Really Kermit.....lap dog?????

Kermit just loves being close to people......and takes every opportunity he gets to bond with Danny. But really Kermit......you're 110 lbs. and you still think you qualify as a lap dog? Yes, he is 1/2 lab but a bit larger than your typical lab. Danny doesn't mind at all. He loves deep pressure and Kermit can sure provide that. Danny & Kermit have a give and take relationship; Kermit lets Danny lay on him and now Danny returns the favor! Gotta love it! Although he's a bed, couch, and car seat hog, as long he continues to sniff out seizures, provide behavior disruption, and just make everyone around him happy, we'll let him get comfortable. My apologies about the date on the camera. Kermit wasn't even born in 2007! I didn't realize the date until I uploaded the pictures. Technically savvy we're not. LOL

The blessing of a snuggle buddy!

Sorry it's been so long since the blog has been updated. When the guys went hunting so did the camera. The guys came back from hunting but the camera was not so lucky! LOL Kermit & Danny are doing good. As you can see, Kermit and Danny love to snoodle! They've been doing really well together. Kermit really loves behavior disruption. Thismorning Danny didn't want to take his medicine for dad. He was screaming and getting really upset at dad. Kermit came running in the minute he heard the screams. Danny tried to push Kermit away just like he pushes everyone away when he's mad. Kermit still stayed and tried to aid Danny. Mom reminded Danny that Kermit's here to make Danny happy and help him through the tough times. Plus mom told Danny that this was Christmas and Kermit wanted him to be happy, especially with Santa coming tonight. Danny smiled, took his medicine, and went in and got Kermit a treat! Moments like these are so pricless. Kermit just loves watching over Danny. Sometimes he will just stop in the middle of what he's doing and watch over Danny. We're not sure what Kermit is thinking and sure wish we knew. We are so blessed this Christmas that Kermit has been sent to our family. Most people don't get to see how we utilize Kermit at home and out and about with those unique situations we experience with Danny. These are some amazing creatures!

Keep believing

Danny took a really bad fall last weekend during a seizure. He busted both his lips and really tore up his face. Kermit had alerted a few hours before the seizure so we are grateful that Kermit is growing closer to the actual grand mals. When Kermit was trained, he was trained more with the equivilant of a myclonic (milder) seizure. The grand mals (big seizures) are a little different than what he could be trained with. Therefore, it takes a while for many of the dogs to distinguish and learn the difference once their home and working. As the trainer has told us, the longer Kermit is with Danny and experiences Danny's seizures in person, the more he will pick up on Danny's behaviors and characteristics in order to 'fine tune' his ability to alert. The trainer is amazed at how far in advance that Kermit picks up on seizure activity. It is an amazing thing in itself to be able to say, "Kermits alerting, Danny is going to have a seizure" and then he does! This is so amazing, I wish we could get into Kermits head and know what he knows and experience it ourselves.

Kevin & I, as well as those who care deeply for Danny, can't help but ask why. But as hard as we fight it, we know why. Danny has been brought to this world to bring strength, faith, and hope to all of those blessed enough to know him. Everyday, as his mom, I am in awe at the strength he endures and shares with other's. To see the way he continues to press on, despite the pain associated with severe Epilepsy is amazing. Having the simple things in life, and being around those who love him, is happiness for him.

This video is a tribute to all of the unexplained suffering in life and those that press on everyday, like our Danny & Tricia do. Because deep down we know the reason. Please click on 'Watch on YouTube' after you click on the video.

Sweet dreams!

Although Kermit is laid back at home, he does still work at home too. He helps Danny transition from the car, help watch over Danny in the bathroom, seizure alert, behavior disruption, and bonding to name a few. Kermit is so unbelievabley patient with Danny. Sometimes when Danny's sleeping he likes to lay on Kermit or even hold his leg like you would hold a stuffed animal. No matter if he doesn't appear to be very comfortable he doesn't mind. He will stay! Even if Danny falls asleep! He's an amazing dog. He looks for every chance he can get to help Danny out. He has learned that Danny is not always open to bonding or attention and Kermit's fine with that. Sometimes during behavior disruption Danny may throw something or even hit Kermit. But Kermit doesn't mind. He's like a fireman going into the fire instead of running out. Kermit does his job and tries to calm Danny instead of running for cover. Kermit aims to please.

