NSD Helping Families with Autism, One Child, One Dog, One Life at a Time

Autism is a neurological condition that inhibits communication skills and social interaction. In 2007, the Centre for Disease Control announced that the rate of autism had increased to 1 in 100 children.

National Service Dogs is committed to enriching the quality of life and enhancing the independence of children and families living with autism and special needs. They accomplish this by providing eligible children with specially-trained Labrador and Golden Retrievers.

Located in Galt, Ontario, NSD is an organization very dear to my heart. After teaching mentally-challenged children for several years, I felt physically and mentally exhausted. In fact, it almost led to a full-blown burnout. The sheer energy, dedication and commitment required to teach these children was incredibly overwhelming and draining.

Can you imagine how difficult it is for parents and families with an autistic child? Imagine a mother’s heartbreak when her child is unable to smile in recognition of her face and resists being cuddled or sharing with others. What incredible devastation a father experiences every time his child bolts into traffic with no apparent conce
for his own safety.

Enter National Service Dogs to the rescue. They are a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families with autistic children reduce their anxiety and stress. The child is tethered to a loving pet for safety, and this helps to change their lives.

It’s a very long and expensive process to arrive at the moment when a dog is ready to go home with his new owner. First a puppy must be socialized in a loving foster home from 2 to 16 months. He needs to take trips to the shopping mall, and other high-traffic areas in order to be comfortable in public and remain undisturbed by noise and other distractions.

The dog is then given back to NSD and trained for two years before he is paired with a child. There are a very limited number of specialized dog trainers; and unfortunately 40% of the dogs will be refused because they are unsuitable to service work. The present waiting period for a dog is three years.

Training a dog costs approximately $30,000; and most of this is obtained through donations.

National Service Dogs website presently has special fundraising pages for 10 to 20 needy children who are desperately waiting for dogs. The children’s names are running along a sidebar on the left of the page. Here is the link to learn more, http://www.nsd.on.ca/index.php .

Perhaps you can find it in your heart to reach out to a special needs child and make a donation, however trivial the amount might be…any amount is welcome and they even accept Canadian Tire money. The Canadian Tire Money goes towards purchasing supplies and treats for the dogs.

Any of your efforts will inevitably help a discouraged family to obtain a better quality of life. Even if you only reach out and speak to others making them aware of the cause, I’m certain the families would be forever grateful.

There is no substitute for that warm, fuzzy feeling inside when you know a child can feel safe and secure with his service companion. It’ll surely bring tears of joy to your eyes!

Thank you so very much for your compassion and generosity.