Help Emavaiah Get Her Autism Service Dog

Hello, my name is Katie and I am trying to raise money for my daughter to be able to have an Autism Service Dog. Emavaiah is a 3-year-old little girl who was diagnosed with autism at 18 months. She is a bright, happy, energy-filled, wonderful little girl who has so much love to give to anything and anyone. Emavaiah is non-verbal, but is beginning to say words! She struggles with sleeping, has motor skill delays, processing delays, a lack of fear, no sense of safety, and struggles with eating a large variety of food. But outside of that, she is beautiful, smart, can count to 10 on her fingers, is learning signs, knows her colors and shapes, can master any puzzle you put in front of her (age appropriate of course), is beyond friendly, sweet and affectionate to those in her circle and she loves animals, cartoons, coloring, being outside, water play, music, and playing. Because of how good she is with my sister's dog, and how calm she becomes around him, as well as the pure gentle love she gives to the neighbors' dogs when we see them outside, I decided to do some research on service dogs.

Along the way of searching, I struggled to find anything in Maine. That was until a page was shared from a family member on social media. After reaching out to them about just getting a dog, and then starting obedience training because I felt defeated, I learned they offer exactly what I’m looking for! I felt so much relief to realize that I finally found the opportunity to get my daughter a fully trained service dog (full lab) here in Maine. The dog wouldn’t enter the home until fully trained, which will likely put my daughter at 4 - the perfect age to bring a friend and little furry life coach home for her. However, I learned that the dog is $2800.00, and the service training is $7200.00. Being a full-time college student, as well as a full-time mom present through these early intervention stages of her life, coming up with $10,000 is a little harder than I expected. I then learned of another adventure that I can take, that costs about half of that cost, and the dog will stay with the trainer from 8 weeks until 6-8 months before coming in home. E will be And to meet the dog at her place, build a relationship and bond with the animal in public places and quiet places. I will have a jar at a local food stand to try and help raise some money, but decided to also take to this to see if I can raise the rest for my little girl, too.

Reasons I think a service dog, specifically trained for Autism would be beneficial for my daughter:

•Sensory support

•Social interactions

•Deep pressure therapy

•Companionship - a dog would be there for her through every moment of overstimulation and will be able to help her learn to cope through those moments by helping with pressure therapy as listed above.

•Motor skills

•Emotional regulation

•Social skills

•Safety

•Anxiety reduction and calming benefits

•Stress reduction

•Expand communication

•Give her a sense of security in her own space (which could help her to sleep in her own bed)

•Learn life skills

•Help strengthen the ability to form relationships with others.

And so much more, wonderful beautiful things.

So, with all of that if anybody has any ability to donate, or share this funding page, Emavaiah and I would greatly appreciate it. Help me get my daughter the companion she deserves as she navigates the scary world within her own world.

We appreciate your time, generosity, love and support through this process.