Three years and five months. That's a long wait. We're down to six days now. We fly to Atlanta on Sunday to meet, and train with Cesare's new buddy. Canine Assistants is our generous host. They now anticipate a five year wait list for new applicants for a service dog. By that measure we're tremendously lucky.
The question Ces is asked most often is "Will it already have a name?" Yes, he or she will already be named. The pups start their training at birth, and have all grown into their names now, at a year and a half. I urge anyone reading about Ces' adventure to click on the link at the bottom of this page for Canine Assistants. On it there is a link to the PBS special about the selection and training process for service dogs. There is a link there, too, that will allow you to donate whatever you can to this family run organization. If you can help shorten another child's wait, they would be very grateful.
We wonder, too, what will this miracle dog do for Ces? There are lots of skills posted on their site. But I think the most important thing that he or she can do is give Cesare the independence he deserves.
Cesare and I will keep you posted over the next couple of weeks. We'll post pics and videos of the process. We're told that the dogs pick their owners. (Sure hope it's not like a middle school dance and we get passed over.) So, here's hoping Cesare has just the right scent.
Six days to Independence Day!
