Ted's companion dog

Hi Everyone,

 

So here is our page and here is our goal: Raise $10,000 for Ted so he can receive a companion and therapy dog from Dogs for Kids with Disabilities. (http://www.dkd.org.au)

 

So why a companion dog? The Dog that would be given to Ted would be a fully trained therapy dog. The dog’s personality would also be matched to Ted's. (This service is kinda like RSVP for dogs) It means that when those moments of anxiety begin to appear say down at the local park, Ted would have a friend that is ready to help him out who speaks his language.

 

It’s always hard for Ted to explain to his friends why he is upset and consequently he withdraws, so they often back away believing Ted doesn't want to play with them anymore.  Companion dogs are proven to help lower general anxiety, increase interactions and provide that essential non-judgmental presence of a friend that often kids on the spectrum don't get.

 

The idea of bringing a dog into our house causes Dan and I massive anxiety. There is a huge chance that if we did just go and rescue a puppy from our local pound that Ted would NEVER interact with the dog. That normal puppy behaviour would both terrify and anger Ted. It wouldn't be fair on the puppy and it wouldn't be fair on Ted.  

 

We have chosen this path for Ted so that he can ultimately benefit from having a friend who is ready to understand. The dog would eat, sleep and live with Ted and pretty much go wherever it is that Ted goes (park, beach, camping, joeys, football).  DKD will also support integrating the perfect dog for Ted into our home. Making the transition and bond between Ted and the Dog go smoothly.

 

I am sure that most of you know that Ted was diagnosed with Autism recently. What most of you won't know is that Ted did not qualify for any funding. This means that presently Ted gets no funded aide time or assistance at school, they have to pull resources from other means and that the therapy Ted does receive, such as occupational therapy and social counseling, comes mostly out of Dan's and my savings.

 

Ted's anxiety has gotten to a stage where it means that going to school, going to a friends birthday party or the very idea of playing in the school basketball team can cause a "melt down". The gap between Ted and his peers is starting to widen. He is finding it harder and harder to interact. We need to act now before that gap becomes irreversible. Kids like Ted miss out on early intervention programs which are vital in ensuring successful relationships with peers, a dog from DKD could provide a pivotal lifeline in helping Ted to regain his confidence he needs when at school and the greater community.   

 

We’d be so appreciative of your help. There will be upcoming events too to help us raise the money needed. Please help us get Ted back on track.

 

Love always,

 

Gill & Dan
#teamted