08/16/2023
My oldest son, who is now 22 is very high functioning. He was diagnosed at age 3 with ASD. After 12 years of "special education" along with a myriad of para-professionals, he graduated with honors and is currently working on his second degree. A success story for sure, I am aware of my bias.
During this period of development he was bitten by a friends dog. The dog was not used to children and the owner is a Friggin idiot. Needless to say, my son had an extreme fear of dogs from that point on.
Enter Rupert, our Golden Retriever. Rupert was an old soul from the get go. He was gun shy and really did not have an aggressive bone in his body.
I have been training hunting dogs since I was 15. I had the privilege of working for one of the best trainers in the country, and have been training canines for the past 37 years.
I decided to train Rupert as a service dog for my son. Rupert has just crossed over the bridge to doggie heaven two years ago, he was 17.
As I was aware of the fears of an autistic child, I instructed Rupert that he was not to approach a stranger without permission. He would allow most people, especially children, to pet him, pull on him and he would tolerate pretty much any exploration from them. Upon shooting me the side eye, which Goldens are known for, a simple hand command from me would allow him to interact. Usually it was a lean and a tail wag.
We worked on this as well as keeping him active and he made a difference in so many lives. From Non-verbal to highly functioning kids with challenges, he knew what they needed and provided an avenue in which these children could understand and crush their fears of dogs.
I love to hear success stories, I love my son and Rupert as well. Both are old souls that have enriched my life greatly!
God bless all the parents of challenged children, you can make a difference!