Book Review: "The Dog at my Feet"

From The Back:

Pets are such a big part of so many of our lives. As any pet lover knows, a wagging tail or a tender purr can soothe the soul after a hard day. And sometimes, the presence of dogs and cats in our lives can do even more. In these delightful books, Callie Smith Grant collects stories that celebrate the dogs and cats in our lives--stories that touch our hearts, renew our spirit, and show us how God created these beasts for unique purposes. A funny little dog named Prince earns his title by protecting the children of the house. A "dickens of a cat" gives a cancer survivor something else to think about. A lively litter of puppies soothes a troubled child. A scrawny kitten helps an anorexic girl begin to eat. 
Well-known authors, including Melody Carlson, Tracie Peterson, and Robert Benson, as well as new voices share their inspirational true stories of these otherwise ordinary cats and dogs whose presence in the lives of humans make them remarkable. Each book also includes interesting sidebars, memorable quotes, helpful hints for living with dogs and cats, and forewords by H. Norman Wright. The stories are warm, captivating, and ideal for a good curl-up-and-read or for a gift to any pet lover. Cat lovers, dog lovers, and anyone who likes to read uplifting stories will cherish these books.

My Reflections: By: Me 

I really enjoyed "The Dog At My Feet" because I felt like I could relate to this story. I have a service dog, and he is really awesome. 

My favourite part of the story is at page 67, called "A Dog Named Blue" I enjoyed this section of the book because it reminded me of how strong a connection between a dog and its owner can be. 
My Dog and I have a wonderful bond. 

I did, however, find this story really sad. 
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves stories about their lovable pets.

A Journey Through Autism: Is Your Child Silently Hurting?

Hi, my name is ****** 

Without knowing your child/s could be hurting.

I was embarrassed and still am, but I finally got the strength to tell my mom.

It was really hard for me to say just 10 words, I told my mom that I didn't like when other people said the word "Autism" I don't exactly know why but it makes me feel different...

In a bad way. 

In some situations, I feel like it's OK. because I want to share my experiences with others and try to make it normal, something people are used to. What I really really really don't like it when others talk about me like I'm not there. Doctors, teachers, parents, family members, just talk about me if you must when I'm not there. Nobody likes people talking about them. 

Another thing that really bothers me is styrofoam  (styrofoam=horrible) because rubbing styrofoam is just bad!!!

 If you can imagine nails on a chalkboard you will know what I am feeling. 

Lots of people like me are sensitive to things around them. I suggest fidgets to help with this. I also know that for me headphones work well for me when it is too loud. When things are loud I get a headache and everything is too loud. I can't concentrate, I start to get frustrated. My mind loses focus and I need a break. When I come back I feel better and calmer. 

Reading is what helps me with everything. For when I read all my troubles, the loud, busy fall away and the longer I read the more relaxed I feel. Some kids might not like reading though. Everybody has their favourite thing to do.

                                                       I hope this has helped you!

                                                  

Autism Questions (and advice)

               What are your thoughts on Autism?
when I think of Autism I think" why me" those 2 words are selfish so I try to say

" Autism: something to blame for my awkward social skills":)

                        Why do I have awkward social skills?
I find it hard to communicate with other kids. I think what if they don't like me
what if they think I am weird.
I shouldn't think that because who cares if I have autism. I shouldnèt be ashamed of that. I'm good at other things that may not interest other kids as much. I can cook most anything as long as I have a recipe and read all kinds of books beyond my age level. Who need social skills anyways!
                                                             
                               Does Autism beat you?

• I do Autism AND basketball I win at both. Does Autism beat you?
  If it does don't let it discourage you.
  
   you WILL win, maybe just not today. It might be a while. It might
  be tomorrow! All I can say for sure is you are a blessing
  to God and your parents
  think about it
  pray about it
  read about it
  don't give in
  to Autism. It may affect the way you view your world, but it is not who you are!
  Enjoy life
• 
  
• Let God lead you
• When you're having a hard day speak to God he will heal 
• Watch a sunset or sunrise
• Live every day like it's your last
• Love God
• Stay positive

I hope this has helped you and your kid\kids.

