My Aussie for Autism

Journal #13 - June 4, 2009

2009-03-19T22:41:00.006-05:00

So much to share about the last seven months!

Life has been hectic,busy,heartbreaking,challenging,and yet strangely calming and fulfilling - ALL at the same time! Pippi and Matthew's relationship has grown and with it have come the hurdles we face in any relationship. I had to know that it wouldn't be THAT easy! I'm dealing with a dog, and an energetic one at that, as well as a child who is not able to speak verbally. I'd be a fool to think that this "honey-moon" phase would last forever. Meh!

Well...the economic tenor of the times fell hard upon my little family. With the loss of my job, and the difficulties that ensued from that experience, I struggled to rearrange our living situation and therefore our lifestyle. Pride goes out the window when all that matters is taking care of your child. Blessedly, I have the most wonderful parents ever - and we've built a new life together once again...with our veritable zoo of animals that we love like children. :)

Pippi has been especially happy to be living (full-time now) with the greater pack - which included Annie (my parent's beloved Field Champion English Cocker Spaniel) and Rowdy (my parents first foray - before they new any better - into Australian Shepherds. So shhhhh...don't tell him that he's actually a "mini" - because since Pippi has come along, he looks and acts like a full-fledged Aussie!!) She thinks all of the cats exist only for her "herding" pleasure and happily keeps them indoors where they're supposed to remain, albeit THEY are not always happy about that!

Because of Matthew's love for the pool, she's learned to swim, and help us with the gardening. She's helped Matthew and I carry the hose around to all of our beautiful plants and flowers, AND she's also helped me re-pot flowers and plants LONG before I ever realized they needed repotting. (Are you catching my drift here??)

She's mastered the art of Flippy Floppin' Fun - and can catch her Flippy in the air with circus like acrobatics that rival the skills of the best Flying Disc dogs. Methinks we see a VERY interesting development for her and Matt in the future!! And typical of my over-active imagination, I started to envision how I could develop an "recreational engagement program" for them that could be a template for future endeavors. I call it "Palz with Pawz." More to come on that later!

Journal #12 - August 14, 2008

2008-08-14T09:42:00.002-05:00

It's the little things....that mean so much!

I recently shared something in my email correspondence with Judie Manuel, Pippi's breeder. I recounted my joy over the silliest event. You see, every morning I wake and the first thing I do is let Pippi outside to relieve herself. Almost every day, I accompany her and then throw the frisbee for her awhile. She loves this routine. But the other day, I awoke with a headache and so I let her out and didn't join her but went back to lay down. In the meantime, Matthew had gotten up and turned on his cartoons in the living room. A little time had passed and I heard her barking to come back inside. Just as I was thinking about dragging myself back up to let her in, I heard the back door open, the sing-song of my little kiddo's voice as he, in his own way, talked to Pippi as he let her in the house himself.

And there I was...laying in my bed, headache forgotten, with a huge grin on my face! Something so trivial to almost anyone else, is simply profound and miraculous to me. My son relating to the life around him. Acceptance. Second Nature. All in good time.

Journal # 11 - July 31, 2008

2008-07-31T23:17:00.004-05:00

What a busy month we've had! We've come to the end of our very first obediance class with Dogwood and it was exciting, interesting, frustrating, and fulfilling to say the least!

Pippi did extremely well, and enjoyed working and socializing with everyone - but we did have our challenging experiences too!

There tended to be a bit more chaos than we would have preferred. The training facility itself chose to host two classes within close proxmity of one another which, I believe, was a little distracting for both dog and handler. Perhaps that was just me though? And perhaps as I get further along in my "training" I'll find that there's a very good reason for that additional chaos? Who knows?

My original plan was to have Matthew join me and Pippi for this first Basic Obedience Class - but at the last minute, I opted to make this inital go-round without him - hoping to feel our way through things to better prepare him for the next class. I think that was the right decision!

