Today, I fell in love. Hard. With a dog.
Wait! Don’t stop reading here!! This is important! This is not some dumb dog post!
I’m not a “dog” person. Ok.. I like them, but I have never really shed a tear for a dog. They are nice to have around. The are fun. They can be a great companion. 
Today, I cried big fat tears.
We met MIXIE. Alexander’s seizure dog. If you don’t know what I’m talking about – you can read HERE about how we fundraised and why we needed this dog. If you didn’t read yesterday’s post… it is a good one, because our introduction to Ohio was less than stellar. But, today… today was magic.
So, I really didn’t know what to expect. I mean… we were getting a dog that was supposed to alert us to seizure activity. But – I had all these unanswered questions:
What else would this dog be able to do for us? Anything? Were we wasting all this money? I knew these dogs could be trained to do many things, but … we didn’t even know what to ask for.
OMG. OMG. OMG. They trained Mixie to do it all. No kidding. I cried.
Mixie can is trained to do the basics, like walk next to us, sit until “released,” lay down until “released” – (think of this potential at school… the dog just lays there – not causing any commotion in the class room), stand, etc. But that is not all… Mixie can also: Turn on and off lights. Open and close doors; from both directions. She can get toys that Alexander drops or are laying on the other side of the room and bring them to Alexander or put them in a box. She is trained to stand for periods of time to help Alexander with stability. She is trained to help Alexander redirect any “tics” he might have or develop into petting. She is trained to provide deep pressure to help calm him (he loves deep pressure.) She is trained to help him to not “wander off” – there are specific things she does – and we’ve seen it in action. So… imagine this – in 2 years, Alexander is walking. Mixie has been a living breathing motivator to help him learn to stand and walk and she is trained to do this, and then …. she is trained on how to keep Alexander from wondering off while I write out a check at the grocery store or into traffic, etc. I plan to hold Alexander’s hand – but you all know that holding a writhing “toddler” for years can be demanding. Imagine it… Not only that – but … let’s say that Alexander doesn’t need some of these things for a few years. We can bring Mixie back and they will do a brush up for the skills she now needs to remember.
Four Paws for Ability – I think I love you. Mixie, I know I love you. I knew this would be “life changing” – but I meant in the scary sort of long term way. I didn’t realize it would be life changing every day. This is only the first day. My brain is taxed from trying to learn all the commands. This is all I can eek out today. But, I do have pictures. Enjoy. We love you – who love us. Thank you again…
Alexander reached up to hug Mixie. … I don’t think we are going to have to worry about bonding.
Thanks, Shell. As Always, for letting me Pour My Heart out – even if it is about my love for our new dog.
I am a former teacher, turned SAHM. I have 3 children. The twins, Andrew and Addison, turned 3 years old in October. I also have a 1 year old baby who was born with a very rare chromosomal disorder - Wolf Hirschhorn Syndrome. The good, the bad, the ugly.. all here. Because this blog keeps me from drinking.
I’m so happy for y’all. I hope Mixie is by Alexander’s side for a long time!
Life As Wife recently posted..It’s My SITS Day!
Thanks so much!! And congrats on your SITS day! I have SO much reading to do.
I looked at those pictures of Alexander reaching up for Mixie and I am not crying big fat tears- the ugly kind. I am so happy for you guys. I can’t think of anyone that is more deserving!
Just realized I said I was NOT crying big fat tears instead of NOW crying big fat tears– amazing how much the meaning can change with one silly letter….
Laura – thank you so much. I really believe this agency may become a passion in my heart now. It is like a miracle.
This was the best sort of news to read! I’m so happy that you found MIXIE! I didn’t realize how beneficial a seizure dog can be.
I know!! Isn’t it amazing! I never in a million years imagined all this. Today we even practiced pressing the handicap door opener so we can all get out of a building quicker.
Awwwwwwwwwwwww! I am soooooo happy for all of you. This is wonderful.
meleah rebeccah recently posted..My Daddy and The Paper Towels
Thank you so much! And thank you for all the support – seriously!
Aw – that’s so sweet! How can you not fall in love with a dog like that!?
Lori
Lori Gosselin recently posted..What Offends You?
I know. You should see our entire class. Full of beautiful dogs. Amazing!
