Homeschool Group Field Trip

Our little homeschool group went on field trips yesterday.
We visited Canine Partners For Life. They train service and companion dogs for people with disabilities.
They showed us a video first, then introduced us to Alex, a retired service dog, who now helps with presentations. Then we took a tour of the kennels, where the dogs who are over one year of age, live for one year while they are in training that is specific to the needs of the person they will be partnered with.
Christopher was very excited about seeing the dogs, especially Alex. As soon as Alex came in the room, Christopher sat up and signed and said "dog". He kept talking to Alex, who paid him no attention, until it was the time in the presentation where his owner gave him permission to be allowed to do so. I was imressed how well trained Alex was, most dogs would have been right over licking Christopher, and causing him to no longer be happy about its presence. Alex enjoyed the petting and affection from all of the children.
We had never thought of a trained companion dog for Christopher until now. We had thought of getting a dog as a pet, but never thought about one specially trained. We are now giving this some thought. I read in the newsletter we recieved yesterday how a companion dog can be a good outlet for the extra love and affection that children with Down syndrome seem to have available to give. It can also be a natural source of deep tissue stimulation, that children with low muscle tone need, just by leaning its weight against the person.
It is a lot to think about and we will not be making this decision without doing a lot of prayer and research.

Our group had lunch at a local park. It was great to see them all interact so well, considering the large span in ages. We have children from 16months up to 17 years. I think the older ones enjoyed the swings as much, if not more than the younger ones.

We then went for a tour of the Herrs Food Factory. Ahhh, the smell of potato chips! Our favorite part of the tour was the end, where we were served potato chips, still hot from the fryer! Mmmmm!

Field trips can be a challenge with a large family. Trying to keep track of all the little ones, keeping everyone interested and happy, getting the double stroller though all the doorways. But we managed, and even had a good time doing it.