I'll be registering us for the next class after school starts again - so that we can settle into a good routine before we stir things up a bit...as Matthew will be participating as well (whether he likes it or not)! We have so much that we've accomplished outside of the dog training classroom - that I'm anxious to see what can be done, even in little increments, working together - however challenging!

Journal #10 - June 26, 2008

2008-06-26T10:46:00.007-05:00

"We've got so much time and so little to do... scratch that... reverse it." ~Willy Wonka

I've been dealing with the challenges of life lately, and not stolen any time to remark upon my dealings! ;-)

Let's see, how to catch up? Since my last post, we're underway with Pippi's training at Dogwood. It's terrific!! She's an excellent student and I am very proud of her! But I have to admit, that I have to bring my "A" game too, because it's a class that truly teaches us both.

Our current struggle is for me to curb her penchant for running off when she's not on lead She becomes extremely stubborn and independant and doesn't care about listening to my "Come" command - however assertive and pack-leader-ish! This lesson has been my homework and what I will certainly continue to focus on with her until I've made myself clear and she responds appropriately.

I've acquired a long training lead for use in continued training. The greatest challenge with her is that she's not only an Aussie, but an absolute Alpha female. She is constantly trying to push the envelope with me. It can become very frustrating - but I remind myself that it's what makes her such an amazing dog!

Let me quickly interject that - training at Dogwood is for me and her alone at this time. My dad and I decided that it's best right now to better understand HER and her personality, and get her basic obedience under control before we move forward trying to establish further structured relations between her and Matthew.

Where I AM focusing my attentions is to establish concurrent "signs" for her commands so that she quite literally will be a bilingual Aussie. My hope is for her to be so STRONG in her instincts as a "sight/eye" dog that she responds solely to "signed commands" as opposed to verbal commands. She's absolutely PERFECT at this. And everday her proficiencies reaffirm my inspirations and hopes for her long-term connection with my son!!

Tonight is another class at Dogwood - so I'll be updating our blog more regularly from now on! Again, my heartfelt thanks go out to Jean Hilton for making this beginning possible!

Until next time...

Journal #9 - April 19, 2008

2008-04-19T19:22:00.006-05:00

Much has happened since I've last updated our journal. Some very interesting progress as far as Matthew and Pippi are concerned! The first of which seems relatively unimportant to anyone unfamiliar with Matthew's history of disregard for our family's pets. But to me and my family, it was of major importance!

When treating Matthew to a new "prize" for good behavior, he reached out and pointed toward a new game for his LeapFrog Leapster (which is a handheld educational electronic game system). What was so remarkable for ME, was that he was reaching out for the "Pet Pals" game. I was THRILLED as this represented his concious acknowledgement of Pippi as our family dog. What was even MORE exciting was that once we were home again, and he got a chance to actually play the game, he chose the "Pet Pal" that looked MOST like his Pippi...and then asked for my help to input her name. I can't BEGIN to explain how miraculous this was for me/us!

I, of course, immediately called my parents to share this amazing news with them!!

The next important occurance was when my dad decided to take Matthew and Pippi for a walk. With little encouragement, Matthew promptly assisted my dad in taking hold of Pippi's leash. They walked all the way around my parent's neighborhood. Matthew took an ACTIVE role the entire time. This is EXTREMELY encouraging for me as his mother - most certainly for my dad, as his grandfather! This type of interaction means that we are ALL on the RIGHT track insofar as working to benefit Matthew's life most profoundly with the inclusion of Pippi as a very important and very special member of our family! So in a kind of corny reference to the Carpenter's...."We've only just begun.....to live!!"

Journal #8 - April 6, 2008

2008-04-05T22:15:00.008-05:00

We definitely settled into a routine for our life thus far. Pippi and I get up and have our morning time together - we take care of our four cats (she keeps them active by trying to play with them (hehehe!) and they keep HER on the tips of her paws by swiping at her and making her jump around all the time! They are A LOT faster than she realizes!!! Pippi and I then get Matt up and off to school. She's excited about accompanying him out to his bus, but she cries and cries when he gets on the bus and she's left by my side. But fast as you please, she's excited again like only a 3 months old pup can be. There's a bounce in her step and we're going back inside our home - and onto her next job.