Absolutely amazing. She looks like a beautiful and gentle dog and I’m sure after you have all those commands down you’ll be able to really enjoy having her around knowing that Alexander will be looked after with an extra set of eyes!!! So happy for you!!!
Susi recently posted..Somewhere over the rainbow
I honestly cannot wait to finally be able to sleep. You know? To know that Alexander is safe…
You’re right! I HAVE been waiting for this!!
Kristen, I am SO, SO happy for you guys!!
This is such a miracle dream come true.
<3 <3 <3
Thanks Meredith! I am so as you came into our lives to be such a great source of positive energy for us.
Oh, you made me cry. Literally.
I’m so happy for you.
Shell… Your friendship has been … Invaluable. One of the great bloggy blessings of this last year. Thank you. xo.
This is amazing and I am so happy for you and your family
Pish Posh recently posted..Love in the Time of Cholera
Thanks so much!! I can’t wait to be have a moment to READ blogs – Love in a Time of Cholera??? I have to know what that is about
I got on here just to check and see if there was a post on how your intro to Mixie went! I am so happy to see it went amazingly! How old is Mixie? Can’t wait to hear more!
Marsi – it is going great – but the training is exhausting. Can you check the Mall out to see if we can meet up? I’ve been meaning to text – but that is like everything else right now – on the back burner.
Could you guys have had a better Valentie’s Day?! That is definitely true love and devotion right there. You can see the happiness in Alexander. Brought tears to my eyes too! So happy for all of you!! xo, The other Kristen
Kristen recently posted..Love Is…
The other – been missing my bloggy friends. This training is so intense. You can’t take your eyes off Mixie for even one second, because if she actually “gets” to a toy or anything… that is breaking a rule. Ugh. Parenting at its best.
Oh my goodness- now I have big fat tears! What beautiful, sweet photos!
Jennifer recently posted..Wordful Wednesday
Thank you so much Jennifer! What great words to read today! I needed a little bit of encouragement.
Ok I’m crying now! This is just amazing and I’m feeling such joy for you all but especially for Alexander, he looks so happy.
jen recently posted..As if they were lovers…
Thanks Jen. This has been a long week. I’m actually glad I waited until today to respond to the comments now – because it helps me to remember the exuberance of the first day. Thanks again!
YAY!!!! Tears! So very excited for you guys! What a gorgeous dog and how awesome that she is trained to do all that! WOWWOWWOW!!! Alexander looks pretty happy about Mixie too!!! <3 you guys!
Thanks Shannon!!! I appreciate it so much! I know – can you believe they thought of all the things we might need? And… we are still learning new stuff today! Total Awesomeness!
Goodness! I’m in tears, I’m so so happy for you and Alexander! I know that you have a wonderful new experience ahead of you
Life is good 
)
Thanks so much!! I can’t wait to share this experience with everyone. What an amazing new journey we are on.
this is AWESOME! I am so excited for you guys!! This will be great. Alexander is gorgeous. Love this.
wendy @ mama one to three recently posted..This Is (Not) a Love Song
Thanks so much! We think he is pretty cute too. They look so adorable together.
You don’t know me but I was in the twins group and I bookmarked your blog and have enjoyed reading it for some time now, and now I will look forward to your posts even more. I am such a dog lover..Mixie will be such a good companion for Alexander and she can motivate him to do so many new things. Just having something to focus on and reach for, I can see it in his eyes how much he already loves her. It looks like she is giving him kisses with her nose rather than licking him all over his face like some dogs would. She will be so much more than just a seizure dog, it’s more like therapist/companion/best friend dog!
Mixie is such a cute name, do you guys pick the name or do they? Is there a story behind it?
I’m so glad you have been following along!! Thanks for commenting! MIXIE was the name she was given- but all her siblings have “fairy” names. Wisp, Wisdom, etc
Amazing news and such a blessing to your family! Mixie will be such a great addition to your family. I am thrilled for you all!
Thank you so much! Today was a little rough- so I’m so happy to have all these reinforcents now.
Love the pictures! I am amazed at all that Mixie is trained to do! What a wonderful addition to your family.
Robbie recently posted..Blank
I find myself pinching my arm each time she shows off. Did I mention she can turn on and off lights too?
