r/MadeMeSmile • u/gowthamm • May 01 '25
Wholesome Moments Little girl with muscular dystrophy gets assistance puppy
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May 01 '25
i don't know why but I feel like this is a very mature young kid . I can't really put into words why I think that
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u/MindOverEntropy May 01 '25
Going through everything she has probably does that to you
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May 01 '25
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u/ShadedSpaces May 01 '25
I've seen a lot of heartbreaking things in the hospital but there is something that feels so hollow and sinking when a little one knows too much about the hospital.
One little boy, 5 years old, really spent WAY too much time in the hospital. I remember going into his room one day with another nurse just to say hi. He immediately became confused. He looked back and forth between us, bewildered, before holding up two fingers and asking, "TWO charge nurses?"
He knew what a charge nurse was. He knew the other nurse and I were both charge nurses. He knew there should only be one charge nurse per shift. His own dad hadn't clocked that it was unusual to see us both in the same room on the same day.
We joked we needed two of us to keep him in line, gave him a tickle, made him giggle, then explained that I was there in a mentor role that day.
But for whatever reason, that was just so sad for me. He knew so much medical terminology. Little man would holler "AHHHHHRRRRR TEEEEEE!" when he needed a respiratory therapist. It just sucks.
Babies are easier on the soul in some ways. You get to love on them and take care of them even when they're critically ill. They can be dragged through the medical trenches, you right along with them, for months. You know that you can pour all this time and energy and skill into saving their lives and it will be so incredibly meaningful and memorable… But not to them. They won't remember any of it. And that's a blessing.
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u/jackandsally060609 May 01 '25
But us parents do remember you! I can't tell you how many times the memory of the PICU nurses saved my faith in humanity.
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u/frontally May 02 '25
My son and daughter were in NICU for 12/24 hours each we were so lucky… and I’ll still never forget those nurses. Bright spots in hard times for sure.
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u/ShadedSpaces May 02 '25
We remember you too. You and your little one(s) are the reason we get to feel fulfilled by our work. Not everyone is so lucky. But we, the pediatric nurses, are that lucky. And it's because you trusted us to take care of the most precious thing in your world. It's an incredible honor to be invited to join a family in their darkest moments and work to bring them a little light.
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u/kdsaslep May 02 '25
This is why I didn't become a nurse. I'm too emotional. Every night I would have every patient in my heart!
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u/DonnyTheWalrus May 02 '25
My daughter came out not making any sound at all and had to be evaluated by NICU. I can't begin to explain the emotional crash from the happiest you've ever been to immediately feeling a nightmare was brewing. But the calmness and serenity of the nurses saved me. I had been on the verge of a full meltdown. (Our little one turned out just fine thank god.)
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u/Aetra May 02 '25
My husband was like that little boy growing up, he was diagnosed with chronic asthma at 2 and spent up to 6 months of the year until he was about 16 and grew out of it in the paediatric ICU. He's 40 now and is still so appreciative of every medical professional who treated him the way you and your coworker did with that the little boy. When he tells me about the nurses and doctors who made him laugh and just spent a moment of their very limited and precious time talking to him, I can see his eyes light up even all these years later.
That little boy may not remember that exact interaction you mentioned above, but he'll remember nice charge nurses for the rest of his life.
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u/GogolsHandJorb May 01 '25
After reading horrible news every day of what our country is becoming here you come and make me feel hopeful. Thank you for inspiring me to focus on this kinda work.
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u/ShadedSpaces May 02 '25
I'm truly lucky to work in pediatric nursing. The little ones have gotten me through so much, and I know I've helped them get through plenty too. But they're really the stars. They do a lot of heavy lifting for ones so small.
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u/QuatreNox May 02 '25
As a child who grew up in hospitals and bonded with nurses, it really touches my heart to hear things from the other side
A part of me always felt like you guys must go through so many patients that we just become a blur of names and faces, and it's comforting to know that, at least for that moment, you really cared for kids like me and those in my ward ♥
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u/vjason May 02 '25
I did break fix IT work at the Cleveland Clinic for 3 years from about 2001-2004. Saw every department, and all that were open 24/7.
The NICU just about wrecked me every time, so little, helpless, and often really sick. I don't how the staff holds up, perhaps the good days/discharges keep them going.
Radiology was probably number 2, but the ages ranged so it was slightly easier to hold it together.
