Teresa's Story (age-10):

Imagine frantically searching for your autistic child in a crowded area. Or that kids don't want to approach your child because he or she acts differently. Imagine people staring because your child gets too excited in a restaurant. Can you imagine that a solution to these problems can come in the form of a golden retriever?! Service Dogs for Autism can help keep autistic kids safe, help them make friends, and help them stay calm in stressful situations.

Some autistic children will wander off unaware of the dangers of traffic or the possibility of getting lost. This can happen very quickly when a family member gets momentarily distracted. Finding the child can be difficult because a child with communication problems may not be able to respond when called or even ask for help. A service dog can be tethered to the child with a belt that connects to the dog's vest, freeing the hands of the parents who have to keep a tight grip on their children. It also rests the legs of the  siblings who have to chase after their brother or sister when the parents somehow lose their grip. A service dog can be trained to stop for traffic and come back with the child when called.

Another way service dogs can help is by improving social skills. Some autistic children have trouble making friends. They often exhibit behaviors such as hand flapping that are not typical. Some kids will avoid them. Others may even cruelly tease them. But its easy to overlook a childs differences when they're petting and enjoying a beautiful dog. Having such friendly experiences with people can go a long way towards improving a childs desire and ability to socially interact.

Service dogs also help keep autistic kids calm. Autistic children tend to become overwhelmed in crowded public places. Noises that most people hardly notice can sound like an explosion to them. Some autistic children are hyperactive as well. Having a calm, peaceful dog to pet can help relieve the stress and anxiety that they feel.

Parents no longer need to worry that their autistic child will wander off. They can have an attractive icebreaker to help their child make friends. Their child can have a great companion to help them stay calm in a world that can be overwhelming. Trips to public places no longer need to be stressful. These wonderful well-trained service dogs are a blessing to the children and families that they serve, like mine.

Emily's Story (age-10):

"You Can't Have a Heart Without a Puppy" _{(A Valentine to her sister Erin's service dog, Pocket)}

Puppies fill me with love and joy.
Puppies are not like ordinary toys.
They are much more than that.
I realize they are better than a cat.
I love them and they love me.
That's what makes us a family.
I love you Pocket with all my heart.
Nothing between us can break us apart.