Kermit turns 2 today, October 29th. We keep telling him he's not a baby anymore but he doesn't seem to buy into it. He still wants to continue Kermie's crying! Once a hound always a hound! LOL It's been a busy month for birthdays. Danny's cousins Mike & Cody had birthdays this month and dad's was yesterday...the day before Kermies! We went to Pasta House for dad's birthday last night. Kermit is not distracted by the food at all. It's funny how he's so different while out in public working and at home. But as Jeremy (4Paws trainer) told us, dogs are like people in that they act differently at home behind closed doors than they will when out in public or at work. It's funny at restaurants because Kermit was trained to lay under the table. But he so big that he doesn't fit under most tables! Last night he tried to lay under the booth and had his whole butt & tail sticking out the end where the waiter walks up! It was quite comical! Wally & I looked at eachother and said, only our service dog! He found a spot outside the table on the floor under mom's feet and he was good to go. He's definitely a keeper!

This is not the mall!!!!!

On Saturday, September 25th we traveled to Pilot Knob, MO for the Civil War reenactment that takes place every 3 years. Kermit was great and sure was a hit for the whole day. But there was a lot of walking and crowds. Kermit had this look on his face as if to say, "Wait! This is not the mall! 4 Paws trained me at the mall!" Kermit was not enthused about the horses. When he first seen them he stopped and stood back and sort of moaned. It was funny. Later in the day Danny was walking toward the horses wanted to see them. We decided not to go near them and give Kerms a break. I told Kermit that he had met his match! It was quite comical. Afterward we went to a restaurant for dinner and to celebrate Kenny's 17th birthday, which was on the same day as the reenactment. When we walked in with Kermit the waitress approached me and said they don't allow animals in the restaurant. I explained to her that he was a service dog. She asked who in our group was blind! I stated that he was an autism/seizure dog for my son. She looked puzzled and said, "Well, I guess he can stay as long as he behaves". I just simply said, "No, he will stay because it's the law" and offered his papers. Later on when we were almost done eating, the waitress came by and admired how wonderful and well behaved Kermit was. I told her that he was trained well and knows his job. It was a good lesson for someone on service dogs of all kinds. What a great way to celebrate Kenny's birthday!

Crying Kermit

Well, Kermit has discovered a new part of the hound dog in him. "You ain't nothing but a hound dog, crying all the time"! Yes, Kermit has discovered crying. Oh my, it's been interesting. Dad tells him that no 106 lb. dog can cry. He tells him he's a worker and needs to be a soldier. Kermit just looks at him with this look as if to say, "But I like crying, after all, I see all of you guys with your little habits!"

We've been working hard with Kermit to teach him to bark when he sees a seizure. He alerts so many hours in advance, when he begins sensing that his brain is building up to one, which is great! But we want Kermit to also learn to tell us when the seizure begins. After all, the last seizure Danny had Kermit was the only one with Danny. Although that's great that he stayed with him and tried to keep him safe, he couldn't stop Danny from falling off the glider during his seizing. Kermit is really getting it but it does take time. After all, Danny wasn't with Kermit at 4 Paws during his training, and therefore Kermit now has to train with the seizures themselves. He's such a smart dog and picks up so fast!

Kermit is so funny when he plays with his Nylabone, squeeky ball, and other toys. He lays on his back with his legs in the air, and holding the toys in his paws. It's quite comical. He actually tried one of mom's croc's yesterday.....guess he thought it was an acceptable replacement for mom's slipers!

Now that Kermit is physically bigger and stronger, and Danny is finally feeling well, we are going to begin practicing more on tethering. Please watch for updates. However much tethering we are able to do with Danny & Kermit will be a blessing for all of us!

