Dhru is a happy, friendly 16 year old who is currently a freshman at Baldwin high school. He loves school, people and sports. This year Dhru went out for football, basketball, wrestling and track. Dhruv was born in India and he was abandoned within the first week of his life. He was found on the street and taken to an orphanage where he spent the next 3 years of his life. Due to his disabilities, when he was adopted at age 3, he could’t walk or talk and weighed only 18 lbs. He has made incredible progress with the love and nurturing of his forever family, amazing support of his community and wonderful efforts of his doctors at children’s mercy. He as had numerous health and mental health issues. He has been diagnosed with White Sutton’s Syndrome. White Sutton syndrome is a rare, genetic disease characterized by autism, intellectual disability and developmental delay. It is also responsible for many other symptoms Dhru has.

We have found a dog and a trainer for Dhru. The trainer is out of Washington state and specializes in training service dogs for individualize with conditions such as autism. There has been tons of research done by doctors, family, and friends to ensure that the dog meets Dhru’s needs and has all the qualifications and certificates necessary. The training process will take 9-12 months. This dog will be trained to be with Dhru 24/7 and will help keep him safe. The dog will constantly be assessing and watching for early signs of anxiety and agitation and will be specially trained to help calm Dhruv. The service dog will allow Dhru to have more independence and will be trained to specifically handle his behaviors. The training and certificates will alone cost $12,000. There will be other costs such as the cost of the dog and travel costs. The goal is not to have this totally cover the cost, but just to help.

We have been so overwhelmed and amazed already at the kindness and love of the Baldwin community towards Dhru.  The students and staff at Baldwin High do everything to help Dhru feel included and loved and it means the world to us.