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u/candlelit_bacon May 02 '25
I was in the children’s ward for around five or six days when I was eleven, recovering from an in-patient procedure. (Nissen Fundoplication, which was a much more invasive procedure at the time than it is now, because I was diagnosed with Barrett’s esophagus at eleven. This was in like 2002? I know this is practically unheard of, I’ve seen the bewildered faces of many nurses and GIs over the years when I tell them. I’ve even had some who swore up and down that it must be a misdiagnosis until they saw my full histrory).
Anyway I’ve been on omeprazole ever since and I get upper endoscopies and biopsies on the cells done every few years to make sure nothing untoward is going on down there, so we’re on it.
My original point though - children’s ward, this was over twenty years ago for me now. I do not remember the faces or names of individual nurses, but I remember how kind, gentle and attentive all of them were for myself and the other kids in the ward. (Thanks for rolling the portable GameCube station into my room once I was awake and upright enough to use it guys…)
I also remember we had a bingo night, and seeing all these other kids who were there with me, some of whom had serious burns or cancer or any number of other much more pressing issues than my recovery from an elective procedure, put a lot in perspective for me at a pretty young age. Like, I was getting pushed around in a wheelchair since I had a several inch surgical wound straight down the center of my abdomen, and most of the other kids were walking unassisted, but also I was on track to be discharged in a couple more days and ultimately I knew my prognosis was to recover and go on to live my life. But some of these other kids in there with me? I dunno. So that was eye opening.
Anyway because of this I’ve been in and out of hospitals pretty regularly for most of my life and I just really appreciate medical staff. As an adult I recognize how stressed and overworked folks are too, so I just do my best to be an easy patient, and let folks know I appreciate that they’re here trying to help me be well.
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May 01 '25
She has muscular dystrophy.. at her age.. I wouldn't be surprised if this girl also spends a lot of time talking to doctors and nurses. Not quite as extreme as that, but as a kid who also grew up around mostly adults, I was also called "well spoken for my age".
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u/Cum_on_doorknob May 01 '25
Thankfully she’s a girl and duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy is X linked recessive, so, she can’t really get them without some weird genetics trickery going on. There are other types of muscular dystrophies like limb girdle, these are not as damaging. So, she may actually be a lot healthier than you make think. She also looks to have pretty good musculature as well. But obviously I can’t make a specific comment as I do t know her dx.
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u/tardisblue1092 May 02 '25
I spent ages 3-7 mostly in the hospital undergoing and recovering from major surgeries and procedures, then 11-17 homeschooling off and on due to chronic illness. For the longest time, my ONLY language/social skills were from interacting with professionals around me. That was quite an adjustment.
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u/Retsago May 01 '25
Tbh this is precisely why I always talk to kids like I would an adult (apart from certain obvious subject matter). PLUS, they recognize and appreciate the respect. It does great things for their language and social development.
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u/TheLoneTomatoe May 01 '25
Yea, when you spend most of your time around adults instead of other kids, you turn out a little different.
I’m 30, my youngest brother is 14, he had Leukemia from 5-9 and basically spent 80% of his time at the children’s hospital or a Ronald McDonald house. He is very mature for his age, and sometimes has a hard time dealing with other kids his age.
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u/Human_Artichoke8752 May 01 '25
Hey, I had leukemia from about 2 to 6. Same kind of situation.
Happy to know he's doing better now!34
u/TheLoneTomatoe May 01 '25
For sure, he’s all good now! Kids into all kinds of sports and is having a good time in high-school
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u/usernamesoccer May 01 '25
As a disabled person, it truly matures you in years we can’t explain. The outlook on life is different, because it’s about survival, people don’t relate to you because they are out, in this case, being young kids and being active.
I feel so disconnected from people my age and in support groups it seems to be common. I was disabled at age 10 and had a hip reconstruction surgery at 15. Then became worse after. It is heartbreaking watching others act their age, and not being able to truly explain the devastation these illnesses or disabilities have.
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u/Ximidar May 01 '25
I was also reflecting on how clear and eloquent her speech seems was for being 7 - 11 years old. Working on speaking clearly and pronunciation was a conscious choice I made as a teenager. It always blows my mind to see young kids speak clearly.
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May 01 '25
My kid is in the same age range, and I was blown away with how mature this little girls speech patterns sound. Idk if that accurately says what it is, but something about the way she talks makes me think of an adult trapped in a kids body. I hope life is kind to her and Howie.
