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NOTE FROM BOSTON TERRIER NETWORK: This is a heartwarming story shared with us, from the recent files of Texas Boston Terrier Rescue. Another tribute to the tremendous value of foster families, towards assessing the temperament and personality of the dogs in their care.  Here is another example of the amazing ability that some dogs have to become the perfect all round companion, and therapy support, not only for two special children, but little Portia has become an alert dog to their mom...

One year ago Texas Boston Terrier Rescue was called by a shelter, to see if we would take a mama dog and puppies which had just been born. We rushed to pick them up and posted on Facebook for a foster family. Portia and Rodney Ward stepped right up to the plate and took these precious charges.

 While the puppies were thriving at the Ward home, we received a request from a wonderful mother of two autistic children, Courtneay, who asked us whether any of our dogs might be good with her son. We researched and received advice from a therapy dog trainer, which Portia and Rodney put into effect - looking for the puppy in the litter with the most suitable temperament to be a companion to her children. Portia and Rodney handled the tiny puppies constantly, and observed which ones did not flinch at the drop of a pan lid nearby and sudden sounds.

FirstmeetAustin1

After all of their hard work, one puppy stood out: tiny Portia. She joined her new family and in particular, her human brother Austin, and it was an instant bond. I will never forget that day. Austin named his tiny charge "Portia" after her wonderful foster mom. Austin's Mom wrote in to us and sent us these pictures. 

 Screenshot 2014-09-09-19-00-49-1"We are nearing our one year anniversary of receiving the greatest gift my son has ever gotten! I wanted to send a quick update on Portia! She is a gem. Magical, therapeutic gift from God above, the absolute best friend of not just Austin, but also Brenna. 

I suffer from Lupus, Portia can sense when I'm in a flare and she is right in my lap taking care of me, comforting me. It is so hard to describe how intuitive and attentive she is to all of us for various reasons.

 Aside from her providing constant therapy for all of us she has her fun time too. Her favorite thing to do is chase our flock of chickens all over the property! She also gets weekly spa days and we put polish choices in front of her and she will choose her color with her nose. This week she's rocking the turquoise! I don't call it spoiled. I call it earned and deserved.                                                                  Even sister Brenna has fallen under Portia's spell

 Thank you from all of us (The Reid family) to all of you for the hard work you do to connect families with these special fur friends. In the future there is no other place we will call on for an addition to our pack. Friends and adopters for life!

Austin would still love to volunteer with you guys on adoption days, preferably at the Katy locations! We've had quite a year with broken bones and me learning to live with lupus, and of course, Autism.  Portia has brought great joy to our lives and she is a wonderful therapy dog, not just for Austin who has Aspergers, but also for all of us including my daughter Brenna who has severe autism and is nonverbal.

 Portia in her mom's lap We are finally in a place where we can breathe a little and he (Austin) has mentioned more times than I can count, how he would love to be a part of what you do.

  Screenshot 2014-09-09-19-09-08-1I've attached a few pics of Portia! One is of her in my lap during a bad flare, and one is of her at Austin's feet waiting for him to give the command he gives her to jump in his lap which he does when he's in the middle of a panic attack/autistic meltdown.

Love, The Reids"

 

 

 

 



Story reprinted with permission from: Texas Boston Terrier Rescue, The Reids. and Portia!Screenshot 2014-09-09-19-03-13-1