Train an Autism Service Dog for Levi

Levi is a kind and caring 11-1/2 year old boy who has been described by his teacher as “a bright light in the classroom.” Levi has been diagnosed with Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as social anxiety, separation anxiety, sensory overload and PTSD.

The past year and a half have been  very difficult for Levi. Within the span of 6 months in 2020, his father, and his uncle, who had become a surrogate father, both died sudden and tragic deaths. In addition, Covid 19 meant that we couldn’t access his usual service supports, not being able to attend school was difficult, and we were isolated from the family and friends who are our social supports.

It costs approximately $35,000 per dog to cover the cost of breeding, feeding, care, customized training and continued support. I’m asking for $15,000 to help with these costs which I will be personally covering. 

Levi would greatly benefit from having a dog trained as an Autism Service Dog. Service Dogs provide companionship and support for children and adolescents with ASD. Service Dogs can:
-Provide increased safety for the 
-Help control the child by commanding the dog;
-Passively teach the child responsibility;
-Enjoy the right of full public access under the Guide Animal Act;
-Lower aggression and frustration levels, leading to positive behavioral changes;
-Provide comfort when the child is upset;
-Add a degree of predictability to social settings for both the child and parents;
-Reduce social stress levels, allowing greater participation in education, as well as social and leisure activities.

Levi already has a dog, Jo-Jo. A trainer helped us to select Jo-Jo, after assessing his suitability as a Service Dog based on the Volhard Testing Method. He is a loving dog, but needs specialized training to function as a Service Dog, I am looking for your support to help pay for that training. I have explored all funding sources I am aware of, but either Levi doesn’t meet the criteria or the waiting lists are 2-4 years long and not even open. Because we already own Jo-Jo, and Levi and I committed  to help with the  training. We will be working with a private local trainer with Canine Support Services, (http://www.caninesupportservices.ca headed by Wade Beattie, a Canadian expert).

You have no idea how much your donation will help Levi!

Thank You, Mariana, Levi and JoJo