We received our Autism Service Dog with Tracking 3 and a half years ago, March '08. We were lucky enough to provide our complete donation ourselves and have no regrets. He has made real life possible for our family and opened up the World for our son.
We can go to restaurants, movies, the hospital, shopping and even outdoor concerts without the fear that our son will pull away from us in a dangerous situation. Our child knows no danger and doesn't answer when called, so tracking and tethering are critical. The behavior disruption and calming pressure are a bonus.
Our 4 Paws service dog is so well trained that other patrons in restaurants don't even know he's there until we get up to leave. He is welcome in the Children's Hospital where we are frequent flyers. He even goes into holding and recovery when our son has surgical procedures.
He's very friendly and energetic, but if I need him to wake up from a sound sleep to go track, he needs to be a high energy dog.
I believe in 4 Paws for Ability and I have returned to help 2 other families with their children during training at the center (that's 11 days each time and I have a 10 hour drive one way). So worth it!
Just watching a class of seizure alert dogs all alerting just before one of the kids has a seizure will bring tears to your eyes.
I have now spent at least 33 days total at 4Paws for Ability. The dogs receive wonderful care and attention. Karen, Jeremy and Jennifer are passionate about the dogs. They come first.
The parents and adults are joined through a network and we keep up with each other, before and after receiving our dogs.
The dogs must be re-certified every year with input from our vets and those we interact with on a regular basis.
Hang out at 4Paws for a day and you'll be hooked.
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