Service Dog for Hunter

Hunter, is 17 years old, and has autism. Taking Hunter in public is a monumental challenge and an extremely stressful undertaking, for Hunter is a "runner" and also an unpredictable “bolter”. In December 2016, Hunter was approved to receive a service dog through “Retrieving Freedom” in Iowa. Hunter's service dog, Ruger, was amazing, and he enabled their family to go places with Hunter that they were unable to do without him. 

Ruger’s specific and extensive training provided the “safety net” we needed to live a semi-normal life with an autistic young man. Ruger was vital to Hunter and his family, for he gave them a sense of security at home, at school, and in public places. Ruger went to school and rode home on the school bus with Hunter every single day! What a relief this was for their family, for they were able to provide Hunter the very best life that an autistic child could have.

.On July 13 of this year, Ruger was tested and diagnosed to have an autoimmune disease. On July 16 he was administered more tests, with results indicating his condition was rapidly declining due to an underlying infection or fungus. He was given additional medications, but sadly, on July 17, Ruger passed away. To say we were devastated is an understatement, for Ruger was such an intricate part to Hunter's and his family’s life. Not only was he a family member they loved, but he was an amazing service dog that they depended on. They are devastated, and feel helpless as to where to go to get help for Hunter.

After calling twenty-two service dog facilities, they discovered the places: 

1) do not train their dogs for tethering 

2) do not provide service dogs for autism 

3) have a waiting list several years long 

4) are no longer taking new clients. 

Their next efforts on seeking information for a “possible fit” facility for Hunter was to contact news stations in Houston, Austin, and College Station. They also provided their contact information to Autism foundations, influential people, dog trainers, and law enforcement offices, with hopes of connecting with people/facilities who trained their dogs. Unfortunately, they were not successful with the mentioned strategies. However, they finally found one facility that meets Hunter's needs of a shorter wait period, tethering, and other services necessary to provide a safe environment for their autistic son Hunter. The obstacle for them is the staggering cost of over $22,000. We are asking your help with raising this large sum of money to purchase a service dog for him. Time is essential, for Hunter needs a service dog to resume living his life as he knew it with Ruger.

Thank you for your consideration.

We will continue to do our best to stay positive and keep our faith strong!

God bless you always.