Adoption and Early Childhood Trauma:

Early childhood trauma in adopted Chinese children refers to experiences of significant stress, abuse, neglect, or abandonment that occur during the critical period of early childhood development. This type of trauma can have a profound and lasting impact on a child’s physical, emotional, and cognitive development, as well as their future relationships and sense of self.

Adopted Chinese children may experience early childhood trauma for various reasons, such as abandonment, institutionalization, and neglect. Growing up in an institutional setting, for example, can lead to disruptions in attachment and bonding, which can have a negative impact on a child’s development and future relationships.

The effects of early childhood trauma can be far-reaching and include difficulties with attachment, behavioral problems, developmental delays, and learning difficulties. Children who have experienced early childhood trauma may also struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues and may have difficulty forming healthy relationships and trusting others.

It is crucial for adoptive parents to be aware of the potential effects of early childhood trauma and to seek appropriate support and treatment for their child. This may include therapy, counseling, and other forms of support, such as support groups for families of adopted children. By providing a safe, supportive, and loving environment, adoptive parents can help their children heal from the effects of early childhood trauma and achieve their full potential.

Bonding with Griz was a lengthy process but provided a fantastic transformation. He worked for her for more than ten years, retired, and lived with us until he passed in Feb 2021.

December 2006: In 2006, our youngest daughter (adopted in 2001 as a toddler) received her first service dog from a nonprofit organization, 4 Paws for Ability, in Xenia, Ohio. The transition for her and the family was phenomenal. Griz retired at 11 but stayed caring for our daughter until he passed away in 2021 at 15.5

December 2022: Animals are very important and have a natural healing effect on people journeying through trauma.She is now on her second placement. In 2015, Bilbo Baggins, an English Creme Golden Retriever, was placed with her. Bilbo applies deep pressure, alerts to her anxiety, does balance work when she is unsteady on the stairs and interrupts some behaviors with nuzzling. He also alerts us by barking should she have a seizure.  The journey with her and her service dogs has been life-changing for all of us.

Meet Bilbo Baggins a service dog. Bilbo was placed with our daughter in 2015 and is currently recovering from TPLO surgery.

On December 27th, we took Bilbo to Town and Country Animal Hospital for x-rays; Bilbo started to limp in late December. The x-rays were sent to Dr. Tibor Larzar for diagnosis. The results were a Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) tear, an injury- requiring a surgical repair called Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO).  This is a day-by-day account of his progress. We were worried that we might have to retire Bilbo earlier than we had hoped. A  working dog is a fantastic addition to someone with a disability. Still, when they can’t work, it is heartbreaking not only for our daughter but for Bilbo, who could not understand why our daughter was going to her therapies and appointments without him.

A Note about Service dogs:

Service animals, such as guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs for the deaf, and other service dogs, are trained to assist individuals with disabilities, including those resulting from trauma. Service animals can help increase independence, reduce stress, and improve the quality of life for people who have experienced trauma. See our next blog post for Feb 3, 2023 A Surgery Consult with Dr. Lazar.