My main job is to help little sis with her autism anxiety issues. She holds onto a short leash when we go out to the mall or a store. Last week, we all went to a large mall in our town. After walking around and riding the elevator, I practiced parking while the girls had a Jamba Juice. All was well until this incredibly loud noise started. Mom said it was a band playing Christmas music, but the vibrations shook everything and you could hear it everywhere. She showed me the noisemakers - tubas and horns - but I just wanted out of the mall RIGHT NOW. I was so relieved when they took me to the car. Big sis had brought money to buy some earrings, so they went back into the mall. I heard later that little sis wandered away twice in the short time without me being there. I really help her stay focused on staying with the group! Mom decided she needs to find a way to introduce me to band music in a smaller environment so I  don't feel so nervous the next time I hear this. 

We all went to target to get a few items after school. Little sis was not having a good day. She got focused on wanting a toy and fell apart when it cost too much. She walked slowly with her body hunched over and her arms dangling almost to the floor. Lots of tears fell out of her eyes and she was making a choking sound. Mom told her to sit down and talk to me. She put her head on my shoulder for a few minutes and soon she stopped crying. Then she gave a big sigh and said she felt better. I gave her a nuzzle and then we continued on to the check-out. By the time we got there she was walking and breathing normally and helped unload the cart. Mom knows little sis used to get stuck for hours in her disappointments and having me there helped her cope with her feelings and get refocused.