Everything Under The Sun: The Bond With A Service Dog

Mahe, the service dog, with James, in recovery from sedation.

At Wellington Children's Hospital, the emphasis is on care, including attention to individual needs. Only a few days ago, they cared for James Isaac, a 9-year-old boy with special needs. James has autism, can't speak, and is acutely sensitive to various forms of stimulation. Life was overwhelming for both him and his family, as they struggled for a way to bring calm back into their lives.

Calmness is what they found when a four-footed furry therapist, Mahe, joined their family about 2 1/2 years ago. Mahe is a sturdy black lab, who has formed a special bond with his young charge, helping to steer James through life's hazards. The dog has even been known to climb into bed with the boy and provide the soothing he can't find with human touch. According to mom, Michelle Isaac, "And for Mahe, James is his best mate, he is all about James."

But it was still with some amount of trepidation that the family faced having to hospitalize James in order to get a good diagnostic work-up when he developed seizures. Would the hospital allow this twosome to remain together during this trying time? One of the most frightening procedures for many children is having to complete an MRI, especially when the equipment is completely enclosed. The sound of the machine alone can send any child into a state of panic. With James and his acute sensitivity, that was even more of a worry.

However, the team at Wellington Children's understood the situation and this loyal therapy dog was allowed to remain with James during the hospital stay. Even during the pre-MRI preparation. The team also helped this young boy by administering general anesthesia for the procedure, while Mahe was in attendance. Michelle said, "He was looking at James, and looking really worried."

Although separated from James for the procedure, remaining with Michelle and keeping her calm. As she said, "I was really shaken, it was pretty stressful watching James struggle." And once the procedure was over, Mahe rejoined James and provided the familiar touch he needed as he awakened.

There may be a few people who are still surprised that therapy dogs are so useful in working with children, and adults, who have autism. The dogs serve first to keep their person in a calmer state. Frequently, those with autism have trouble maintaining eye contact with other people, but not so, with the dogs. It definitely helps, though, when the dog has a calm demeanor.

In James' case, because of his tendency to wander off, or to run, when overwhelmed, Mahe is tethered to him. That way he can use his strength to keep the child out of danger. Mahe has been taught to sit immediately when James' running brings him near a roadway.

Even with the addition of seizures to James' medical issues, Mahe will be able to learn how to respond to them. When there is that warning that a seizure is impending the dog can alert caregivers in the vicinity that one is coming, so the area can be cleared for James' safety.

A health care practioner gives Mahe a reassuring touch while James undergoes anesthesia.

Therapy dogs are a vital necessity for those who need them, helping those individuals develop more independent functioning. And there is always that bond that forms between a person and the therapy dog, wherein both can anticipate each other's needs, and the love helps healing. Service providers, who have visitors and users with this type of assistance animal, should make provision to accommodate that animal-human team. We don't need the specter of our wounded warriors, or any human being with special needs, being forced to crawl along a landing tarmac because an airline company deprived those individuals of the use of their service animal. We should never, ever, be that heartless.