

Eight months ago we were blessed with the World's best dog...

A best friend, protector, and guardian angel. Detour has been the best thing to happen to Thor - he is calmer, happier, more talkative, and safer with Detour around. Their bond has grown stronger every day.

Today they had their photos done. My heart is overflowing with love for these two. You can truly see the light in Thor now...

Two years ago...

Today is Thor's 2 Year Autism-Diagnosis Anniversary.

Two years ago I wasn't sure how to help Thor. He spent many days wearing a hockey helmet to prevent brain injury; banging his head off of cupboards, walls, and even the floor.

He was frustrated. He couldn't communicate. He was non-verbal.

He had lost all ability to speak, hold a spoon, make eye connect, or even smile.

I had lost my son.

Two years ago I drove the 7 hours to a special clinic to have him assessed. Four days of testing and a lot of tears later, Thor was diagnosed with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and an extreme case of Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

I left feeling relieved...there was hope. Finally, someone could give me answers and tell me what had happened to my son. We had a starting place and could now move forward with therapies.

Two years later...40+ hours of therapy each week: therapy groups, preschool with support workers, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, private therapists in our home, and many hours of mom and Thor working on goals too.

Two years later...Thor can talk. He can smile. He does his best to make eye contact. He feeds himself and is learning how to dress himself.

Thor is now 4 1/2 years old and I see a bright future for him. Yes, he still struggles daily with meltdowns, anxiety, speech & communication, and his daily "stims" but we are working on it. Detour has helped him so much in these areas...bringing him a sense of comfort and familiarity in situations where he would typically meltdown (like the grocery store).

Thor with his Autism Service Dog (Detour) at the grocery store.

Happy Anniversary Thor...you've come so far and I'm so proud of you. I can't wait to see how far you come in the years to follow.

A Documentary on 4 Paws for Ability

For those who still may not understand why I chose 4 Paws for Ability, or why I chose to get Thor a service dog to begin with...here is a short documentary about them and the families they have helped. 

Detour has been life changing - like the one family near the end says... when we're out with the dog, Thor exhibits less Autistic-like behaviours, has less anxiety, and can function at a much higher level. The bond between them is amazing.

Detour is certified as a Service dog both in the United States (where got him) and in Canada (where we live) - he carries dual certification...now that's a special dog!!

Happy Holidays (Yes, we're still here!)

Merry belated Christmas & Happy New Year!

We are still here and we still love Detour! Life has just gotten in the way of blogging. Having Detour is like having a second child...in that, he goes everywhere with us. He has his own appointments (regular vet & grooming) and he needs my attention just as much as Thor does.

Thor has been battling repeated episodes of tonsillitis...3 bouts in less than 2 months. The latest of which reared up on Christmas Day of all days. In between tonsillitis, he has had the flu and a cold. It's been a bad winter health-wise for him. Hoping Spring & Summer have healthier times in store for him.

Detour has been a God-send. He sticks by Thor even when Thor is miserable from being sick constantly and talks mean to everyone around him...Detour is his unconditional buddy. His nurse. His guardian. His best friend.

Detour & Thor at their latest Doctor's Appointment.

Even when Thor is so sick he can't get off the couch, Detour can make him giggle. It's a welcome sound in our house.

Detour has settled into our family well and I can't imagine our lives without him. He is the best thing to happen to Thor.

I've said it before and I'll say it again now...

Thank you to each and every one of you who helped make this possible. You are all ANGELS in my eyes.