Levi's Service Dog

Let me tell you a little bit about Levi. Levi will be 4 in March. He is a loving, sweet little boy that lights up a room instantly. He's a cuddler and for the most part, he knows no stranger. If you are looking for a child that loves unconditionally with a huge smile on his face, this is Levi. He attends therapy full time in Springfield and we have seen him climb over  and push through many mountains just in the last year.

Autism

Being autistic

On the Spectrum

I don't let it define who my son is. But, let's face it. This beautiful boy that is usually smiling as you may be passing him in a store may be stimming, making noises or rocking. But most times, he is  having a stimulation overload and screaming uncontrollably where we can't calm him down and we have to leave.

Levi is non verbal.

Levi at times, will bite himself or others because he cannot control or express his feelings. He bangs his head or will stack stuff animals on him for that extra needed stimulation. It doesn't always work. We have to do head compressions to get some relief for him, he wears a compression vest and we are used to the stares, for the most part. We do whatever we can to help him.

We miss gatherings that are at restaurants, other homes. We miss play dates because Levi doesn't play like a "normal" child.

Aaron and I talk often about what his future holds. Everything is so unknown and that is the scary part. I am in my 40's and Aaron is trailing right behind me.

We have a Yorkie named Gracie that is 8 years old. One day we had to take her to the vet and it was just Levi, Gracie and I. I was so nervous on how it was going to be. Are we going to have a huge meltdown? Levi screaming and hitting his head on the ground as I am trying to control Gracie that has to bark at everyone and everything? Complete opposite. It was amazing. He sat on the ground and just petted her. I told Aaron I wish we could take Gracie everywhere with us but she is too small. She is only 9 pounds and is getting older. I don't worry about what Gracie will do necessarily, but Levi doesn't know his strength. It is not fair to either of them. At his therapy, they at times have dogs in clinic and we have been told by numerous techs and therapist that he is a total different child.

For the last 6 months, I have done lots of research, and although I have wonderful health insurance, it does not cover a service dog.

Six weeks ago after much research and driving down to Carbondale we picked up Odie. Odie is a Labradoodle. He comes from great bloodlines and from the kennel we received him from, others have went on to be great service animals over the past 20 years.

Aaron and I thought that we could do it alone. We were too embarrassed to ask for help. People have told us we should start one, but hesitant to ask for anything.

Odie was recently neutered and at 15 weeks old he is up to date on everything.

We have been quoted several different amounts for Odies training. Depending on when he would start (as early as 6 months old, or up to the age of 2) would depend on the fees.

If you would consider helping us, we would forever be greatful. Levi would benefit so much.

Thank you.