Under Kiki’s Direction, Autism Assist Dog Farmer Plays his Biggest Role Ever

By Jorae DuPont - 

Lights, camera, action! Seven-year-old Kiki loves music, math, and, most of all, making videos.

“She’s definitely a director,” says her mom, Keila. “She’s always telling everyone what to do. Where to stand, what to eat. It’s so nice having another actor in the house! [Autism Assist Dog] Farmer is the perfect companion. He is so patient. Kiki asks him to sit, and he sits until she asks him to do something else. She teaches him tricks, then makes a video, complete with sound effects and music.”

“Farmer is such a happy dog. He’ll woof and yodel to get Kiki’s attention, and bring her toys when he’s decided it’s time to play. It’s wonderful how he distracts her and fills her time,” Keila says. “I feel like he has given me more time for myself, and that’s so important.”

Kiki is also something of a social butterfly. Perhaps too social, according to Keila, who says her daughter strikes up conversations everywhere she goes with anyone she encounters. Keila feels a lot more confident taking Kiki out now that Farmer is on the job. He takes his “cape-stay” training seriously. “It used to be so hard to go to stores,” Keila says. “Kiki would see someone or something of interest and walk away from me. Now, Farmer won’t let her leave my side. He keeps her safe.”

Doctor and dentist visits also posed a challenge. Often Kiki would decide she wanted to stay at the office after her appointment. Getting her to leave was difficult. “Now, though,” Keila says, “Kiki feels responsible to show Farmer to the door and walk him to where we parked. She’ll easily do things with Farmer that she would struggle to do with me.”

Farmer also helps both Kiki and Keila sleep better. Kiki likes to have pressure or weight on her to help her fall asleep. “She likes to curl up under my legs,” Keila says. But like most kids, Kiki tosses and turns at night, and all that snuggling made it hard for Keila to get a good night’s rest. Now Farmer, who loves to cuddle, happily provides Kiki his weight, warmth, and companionship at night, letting Keila get the rest she needs to keep up with her busy daughter.

Kiki’s brain is as active as her body. She is smart ... brilliant, really. She began reading at 18 months, can play virtually any instrument from ear and can type like crazy. Primarily homeschooled by her mom, Kiki also attends classes at a school several days a week. Although Farmer rests at home while Kiki is at school, he always rides along for drop-off and pickup and experiences some interactions with others then. Keila says Farmer is “a rockstar at Kiki’s school. The kids love him, and Kiki makes sure he shakes hands with all of her friends. They both love being the center of attention.” She adds, “They’ve already bonded so closely. Where another child might take offense to something Kiki says or does, Farmer doesn’t.”

Kiki is also learning how to care for Farmer. She helps feed him and put on his cape. She tells him what to do. It’s a new responsibility for her.

“When Kiki is upset, she doesn’t want anyone near her. Farmer knows when to give her space. If Kiki is especially angry, Farmer goes to his kennel and waits. When the time feels right, Farmer sits near Kiki. Slowly, he gets closer. Eventually, Kiki begins touching his fur, stroking his silky ears, feeling his toes. It’s emotional support on Kiki’s terms. Farmer is so respectful. He gives her space and time. And he always comes back to her.”

“Growing up,” Keila says, “I always had a dog as a best friend. I wanted Kiki to have that same love and support.” Now, with Farmer, she does.

Cut! That’s a wrap.

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:
Raisers — Robyn Isaacson, Mark Toutge
Special Thanks — Stanley Correctional Institution
Name-A-Puppy Donor — Farmers Insurance - Erin Janke