She supervises me as I get dressed for work - all the while trying to get me to consider a new outfit by jumping up to nip at my pants!! (Please note...I did have to change twice on two different days because I found myself with a new little tear in a favorite pair of pants or skirt! Arrrggghhh!) Truth of the matter is...I KNOW she's just wanting to play with me, and I love her enthusiasm, but the seriousness of the matter is...I HAVE to get tough about setting some ground rules for our relationships!

I knew I'd gotten myself a very bright little Australian Shepherd. Her lineage is remarkable and very multipurposed. She's already mastered a few basic lessons: Sit, Stay, and Good Girl! Yeah, yeah...I bet you didn't know "Good Girl" was a lesson. Well what she learned is that when I say 'Good Girl' to her - she sits and waits patiently for a training treat. Where I got into trouble was....the more and more comfortable she became in her new home - the more and more dangerous her little mouth became. The "alligator" had arrived!! Her Montana mommie (Judie Manuel of Amistad Aussies) told me to be very careful of the alligator. And I have to admit, I wasn't totally sure I understood what she'd meant. I've since learned. ;)

Not wanting to ruin any more of my business clothes, I knew I had to implement the "No Bite" lesson. So....one evening when she was particularly fiesty and not wanting to listen or behave...I knew the time had come for me to get stern with her. With her funny little face intently focused on me, and her excited little body just jumping about wherever we walked throughout my house - she jumped up and caught my shorts AND a little bit of my backside and I turned on her with a strong voiced "NO Bite!!" And you know what she did? She sat back on her backside and looked up at me and then she BARKED! Not once, but twice, OH! and then three times... She was BACK TALKING me! The little devil. Her head hanging low like only an Aussie can, she was looking up at me with the infamous Aussie eye - daring me to make the next move. And you know what I did?
I burst out laughing!! It was the funniest dawg gone thing I've ever seen!! It's like a toddler that cusses. You KNOW it's wrong, but you just can't help but laugh. And LAUGH I did! Which totally blew my training moment. I gave in, which was the completely wrong thing to do and got down on my knees so she could kiss me all over. Which is exactly what she was wanting to do. Jeepers creepers - if I didn't get control, this little girl was going to eat me alive...and that would never do.

I didn't waste any time posting a plea for help on the Legends Aussies Yahoo group message board. The group is a vast assortment of breeders and trainers who own all of the relations of Pippi and her lineage. The gal that owns Pippi's grandfather, Bandit, was a fabulous help for me. As well as many others who offered their advice to my plea as well. I began anew with inspiration, know-how, and confidence. I had to incorporate a little physical correction to make certain she knows who the pack leader REALLY is. My new response to her jumping up and nipping me was the "Leave-it" command in conjuction with a setback by grabbing the scruff of her neck (like a Mama dog would). Needless to say, it worked. She was totally surprised when I got stern with her and her little feelings were hurt, but it was quite obvious she was paying attention.

It only took a few occassions for her to get the point. She's steadily learning the boundaries of the human-dog relationship. She's still a challenge, but I wouldn't have it any other way!

Journal #7 - April 4, 2008

2008-04-02T16:20:00.008-05:00

The course of the next few days saw us begin our new routine. Up at 6am to get Pippi outside to "go potty" in her new backyard. Which I might add, she did perfectly again!!

I got her breakfast kibble ready and took it back outside so that Jimmy and I could stay with her while she ate and then have time to play a bit and then "go potty" again. And again, she was perfect!

Back inside, she and I went to get Matthew up for school and ready to go. Then, on her new leash for the first time, we walked Matthew to his bus when it had arrived. This was going to be one of her many jobs with Matthew as his new little guardian. I refer to him as "her boy" and there's not a doubt in my mind about her understanding. Once back inside, I took care of my cats' needs and got myself ready to go for the day. Pippi was never away from my side.

