Paws 4 Thor Help a Little Boy Get the Autism Service Dog He Needs

Over the course of the last year we have brought you several news stories about children living with Autism who have received specially trained dogs from an organization called 4 Paws for Ability.  Last night while on twitter I saw a tweet go by for a $100 Cash Giveaway so I decided to check it out because who wouldn’t want to win. But what I found was so much more then a Giveaway it was a way to help a family help their child get the Service Dog they need so their son can try to grow up like any other child. The little boy’s name is Thor and his mommy is doing everything possible to raise the funds needed in order to bring a Service Dog into their lives. So she can change her son’s life forever allowing him to become more independent and like the other children on the playground. When I realized what the Giveaway was all about I left a comment asking for more information about their specific story and what it will mean to be able to have one of these special dogs.

Please take a few minutes to watch Thor’s Video and read the post and then take another 30 seconds to help them win the $50,000 donation to 4 Paws for Ability so they will have not only fulfilled their fundraising obligation but help several other families fulfill theirs as well so their children can receive their much needed Autism Service Dogs.

PAWS 4 THOR
Guest Post by Erin Blocksidge

On April 14th, 2011 my 2 ½ year old son, Thor, was diagnosed with Autism, Sensory Processing Disorder, and Extreme Anxiety; he leads a life apart from others his age.

Thor’s brain has difficulty processing the sensory information that he perceives; many times sights, sounds, smells, and touch can overwhelm him and even be painful. This usually leads to outbursts and a desire to flee the situation. Every moment of every day Thor fights against his natural tendencies to be afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed. He is only semi-verbal and does not respond to strangers or to his name being called if he were to wander or hide. He’s run away in stores more times than I can count – hiding on shelves and behind counters, leaving me afraid and searching.

There are many issues that arise from Thor’s disabilities that make living each day difficult for Thor and myself (a single parent). He must have his hand held constantly or be on a toddler “leash,” because his severe anxiety causes him to run away and hide when out in public. He also self injures – hitting, slapping, pinching or punching himself and even banging his head on hard surfaces.

Thor is also a loving child and has an infectious laugh. I strive every day to help him overcome the many obstacles he faces one of the ways I can help him is by getting a specially trained Autism Service Dog through 4 Paws for Ability. Thor has been accepted into the Autism Service Dog program; but I must first complete the fundraising requirement for the non-profit agency that trains these dogs – 4 Paws for Ability eliminates a long waiting list by allowing their clients’ family, friends, and community to raise $13,000 (USD) to help cover some of the cost of extensive training service dogs require. I’ve reached 34% of my goal so far.

A service dog would allow Thor the ability to have more freedom when we are in public by having him tethered to the dog and being able to walk along side the dog, rather than being carried or strapped in a stroller. A service dog would also be able to track and retrieve Thor if he were to get away from me, comfort him when he is upset or having a meltdown, and keep him from dangerous activities and bad behaviors. It would give me another set of eyes to keep Thor safe.

 

New Litter of Puppies at 4 Paws for Ability

 

4 Paws for Ability takes a child with Autism and all the difficulties they have with verbalization, communication, and social relationships and pairs them with a well trained service dog specifically trained to meet their unique needs; to create a consistency in the child’s life as their dogs go every where that they go, even within places of public accommodation, and the educational system bringing along with them: consistency, stability, and calm reassurance that the feelings of anxiety or fear are not needed because their trusted buddy is by their side.

In my fundraising journey, I found myself in the lead to win $50,000 for my favorite charity. I need to stay in that #1 spot until July 17th – and if I do… if I WIN this contest…I plan on celebrating! Because you all have helped me so much to get this far I plan on giving away $100 CASH (of my own money via paypal) to one person if I win this. To help, all you need to do is click this link and then “connect with facebook” (that’s it! no voting, just sign up). You can enter to win the $100 by visiting here.

Thanks to all who have supported us in this journey!

S.M.
www.themomadventures.com

 

 

Thanks from “gamma. This is my grandson. Imagine every day you have to deal with your worst fear. Put that into a little boy’s mind, and it is too scary to deal with, right? That is what Thor deals with everyday. A service dog will help him to deal with every day stuff that we shrug off. Our society is quick to pass on a JOKE or disaster. Please find it in your heart to pass on this [post] to all your friends and family.

I know the Pet Blogging Community will get behind this and help Thor get his Service Dog as well as help other families receive theirs. All we need to go is help keep them at the top.

Amazon Native Ads – Pet Supplies

Comments

  1. It’s amazing what they can teach dogs to help with. I hope she wins the contest.

Trackbacks

  1. […] Earlier this week I posted a plea from a mother whose young son is Autistic. She is trying to get him an Autism Service dog so that he can be a kid and do the same things other children do but still keep her son safe. Autism service dogs are not cheap  the organization that provides the dogs for the families require that the families have a Fundraiser  in order to raise the money so that the organization can continue to train dogs for all of the families that need one. The Fundraisers spread awareness about autism, the organization, and how the dogs are able to help Autistic individuals.If you would like you can read her guest post here https://twolittlecavaliers.com/2011/06/paws-4-thor-help-a-little-boy-get-the-autism-service-dog-he-ne… […]

Copyright © 2024 · Two Little Cavaliers · All Rights Reserved · Design By RL Web Designs

%d bloggers like this: