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http://www.postcrescent.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?

AID=/20060411/APC0101/604110553/1003/APC01

Autistic child bonds with service dog

Posted April 11, 2006

Autistic child bonds with service dog

New pet helps Greenville boy break barriers

By Rausch

Post-Crescent West editor

GREENVILLE — has a difficult time with social skills and

communication. He is obsessed with traffic lights, lamps, exit

signs, Elvis Presley and anything from the 1950s.

As a result, , a Greenville Middle School student, is unable to

form friendships with his peers and often is teased and bullied at

school.

Last month, however, found a friend who doesn't care that the

11-year-old boy has Asperger's syndrome, a high-functioning type of

autism. The friend is Georgia, a 1½-year-old English Labrador

trained as a service dog.

" It's gut-wrenching that he doesn't have any friends, " said 's

mother, Sara , " but this gives him a way to be normal. She

seems to make him happier. I used to say is the saddest little

boy I've ever met. It's nice to hear him laugh. "

Doctors diagnosed 's condition when he was 7 years old. It has

made life tough for him and his family.

" It makes it really difficult as a parent, " Sara said.

" When I go out in public and has a meltdown people look at me

like I'm a bad parent but they don't know the underlying issues. "

When Sara discovered 4 Paws for Ability on the Internet, a nonprofit

agency in Ohio that provides service dogs to people with

disabilities, she knew it was perfect for her son.

" The dogs are specifically trained for each child's needs, " Sara

said.

" It's really amazing. If is having a meltdown, Georgia is

trained to chill him out. She climbs on top of him so he can pet

her. "

Georgia is more than a pal. She helps break repetitive

behaviors or patterns by bumping him or distracting him with her

paw.

Georgia follows wherever he goes, and she knows

she's " working " whenever she is wearing her vest.

In order to obtain a service dog, was required to raise $5,000

and took on the daunting task herself.

She sent out letters to every business she could think of asking for

donations. She held auctions and sold items on eBay.

After a year and a half, she finally reached her goal.

The s spent two weeks at 4 Paws for Ability in late February

working with Georgia before bringing her home.

" Georgia helps learn social behaviors, " Sara said. " She gives

him a way to interact with his peers. Kids can come up to him and

say, 'Can I pet your dog?' or, 'What's your dog's name?' "

While isn't able to bring Georgia to school with him because

he is young enough that he requires a second handler when he is with

the dog, Georgia goes everywhere else.

" She's phenomenal, " Sara said. " She's done wonders for him in the

short time we've had her. He seems to want to interact more with

people. "

And loves Georgia, whom he calls his new best friend.

" She's my friend but I would like a people friend, " said.

said having a buddy like Georgia is a great boost.

" She's the best dog ever, " said. " I just think the people in

Ohio trained her well. She's perfect. It's awesome. "

Post-Crescent West Editor Rausch can be reached at 920-982-

3650 or by e-mail at rrausch@...

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