Re: Service dog

[Guest guest]

Caroline,

One of these groups may be able to help you

Therapy Dogs International

http://www.tdi-dog.org/

German Shepherd Service Dogs

http://gsdsite.com/category-15-0/german-shepherd-service-dogs.html

Interational Association of Dog Assistance Partners

http://www.iaadp.org/

Canine Companions - Southeast Region

http://www.cci.org/site/c.cdKGIRNqEmG/b.4011069/k.A9A4/Southeast_Region.htm

Regards,

Glenda

>

> Dear Listmates,

>

> I spent 5 years in the USA with my two autistic children getting them

> necessary therapies and medical help that they needed. We returned to our

> home in Antigua, West Indies a year ago. My youngest son with autism still

> elopes at 12 years old and whilst he has a wristband gps, it is not easy to

> use the manual tracker that we have. There is no service here otherwise.

>

> I am thinking that a service dog would be good for him, not just to stay

> with him but to be a " friend " to him. He responds so well to dogs (the

> gentle type) and I really think it could help him in more ways than one,

> including his meltdowns when he is unable to communicate effectively. He

> is calm around dogs, intrigued by them and shows a very gentle side when

> with them.

>

> I am wondering if there is an organization in the States that would

> consider helping us obtain a service dog (a lab or retriever would be

> good). The dog would have a lovely family home and be much loved by all of

> us. Obviously, there would be costs and red tape involved in getting a dog

> to the islands, and the dog would need to be trained at our home, with our

> son.

>

> Can anybody suggest a starting point for me? I have no idea where to begin!

>

> Many thanks in advance for any help you can give.

>

> Best,

>

> Caroline

>