Journal #6 - April 3, 2008

2008-04-02T15:34:00.010-05:00

My brother Jimmy came to stay the night with Matthew, me, and Pippi. Like Matthew, my brother also has special needs. He's not Autistic, but he is mentally retarded. He and I are VERY close and he was JUST as excited about Pippi as I was. He also thought it was great that Matthew was going to have someone special to help me watch out for him.

We arrived at my house and pulled into my garage. When we took her inside, all four of my cats scattered - they weren't willing to make this easy on us. They'd decide to introduce themselves in their OWN time. So be it.

Matthew went on his own way amd scooted off to his room to get his favorite toys out and his favorite movie playing on his tv. So Jimmy and I acclimated Pippi to her new home.

We bombarded her with all of the new toys and chewies I'd purchased for her. I even took her to see her new VERY fancy water bowl - it's called a Big Dog Drink Well. It allows you to filter the water for the freshest water possible, as well circulates the water to KEEP it fresh and filtered. Because of the circulation, it's like a little fountain and Pippi just LOVED it. I'd learn later that she LOVE LOVE LOVES water!

Jimmy and I took her outside to introduce her to her new backyard! She ran around a little bit and very nicely went potty. I really praised her for her good behavior.

We spent the rest of the evening watching and playing with her. Matthew eventually came back into the living room with us and wanted to watch one of his favorite DVD's on our TV. So the rest of the night passed with us all together in the living room - us watching her, and she watching us. Every now and again Matthew would look at Pippi and she'd look at him. She was just too tired to make too much of a fuss. So..it was off to the crate for the night.

Her crate was placed right next to my bed in my bedroom. She really didn't want to go back into her crate after the long and trying day she'd spent in it. But I had to harden my heart as I knew this was what would be best for her training in the long run.

I dimmed the lights in my room and went back into the living room to get dinner going for us. She didn't make a peep. When I checked on her later - she was sound asleep. God bless her little heart.

What we all thought was funny was the fact that she hadn't barked at all while playing with the other two dogs. I thought it was perhaps that she was still new to her surroundings and uncertain of her place. I was right.

It only took a few days for her to come out of her "shell." Although she really isn't much of a talker - she playfully growled and barked at Rowdy over the course of the next few days as her comfort level grew.

Journal #5 - April 2, 2008

2008-04-02T14:06:00.007-05:00

Whew! It's been three weeks to the day since Pippi has come to live with us here in Texas. Let me try and begin to summarize what has occurred since the day we picked her up from the airport.

My dad, and my brother Jimmy had gone with me to the airport to pick Pippi up. We raced home to my parent's house because my mom and my son were waiting and excited to meet her...and we were all excited to introduce her to who will be her new best doggie friends! First of whom is MacKrell's Annie Getcha Gun, aka "Annie", our family's beloved English Cocker Spaniel who is a Field Champion. She's now living out her retirement, although she still thinks of herself as a spry little girl in spite of having two litters of champion pups. She's our very special little mama!

THEN, there's Osage Mountain's Little Big Man aka "Rowdy." He's my parent's Mini Aussie. He happens to be working VERY hard to keep growing, because he's determined to be a Standard Aussie physically since his personality is already typical of a tough Standard Aussie stock dog! ;) We knew that he and Pippi were destined to be great friends!

After her long flights from Montana to Texas - she was a little wary of all the new changes taking place around her, but she certainly didn't hesitate to give LOTS of hugs and kisses to all the new people who would be her new family. She was a little shy to meet Annie and Rowdy but it only really took about 15 minutes before they were running and chasing each other in my parent's back yard. We thrilled at the site that she fell so rapidly in love with our family. And we all stood around with goofy grins on our faces watching she and Rowdy roughhouse and wrestle as only young dogs can do.

