Our dog is Luke Skywalker. He is a 2 yr old black lab. What does he do for my son? He does behavior disruptions when he is having a meltdown, he comforts him when he is frustrated, he can find Justin up to 5 miles if he should run, he helps him with social skills, we tether Justin & Luke while out in public to keep Justin safe from a stranger, a moving car, or from running off. I will say it is like having another child, but the rewards far outway the headaches at times. Sometimes I think, what did I get myself into or I think I bit off more than I can chew, then Luke comes to Justin's rescue and helps him where he is needed. Then I think to myself, I am so glad we have Luke.
I am about to tell you a testimonial from a mom from 4 Paws for Ability on her son's autism assistance dog. This is what sealed the deal for me. Not to mention, I am a nurse and I have seen first hand what pet therapy can do, so I am a HUGE believer and advocate. Here is this little boy's story: *warning kleenax alert*
This little was diagnosed with Aspergers, by the time he was 7-8 yrs old, he was on antipsychotic meds, antidepression meds, adhd meds, etc. While his friends from preschool and Kindergarten were growing and developing normally, this little boy stayed in the same mental age as a 4-5 yr old. His friends no longer wanted to play with him anymore. So he began trying to play with his older brother's friends, which in turn teased him, bullied him. This little boy was so lonely and depressed, he tried to commit suicide twice! He tried to set himself on fire, and then slit his wrists. He even set up his bed like a gravesite. The mom was beside herself, she wrote in her testimonial "how could this beautiful little boy think that his life was so worthless that he thought he needed to end it?!" The mom found 4 Paws for Ability and they got Scooby Doo. When the boy was 12 yrs old, she wrote a letter to 4 Paws to thank them. She wrote, "my once very sad little boy is now a thriving 12 yr old, he is off all of his antipsychotic and antidepression meds, he actually has friends, and even better - he wants to LIVE!"
That was it! As a mom, nurse, and advocate I did not want my son to get to that point and I am glad I contacted 4 paws. This school year my son has been bullied, mistreated, and made fun of. He comes home tells Luke and then Luke gives him a kiss and all is better in the world, at least for the rest of the day. Luke does not judge him, make fun of him, mistreat him, or bully him. Luke is his best friend. Luke gives him something me or my husband can't give him most of the time. My worst day is my son's best day and he says at the end of the day everyday - "This is the best day ever!" I keep that philosophy locked in my head and heart daily and it wrings true for my son with Luke. I'm not going to lie, having a service animal is work, but worth all the work. I hope this helps you and anyone else thinking of getting an autism assistance service animal.
Disclaimer - I'm not trying to promote 4 Paws for Ability, that is just where we got Luke. Go with a facility you feel best suits your needs for your child or family member.
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