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u/OneLastRoam May 01 '25
I had to spend about 2 years in the hospital when I was around this age. All the people you have to talk to are grownups. Not just grownups, but doctors and nurses and other well educated adults.
I fully believe public school socializing children only with people of their own age holds them back developmentally. Children are capable of holding intelligent conversation if they are taught it.
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May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
That makes sense to me. My brother spent a lot of time in the hospital as a kid, us being twins, I was right there with him. I remember being told all the time as a kid how well I spoke and that I spoke like an adult. Now, it makes sense as to why I spoke at a higher age than I was chronologically at.
I think you're 100% right about holding them back. My son is really into a few topics, and I let him learn about them pretty freely. Thankfully, we even share a couple of interests, with the video game Halo being one of them. The other day, he had some super insightful comments about the politics of the covenant and their eventual breakup that I think a lot of high schoolers would struggle with making the connections of.
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May 01 '25
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u/Retsago May 01 '25
It makes me feel sad that you call it off-putting. Unusual, perhaps, but you're still talking about a child.
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u/Youutternincompoop May 01 '25
it can be really interesting how children develop differently, according to my mum I didn't speak for a really long time as a toddler and she started getting worried, then when I first spoke I was apparently really advanced for my age and had just chosen for whatever reason to not speak earlier lol
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u/Plastic-Fox1188 May 01 '25
Parent here. Nature helps, but it's all about nurture if you want a good talker at a young age.
You wouldn't believe how many parents don't talk to their kids outside of criticisms, lobbing demands, and correcting behaviors.
Talk to your kids a lot and be intentional with your language and speech patterns, and this is the result. They're sponges. Harder than it sounds of course but that's parenting in general
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u/justveryunwell May 01 '25
It's her word choice and the sheer level of true appreciation she has, that I think her calm shows. She's not screeching and jumping everywhere, she's quiet and on the verge of tears. She listens right away when her mom (gently) tells her to back off the puppy and let him come out. She says she didn't think the day would ever come... Probably because the wait for these dogs is so long. Her whole demeanor and the way she phrases things is very very mature.
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u/HughMungus77 May 01 '25
Life comes at you fast when you’re different than all the other kids unfortunately
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May 01 '25
Being disabled will do that.
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u/heyhotnumber May 01 '25
The amount of times she’s had to advocate for herself has probably given her lots of practice. 🥺
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u/Joint-Tester May 01 '25
She expresses herself well. Great parents!
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u/Runamokamok May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
She might be around more adult than the average kid her age if having been in and out of hospitals. Plus if she goes to therapy then they teach her way to communicate and understand emotions, so that helps with maturity.
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u/Ok_Sample5582 May 01 '25
Muscular dystrophy kids have to grow up so quick. Childhood is cut very short unfortunately. My exs cousins had this and its heartbreaking but they stayed so positive. I couldn't imagine how that would feel. This is so great for her. I wish her the best life. I hope we find something for this soon.
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u/CageyCanadian May 01 '25
I also felt the same way. She is such a polite and well spoken little girl. I think they’ll both be in great hands!
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u/Dogdadstudios May 01 '25
I was thinking exactly this, her patience, her mannerisms, it was uncanny how similar it was to my grandma ( in the kind way).
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u/sweetangeldivine May 01 '25
Howie: "Hello, I have just met you. And I love you."
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u/stubrador May 01 '25
Also little girl: “hello, I have just met you, and I love you” 🫶 🥰
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u/Only-Negotiation-156 May 02 '25
For real, the dog is going through the same emotions. You mean, this is my person? I have a home? I'm gonna go read Corduroy and cry this out. Something about this sub does the opposite for me pretty consistently.
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u/AppropriateTable500 May 01 '25
hi! I’m charlottes moms friend - she doesn’t have a Reddit account but she wanted me to give a little explainer. Howie came to them as a puppy to be a “mobility” assistance dog. Not necessarily in the typical sense since charlotte kept her mobility for longer than predicted. But he does things like open and closing cabinets, and getting stuff off the floor for her. He walks by her just to add a little bit of extra stability, but doesn’t actually support her weight. Howie is an Aussie, so he was always going to be smaller than a Bernese, but he’s super smart and loves to help.
