Wondering why I'm talking about RAD (Reactive Attachment Disorder) on a blog about dogs? It will soon become apparent. According to the Mayo Clinic, RAD is "Reactive attachment disorder is a rare but serious condition in which an infant or young child doesn't establish healthy attachments with parents or caregivers. Reactive attachment disorder may develop if the child's basic needs for comfort, affection and nurturing aren't met and loving, caring, stable attachments with others are not established." Our daughter has RAD. And rather than improving over the 13+ years she's been home with us, it's actually become more challenging. It's no joke. Treacherous at best. She has not been able to develop healthy relationships with humans. But guess who has become her friend? - Our Hartleigh. Sure, Hartleigh is a smart cookie. Knows how to ring the bell to go potty. (Most effective Potty Bell we've found to date, HERE.) Afterall, she's a "Little Einstein" being an AussieDoodle. But Hartleigh's ability to bring comfort is immeasurable. Somehow we must have known instinctively that Hartleigh was made of pure HEART. Here are the signs to look for in RAD:
According to Mayo Clinic:
Signs and symptoms may include:
Unexplained withdrawal, fear, sadness or irritability
Sad and listless appearance
Not seeking comfort or showing no response when comfort is given
Failure to smile
Watching others closely but not engaging in social interaction
Failing to ask for support or assistance
Failure to reach out when picked up
No interest in playing peekaboo or other interactive games
Whether you end up with one of our Merritt Doodle Heart Menders, or not. We just want to share that DOGS CAN HEAL. Dogs can do amazing things that humans can't. Dogs can provide love, comfort, support, and healing when nothing else works.
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