We are raising funds to cover the setup costs and professional training for a service dog for our six-year-old son, Benjamin. Benjamin was diagnosed with autism at age three.

We’ve been blessed to have had an adorable puppy donated to us by a reputable breeder who has had many of her puppies trained with the specific task of service animal work. We have also been connected with a dog training company near our house. They will work with us for the next 1.5 to 2.5 years to help us train this puppy to be a certified autism service dog. These funds will go directly toward professional training, equipment, and other setup needs.

The dog will serve as a constant companion for Benjamin. It will also be trained to help prevent him from running away (known as eloping) in crowded places and to assist us in locating him quickly if he ever goes missing (a common safety concern for children with autism).

Feeling lonely and left out by peers is very common for kids with autism. We’ve noticed that Benjamin is now aware he is different from others and often feels isolated or excluded.

A service dog will provide him with unwavering companionship and can act as a “social bridge,” making it easier for other children to approach and interact with him.

Research supports the positive impact of dogs on children with autism. For example, one study found that 94% of families with autistic children who had a dog reported a strong bond between the child and pet, often leading to improved social outcomes.

Our hope and prayer is that this new family member will give Benjamin the courage to step into situations where he feels scared or alone—because he’ll always have a loyal friend by his side.

Any support you can provide will make a huge difference in helping Benjamin thrive. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for reading our story and considering helping us give him this life-changing gift.