So happy for Alexander and your entire family.
Cathy – thanks so much. You will have to come meet her soon!
I am a new follower. What an exciting time to come on board!
Such good news for you and your family.
I wish you all the best as you get to know this newest family member.
Mixie sounds pretty special.
I am looking forward to following more of the journey.
Shanon
I so glad you found us! Stick around and I’m sur you will hear loads of mayhem from our crazy house!
Your post is amazing, of course, but the pictures speak volumes. I am crying for you guys right now… And I am certain the benefits will be even greater than you can imagine!
You were one of the people who pulled me through our darkest hours. I will never forget that and always love your support. xo
Dogs are so amazing.
Your strength is so inspiring.
Alexander is so lovable.
Put these ingredients together and you get a miracle.
On Valentine’s Day, no less.
Some days are better than others…
XO
julie gardner recently posted..Today call me unromantic
Than you. For all the kind words. Dogs are amazing. And so is Alexander. We are so blessed.
what a beautiful love story. Im so happy for you!!!
Thank you! I guess it really is a love story.
So glad the new phase is off to a great start! I can’t wait to see more of the bonding pictures, and to hear more about how He uses this sweet dog to better your family, and help Alexander learn and make progress (I believe not only that he can but that he WILL make strides).
Amy McCollister recently posted..FMF: Family
I have this feeling that MIXIE will be great with our family and we will be able to find creative ways to have her help alexander more and more each day
Congratulations to you. This is such a heartwarming story. I wish you all the best in your new adventure.
Donna recently posted..Valentine’s Day – Hearts, Romance, and Ribs
Thanks so much. I have a feeling we are going to need a lot of support on this one…
I am thrilled for you and your family!!! This is amazing. I cannot wait to hear more about Mixie.
Hilary Phipps recently posted..*************Too tired to post anything but pictures*************
Hilary – we so need to FaceTime soon! Are you going to Indianapolis? Want to come meet MIXIE? Do you know how much I miss you?!
Yes, FaceTime soon. Yes, we are going to Indianapolis. Are you? I would love to come meet Mixie. Miss you too. Talk soon.
Hilary Phipps recently posted..************Communication*****************
Oh my gosh, you certainly do not disappoint! The pictures are amazing; the one of Alexander reaching his arms around Mixie’s head is beyond precious. I wish the whole family all of the best in this new adventure. Your new addition is beautiful! ( and it ALMOST has me wishing for a dog of our own…almost. lol) xo
Thanks Laurie – she is amazing with all that she can do
This is fantastic. This is the first time reading your blog and even not being totally familiar with your situation this made me cry. The story was great but the photos just put me over the top.
Congratulations on your new family member.
SarahB recently posted..Comment on Please Pass The Salt by Paula
I’m so glad you came over to check out our blog!! Hope you stick around for some more craziness
SO happy for you! Such a great post! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much!!
I’m so happy you finally got your dog. What a complete blessing!
mrs.monica recently posted..PYHO: Because I Work Hard
this dog is the direct result of SO much love and generosity from our friends, family, and strangers.
What wonderful news! So happy for your family.
This warms my heart… To read down over all these comments cheering us on. Thank you.
Absolutely beautiful. This is a tearjerker moment for sure and the photos of Mixie and Alexander are priceless. What a blessing that dog is. Thank you for sharing such a lovely family moment with us!
Charlie recently posted..Laura
Carlie – I’m so glad we stumbled into each other. If I ever have another daughter – I’m naming her Charlie… Because you rock.
Welcome to the family Mixie!
Alexander, it looks like from the photos, has also fallen in love. It’s so sweet to see. XO
We should talk. These dogs have SO many uses and are given to children with such a wide range of disabilities. You have been on my mind. xo
We’ve discussed it considerably. Our Dog Child, we’ve decided, to train as a therapy dog. He’s such a sweet natured dog, and would make a good one.
How are things going? How is the bonding going? I can’t wait to hear about this journey, and how Mixie becomes part of your family. XO.
I have always been amazed by service dogs. I am so excited for you and your family to have this dog!
Jenny recently posted..Happy Valentine’s Day!
Thank you so much! Honestly – I had no idea they could do so much!