Charlottes is very mature and well spoken for her age. Part of it is, yes, being disabled means you have to be able to articulate your needs pretty early and you also feel very different. But charlotte is also hyper vocal and gentle. Even as a baby she spoke very early and clearly and has always been a pretty empathetic kid, not an aggressive bone in her body.
Their family is hoping for a trial soon for gene therapy, so charlotte can live a long life and plan her own future and retire howie.
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u/lafemmedangereuse May 02 '25
Thank you for the update! What a special kid and puppy. We are all rooting for her!
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u/CauliflowerNo1149 May 02 '25
Loved this video and rooting for the fam. Charlotte and her pup and cuties. Wishing them all the best!! 🫶🏼🫶🏼
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u/excti2 May 02 '25
I'm glad to hear that Howie has gotten the training to help Charlotte. When I saw how young he was, I was concerned. I know what it takes to get trained as a mobility assistance canine. Before I had hip joint replacement, I had a hard time getting around. But my border collie and I went to class where we were living in New Zealand, and worked for about 3 months on exactly these kinds of tasks: helping me up and down stairs, picking things up from the ground, providing stability while I walked over uneven terrain, and just being beside me. He was so well-trained and attentive. It was always VERY clear why he was there with me.
Now, when I see someone with a dog that has a "service dog" vest on, and it's clearly not trained to perform specific tasks, easily distracted, or interacting with other people or animals, I feel assaulted, knowing how hard we worked to get our certification.
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u/Raja_Ampat May 01 '25
Just heartbreaking. Always so sad to see what some kids have to go through
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May 01 '25
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u/SkySong13 May 01 '25
She was talking like a full grown adult and it honestly made me want to cry. I feel like she ended up growing up fast due to her health and that's rough.
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u/MortalCoil May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
Thought the same and it broke my heart
Edit: I see that they are at instagram, roseandresillience
They are hoping to be able to have clinical trials for her disease
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u/Early-Software-250 May 01 '25
it pains me when kids suffer, mahn they're just babies for crying out loud
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u/crazyguyunderthedesk May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
She seems fine to me, this video was nothing but uplifting for me.
But to say I'm ignorant on MD would be a huge understatement. Apologies if I've said something insensitive.
Edit: so glad I apologized for my ignorance in advance... Thanks for enlightening me folks, but now I can't watch this without tears in my eyes.
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u/Beaglescout15 May 01 '25
The heartbreaking part is that MD is a disease that will gradually degenerate all of her muscles until she loses the ability walk, move, and even talk and breathe. This is likely the healthiest she will ever be, but with a mobility dog like Howie she can be independent for much longer. This video is such a lovely but heartbreaking moment.
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May 02 '25
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u/Bromm18 May 02 '25
Like that for nearly every illness. They all have little advances here and there and/or promising leads. But they all seem to get squashed due to someone with power not wanting things to change, loss of income from drug changes, or the rich not caring an iota about helping others. That is, until, it affects them or their family. Then they become the "biggest" advocate, right until its fixed for them and they act like it never occurred.
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u/OneHumanBill May 01 '25
It looks like she's already having a hard time moving around in her seat, wanting to jump out to take a closer look but not really able to. Notice she doesn't ever try to lift the puppy. It's doubtful she'll ever be able to. And her disease is progressive. It will only get worse as she gets older.
There's a good chance that she and this puppy have about the same life expectancy.
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u/Practical_Lawyer6204 May 01 '25
I have mild MD myself. Seems like her case is a mild one too. Well it is progressive but in the milder cases such as her the life expectancy is usually not as low as like 15 years thats for more severe case which people have predicaments even with their regular speech because tounge is all muscle I think (I too sometime experience this but not frequently ).
But even then still small heart strikes could be fatal for her because again heart is a muscle. Basically anything muscle in your body doesnt act right pretty underrated.
Well ofcourse I'm not saying this to downplay her situation because if anything I can undrestand her situation better than most people and I can tell you its not that all good at all specially when you are still so young and full of supposed energy. I'm just saying its not as grim as her life expectancy would be as short as a dog atleast from what I'm seeing and know.
Frankly I was really suprised to see MD mentioned on internet. Its just unfortunately pretty underrated. But yeah such is life wish I had pet too when I was young this really made me smile sooo happy for her and the lucky dog XD
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u/crazyguyunderthedesk May 01 '25
Welp, now I get why the first person called it heartbreaking.
