It's hard to believe that we are approaching the end of
2016-2017 school year, Wyatt's kindergarten year...let me rephrase that...Wyatt and Blaze's kindergarten year! It has been such an awesome year!!
Wyatt’s school hadn’t experienced service dogs in the past. This
was a brand new adventure and surprisingly enough, they were having two
service dogs join their student body! I was overwhelmed with the openness to
the idea of Blaze attending school.
ADA requires that service dogs are allowed in public places, such
as schools; however, since Wyatt isn’t capable of “handling” Blaze, we were
required to bring a dog handler. Rachel had worked with Wyatt for a few years in the past, as his therapist, she agreed that she would like the opportunity to work with Blaze and Wyatt in the school setting.
Rachel is one of those persons, that when you get to know them, they feel like family. She has embraced the challenge of learning how to be a dog handler and adapting to a RNC classroom. The bond the three of them have formed is such a precious one. Wyatt and Blaze both light up when she enters in the room. As a mom, she give me a sense of peace and she has became such a dear friend. I admire how she just does...nothing holds her back. If the class was going on a field trip, so were her and Blaze. If there was a school performance with loud drums, she practiced with Blaze beforehand so they could join Wyatt. If they class dressed up like ninja turtles, so did her and Blaze. I can't thank her enough for embracing this opportunity, learning how to be a benevolent leader with Blaze, and creating such a loving bond with Wyatt.
The whole staff at Marginy Elementary have been fabulous with this new adventure. Blaze had a problem with barking at the custodians when he first started school. So after school hours, Blaze and I practiced walking the halls and getting use to them. They worked with me to be sure Blaze got the hang of them. Wyatt's teacher embraced Blaze and made every accommodation possible for him in the classroom. Wyatt's therapist and APE teacher found ways to incorporate Blaze into Wyatt's world. I seriously could have not asked for a better team!!
This year, I saw the most growth in Wyatt. He is so much more present, aware, and happier. Last year, when Wyatt was in pre-k, he had the opportunity to spend time with his teacher now. I asked her how she felt this year went with Wyatt and Blaze. Her words...
- First off, Blaze is awesome. Even when you are having a bad/grumpy day you can't help but smile when Blaze greets you in the classroom. He's just so sweet!
- Wyatt lights up when Blaze gets to school. (side note: Wyatt rides the bus to school and Blaze gets dropped off).
- Wyatt makes direct eye contact with Blaze! (eye contact isn't the easiest for Wyatt)
- Blaze has Wyatt much more independent. Going for walks has always been Wyatt's favorite break time at school. Its even better with Blaze, because he provides Wyatt more independence with the tethering. Which in turn you can see makes Wyatt so much happier.
- Blaze has created triple the opportunities for Wyatt to socialize, which is worth his weight in gold! And then like the amazing service dog he is, he always lets Wyatt shine. He never steals the attention by being super playful and such. He is quiet when he needs to be and then can be playful and fun when command for it.
- Blaze has allowed Wyatt to have the individual support that he needs to be the most successful!
Thank you to everyone at Marigny for such an awesome kindergarten year! I have to say, I am pretty anxious to see what first grade brings!! Happy Summer!
