Joel's autism assistance dog is called Cola

It's a long journey to Rostock in northern Germany. But the anticipation makes it entertaining. Joel finally gets to choose his autism assistance dog. After arriving, we first relax on the beach by the Baltic Sea before meeting at the office of an assistance dog organisation the next morning. Joel is so excited to meet his dog that he is all tingly and can hardly sit still. I always tell him exactly what's going to happen next. This helps him to cope better with unfamiliar situations.

The environment also plays a role when choosing a companion dog.

We talk about the dogs available for selection. There are three: a black, cosy Labrador, Pasha, a large border collie mix, Cola, and a medium-sized poodle, Merlin. The dog trainers are also on site: Inka and Mirco Pohl. We met them this spring in Switzerland. They wanted to get an idea of Joel and our home, because the environment also plays a role in the choice of dog.

Companion dog Cola immediately wins Joel's heart

Inka would like to introduce Cola first. She thinks this dog is the best match for Joel. He plays along, is active, but can also be calm on command. He would therefore be a good balance to the often turbulent and chaotic situation at home.

So there we are - admittedly a little impatiently - waiting for Coke on a spacious terrace with few attractions. Joel and I let out a «Yay» when Inka comes along with the dog. He is big, has a long, grey-black coat and loyal brown beady eyes.

It's clear to me that two people have found each other.

Mother of Joel

First he sniffs us both. Then he nudges Joel with his soft, black nose and makes him giggle. At Inka's command, he finally lies down on the floor in front of the boys. At my encouragement, Joel timidly begins to stroke Cola's soft fur, which visibly relaxes Joel. «Hello Cola,» he whispers. It's clear to me that two people have found each other.

Cola won my heart straight away. Inka actually wants to show the boy the other two dogs. Joel thinks for a moment and finally says what we're all thinking: «He'll fit. I don't want another one! Just Coke.» And he doesn't want the dog any time soon, but immediately. «Can he stay with us tonight?» Inka nods. «Coke is yours from now on.» Joel's «Yuppiiiii» makes me cheer silently.

That same day, we take the dog for his first walk. Inka puts a special harness on him. One lead is for me. I use it to lead Cola. Joel holds on to an additional lead. This keeps him with the dog and therefore with me. He can't run away. Why should he? Cola's calm running alongside gives him security.

The walk is just the beginning. We have a few days of intensive training with Inka ahead of us. Only then will we become a well-coordinated team and Cola a «customised», loyal companion for Joel. The chemistry is already right. I can feel that.

The dog's tongue has a more calming effect than words

Exhausted from all the impressions, Joel goes to bed in the evening. With a gentle nudge on the nose, Cola wishes him a good night and lies down next to him to sleep. It seems to me that they both have a smile on their faces. A great wave of joy flows through me. At last we have this dog!

And all thanks to you, dear donors. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kind words and support! Hopefully, Cola will bring some peace and security to our family.

But we realised after we returned home to Frutigen that this would take time. The new family member means extra work in the first year. Building up relationships and working together takes practice and patience. Cola doesn't yet know exactly whether he should go with Joel when he runs away.

Nevertheless, a change is noticeable. If Joel has a tantrum, the dog finds access to him by licking Joel's hand. This has a more calming effect than words. For this reason alone, it was worth waiting for a dog like Coke. We continue to learn.