A little later, my sister and her little girls came over to visit and meet Pippi. My sister's oldest daughter, Elissa, fell immediately in love with her. And it was so obvious that Pippi was extremely excited to see a little person who was just about her size. They both marveled at each other! Both chasing each other around and around.

And again, we all stood around laughing and frolicking with our new little girl. My dad turned to me and said.."how much do you LOVE this dog?" And I said..."Way too much!"

Journal #4 - March 12, 2008

2008-03-17T23:42:00.003-05:00

It was destined to be an action packed day to be sure! Not only was I having a puppy shipped from Montana to Texas via Utah, but I had to attend an ARD meeting at my son's elementary school right smack dab in the middle of my work day. This ARD (Admission, Review and Dismissal) meeting is the meat and potatos of the Special Education Department of the public school system. Our meeting's agenda was to review goals and to make plans for extended school year as well as a change of school for the next academic school year. Needless to say it....YIKES!

Once the meeting was over and I'd wrapped up my work for the day, I hung out at my parent's house (as Matthew is dropped off there from school each day) to await the time to head to the airport to get our puppy. I'd heard from Judie earlier that morning - she was letting me know that they'd made it to the airport okay and that she had Falen/Pippi all checked in. It was especially hard for Judie because she'd never "shipped" a puppy before - only adult dogs. Quite honestly, I don't know how she did it! It would've been tremendously hard for me.

After promising Judie that I'd check on Pippi's flight status throughout the day to ensure she took off and landed at all the appropriate places - we hung up and the wait began! She left Billings, Montana at 11:45am and would arrive in Salt Lake City, Utah about 1pm. She'd leave SLC before 5pm and arrive in Houston at 8:52pm. Cowabunga! I was on pins and needles!!

However, when I called the SECOND time to check on her flight into Salt Lake City - I was hoping to hear how she fared from Billings, but they informed me that she arrived and was already put on an earlier flight into Houston and would be arriving at 5:46pm instead of 8:52pm. Being that it was 3:30pm my time when I'd made the call - I was super-duper excited! As was my dad and my brother Jimmy - who were both accompanying me to the airport.

We left the house at 5pm and arrived on perfect time at the Air Cargo location specificed. We were told that she'd just landed and it would be about an hour before they delivered her to that particular location - as the airlines was clear across the airport and those things took time. SO.....the three of us mosied on over to the closest Jack in the Box to waste a little time. We were there all of 10 minutes. I was itching to get back - I'd rather drink my soda in my dad's truck - staring at the air cargo building than waiting in a deserted fast food joint.

When we pulled back into the Air Cargo location, I had a hunch that she'd arrived. And sure enough, she arrived as soon as we'd pulled out to go and get our sodas. Figures! Anyway...I pop my head out the door to wave and holler at my dad - and my brother Jimmy gets the first glimpse of Pippi as they brought in her crate. WOW! She's A LOT bigger than I expected for a 10 week old puppy. The last puppy I'd seen was my dad's Mini Aussie - and now I see why he's a mini. My little standard Aussie has some BIG feet that she'll be growing into, in about a month! Oh my!

I couldn't get enough of her though. She is the MOST beautiful Red/Brown color, accented by amber/gold and white. And her eyes are the same amber color in her funny little face. I could just eat her up she's SO cute. And she's a real cuddle bunny too! She gives LOTS of kisses. So,that was IT! My heart was gone. After paying the COD, I was the proud owner of my very own gorgeous Red-Tri Standard Australian Shepherd puppy who was exactly 10 weeks of age and weighing 13.75 pounds already. She is the very same size of my dad's FULL-GROWN Mini Aussie.

She never barked, or uttered a whine. She simply kissed us all over and wiggled her little NBT (Naturally Bobbed Tail) butt - in excitement to see us! And with her snuggled in my arms, we made our way to my dad's truck and drove the 10 miles back home to introduce her to the rest of our extended family!

