Help Porter Get a Life-Changing Autism Service Dog

Our journey with Porter began with joy and excitement, but it quickly became a path filled with unexpected challenges. Porter, our bright and loving 4-year-old, was diagnosed with autism at the age of 3 after a series of difficult experiences. He was removed and expelled from multiple childcare centers and schools, not because of who he is, but because of the unseen challenges he faces every day and their inability to accommodate his needs as an individual.

Porter’s world is different from most, and it can be overwhelming for him to navigate. His struggles with transitions, rigidity, sensory issues, and big emotions that make it difficult for him to be around his peers, leading to dysregulation and behaviors that others don’t understand. After exhausting all our childcare options, I made the decision to close up my long time business and become a full-time mom, dedicating myself entirely to giving Porter the best care possible. Since then, we’ve been on a journey through behavioral therapy, occupational therapy, and learning how to support Porter’s unique needs.

One of the most stressful challenges we face is Porter's tendency to elope. He will bolt from the house or in public, driven by anxiety or sensory overload. We live in constant fear that we or another care taker may lose sight of him, and his safety is our top priority. Porter also struggles with sleep, often waking up terrified, and separation anxiety that makes it hard for him to feel secure. He also struggles with connecting to peers and forming bonds with friends as he communicates differently than other kids.

But there is one thing that brings Porter unparalleled joy and peace - animals. Pretty much any animal. Cows, goats, sheep, bunnies, cats, but especially dogs. When he is around them, we see a different side of Porter—calm, happy, and full of love. If we had the space, we would fill our home with all sorts animals just to see that light in his eyes every day. Unfortunately, that’s not our reality, we cannot have a house camel, but we believe that an autism service dog could be the next best thing.

A service dog would be so much more than a pet for Porter. This specially trained companion would provide the support he needs to navigate his world with more confidence and safety. From tracking him if he elopes to calming him during meltdowns, applying pressure therapy to help him sleep, and offering unconditional love and companionship—this dog could be the key to helping Porter flourish.

However, service dogs are incredibly expensive and not covered by insurance, with costs ranging from $20,000 to $60,000. The training, care, and equipment needed to prepare a dog for this vital role are extensive. Most service dogs cost at least $30,000, and the waiting time for a match, training, and placement is long. We are so excited to have been approved to receive our new family friend and now waiting for this monumental change which will take approximately 18 months, but we need your help to make this dream a reality.

Porter longs for a best friend, a playmate, and a source of comfort in a world that often feels overwhelming to him. With your support, we can give Porter the companion he desperately needs—one who will sleep by his side, help him feel safe when we can’t be there, and bring him the comfort and joy that only a loyal dog can provide.

We are reaching out to our community, friends, family, and kind-hearted strangers to help us raise the funds needed to bring this life-changing companion into Porter’s life. Every donation, big or small, brings us one step closer to giving Porter the chance to flourish.

Thank you for taking the time to read our story and for considering a donation to help our little boy. We are incredibly grateful for your support and for believing in Porter’s bright future.

Together, we can help Porter find his best friend and a path to a happier, more secure life.