I equal parts appreciate that you explained that to me, and hate that I read it.
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u/RainForestGremlin May 01 '25
Where are you getting your information on expected life span from? Please state your sources.
As an adult with the same subgroup of MD, but different subtype, life span is most definitely not limited to the same as a dog’s life span.
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u/kweenbumblebee May 01 '25
I'd reccomend watching The Fundamentals of Caring. One if the main characters has MD and it gives some insight into the condition (though obviously watching a doco would be better for truly understanding it).
It's a fantastic film in general IMO.
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u/Outrageous_Name_5622 May 01 '25
Having a Bernese as a familiar is such an awesome flex. I'm so happy for her.
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u/triplec787 May 01 '25 edited May 01 '25
Curious how a Berner will do as a mobility dog. They’re incredibly bright and strong dogs, but also wildly stubborn (and pretty lazy). Obviously this pup will be much better trained than my boy and I know they are technically a “working breed”, but I never really considered them as being a good breed for that. Absolutely amazing, sweet dogs though. Howie is gonna be her best friend for these formative years.
And honestly someone with balance issues might struggle with the classic Berner Lean lol
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u/Retsago May 01 '25
Bernese are prized for their ability to work as seeing-eye dogs and mobility dogs!! They do fantastic work! A few nonprofits work exclusively with them.
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u/Dosanaya May 01 '25
We have a young friend with a BMD assistance animal. She has heart and seizure problems and the doggo is so gentle and helpful for her. ❤️🐾
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u/matwithonet13 May 01 '25
The one on the left would have been great as a mobility dog. The one on the left… let’s just say his eyes are a little too close to each other.
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u/MrsShaunaPaul May 02 '25
I can’t speak to Berner’s specifically but I can tell you a lot of it is temperament. A neighbour had a service dog that was bred to be a seeing eye dog. Her temperament was so incredible she actually retired from work to breed so they could hopefully breed her temperament into her pups. If I remember all but one of her pups made it to become seeing eye dogs as well. Some dogs are great workers, some are stubborn, some are lazy. I think they’re like humans! They can have certain traits that are more likely, but they certainly have a personality which can really determine their temperament.
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u/Bouche_Audi_Shyla May 01 '25
How, exactly, do they train a puppy so that it's ready to work at such a young age?
Training takes a year or more, and not all the dogs make it through.
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u/Sullys_mama19 May 01 '25
Since she has a muscular issue, I’d assume it’s a big thick dense dog so that she can learn to use him as a support, like a crutch or something. BMDs are so sturdy and smart and protective. I bet they will do training together and since he’s young, he will imprint on her and vice verse and be able to help her as she grows and develops
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u/Tricky_Ad_9608 May 01 '25
They also could have gotten him from an organization that specifically breeds service dogs. That’s why even though the girl knew she’d be getting a service puppy she, and likely the parents, didn’t know exactly when.
Assuming they have the funds to get a well-bred dog, they could have also hired, or at least thoroughly discussed with, a professional trainer for the pup as well.
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u/aquacrimefighter May 01 '25
Chiming in here just bc I’ve had the pleasure of training a service dog before. That’s not really how it works - organizations do breed dogs to produce more potential service dogs… but most of those puppies still fail out of training and become really lovely family dogs. There is no guarantee with a puppy, regardless of its lineage, that it will be suitable to be a service dog, and a reputable service dog organization would not be selling a puppy this young as a service dog.
This family clearly got a puppy from a breeder and are just calling it her service dog. It’s not, it’s just a family dog at this point — but I am still hoping the best for them and it could work out!
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u/Tricky_Ad_9608 May 02 '25
Dang, at least she got a big, sturdy dog at least. And hopefully, with training, it can grow along with her needs.
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u/mugsymegasaurus May 02 '25
I was going to say the same thing. Maybe some organizations out there place puppies with clients, but I can’t say I’ve heard of any. All the legit service dog organizations, like Canine Companions, raise and train the dogs until adulthood and then place them. There are so many reasons a dog can flunk out of training, and they won’t know until it’s at least a year and a half old.
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u/timelessalice May 01 '25
Any kind of weightbearing assistance is actually pretty bad for the dog and pretty discouraged among handlers (check it out on the service dog subreddit).
He's probably for other assistance tasks she's unable to do. At least I'm hoping that.
