Attachment

Many of you know that Girlie is raising a puppy for Guide Dogs of America.  It has been a great experience and we've learned a lot.  Just as The Pup has grown and become enormous, Girlie has grown and matured during the year he has been with her.

We've always known that the long-term goal was for The Pup to learn his manners and then go on to receive his formal training.  Periodically we discuss this with Girlie, and occasionally she brings the subject up in casual conversation.  We have been told he will go "in for training" to GDA California headquarters in April.  The tension is building now, especially as Girlie's birthday is also in April, and she is hoping The Pup will be with her; we have no control over that, so we'll see what happens.

Needless to say, Dearest and I are hoping for the best while preparing for the worst.  We will be pulling out Girlie's favorite movies, making sure she gets the new release from her favorite author, planning at least one trip to her favorite rock-hunting beach, maybe going to the zoo... we want to be prepared for possible emotional devastation (I'm thinking again of what happened when her favorite radio station shut down a few years ago).  At the same time, we will acknowledge her grief in whatever form it manifests.  

It's bound to be catastrophic, right?  Well, we don't know - in fact, we have no idea what to expect when the time comes.  Kids on the spectrum may assign emotional importance in very unexpected ways, and form attachments much differently than their neurotypical peers.  Whatever happens when The Pup leaves, we'll support Girlie and learn from the experience.  Heck, even Dearest and I might miss him. The Pup has taught us all a thing or two. :-)

"Me and My Arrow" From "The Point", 1971

Music and story by Harry Nilsson, Narrated by Ringo Starr