I have sat down to write this several times over the last few months…..it’s emotional.
August 15th, 2020. I picked Maddi up from a friend’s because she was acting funny: Her speech was slurred, she wasn’t making any sense with the words out of her mouth, and she was speaking in a weird voice. I took her straight to the ER at Cooks. Major medical issues were ruled out. She was then placed in observation with a psychiatrist.
We were lucky. What normally takes a year to diagnose was diagnosed in 15 hours.
We left with what little information they gave us and plans to follow up with her regular doctor.
The first 3 months were especially hard. We had a name, but no treatment. Research made things worse as it wasn’t any help, just more confirmation that she’s always had it, but it wasn’t as noticeable. We tried the therapy her doctors recommended. We got little relief. By August of 2021, Maddi had stopped going to regular school. Her tics embarrassed her to the point that she rarely left the house unless it was to go on a drive- which we did a lot of. My momma heart was hurting. Desperation had me looking into any option that might do some good.
I remembered a customer that frequently came into my place of employment with his service dog. I made it a point to speak to him the next time he came in. I needed to know the impact his dog made for him. Most importantly, I needed a trainer with a proven track record. In my heart, this felt like the route we needed to take. I’ll forever be grateful for this interaction.
We exchanged information. He happily put me in contact with Kristi Smith and Dog Trainer U.S. The initial conversation with Kristi was great. We discussed Maddis Touretts and what I expected from a service dog. Kristi answered all my questions. She wasn’t misleading and was very honest about what to expect. I was set to go.
Then came the quote. Good dogs and good trainers aren’t cheap. I needed 6 months to come up with the extra funds. One way or another, I knew in my gut Maddi needed this.
Another blessing. Maddis dog and its training were going to be sponsored by an anonymous donor. We cried happy tears.
Kristi then presented us with dog options. As a family, we had fostered several dog breeds. But we knew nothing about what makes a great service dog. I left that up to Kristi. Another blessing as she was able to choose the dog she felt was best. Greg, the gentleman I met at work with his service dog, quickly became a great friend. He offered to get Maddi ahead and started teaching her how to be a good dog handler. He graciously gave his time to our family.
Greg also allowed his dog to spend time at our house with Maddi to see if it made a difference. Ty, Greg’s service dog, is awesome. He wasn’t a perfect fit for Maddi, but it did give us a glimpse into what a dog trained for her could do.
We stayed in constant contact with Dog Trainer US throughout Novas (Maddis chosen dog) training. Pictures and videos were sent often as we were not close enough to just drop by.
May 19th- Novas arrival! We all cried. Maddi and Nova bonded immediately.
We spent the next week visiting places in our area and training with Kristi. Maddis confidence started to grow. With Nova by her side, she didn’t feel like she had to hide her tics.
It’s been 6 months since Maddi and Nova were brought together.
Maddi has been able to obtain and keep part time employment- something I didn’t think was possible a year ago. Nova goes to work with her and patiently waits near Maddi while she works. My child, who didn’t leave the house for almost a year, now asks me regularly to go places. Nova loves to work, and getting her out to work has been Maddis motivation.
Maddi didn’t stay on a regular schedule for a year prior to Nova. Sever depression kept her in bed most days sleeping or on the internet.
Nova keeps Maddi on a schedule. Nova hears the alarm go off and lays on Maddi until she gets up. If Maddi is up past her normal bed time, Nova paws at her phone so it will be put down (Silly girl learned that trick on her own).
Maddi is an artist. For almost a year she didn’t pick up a brush, pencil, or her camera. Her first completed piece in almost a year was a gift to Greg.
Eating. Depression and touretts can sometimes cause eating disorders. Maddi was loosing too much weight. I could barely get her to eat. When Nova first arrived, Maddi was only eating 1 full meal a day. I can happily say now that she’s at a healthy weight and maintaining it.
Nova senses the tics most of the time before they even start. She lays on Maddis feet, nudges her hands with her head, and refuses to leave her. Nova has prevented several anxiety and tic attacks.
Maddi has always been a colorful person. She started grooming Nova and using food dye to make her more colorful. Maddi taught herself to sew so she could make her own service dog dresses for Nova. Maddi and Nova both stand tall and proud when Novas dressed up.
Talking to strangers. Before touretts this wasn’t an issue. After touretts, even a store clerk, it became a huge issue. Educating others about Nova has helped Maddi feel comfortable speaking to others. She could talk all day long about how awesome her dog is.
Being left alone. I can now work full time because Nova keeps Maddi level. Prior to Nova, I had gone down to part time because Maddi needed me. If she has anxiety or tic attacks Nova is there to help.
Taking care of Nova has given Maddi purpose. Nova has given me my child back. There are times I feel like we’ve taken a step backwards, but then Maddi and Nova take 2 forward together. My heart if full of gratitude when I think of Greg, Kristi, and all the wonderful people at Dog Trainer US that have helped.
Courtney