Spencer’s Service Dog

We have started this campaign to help raise funds to help afford a certified service dog for Spencer, a 5 year old with Down syndrome. Spencer is a sweet boy who loves dogs, but struggles with some anxiety, sensory, and communication difficulties. He also exhibits some behaviours like bolting and other safety concerns like not understanding stranger danger, which the dog would be trained to interrupt. This dog could also be permitted to assist Spencer in school, helping him remain calm and in the classroom, build social relationships, and ease anxiety he feels in group situations.

Spencer had the opportunity to meet an emotional support service dog in their last months of training. In those two hours we spent with that dog Spencer was calm, engaged and did not exhibit any of those risky behaviours that would normally ensue in that environment. 

We recently did our intake interview with an organization in our province. This would allow us some access to the dog before his/her training is complete. They are also the only provider currently accepting applications. Those that fully fund a service dog are no longer accepting even waitlist clients or children with his diagnosis. We hope you can help make a dream come true for this little man, who would benefit greatly from having a helper by his side.