tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690356122521688837.post6466509495070151464..comments2023-10-03T11:18:53.646-04:00Comments on The Striped Nickel: Emus, School, and Other StuffDeborah Vlock http://www.blogger.com/profile/03868023646446279922noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690356122521688837.post-78324766061092636142011-10-24T14:44:12.429-04:002011-10-24T14:44:12.429-04:00Both J and to an extent A get a lot of comfort fro...Both J and to an extent A get a lot of comfort from animals. J was like a different child when she was riding a horse (a short venture into hippotherapy drained our resources after the state's $ ran out). A calls our cat "Maddie with the pretty pink paws"and enjoys gently stroking her fur, even if he sometimes requires the reminder to be gentle. Ironically, I have never been an animal person, but two years ago, when J's mental health began to spiral, we saw a posting from a family offering 2 cats. And they became loved and cherished members of our family. Go figure. So glad the day had peace to it. I hope watching Benjy sleep gave you comfort, I blogged a long time ago about my thoughts as Andrew slept: http://kidsautismandfindingjoy.blogspot.com/2010/08/no-answers.html<br /><br />Maybe there's something in there someone can relate to...<br /><br />Hugs!justamomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08793820386900097253noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690356122521688837.post-52723970878004076912011-10-24T11:58:42.133-04:002011-10-24T11:58:42.133-04:00Hi Jen!
I know, it IS heartbreaking. I suspect th...Hi Jen!<br /><br />I know, it IS heartbreaking. I suspect the animal thing is a combination of the fact that our kids really do love them, and that they are never treacherous in the way other kids can be. They don't laugh at you or gang up on you (although they do sometimes bite and scratch, or ignore!). Animals are just easier to deal with, I think. I actually felt that way too, when I was a kid.<br /><br />Does Katie have any pets? My sister-in-law and mother think we should look into an emotional support dog for Ben, but we already have a dog (sort of a tough cookie, very high maintenance but we love him lots) and I think it could be tricky to introduce a new dog into the mix (and our VERY small house!). Not to mention the cost -- ugh.<br /><br />Thanks for your comment, Jen! So glad to connect this way!Deborah Vlock https://www.blogger.com/profile/03868023646446279922noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1690356122521688837.post-47864922938959097252011-10-24T10:42:20.655-04:002011-10-24T10:42:20.655-04:00K's obsession is animals, too. I don't kno...K's obsession is animals, too. I don't know if it b/c they are easier to get along with, or if she just really, really likes them. At any rate, I understand the loneliness.Last night, during a meltdown over school, Katie said how no one likes her there. Couldn't tell me why she felt this way (never can), but it broke my heart to hear. Sure, I know she doesn't really have friends, and can't maintain relationships, but it is SO sad that her perception is that everyone hates her...Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16626621399918066970noreply@blogger.com