Tags
Acceptance, Acts of Kindness, Animal, Animal and children, Blessings, Children, Children's Milestones, Childrens Development, Developmental Psychology, Disability, Diversity, Equality, Guide Dog, Hidden Dissability, Oneness, Working Dog
Life for a child with additional needs is never straightforward as they navigate their way through a world that is built to hinder them. A life where accessible is an afterthought and not a given can leave a child feeling they are alone in a world full of connections. Finding their own personal cheerleaders in life to navigate the world as a team, therefore, is key in the search for a happy life where only acceptance exists.
When Munch came into my life six and a half years ago, it soon became apparent that not only was he a Guide Dog to help with my sight loss, but he was drawn to being a Guide of sorts to others. Munch has always been drawn towards people with disabilities and additional needs in particular , where his calm presence is enough to allow trust to develop and bonds to build. He has that innate ability that animals have, to know when someone’s struggles are too much and a friendly furry face is all that is needed for that person to know that they are seen and loved unconditionally.
On a daily basis, we work with many children who are neurodiverse, have additional learning needs, and have physical disabilities where Munch just shows up as him and acts like his funny, dramatic, clumsy self. His perfectly imperfect demeanour creates smiles and chuckles without fail. The best part of life with this soul healer is that he is around 24/7 and so ingrained in our family that we forget that he is a dog and not another two-legged human. Having ‘Uncle Munch’ around has certainly helped my gorgeous grandson, who, despite having a significant developmental delay from PVL and delayed Myelination, is achieving amazing things each day.
In the picture above, my adorable two and a half year old grandson had climbed up on the sofa, looked over his shoulder, and mid babble, called Munch up to join him. He then continued to chat away to Munch in his own happy language and show him an object in his hand, which Munch eagerly sniffed. Disappointed by its inedible properties, Munch patiently sat and waited until my grandson wanted to move on to his next adventure and followed him around the house. As my grandson can not walk yet unaided and needs to hold onto an object to stand, the power in this picture warms my heart so much as he does things in his own unique way. With Munch and others lovingly supporting him by his side, he feels no limits to his life.
With body guards like Munch by my grandson’s side, there will be nothing in his life that will be impossible to achieve. This pioneering pathfinder may find his happiness where his peers may fail to look or create his version of perfection in an existence that will always be out of reach for others. His life will turn out, exactly like it is meant to be with Munch and Co supporting his every step.