Journal # 3 - March 10, 2008

2008-03-17T23:18:00.002-05:00

During the days before Falen's arrival - I was doing my best to prepare Matthew for the change our little household would endure. He doesn't have much of a regard for my parent's dogs, or my cats for that matter. So her introduction and acclimation was going to be more trying on HIM that it was going to be for Falen.

When visiting my parents one day, my dad surprised me with the new name he'd thought of for Falen. Specifically because she has one particularly long white stocking on her left leg and more specifically because her color happens to be what's called a Red-Tri Autistralian Shepherd. Obviously, her name should be Pippi Longstocking! I LOVED it, of course. It seemed to be the perfect name for her, except for the fact that well.....she already had a name. Falen! Again, in my dad's enthusiasm, he phoned Judie - her Montana mommy - and shared his great idea with her. She suggested that we use that as her registered name but keep her call name as she's already gotten used to it. That made complete sense to us and that was going to be our plan.

HOWEVER - in the days leading up to Falen's arrival - I was working with Matthew to prepare him, as best I could, for her introduction into our little family. Matthew happens to be a child whose with Autism and happens to remain non-verbal. He can not speak at all, except for his attempts to sound out words - although only tonal syllables can be made out at best - and THOSE, only when asked of him. We worked on the sign for dog, and I tried my best to get him to say "Falen...Fah...Fah...Fah" but he has a very difficult time getting his mouth to work in such a way as to say the "Fah" sound. So, when I was showing him the pictures of the "Puppy" - it dawned on me that I could at least get him to try and say THAT word and immediately started working with him to say...."Pup...Pup....Pup."

I was thrilled because he WAS able to successfully say "Pup" and that's all the inspiration I needed for what I knew would be long journey. I ALSO had an ePIPhany! (Do you like my attempt at foreshadowing??) I realized that I was going to have to bite the bullet and rename this puppy, against the better judgement of her breeder, Judie. My ultimate purpose for getting Falen was to work to create a postive impact on Matthew's life, his independence and engagement with the world around him. This was essentially going to be all about HIM,HER and US. So we definiately needed her to have a name that he could say. AND since he was successful with "Pup" it wasn't a stretch to get him to say "Pip" or "Pippi."

When I put this idea to my parent's and the rest of my family, they agreed that although I was sad about disappointing Judie - I knew I needed to do what would be best for the relationship between my son and our dog. And besides, I could honor her original call name with her registered name. So Falen became Pippi, and her registered name will eventually be...Amistad's Falen of Warner and Koda. A nod not only to her beautiful birth name, but to her doggie parents as well. All is right with our world!

Journal #2 - March 7, 2008

2008-03-17T23:05:00.003-05:00

Our plans were laid in stone, so to speak and all I was waiting on was Judie's details about when I could expect to "receive" Falen as she was being flown from Montana to Texas. Unfortunately - there was a bit of a delay. She had developed a bit of an upset tummy and needed to get some antibiotics. Both Judie and I felt that the puppy shouldn't endure a long flight while not feeling 100%. So we waited until she was feeling more herself before her flight arrangements were made.

I couldn't help it. I was SO excited, that I emailed and called Judie almost daily to check up on my girl to see how she was faring. Judie was so gracious too - putting up with my excitement and incesscent correspondence. When I wasnt' questioning her about one thing or another, I was reading a book my dad had purchased that he swears is the best book ever on the breed. It EVEN included a training DVD - which I watched a few times over. I made lists upon lists of the items I'd need for the puppy and what I'd need to do around my house, inside and out. I "puppy-proofed" everything I could think of, and my parents laughed at my gumption! Much like toddlers, my parent's claimed, puppies have a way of finding the most ridiculous things that can end up being the most hazzardous to them. Well...I gave the puppy proofing the good old college try, three times over! I was ready! I'm not sure I could say the same for Matthew on the other hand!

