Mr. Weenie soon felt attached to all of his family members, but especially Mary, when he joined them a few months ago. Mary has autism, and some things are more difficult for her — but not when Mr. Weenie is present.
“He soothes her through everything,” Mary and Mr. Weenie’s mother, Fernweh Cooley, told The Dodo. “Any new circumstance she is afraid of, she will clutch Mr. Weenie, and he will press his small chilly nose to her cheek (his method of obtaining her attention).” It diverts her attention away from the situation that is giving her fear.”
Mr. Weenie had been brought home for everyone, but it immediately became evident that he was destined to be Mary’s dog.
Going to the doctor has been one of Mary’s most difficult undertakings throughout the years. It gives her more anxiety than most other things and has been a challenge for her and her family to overcome.
“She used to scream, flee the workplace, and hide,” Cooley said. “It was nearly hard to bring her inside. We were able to get her inside after years of being patient and not pressuring her into doing things she didn’t want to do, but she sits there without speaking, full of nervousness, and no eye contact.”
Cooley hated seeing how much stress going to the doctor caused for Mary, so before a recent trip, she decided to ask the office if Mary could bring Mr. Weenie along. They agreed — and as soon as they arrived at the office, Cooley was blown away at what a difference it made having Mr. Weenie there.
“With Mr. Weenie, she communicated with employees, told them what was upsetting her, chatted to them, and really SMILED,” added Cooley. “All of her worries and anxiety had gone.”
Being able to hold Mr. Weenie while at the doctor’s made Mary feel safe, and it completely changed her experience. She suddenly had the reassurance that everything was going to be OK, and Mr. Weenie was more than happy to be there for her.
Mr. Weenie’s family had no clue how close he and Mary would become when he initially came into their life. They’re now great friends, and he’s constantly there to make things easy for her.
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