Special moments

Today while I was getting dressed, Danny found my car keys and went out the garage. He got in the driver's seat and refused to leave. He was in there for quite awhile. Kermit & Pancake were out back taking a bathroom break and didn't know all this had transpired. When I let the dogs back in, Kermit quickly realized that Danny was in the car! He began pacing and whining. He stood by the back door whining and looking at Danny. It was pretty priceless. I ensured him that I knew Danny was in the garage and that I was watching over him. Later that afternoon I could not find Kermit. I thought perhaps we had left him outside, which was hard to believe since he just loves the air and being wherever people are! I round the corner and Danny and Kermit are vegging on the couch watching TV. Danny was loving on Kermit and jingling his tags like he loves to do. I had to catch a snapshot! It tried once again to catch a shot of Pancake but she absolutely hates the camera and always has! I followed her around the house with the camera until I felt like the old queen had just about had enough. LOL

Kermit had company this week. Uncle Ronnie came in town for the week. He came to visit us (well, Kermit's taking all the credit) twice! We showed him some commands Kermit knows and got to share lots of exciting stories. Many people who meet Kermit meet him in a relaxed atmosphere and do not get the opportunity to experience Kermit's work. It's really quite amazing to see.

Grandma & Grandpa Buescher came in town to watch Danny for a few days while mom & dad worked. Their beagle, Lady, got to stay at our house for 3 days! Pancake & Kermit just love her! She's a keeper!

Danny has an assessment on Friday for a possible day program. It sounds amazing and it sounds like exactly what we've been looking for. Please say your prayers. Not only so that Kevin can keep his job, but more importantly so that Danny has activities and people to help his developmental and social growth. We're praying that if and when we get Danny in a program that Kermit can attend to. But for now we're taking one step at a time. Please say your prayers.

Proud moments

What a week we've had. Last weekend, Kenny & Tricia traveled to Jefferson City, MO to compete in the show me games in Taekwondo. This was their 1st open competition, meaning a mixture of martial art styles. Tricia competed in the special needs division and took 2nd place in forms & weapons, Kenny competed in regular competition and took 4th in forms. That's Kenny up in the air kicking in the photo! He's got some legs! We were very proud of them, these competitions are very difficult. While in Jeff City, Kenny, mom, Tricia, Aunt Madonna, and Grandma Buescher made it a mini-vacation and celebrated Tricia's birthday. We visited the State Capital and a conservation center. At the center, we seen a relative of Kermit's! A huge green frog! We snapped a photo to show to Kermit when we got home!

Congratulations to Kenny who got his driving permit this week! YIPPEE!!! The test was difficult for Kenny but he finally did it. Now he can practice in his truck he's waited so long to drive. Sorry dad, you'll have to give up Kenny's pick-up now. It was such a proud moment for not only Kenny, but mom & dad too. We can't wait to see the reaction of Danny when Kenny gets behind the wheel!

Another proud moment happened today. Danny had his neurologist appt. We were very upset at the last appointment. The doctor likes to debate about the ability of a dog to detect seizures. I was livid by the time we left the last appt. Today neither Wally nor Kenny could come to help with the appt. Although mom has taken Danny to the doctor's many times by herself, I was really nervous after the last visit and how it all went. I had decided to crate Kermit. I just didn't want to face the doctor's riticule against Kermit. Danny and I got ready to walk out the door and get in the van. Danny walked over to Kermit's crate and placed his hand on the crate and looked at me. I almost cried. I told Danny that he was right, Kermit was here to help us and I shouldn't let people's critisism stand in our way. We took Kermit. It was pouring down rain on the way to the doctor and I was nervous. But I remained confident. Well..........all I can say is that Danny transitioned the best he has in years. There were a lot of distractions and opportunity for meltdowns. Danny had to go potty (I avoid public bathrooms when I'm out by myself with Dan), we got on the wrong elevator and went up instead of down, I actually let a little girl pet Kermit (I avoid this in public because it tends to throw Danny off), and Danny got up fine when the doctor called his name which is usually a struggle. The doctor did not say one thing about Kermit! Even when Kermit started snorring while waiting during the visit! I snapped a quick photo of Kermit lapping Danny in the waiting room. I am so glad that I listened to Danny!

