Bowen and Tyler began their journey fourteen years ago, when Bowen was a small child with autism, in near-constant motion of body and mind. Tyler was a nine-week-old border collie puppy selected by the North Star Foundation, in order to serve Bowen’s social, emotional and safety-related needs.

Tyler's drive and heart in focusing on his job has been breathtaking from the start...and today, these skills are more important than ever in keeping Bowen safe. Without Tyler, Bowen would be far less free to move on his own, without the need of his hovering mom and dad to keep him safe. We attribute Bowen’s happiness and autonomy directly to Tyler's ability to focus upon and keep track of Bowen, with no leash required, and amongst any and all distractions.

Seeing Tyler slowing down at age 14 is a scary sight. Bowen needs another pup to stand behind Tyler (and hopefully learn through him) so that Bowen will be "covered" when the time comes for Tyler to retire.

We look forward to working with Patty and North Star Foundation again, and we pray that Tyler will be with us to help guide his new pup to serve and love Bowen into his adult years...and we thank our friend Patty Dobbs Gross, the head of North Star Foundation (the service dog nonprofit we're working with) for making this all possible...all donations go directly to North Star and Patty Dobbs Gross for this reason. We will be starting the process of finding and training the pup now that the $7500 mark has been met, and continue until the total amount of $15000 is reached. North Star is a 501(c)3, and all contributions are tax deductible. Thank you so much for your support!