Service Pup for Aaron

Help us fund a Service Animal Companion for our Awesomely Autistic Kiddo.  Aaron has had his challenges since his arrival into this world.  His biological parents weren't equipped for the large task of raising a special needs child. We became guardians of Aaron when he was 10 days old. It was the day we became parents. We have seen Aaron struggle with hypotonia during infancy and as a toddler.  This condition affected his eating and motor skills. He was not able to walk until after the age of 2.  Thankfully, he has been able to work through this condition with physical and food therapies, though he is still quite ackward on his feet.  Aaron showed neurological delayment from the beginning.  Later, he was diagnosed with Autism, ADHD, and Oppositional Defiant Disorder. Please read further about these conditions: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/docs/ten_things_0.phf http://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/FFF-Guide/ADHD_and_the_Brain.aspx http://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Facts_for_Families/Facts_for_Families_Pages/Children_With_Oppositional_Defiant_Disorder_72.aspx Aaron struggles daily with school, making friends, and especially his emotions.  Medication has helped but has limitation.  Aaron just wants to be loved. His favorite activities are sharing smiles, being outdoors (especially the ocean), playing baseball and watching the Iron Pigs, dancing, eating popcorn, cheering for the Philadelphia Eagles and of course being a super hero. He is a perfect candidate for a Service Dog.  He loves and more importantly connects and trusts animals.  A constant companion would allow Aaron to take a step towards becoming an independent 6 year old.  The comfort a service dog would provide would significantly help with his meltdowns, sensory issues and flight concerns.    Organizations that provide service dogs can take years to find, train, and provide a companion.  Unfortunately, the demand for Autistic Service Animals is so high that people are waitlisted for years.  Some organizations (even non-profits) require fundraising of $25,000+ and the purchase of a trained dog could be the same, if not more.  Please don't take that wrong, these organization are wonderful, and every penny invested in the trainings, health and care of these animals is priceless. Our family is taking on the finding, raising and training of our to-be service animal with a local trainer in order to keep costs to a minimum, but it is still costly.  We are willing to invest the time, effort and love to make this happen any way we can.  Please help us make this dream come true for Aaron.  All our love and gratitude, The Medina's - Mike, Trish, Aaron, and Cole