I have never been so proud as I was this week in my 3 boys, Danny, Kenny, and Kermit. It's times like these that really help put life back in perspective.

Tracking and one big, strong dog!

Tonight we went on a much needed track. Danny's really feeling good today so we took the opportunity. We went to Creve Coeur Park and Wally & Dan hid by one of the company pavillions. I hid Kermit behind the van so he couldn't see where they went. He was right on it! He even stopped at the door of the bathroom.....Danny got sidetracked from the hiding and decided to go there 1st! Mom had a difficult time and almost took a face plant a couple of times. Kermit is so big and strong! If Wally's hand doesn't heal soon, and Kenny decides not to go again, I am going to find a big strong guy to help me out here! LOL The track really eased mom & dad's minds. Saturday night while watching the show COPS, there was a man arrested who was being resistive. He either had something wrong with him or was on drugs. Probably the latter of the 2. It took about 8 cops and a tazer gun to restrain the man. It was pretty difficult for us to watch. Because we could see Danny acting in the same manner if he were cornered. We looked at eachother and just said, That's what Kermit's here for. If Danny wanders away he appears like a normal young man. What a blessing to know that Kermit could find his boy in a matter of seconds to keep him safe. It sure makes us rest much easier these days with this added peace of mind.

Kermit goes for tests

Danny recently had a CT scan on his abdomen and pelvis. In the past we have left Kermit behind at home when Danny has tests run. Sometimes it can be difficult to get tests on Danny and it requires both Wally & I to be available to help Danny through it. Well, with the CT scan we decided to bite the bullet and take Kermit. Call it coincidence.....but this is the most cooporation we have ever received from Danny during a test! He was wonderful! The doctor even commented on how Danny must have coorporated because the scan was perfect and he could tell there was very little movement. Drinking the 2 cups of chalkie stuff was not so bad. We bought a plastic syringe and gave it to him like medicine. Danny is a very literal thinker so if he drinks from a cup he thinks it should be something he enjoys, a drink. But with the syringe he relates this to medicine and sort of expects it to taste funky. Other than the fact that it took 80 syringes it wasn't bad at all! Kermit was so wonderful. Everytime Danny would yell or sound uncomfortable Kermit would jump up and try to get to him. You could tell he was not happy with his boy being pulled into that big machine making knocking noises. I'm thankful that Wally & I are becoming more confident in taking Kermit to different places and trusting that he knows what his job is. BTW....Danny's tests came back normal so we are now back to possibly a seizure issue.

The nose knows.......seizure alert

I can't believe I forgot to tell this story when I last posted to the blog. The phone rings at work and it's Danny's sitter, Loretta. She is in absolute panic. Somethings wrong with Kermit! He's going crazy and acting wild. He uprooted a bunch of plants and even ate one right in front of her. Loretta & Danny were getting ready to leave when this all began. She told Danny that they couldn't leave because something was wrong with Kermit. My sister jumped in her truck and headed to the house. Wally was out on a service call so he headed over as well. Loretta feared Kermit had been poisened by the plant. We decided to take Kermit to the animal hospital if we didn't think he would make it to the vet's. When Wally pulled in the driveway and got out of the car, he heard Loretta in the back yard yelling HELP!!!!! Danny had a grand mal seizure. Kermit immediately took his place by Danny and watched over his boy. Kermit was immediately calm. Loretta was amazed that Kermit was trying to stop her from leaving with his boy. He knew what lied ahead. Loretta had experienced her 1st seizure alert. She has gained a new found respect for Kermit and his skilled training. One thing we need to remember is that dogs not only do not speak English, but they also communicate differently than humans.

