Rachel Friedman

In the many previous "real" jobs" life  I've had  -- where I not only had to learn all the names and ultimately the quirks of fellow workers -- but often be obligated to know the terms and conditions of detailed policy manuals outlining all the "do's" and "don'ts" of the organization -- I've had various levels of dissatisfaction. Admittedly  I've often balked at some of the rules and chafed under some of the administrative policies-- many which seemed to compromise my own moral code of ethics. These conflicts actually helped me take the leap into the abyss of opening my own business -- with neither a net or a parachute.

Bubbles journey as an autism assistance dog in training continues as she and I both embrace the challenges of adolescence in a pup. From our own private corner in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A. we continue to socialize and establish reliable behaviors wherever we go balanced with appropriate play and rest. I rely on Bean to model appropriate public displays whenever possible. On a much larger scale, we herald the impending arrival of the 4th annual World Autism Awareness Day.

March begins with strong sun but cold temperatures. A conflict of desire. Do I want the warm up that will = melting snow and ice. Add the melt to an already over-saturated yard equals unquantifiable mud. Add in 4 dogs in residence and a steady stream of canine visitors and it could be a disaster. I fear Bubbles is in the same quandary heralding the segue from puppyhood to early adolescence. One day she's the sweet little cooperative pup reveling in attention, seeking petting and reliably doing a multiple set of directions. The next she stares back splay legged giving defiant looks of "I don't think so" and attitude. The next she's all emotional and afraid of her shadow and skittish.  Then back to confident, defiant and mischievous. I've gone through this before with both dogs and daughters. Now, however, I have both species to contend with.

Open, bright, relaxed and focused. Eye contact like this is a sign of love of a dog for a person. Dog love is a combination of nature and nurture. But even if nature short changed a pup, and nurture before you met, you can create the trust to get it from your own dog. The benefit of which eases a benevolent partnership with more potential and less effort. It is earned, then practiced.

Avoidance, pupil dilation, large showing of eye whites -- all point to signs of distrust, betrayal and poor connectivity. It's not just about a commercial day of love. It's a day in day out. Even when you're cranky, tired, "not in the mood", or distracted.

Fortunately, with Bubbles, her unrelenting trust and eye contact -- in evidence from the moment I met her a month ago -- and now effortlessly ongoing -- makes me feel like Buttercup to her Westley!