A Good Dog

This fall my furbaby Taffy, a loving and wonderful chihuahua/terrier, finally passed away at 16 1/2 years old. I'm sure my daughter (6 1/2 years old with autism) is thinking about another dog. I know she misses Taffy. She talks about her being in doggy heaven (what we told her) and will ask if Taffy's coming back, and then correct herself that Taffy is in doggy heaven.

My question is this: Does anyone have any feelings about a breed of dog that might be better than average with a special needs child? I know we want to stay medium to small in size. I want a dog that is loving and gentle, as well as playful.

On the flip side, what kinds of dog would be a bad choice in this situation? We've already decided that something exceptionally delicate would probably be a bad idea. Alissa would never hurt a dog deliberately, but I'd hate to have a dog so delicate that one stumble could hurt it (I'm thinking things like Italian greyhound for example).

I would love to hear people's feedback. My plan is not to do anything before late spring. I'm still grieving for my Taffy (I miss her so much this Christmas) but I know Alissa wants a dog and I want her to have that companionship.

Thank you for your ideas.

Comments: 6

Bonnie Sayers Dec 25, 2006, 11:05pm EST

Do you watch The Dog Whisperer? He did some filming up my street two years ago. He has a website where you can ask questions, etc. I have asthma and cannot handle dogs, plus my nonverbal son is scared of cats and both boys are scared of dogs. There is a show on National Geographic called Dogs with Jobs and sometimes we see a child with autism on it. Many people get assistance dogs for their child on the spectrum.

I suggest a google search for some of those companies/organizations and see what type of dogs they have profiled, look for Dog Whisperer site and also check the national geographic site for when the dogs with jobs show is on.

Good luck

reply to this comment

Sensational Sadie Sexy Senior Sitizen Dec 26, 2006, 12:02am EST

You might looks into the CARES project. That stands for Canine Assistance,Rehabilitation, Education and Services. You can find out more about this be checking this website. http://www.cares-ks.com/
I spoke to a local man who was training one of these dogs and I was very impressed with what types of things these dogs can do and how they are specially trained for each individuals needs. I hope this is helpful.

reply to this comment

K D. Jan 1, 2007, 9:59pm EST

Gee, I'm so sorry about Taffy. I have a toy poodle and as a breed, they're pretty intelligent and easy to train. They love to please. They also loving and affectionate. Now, I'm not sure how they would do with a special needs child as I don't have any experience with specilal needs puppy placement but I told you what I know about poodles.

All the best and keep us posted!

reply to this comment

Bryan F. Jan 2, 2007, 3:36pm EST

Thank for the suggestions, everyone. :-)

I'm not sure if a toy poodle might not fall under the 'too delicate' heading, though; while intellectually I know most dogs know enough to take care of themselves, my instinctive reaction is to think of toy breeds, min-pins, Italian greyhounds, etc, as having "Handle with Care" stamped on their foreheads.

reply to this comment