Last Tuesday Kermit was really out of sorts. He was really anxious. At one point he came up and just sat and starred at me. He kept staying with Danny as if he didn't want to leave him. I told Wally that I thought Kermit was alerting a seizure. Danny was probably going to have one that night or tomorrow (he will sometimes begin alerting a grand mal a day ahead). Wally said that it wasn't seizure alert but a dog that needed to be walked more and got lazy over 4th of July weekend. Wednesday morning Wally recognized that Kermit was definitely alerting. He was pacing, anxious, and was all over Danny sniffing and following him around the house. Wally warned Loretta that Danny was probably going to have a seizure because he was alerting one. Danny did have a seizure at about 3:00 that afternoon. This was the first time we officially picked up on his alert before the seizure in lieu of figuring it out afterwards. We're learning to read Kermit's alert and he's learning to 'fine tune' his communications with us. He did bark this time so he's picking up on that as well. Dogs are definitely sent from heaven to help mankind. Kermit is our angel. BTW.....I told Wally he owes me chinese because I picked up on the alert before he did! LOL

Bonding at it's best

OK, so it's a little over kill with these snapshots. Kermit loves both the boys so much. He brings so much joy to our home. If he hears Danny even getting upset in the least he will come darting across the house to get to him. With him being trained for behavior disruption, it's his job to calm and basically cheer him up. He does it with other's as well. If he hears a baby crying or even if a person makes a funny sound like their crying, Kermit is ready to work! Danny, Kenny, Kermit, and the stuffed Barney doll were all snuggling on the bed. It was definitely a Kodak moment.

Summer healing

As many of you know Danny has been having some health issues for the past year of so. At first doctor's thought it was linked to his seizures. But now it appears to be an internal problem. He's had an endoscopy, ultrasound, and next week a CT scan. While each test does find something, ourselves and the doctor do not feel we've gotten to the root of the problem. Wally had surgery in May to remove a bone in his hand. It was an extensive surgery with a long recovery. He is in physical therapy now and working to gain use of his hand after surgery. We are blessed to have Danny & Kenny to fill in some of the gaps for Wally's limitations. They've been such a big help. Kenny can lift, turn wrenchs, and do a lot of things that Wally can't do right now. Danny opens jars and even opens pill bottles for him. Great therapy for Danny as well! We've all gained a better appreciation for Tricia and countless other's out there will physical limitations. How we take some things for granted. Next time you see Wally, feel free to ask him to tie your shoes! LOL

"Leave it!"

Kermit made his first trip to Costco. I heard from other 4 Paws families that it is a great place to practice the 'leave it' command. This is the command we use whenever Kermit goes for something that we don't want him to have. We use this command a lot with the socks! Kermit did wonderful at Costco. Despite the many free samples being handed out. I only used 'leave it' twice the entire time. Once was at the meat freezer he wanted to lick the metal cooling tube that runs along the bottom of the counter. I never noticed it before Kermit. We also have to watch Kermit when people walk towards him, especially when their not planning to acknowledge him. He's such a social dog that he tends to want to greet people coming directly facing him. He loves people and just can't help himself sometimes. It's really pretty sweet to see how he loves everyone. Tricia had a ball helping with Kermit. She even held his leash for a minute while waiting in line. Kermit is such a good boy. Danny didn't go to Costco with us. He's been so sick lately that on many days he's just not up to outings. Speaking of socks. Kermit LOVES socks! His favorite time is when we mate socks because then there's an entire basket for the taking. We guess he figures we have plenty to spare. At first we couldn't figure out why the 'leave it' command didnt' work with the socks. Until we realized his buddy, Dan, was giving them to him! We had to catch a snapshot of Kermit after Danny gave him quite a few to tide him over.

Kermit goes camping

Last weekend Kermit had his first trip to Lake Hanna. He really enjoyed riding on the couch in the Suburban. He had a hard time staying on a run all the time and not having his usual easy access to people. Danny spent most of his weekend laying down in the camper. He just really doesn't feel well these days. We are working on it with doctors and will hopefully have answers soon. Kermit wasn't sure about the lake. I think he was just trying to take everything in and take mental notes about the whole aspect of camping. As long as he's around people and gets all his naps in I don't think he cares where he's at!