Autism (A.S.D.)

                      A.S.D.

Hi, I was born with something called A.S.D. Autism Spectrum Disorder I underlined the word " disorder because to me it's a gift.

 I have seen other kids with Autism but they're not me, so I can only speak for myself. 

I am glad I have A.S.D.but in my heart A.S.D. is A.S.G.

Autism Spectrum Gift.

 I know God has a plan for me and all those people with A.S.G.

      God Has A Plan For Us.

Romans 8:28

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose

I think that God gave us Autism for a reason who knows we might do something big someday I mean Albert Einstein had Autism and it didn't stop him from doing something big. Don't forget God has a plan for us!

The Surprise

The Best Surprise Ever!

This is Jovi, he is an Autism Assistant Guide Dog and my best friend. Now if you saw my last post you would know that I have Autism and Jovi helps me a lot, but have you ever stopped to ask how I got Jovi?

 Tighten your seatbelts this is Jovi's story.

It all started when my Mom told me she had to get more training for another dog we have.   

She went away for a whole week, to Ontario. I missed her so much, that was a long week.

When it came to us to get her from the airport we walked in and then I saw her! 

I ran as fast as I could and flung myself onto her. 

Little did I know that she had a really big surprise for me! Hiding behind her was a beautiful dog, MY DOG! When I first saw him he was full of hyper happiness. 

That is my favourite memory! Jovi is my best friend.

Now I can take Jovi anywhere I go, he is especially helpful when I am at the doctor's office.

I take him almost everywhere I go. If you have an Autism Assistant Guide Dog take him (or her) to the movie theatre Jovi loves watching movies, especially if there are dogs in the movie.

A WONDERFUL JOURNEY THROUGH AUTISM

What do you think when you hear the word Autism? I think about a red vest, a wagging tail, and a warm hug from my super poodle. These are my thoughts. I have Autism myself.

Autism affects everyone in different ways. it's nothing to be ashamed of, it's a gift that makes us special. we are all different and unique in our own ways.

I find that some things are more challenging than other things like sometimes it's hard for me to fall asleep.
So here are some things I have tried.

For sleeping: Melatonin, not looking at screens an hour before bedtime, a magnet blanket (here's a link for the magnet blankets
https://hippohug.ca/product/weighted-blankets/ you can choose your fabric and stuff too)

For concentrating: a wiggle cushion

https://www.amazon.ca/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=wiggle+cushion&tag=googcana-20&index=aps&hvadid=214944427820&hvpos=1t1&hvnetw=g&hvrand=12971209018011902399&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9001610&hvtargid=kwd-303530307756&ref=pd_sl_5jr15g23yq_e

and a wiggle chair

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B075JS51KV?aaxitk=nc2JPhEs3m5wrjpiy38joA&pd_rd_i=B075JS51KV&pf_rd_p=4cca1e3c-4d42-4151-86ab-9344d5a24403&hsa_cr_id=3584102480601&sb-ci-n=asinImage&sb-ci-v=https%3A%2F%2Fimages-na.ssl-images-amazon.com%2Fimages%2FI%2F61B4G42oZAL.jpg&sb-ci-a=B075JS51KV 

Overall the biggest thing that has helped me is my service dog Jovi The Lions Foundation of Canada Dog Guides is a national charity dedicated to providing Dog Guides to Canadians with disabilities at no cost. Its Autism Assistance Dog Guide program, founded in 2009, trains Dog Guides for children aged 3-18 with autism. Jovi helps me concentrate, sleep, self-regulate, he clams me down and is my very best friend. I could not imagine a life without my faithful poodle!

I'm hoping my blog post helps other kids who have Autism and their moms. If you want to ask me any questions I'm here to help, just do so in the comments section. I also love to read just about anything so if you have any good suggestions let me know!

                                                         I hope this has helped you.