I recently wrote about the amazing difference a service dog can make for a child with autism.
Colleen Bell contacted me about getting the word out about helping their autistic son, Jude, receive a service dog.
Jude is an amazing 6-year-old boy who loves to laugh and to make other’s laugh. He’s smart, handsome, funny, loving, lovable, clever, and honest. He tries harder than most anyone you’ll meet. He makes us proud every single day. He also has Autism.
Jude has qualified for an Autism Assistance dog from 4 Paws for Ability, Inc., a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Xenia, Ohio, which provides service dogs to families and children that struggle with life’s daily challenges and who would otherwise be turned away by many other agencies.
There are many ways a service dog would help Jude:
- In potentially dangerous situations, Jude will be tethered to the dog to prevent him from running away.
- The dog will assist Jude with therapy, provide sensory input, interrupt undesired behaviors, and be a comforting and calming companion.
- It would also act as a “social magnet,” making it easier for other children to approach Jude. In addition, the dog will be trained in search and rescue, to track and find him if and when he would run away.
- Mostly, it would be a huge source of relief for Jude’s family, empowering them to lead a fuller, happier life.
While Jude has been accepted to receive a service dog, his family needs to raise $13,000 (which is only a small part of the cost of training). I have contributed. Don’t click away, step up and make a difference in a child’s life today.
