Champs

"Knotty" the AKC Eukanuba 2005 National Champion

Eight-year-old going on eighty son Orion is completely in love with Nature. By the age of six, he was clearly showing characteristics of Asperger Syndrome which is considered part of the Autism Spectrum. This is an 8-year-old boy who can read high school texts, comprehend what is read, and reflect back in his own words [and sometimes rather pedantically but very sweetly] his take On It All. The one thing that sparks his complete and absolute child-like excitement is DOGS. His favorite of all is the Chihuahua. Orion's dream is to move "out West" and operate a Chihuahua farm. Yeah. lol His first little furball will be named "Taco." He has Journey dreams wherein he becomes a dog - usually a Chihuahua - and travels the cities with his girlfriend "Hanukkah The Chihuahua." They are defenders of freedom and the oppressed Everywhere!

Orion's favorite channel is Animal Planet. He studies the website. He studies animals, breeds, behaviors, habitats. Last night, the Animal Planet hosted the 2006 Eukanuba National Championship Dog Show. It aired from 8 pm eastern to 11 pm eastern. Now, Orion is usually fast asleep by 8:30 pm. But, he desperately wanted to stay up for the Show. He made such a valiant effort and I let him. As the clock ticked to 10:20 pm ... he just could not hold his sweet eyelids open any longer. Sarah only made it to 9:30 pm. But a magnificent showing for a six year old! lol ZZZZZZZZ.

With each breed and each showing ... Orion would stand up on his tiptoes and flap his happy arms. While he loves Chihuahuas the best .... he is clearly the biggest fan of the Bloodhound breed. He cried out often during the show "Winner! Winner! Winner! The Bloodhound!" lol He is fascinated by this animal's history and presence. As am I. I love many breeds but, by far, the Bloodhound well ... strangely ... touches my soul. And he thinks of others in touching ways. He spent his morning, before my work required the computer, building a special e-card with a dog's voice and Orion's message. He wanted to send it to those he views as the most important in his life. I hope you all enjoy his creation!

Ben and Sarah touch our souls in very unique ways. And, there's something about Orion that can lift you higher than the Sun. So, my sweetheart, Mom promises to do everything in her power to get you Out West in the Sun and Free Range where you belong. But that power is probably no more than throwing my hands up to the Universe and saying "help us please ... because despite doing all the 'right' things ... we seem to be stuck!" I hope the Universe can hear us and help me stay awake to the signs presented to do just that for him. In the meantime, I watch this Son with heartstrings in full orchestra as he flaps his arms and walks tiptoe toward his dreams.