9.13.2010

September 13, 2010

White Dog and Quinn could sense something was not good the minute Michael walked in from school. First, he did not arrive by schoolbus, he walked up the block. Second, he gave off a vibe that said, "Don't crowd me or ask me questions." The pups heard the message and gathered by me, waiting.

Michael had begun training to ride the public bus system today as part of his community access classes. He has resisted the notion filled with fears of getting lost or worse even though he is riding with a mentor. He refuses to carry the cell phone and is too embarrassed to carry a paper with our written address and phone number in his backpack even though he has not yet memorized either...so we can all understand some of his trepidation. Compounding the day was the fact that this training took him out of his 7th period class so he had make up homework for what he missedand he did not get home until nearly 45 minutes later than usual. He claimed waiting for the buses was long and hot and he was not happy. White Dog and The Other White Dog gave him space (even though they wanted to make it all better with licks and wags) and he went to his room (but not before we told him that we were all proud of his effort and hoped he would keep trying).

When Michael came up for dinner, Gregg and Candace and Richard (and Dragon) were over. They had helped take out the dead stove and move in the shiny new replacement that we had gotten yesterday. WD, TOWD, and The Honorary White Dog had supervised the installation and had watched over the grilling of pork chops for our meal. Both pups were a little timid not knowing Michael's state of mind but were quickly thrilled to find him talkative, social, and relaxed. They crowded around him begging for bites and pets. Suddenly the day seemed much much better!

10 comments:

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

One day at a time -

I'm sure this isn't the first time frustration got the better of him yet he's persevered through THAT -

Khyra and I are sending healing vibes to the SW!

Teddy Bear said...

We're so sorry to hear that Michael had such a rough day. We're glad that all the pups helped him feel better.:)

Love,
Teddy Bear

Mack said...

Mom says that's the best part about us K-9's. We can turn a dreadful day into a happy one!

Sugars,
Mack

Brian's Home Blog said...

It sounds to me like Michael is doing pretty good, first days of anything can be intimidating.

Jacqueline said...

Hang in there, Michael, we know you can do it!!...kisses...Calle, Halle, Sukki

♥♥ The OP Pack ♥♥ said...

Sometimes when we get overwhelmed,we need some downtime. We think that is what Michael was doing in his room. You all did well to let him work his way through it on his own. We bet he enjoyed those pork chops.

Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara

Remington said...

Michael did very well! That can be quite a big deal. Well done, Michael! I am glad all turned out to be a very happy day.

Kari in Alaska said...

I agree with Khyra, this is something that goes just one day at a time


-Kari
http://dogisgodinreverse.com/

TwoSpecialWires said...

Was it Resiliency? Or Loving Trust? Or simply Family that brought about the change? Or perhaps all three combined? Whatever, the transition is a wonderful example of goodness. We're so glad.

Love
Jake and Fergi (who know many more days of learning and success lie ahead) xxoo

Sagira said...

I can imagine how Michael must be feeling, that must be very scary.

WHOO HOO for a new stove, whatcha making me? haha