Help get Mikey a service dog!

Thank you for taking the time to read our story!

We are the Snyder family (@thesnyderclan on Instagram). My husband Jake and I have been blessed with three wonderful children. Mikey is 6 years old, Eden is 4 and Abby Jo is 1.

Mikey was born with Down syndrome. He is a joy to raise and we love him so much. He spreads light and joy everywhere he goes.

Lately, he has developed the habit of eloping. Eloping is when a child or individual wanders or runs away without any real thought of the danger they may be in. He has always had a problem with it, but lately it has become more dangerous. He's getting bigger, faster and sneakier.

Recently, he escaped the house and was missing for almost 2 hours. We live in an area surrounded by woods and crops on one side and a busy highway on the other. We searched frantically for him. The police came to help as well as friends and neighbors.

We found him digging in a small ditch almost half a mile away. He had no shirt or shoes on and had absolutely no idea he was even missing. We have never been so terrified in our lives. We're still reeling.

We are raising money to get him a fully trained service dog from an organization called New Hope Service Canines. 

Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.

1. Why does he not have an aide with him?

We have had an evaluation for one. It's a process that takes a while. We are doing our best to get him what he needs (and what we need).

2. Why don't you just use cameras and alarms?

The short answer is, we are working on that. The need for the service dog has more to do with what happens outside of the house. We say no to events, bbqs, dinner with friends, playdates, etc, because we know those times will be filled with us chasing him around. Going to the store is scary because he has no sense of danger and will run away from us in the store or in the parking lot. It's easier and less stressful for us to just stay home. We need to be able to find a way to have some more freedom and less anxiety.

3. You breed really nice dogs. Why not use one of them?

Our state has been trying to pass a legislation stating that a service dog can only be licensed and registered if it is trained in a licensed facility dedicated to training service dogs. We have a dream of being part of an organization like this in the future! 

4. What is eloping?

When a child has eloping (or elopement) issues, they wander or run away. They have an urge to go and they just do it. Almost always without any sense of the danger or harm they put themselves into. It is considered self harm and, believe me when I tell you, it rips your whole heart out when it happens.

Thank you for taking the time to read this very long campaign and thank you from the bottom of our hearts for any help you can give!

Sincerely,

The Snyder Clan