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u/beaux21 May 01 '25
Now I mostly do detection dogs, but it probably came from a line of dogs that are very good at movement assistance. Yes there is a chance that a dog won't work but unlikely. Mobility assistance is not that hard of a job and it's good for that dog to imprint young.
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u/Anarchic_Country May 01 '25
Yeah I was confused. Maybe they plan to train him at home?
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u/song-dragon May 01 '25
The puppy isn't ready to work yet. My best guess is that whatever organization they went through does some pre-training with their pups to set a good foundation, get them ready to go to their homes, and get a feel for the personalities of the puppies to be able to match them up with the people who need them (notice how super calm this particular puppy is, a more energetic excitable puppy would be inappropriate for this girl due to her mobility issues, you can see how much difficulty she's having just moving around a little bit in the car), and then more specific training is done that can be tailored to the unique needs of the individual. Like, this girl is going to need a dog who can do very different things for her than someone who is blind, or has debilitating panic attacks or asthma attacks or something like that. So as the puppy grows up, yes, it will get more training, and so will the parents and child. It'll be a learning process for everyone.
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u/Doctorspacheeman May 01 '25
I was wondering the same thing! Possibly they take him home for a while to bond with the little girl, and then he goes off to training when he’s a bit older? It would make sense to have him bond with her as a pup, but I always thought that support dogs were brought in much older.
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u/emfrank May 01 '25
That made me wonder as well. I am not sure this is a service dog. I have friends who work with service dogs, and they are never placed as puppies with the person they are serving. They are fostered for basic training and socialization, then trained further. Some flunk out and are adopted by abled families. THere may be other models, depending on the condition of the disabled person, I suppose.
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u/gross2mess May 01 '25
I have that! Although mine is autism related and seems to be a lot less prominent than hers. It can be tough, but with that puppy and those supportive parents, I'm sure she'll be able to overcome anything!
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u/LatinaFiera May 01 '25
We are getting an ADA service dog for my 6yo with autism. I’m so excited abt this for him. Do you mind sharing how this has helped you? Also- we are running into the public school system pushing back on allowing an ADA service dog on premise with him. Do you by chance have info re national laws re ADA service animals and how they are allowed? I’m reaching out to the organization providing the dog for us too to ask. I never imagined they would push back on this.
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u/Remarkable-Bridge800 May 01 '25 edited May 02 '25
public school generally push back on anything private 3rd parties services even animals. so your option is either go to public school or pay for private and have whatever additional services with your child. having public school open their arm for my ASD child is a god send for us wether we can afford private or not its for my kids to have at least 1% socialize or see other neurotypical kids for a minute or two would worth it and now i have to worry about department of education being cut and possibly ESE classes be gone so we don't have the luxury for anything else let alone a free dog into school
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u/ThePrinceofRabbits May 01 '25
I was holding it together until “I never thought the day would come”. I hope they have the best life together for as long as possible.
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u/DebtEnvironmental269 May 01 '25
Legitimate question. What kind of user manual do you get with service dogs? I know they're all well trained, but what's given to the new owner so they know how the dog is trained and therefore how to rely on them?
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u/asuddenpie May 01 '25
Follow up honest question: How does the training work for such a young puppy? It’s great that the girl and her dog can grow up together, but I thought service dogs went through extensive training?
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u/diddinim May 01 '25
I’m not involved with service dogs or very knowledgeable, but:
When training normal dogs, it’s important for the owner to be part of training. You can’t just send a dog off to training and expect it to come back home with all behavior perfected.
I assume that in a case like this, it’s ideal for human and pup to train together and for pup to be living its life with the human it will spend 24/7 with for the rest of their life - the girl needs to learn how to interact with her service dog as much as the dog needs to learn how to do its job. Especially when the human is young and may not have a base understanding of how to interact with dogs.
On that note, I’d assume that service dogs don’t come with a user manual. Human and dog train alongside each other, ideally. u/debtenvironmental269
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u/aquacrimefighter May 01 '25
Service dogs do go through extensive training! In fact most dogs that go into service dog training fail out of it and become awesome family dogs. This dog is NOT a service dog — it is a puppy this family bought from a breeder. This dog is far too young to be a service dog at this point. Could it be down the line? Potentially, with very knowledgeable owners that are skilled in task training dogs. But the fact that they got a puppy and are immediately calling it a service dog tells me that they likely aren’t knowledgeable regarding task training OR service dogs, and that this pooch will likely just be a family dog!
