A few years back, during one of Evan’s therapy sessions we met a special needs therapy dog. Evan immediately fell in complete and utter love with this dog and we had the opportunity every time this puppy was there to see how much help and friendship these furry friends can bring. We made the decision to look for and apply for a therapy dog of our own and found a local organization that offered just what we needed. The application process was extensive with many visits and interviews but we were happy to attend, knowing that in the end we may be able to be approved. Towards the end of one of our family interviews, when the 4 of us attended (Ali was 3yrs old at this time) the organization emphasized that this was not a “family pet” but a therapy dog for Evan…therefore we had to withhold and deter Ali from interacting with this pup as much as possible- so the dog wouldn’t get distracted or confused as of what her job was. We respected and understood the reasoning for this rule, but we realized we could not do that to Ali and this would not work for our family- so we respectfully declined continuing the process.
Fast forward a few years ahead and we still wanted to find a happy medium for getting the type of dog that could bring Evan the “therapy” he needed as well as being a perfect family friend. During our research we found a place called Syrah Goldens in Georgia that was amazing! They breed locally and import European standard Golden Retrievers (our lil’ lady came directly from Ireland) with the sweetest and most gentle temperament. Their team works with the special needs and Veterans organizations to provide dogs with the perfect demeanor and skill to become a full serving dog AND they also train their puppies on-site, to get the process started for you – so you can finish the training in your home and make the puppy an exact fit for your family needs! This was truly the perfect place for us!!
We applied and got approved for a puppy early this year and 1 week ago, we brought our new furry baby home! Doug went to pick up Bailey (who did wonderful on the 7 hour ride back from Georgia) last Saturday and it’s been so great having her here!!
I’m gonna get real with you friends– I had a mini panic attack the day that Doug left to go get her! I started thinking “OMG what did we do?! Can we handle one more thing we have to keep alive in our life?!! This family is a circus already!!” BUT 7 days in… and I can honestly say, there was no reason for my panic. Bailey has brought all of us so much fun and love already- she’s the sweetest pup ever, her temperament is very calm and mellow. Evan loves talking to her and laying around with her and best of all she loves us all back! We couldn’t be happier with the newest member of our circus!! 😉
Here’s a picture the breeder sent us when she was 8 weeks and started her training next to a picture of Bailey on skype on her way home with Doug!!
A few pics of their first morning together!
And here’s our first big camera pics of our new furry baby-
Blog friends, meet our Bailey 🙂
The kiddos are in love ????
It only took 36 tries, infinite patience, one amazing husband and 18 bribes but we finally got them all looking!
Welcome home Bailey girl!
