On Saturday, December 9th, USK9 visited Tucson Arizona for a Christmas party with the Autistic Society there. We left home at 2am, traveled by car, and arrived at 10 am. We spend four hours in Tucson, and drove back home, arriving dead exhausted at 9:30 pm.
We met a number of wonderful families, and had a blast watching the children play. The stories they shared pierced our hearts, and made us glad we came. We talked, and laughed, and hugged everyone.
We got up at 5:30 the next day and went to work training dogs for the people that requested our help for their children. We are hoping to have several K9s ready for them in late February. Our staff was overjoyed hearing how we are going to help these people as only we can, and are out right now working to make their dreams a reality.
One disturbing report came from a family that sought help with their two disabled children, trying to work with a major, much publicized Organization they have gone to for a K9. They were told they needed to raise $12,000.00 before they would be put on the active list for a Dog, and then would have to wait up to 2 years for the actual K9. I called over our sales Director Mr. David Caylor, (an ex NFL kicker) and asked him what our waiting period was. Dave thought for a second, and replied, “we don’t have one. What type of dog do they need, and when do they want one?” “How much do we need to come up with,” the parents carefully asked, waiting for the BIG response that would crush their hopes. Dave thought, and called Cindy Caylor over. “How much are we asking for a K9 from DOGWISH right now, he asked her?” 
Cindy looked up and thought for about 2 seconds, and replied, looking straight at them, “Nothing!” With tears running down their cheeks, struggling for the words, and beginning to realize their miracle was coming down the pike, they gingerly asked, “When can we get a K9?” They have two boys, and need a dog desperately, now. This time I responded, “how about 3 months,” I asked? The couple sat there and looked like somebody had just rocked their world, full of shock, unbelief, and amazement. Then they looked at each other and the tears started. They hugged each other, smiling, laughing, then they hugged each other, and then ran off into the group to tell their friends, who came back with them, overjoyed, with a lot of questions. We did the needed paperwork, took their picture, and they were signed up and ready to go.
We met one wonderful special person after another, whose life and death day-to-day needs for our services were serious, overwhelming, and almost unbelievable. We handled them all. Four exhausting hours later we sat back in our car and took a deep breath, not speaking or moving. Nobody could. What we had just experienced was beyond description. You couldn’t cry, or laugh, or comprehend the incredible, on going work these people do everyday with their children, some just to survive. The lives these people live on a minute to minute basis make you ashamed that you can’t do more to help. We’re doing everything we can.
We went home tired, but so thankful for this extraordinary experience. We also took orders to place 11 K9s with 11 excited, grateful, happy families. These K9s will be custom trained to respond and supply every need for these people, and for their children who have stricken with autistic and other disabilities. It was very exciting, and so worth the trip.
It’s time to get real and realize that these people whose lives have been singled out are just like everyone else. They need our help, and our compassion. We want to be there, to help every one. PLEASE give us a chance to help you, too.
Sincerely,
Bob Taylor, President