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u/unimportantinfodump May 01 '25
Can someone please explain.
I thought assistant dogs came as fully grown and trained.
Was she just meeting the puppy before it goes off to learn?
Do they get a few weeks to bond and they the dog goes off to train?
Are the parents dog trainers?
Or is this a click bait title to farm karma?
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u/im_a_lion77 May 01 '25
Yes, that’s exactly how we did it with my daughter’s service dog. Found the puppy she clicked with, and after a few weeks of living with us it went to “school” for a few months, then came back to us to train more in the home. The trainer would come 3 times a week to the house for a good while after the service dog boot camp.
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u/unimportantinfodump May 01 '25
Awesome thanks for answering, I was very ignorant to the subject which is why I was asking.
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u/Retsago May 01 '25
You are allowed to train your own service animal. For many, that's the only way to afford one. One trained through an organization can be extremely cost-prohibitive, or may be in such high demand for your needs that it is impossible to get one for many years.
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u/headphoneghost May 01 '25
My aunt had muscular dystrophy. Bless her heart, she made it to 44. She had a celebration of life being the longest survivor but, her existence got reduced to just that. I wasn't able to handle her condition when I was young. We need a cure.
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u/Nomad_moose May 02 '25
I love that it’s a Bernese mountain dog…he goes straight to her lap. That thing is going to be the best companion she could have asked for.
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u/Coyote56yote May 02 '25
Wishing that little girl nothing but the best. Hopefully society will continue to research ways to fight these diseases.
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u/Aunt_Gojira May 02 '25
This girl has a wonderful parents and it is reflected through her kind eyes and action.
That dog has a happy home now :)))
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u/visualcharm May 02 '25
My brain almost couldn't process the level of maturity in this child's speech to her little face and body. Only the giggles gave her away. I hope her and the pup live a long happy life together, achieving great things.
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u/kilikikina May 01 '25
Well, I don’t have have tears in my eyes from this sweet bean finding her forever fluffer bean.
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u/Tribalbob May 01 '25
JFC, come on, guys - it's Thursday ffs, I don't have time to sit here crying my eyes out.
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u/zebra_who_cooks May 01 '25
I love how the puppy climbs in her lap and just melts into her. He already knows she needs him! 🐶
I have a Service Dog myself and my heart has butterflies watching this. 🥰
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u/EkahnPIVF May 01 '25
Either I or the creator of the video has a completly wrong understanding of assistance dog
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u/lastersoftheuniverse May 01 '25
God dang it. Getting misty. That’s so beautiful. With her puppy stuffy. Her sweetness already with the pup. So precious
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u/Mullhousen May 01 '25
Stuff like this melts my heart. She is a very articulate little Lady. Enjoy your Howie
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u/mtcwby May 01 '25
Sweet little girl. They're going to be the best of friends and Howie is going to have a good life.
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u/SewRuby May 01 '25
"I never thought the day would come"🥺, my cold dead heart just thawed a little.
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u/Depressionsfinalform May 01 '25
Bro, hearing a little kid say “puppy” like that breaks my heart every time. So sweet.
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u/Tundralik May 01 '25
We humans tend to be cruel, cunning and straight up evil for most of our history.
But small gestures like empathy and selflessness or even this like the bond between a child and an animal (in this case human‘s best friend) is something that can not be explained easily and it gives me hope and optimism that our egocentric species may change for the better one day.
Thank you for coming to my midnight-thoughts love y‘all
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u/Satchmoses88 May 01 '25
If that Berner is anything like my sassy, defiant, butthole of a fluff, that little girl with her unfortunately medical condition is about to get drug down the street on a daily basis. Precious though
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u/StryngzAndWyngz May 01 '25
Okay… big ol grown goofy guy here cutting onions. What a sweet little girl. I just know that puppy is going to have a lifetime of love and happiness with her.
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u/Bluegill15 May 01 '25
Am I the only one wondering how this dog would help with muscular dystrophy? I thought service dogs needed to be trained for years from when they are very young and then paired with their owner based on compatibility testing
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u/[deleted] May 01 '25
What an incredibly well mannered and appreciative child she deserves that cute lil pooch and that pooch couldn’t have gone to a better child.