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A Service Dog Needed for Natalie

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Most everyone who will be here will know some or all of Natalie's story. A lot of it we don't post online, because honestly we don't want it to sound like our life is terrible because we have a child who is on the autism spectrum.
Our lives are probably much harder than normal, but far from terrible.
Natalie was diagnosed with Autism almost four years ago. When she was a little baby around 8mos old she started using words. We were totally shocked. Then as she started getting older they became less and less. Around 2yrs old she would only make eye contact on occasion. As her parents we knew from a young age that something was going on, but of course you are never sure or prepared.
Natalie is almost seven now. She is crazy smart, she can read, she loves to since and dance, she is kind and has a very funny sense of humor.
What you probably don't know.. Natalie doesn't sit down for meals because she cannot focus or stay calm. When we go out there's a 50% chance we have to leave quickly because she can't handle being still.
Natalie ran away earlier this year. I walked up stairs to hand Tony something and by the time I walked back down (seconds) she was gone. Luckily someone had found her, but she was on the side of a very busy road with no fear of cars.
Daily Natalie has very upsetting meltdowns. These are when she is unable to communicate. She becomes very upset and will slam her head into things like walls, doors, the floor, bed post, and has even broken a tablet over her head.
These are hard things to say out loud or to explain to people without getting pity, or "there has to be something you can do".
Well, we have learned there is something we can do. There are service dogs who are specifically trained to help her be able to stay calm in public, to keep her from running or track her if she does, they are trained to calm her during a meltdown and help her focus on something good.
A service dog will cost $13,000 at LEAST. For this we have decided to do as much fundraising as possible to make sure our sweet girl is able to live a happier life.

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Donations 

  • Benjamin Levenson
    • $25 
    • 6 yrs
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Organizer and beneficiary

Marie Thompson
Organizer
Pueblo, CO
Anthony Donato
Beneficiary

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