Kermit out and about

Even if we just make a quick run to the store, or to drop off Kenny off somewhere, we always take Kermit. He's becoming quite seasoned in the mini-van. Even though we removed a seat and made plenty of room for him in the back, he insists on having his own seat. It's quite hilarious! I had to catch a snapshot of Kermit in the car. We are actually thinking of getting him a seatbelt. He probably wouldn't like it as he loves to rest his head on Danny's lap while riding. Saturday we went to Tricia's challenger baseball game. He cried a little because there were a lot of dogs at the park but he soon settled down and resisted the temptation. He stayed very well focused on his boy. We even got to meet one of his 4 Paws classmates, Monroe. He was working the weekend too. :)

Danny graduates

Danny graduated on May 17th from Neuwoehner School. He did very well at the ceremony. He actually walked through the procession to his seat. He didn't want to go on stage, even with the principal trying to coax him with a Pepsi! Kermit gave Danny the best graduation gift ever. He alerted a grand mal seizure while we were at dinner after the graduation ceremony. Way to go Kermit! It has been sort of bittersweet having Danny graduate. It's been bitter in the fact that Danny is still on several waiting lists and still does not have a program to attend. It's been sweet on the other hand because Kermit loves having Danny home! He loves having people home all day and the fact that he is rarely crated anymore. I can see why parents fight to get their children's service dog's into the schools. Having them seperated for 8 hours a day really slowed the bonding process. So there is some benefit to graduation. When and if we get Danny into a program we will try to keep Kermit with Danny.

Learning about Kermit

I can't believe the time has flown so quickly since I've posted. Kermit is doing wonderful! He is such a blessing to not only Danny, but our entire family. He greats everyone with his 'special smile' and just brings joy to all. Since Danny's graduated the 2 have really had time to bond more. We discovered a new skill of Kermit's. He loves to retrieve mail and bring it to you. This will be great because I plan on having Kermit help Danny bring the mail in this summer. The seizure alert is really coming along. We are starting to pick up on Kermit's signals. He is also very attentive to Danny after his seizures. Kermit has also done well with helping Danny to transition from the car, behavior disruption, and even helping serve as a barricade. Yes, we've discovered that when we're out and Danny is sitting down, we can put Kermit in a down beneath Danny's feet and it deters Danny from getting up! What an awesome dog he is and such a big help for Danny!

Bonding, sweet bonding......

Danny & Kermit are really beginning to bond. It's a neat thing and really gets mom choked up. Kermit went to St. John's today for one of Danny's doctor's appointments. The doctor, as well as many other people, were so impressed with Kermit. The presence of Kermit is really giving Danny more independenced as now when Danny starts vearing away from us, we remind him to help Kermit by holding his leash (Danny's leash). Danny gives us a look like he's thinking...."Oh yah, I got to help with the dog". Sure he's wondering why we're bringing the dog in the 1st place! In the van tonight Kermit climbed up into the middle seat and lapped across Danny for the whole way. Danny was recipricating the attention. Mom was snapping pics at the stoplight! What a Kodak moment!

Cool Kermit

Kenny is convinced that Kermit needs sunglasses for the summer. Kermit seems to think he doesn't have the right ears for them. After all, if he moves his head they fall! And for those of you that have met Kermit, he's a nose and sure can't keep that head still for too long. Oh well, he's a patient guy so will continue to let Kenny try. After all, anything for attention!

Kermit goes to Duncan's!

Saturday night we went to Duncan's, a local bar & grill, for dinner. Duncan't was just one of the many places that supported our fundraiser. Karen (pictured w/Kermit) was a big help and part of our fundraising committee. Kermit even had a drink at Duncan's (a bowl of water of course), but he was still happy, but a little disappointed that we wouldn't let him have any chicken wings!