Journal #1 - March 5, 2008

2008-03-16T23:58:00.006-05:00

In my dad's ever-present enthusiam for all things "dog," as well as his unwavering committment and dedication to the needs of my autistic son, a few months back he came upon a web site called..."Autism Service Dogs of America," and immediately fowarded me the link with a note that said...."I think this is something we should look into!"

Although I was initially very interested, I worried over my son Matthew's lack of regard for my parent's dogs - and questioned how this concept could ever possibly work for us. I ended up putting aside the idea altogether in spite of the fact that I have very much wanted to add a dog to my little family and this would've been a great way to do it.

Matthew and I have four very spoiled cats (Chloe, Sinjin, Simon and Sadie), all of whom live quite comfortably with us in our relatively new, comfy, cozy, well-furnished home. I really love these cats! Oftentimes, they connect with me better than my son - which however sad to admit, is indeed the truth. But, in spite of the love I have for my cats, I miss that special bond that can only be had with a dog - and that dawg gone web site my dad recommended really had me thinking!

Trying to be especially responsible, I kept telling myself that I would only think about getting a dog after my two older cats (Chloe and Sinjin) had passed on. But.........being that those two are only 14 and 12 respectively, AND in very good health - I'd be looking at probably another five to seven years before I ever was able to get my much wanted dog! So...I needed to rethink my plans because that was simply too long to wait!

Knowing that I wouldn't be able to afford the cost of a highly trained service dog (approximately $18-20k), I thought about the possibilities of raising a dog whose very insticts leant themselves to my family's needs: social engagement and interaction, companionship, guardianship, security and moderate physical activity.

My dad is responsible for turning me onto Australian Shepherds. He fell in love with the breed and about a year ago got himself a Mini Aussie, which he named Rowdy. As is typical for my dad when interested in something new, he spent a lot of time and energy learning all there was to learn about the breed. He became so enthralled, that he was inspired to write a book (which he is still currently working on and I must say, it's very very good!!).

Everything I'd heard about Aussies from my dad, suggested that this breed could be the right kind of fit for my family. Their intelligence, their instincts, their athletic ability, and their general personality and disposition, not to mention their beauty were all very attractive to me. What my dad didn't know, was that I was slowly talking myself into (what I think were legitimate) reasons as to why I should consider thinking more seriously about getting a dog, namely an Australian Shepherd.

When my dad first introduced me to Amistad Aussies, aka Judie and Walt Manuel of Willet, Montana, he was doing so to share his excitement over finding such a wonderful resource for his book. Little did he know that I was harboring a growing desire to get an Aussie of my own. But fate took it's course as he happened to say the magic words one day...."Do you have a minute? I want to show you something!" He proceeded to pull up Judie's website so that he could show off the puppies she currently had available for sale to the "right" family/person. I took one look at those pups and I was hooked!! I knew this was the time and this was the breeder and I even knew which pup was destined to be mine. Her name was Falen. And I loved that name and the look of the pup!

Yeah, yeah, it seemed to be a very spontaneous decision - but understand that I'd been thinking about a pup for months - I just didn't realize that she existed and was waiting for me.

When my dad realized I was seriously interested...he flew from his office chair to grab the phone and call Judie. But this wasn't one of the many reference calls they shared throughout the day...this was the call of an excited fella who wanted to get a new puppy, even if it was going to be a vicarious experience through his daughter and grandson!

He left a message for Judie and I sighed in frustration, as I too was ready to get this plan rolling. But! We didn't have to wait long, although we did have time enough to compose an email to Judie explaining my interest in her pups, namely Falen.

No sooner had we sent off our email, than the phone rang and it was Judie. We spoke in depth about my interest and my plans for the pup and how I believed she could come to benefit not only my life, but more importantly the life of my son, Matthew. After a wonderful conversation, Judie believed that Matthew and I would indeed be the right home for Falen - we agreed verbally over the phone and the plans were rolling! Oh my goodness, I just bought a puppy from Montana - and she's the cutest thing EVER!