Service Dog for Joey: diagnosed with FASD
I want to be free . . . to be me!
Hi, I'm Joey Hruby and as you CAN'T tell I have Fetal
Alcohol Syndrome, the "Invisible disorder." So let me tell you what you
can't see. I'm 9 years old and in 3rd grade. I go to a special school over an
hour from my home, because most schools and teachers where I live don't
understand me and my disability.
Academically I'm behind, I have a hard time keeping friends, I get easily confused, over stimulated and frustrated and at times can get very angry and violent, I don't mean too, it just happens, and I don't like it. I'm really like any other boy, I love Legos, computers, music, animals, outdoors, biking and snow tubing.
I need an "external brain" to help me get through my
day. My external brain is usually my mom or dad, a teacher,
paraprofessional, or my personal care attendant. They have the job of
continually supervising me and making sure that I am safe and that I know what
is expected and help me through a skill or task without getting mad. Even
with their help I still get frustrated and over stimulated, I throw things, tip
over chairs, slam doors, scream, swear and sometimes hit and kick people that
are in my way.
Loud noises, especially fire alarms, sirens make me very anxious they really "hurt my ears." I also have a difficult time focusing in crowded places like malls, restaurants, and church because of the noise. I would much rather snuggle with someone, and be somewhere quiet and not so crowded.
I've seen many different doctors and therapists about my
behaviors, some have helpful ideas, others just want to put me on medication. My
mom and dad say there is no research to prove that medication could or would
help me, so I am medication free. Yeah! Then my mom read the book "My
Invisible World" by Morasha R. Winokur and said "That's it, Joey needs a service
dog, that will be his medicine." So from the book we did some research into
4 Paws for Ability and found our answer.
An FASD Service Dog will allow me to remain medication free, give me some independence by being my "external brain" sometimes, and a dog could comfort me, calm me, keep me safe and play with me.
WE NEED YOUR HELP - 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit 501(c)(3) located in Ohio. Me and my family are partnering with 4 Paws for Ability to raise the $22,000 to raise and train my dog to meet my needs. You can find out more about FASD services dogs and help by making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in honor of Joey Hruby at:
4 Paws
for Ability - Donation Page or by mailing a check to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Joey Hruby
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Thank you for helping me be free . . . to be me!
