Hello, my name is Rio. I’m 18 years old, a high-school senior living in Maryland, USA.

I live with autism, anxiety, depression, and chronic fatigue syndrome, which makes everyday life—attending school, going to medical appointments, or simply being in public—overwhelming and exhausting, even with the constant love and support of my family, school team, and healthcare providers.

Getting a service dog would greatly impact my life as it would help me deal with these lasting conditions in my everyday life. Not only that but the dog will be a great companion and make me more independent despite my challenges.

A trained service dog will not only be a companion for me, but a lifeline who can:

Interrupt panic attacks and anxiety crises.

Provide deep-pressure therapy to calm my nervous system.

Guide me out of situations of sensory overload.

Support my energy and mobility when fatigue limits me.

Help me navigate social situations that feel overwhelming.

Alert me when my blood pressure gets low.

He will begin with basic obedience and then continue advanced training with me to meet my specific needs!

The Challenge

The cost of training a service dog in the U.S. can exceed $20,000, far beyond what my family can afford.

How You Can Help

• Donate any amount, every contribution brings me closer to independence.

• Share this campaign with your network!

With your support, I can take a huge step toward a safer, more independent, and fulfilling life, while moving closer to my dream of becoming a veterinarian.

Thank you so much for helping me make this possible.

A Note from My Mom, Flavia:

As Rio’s mom, I see every day how autism, social anxiety, and chronic fatigue make even the simplest tasks so difficult. A service dog isn’t just a wish—it’s a medical necessity that could transform Rio’s daily life. We cannot cover this cost alone, and your help would mean the world to our family. Thank you for supporting our child’s journey to independence!