Service Dogs and Autism...A Post From Mommy

Hi All! Mason is so graciously allowing me to do a post for him today.

 

In a previous posts I have mentioned my love for therapy animals, service dogs, and my very lovable-yet trying- job at a facility with special needs children/adults.

 

Many of you know I jam pack my schedule with volunteering with kids and adults who have physical as well as cognitive special needs at a horse therapy program.

 

I guess you could say I love special needs :) They are, in most cases, a lot better than fully functioning people. Watching them learn and grow is just about the best thing on this side of happiness. When they accomplish something they have been trying hard at for days, weeks, months or even years is so joyous.

 

I have grown up immersed in the world of special needs as my sister is visually impaired and my mother went to school for vocational rehabilitation (a job that involves working with special needs adults and children). I have many friends who are visually impaired that use a dog guide, and the freedom they experience in mobility because of their dogs.

 

The requirements to be a service dog for the visually impaired is really tough for most dogs to pass. Only ones with certain qualities pass the rigorous test they are required to pass. Today those dogs that do not pass the test are used as other service dogs and pets. Most places that train service dogs have programs for wheelchair, balance, and the most recent would be for ASD. 

 

A page we "like" on facebook has just recently started a blog that we are FOR SURE following :) It is about a little boy named Sam, his service dog, and his family!

Sam is a little boy who was diagnosed early with ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) at an early age. Sam's Mom was proactive and enrolled him in early educational programs (YAY! Great job mom!) One of Sam's therapists told Mom about Guiding Eyes for the Blind's program for Autism Service Dogs.

 

Of course mom got right on that and after everything was said and done they were in training to receive Hagrid! I will let you follow and "like" their page on your own as well as read the full story on their blog! 

 

Blog is HERE!! 

Facebook is Here! 

If you would like to donate to Guiding Eyes for the Blind so they can continue to offer service dogs of all shapes and sizes to people of all ages Right Here! 

 

 

 

Thanks so much for reading today :)

 

~Mommy