Treats by William - Made With a Pinch of Love

04/21/2025

Acceptance and inclusion are two of the many things we advocate and fight for with our Autistic loved ones.

In our countries current state of threatening to take away supports for the disabled, we are worried.

The fight is real my friends. The disabled are often forgotten, not included and abandoned.

All of which William has and is trying to manage.

A week or so ago, my cousin posted regarding her husbands pastor who is also a car mechanic with his own shop.

He’s running an auto workshop in May to teach the basics of mechanics. Oil changes, changing a tire, etc.

Williams life revolves around cars, especially the classics. To know him is to get into his world and learn from him but he yearns to learn more.

I hesitated for fear of rejection but decided to reach out to this man, explain our situation with a promise for him to be honest.

We don’t want to take away from anyone’s else’s experience for the special needs of William. Extra patience, 1:1, redirection, repetition.

I even suggested that either my husband or I could stand at his side to help him stay focused or sometime in the future we could do a private “class” if he should have the time.

Yesterday I received this letter and cried.

Not only is he welcome, but this man touched on everything that William, autistics, might need to succeed and enjoy the experience.

The last line is what really tugged at my heart. Acceptance.

What an unselfish man in a world of self involved individuals.

And look at his name and the name of his business…

Needless to say, when William was presented with this opportunity or attending his pre-season Miracle League meeting that happens to fall on the same day around the same time, hands down, auto shop!

He needs this acceptance so much, espcecially right now!

I can’t wait for him to get his hands dirty and spend time with a room full of accepting fellow car lovers!!

There are good people in this world.

After such an upsetting, controversial week in the news, this was a shining beacon of hope for our community.

“Look for the helpers” Mr Roger’s

04/20/2025

William loves sunrises, his dogs and candy - so with the storms rolling in today, he had to find his basket and eggs quickly and get in a quick photo!

From our family to yours, wishing you a day filled with love, peace and smiles. 💕

04/19/2025

04/18/2025

A day off and a fresh hair cut allowed William and I time to stop at one of our favorite local stores today!

Our NEW Dog Barkeuterie Boxes are available for purchase at PETS,ETC!

They make great hostess gifts for your friends and family who love their doggos as much as their hoomans!

Know a fur friend with a gotcha day or birthday coming up?? Heres your gift / classy, nutritous and delicious !!

Get them, and our regular line, including our new SAY CHEESE!! Dog Treatos before they run out!!

Find us to the right of the register 😉

*available on our website for shipping
spotsonthefox.com/treats-by-william

04/18/2025

William called me in to see a surprise he made for me in his game. He has me pegged to my favorite color, plate and my mountain bike looks almost exactly like this - he said they don’t have Jeeps in his game yet so he chose the closest he could get ! THIS is bringing joy to our family, not ruining it! He is thoughtful, creative, kind and appreciative!! Amazing young man!!

04/18/2025

I’ve lamented today regarding the attack on our community.

The false truths being spread and the downright disrespect of our amazing Autistic family members.

Then I saw our friend Amanda’s post/letter - I couldn’t have put it into words better - please read her words as they are how all of our families are feeling.

Dear Mr. Kennedy,

I am the mom to a soon to be eleven year old son, who is diagnosed with autism. My son was diagnosed nearly nine years ago with a disability, not a disease.

Autism is not destroying our family, however the current threats to supports and resources for families like ours- may.

Our family lives in a small rural town in Ohio.
Our voices, concerns, struggles are only heard by a limited audience….. unlike yours.

Autism is not what is destroying our family.
The lack of Medicaid coverage for youth in states like ours is.
The threat of IDEA and special education systems being ungoverned and lacking financial resource is.
Insurance companies not being required to cover “autism services” is.
The denial of waivers for respite services in the state of Ohio, is.

Sending audiences back in time by calling autism a disease instead of a disability, is destroying families and advocacy work that others before us have done to help others understand the supports and accommodations that our son needs to live a successful life.

Your voice has power, it has reach, and you’re hurting families and individuals with disabilities, like my son by talking about him and us - without us.

My son will soon be “more than two hands”.
He wants to work at a train museum when he turns sixteen, he wants to own a carwash. He cares for others, is an important part of our home and school community, and is one of the greatest joys of my life. Our family has fought uphill battles for years to make sure he has every opportunity to learn, grow, remain safe in his home and school, the lack of support is what’s hurting families like ours.

Raising a child with autism is challenging, but statements like you made yesterday paints a much more challenging narrative for us to overcome. You have the narrative wrong sir, very very wrong.

The world right now feels like so many systems are being set up to fail families like ours, like we are traveling backwards after so many others have fought for progress and understanding.

Autism is a disability.
My son has value, as his parents we will help him live a full and purposeful life- just as parents do for their children every single day.
Our family needs resources, understanding, and a more accurate narrative Mr. Kennedy.

We all gave you a chance to speak yesterday, now please do us a favor and listen to the feedback shared by so many families like mine…… we need change, more now than ever.

Sincerely,
Jackson’s Mom - Amanda

04/16/2025

Autism baby steps got us here !

William attended his first White Sox games in a stroller, with a bottle of formula and napped through the entire game.

Fast forward to age 5.

Unable to sit still, we walked the entire stadium browsing, staying in constant overstimulated motion, eating all the ballpark favs and leaving early.

We kept trying.

A few months ago he expressed excitement about going to a game and better yet, tailgating. He had never done that.

The Red Sox were coming to town. My husbands team.

I found great seats, row 14 in a box section just above the White Sox dug out. Great view and lots of pop up foul balls!

A week ago I told them both how much I appreciate and love them and wanted to give them a special day.

The looks of excitement and surprise were worth waiting to tell them!

Sunday mornings sky was grey, chilly, windy and promised rain late in the day.

But, I don’t break promises so we packed our tailgating supplies and headed to Chicago for our excellent adventure.

I was anxious, to be honest. Absolutely anticipating leaving early.

The weather, noise, crowds, constant movement. Would we make it through the day?

William thoroughly enjoyed tailgating and spent some time working the crowd with his business talking to other gaters and peddling his sample treats and business cards, on his own.

He’s quite proud of his cowboy boots and loves to show them off. Compliments are given wherever we go!

He’s quite confident in speaking with strangers, a stereotype of Autism that they are anti social squashed by him.

He made new friends with kind hearted people, bought a stocking hat with his own allowance money and we headed into the game.

It was COLD! 50’s with 30mph wind gusts and one jacket to share between the 3 of us.

He spent the entire game engaged!

Cheered loud and proud, sang songs and almost broke his back diving for foul balls and launched t-shirts.

Two kind men, 2 rows back caught 2 t-shirts and gave one to William. They saw his determination.

I thanked them profusely. Acts of kindness are rare these days.

I smiled when I saw a group of special needs adults in front of us out with their caregivers to enjoy the game also ! Williams future before my eyes.

He made the entire game and talked all the way home!

I’m so so proud of him and the progress we are seeing everyday!

Just look how happy and excited he was!

A day we will not forget !

04/12/2025

WILLOWBROOK!!!!

Come see us at Black Horizon Brewing Spring Makers Market!!

7560 S Quincy

12-4

Our entire regular line PLUS - Barkeuterie Boxes for the discerning doggo, Easter Goody Bags, Handmade vinyl p**p bag holders and ask about cat treats!!

AND If youre one if the 1500 attendees at the MORE Conference at Olivet Nazerene University - William and I are ready for you at our pop up!!

04/11/2025

Check out this article for our Willowbrook vendor show this Sat 12-4, Taco truck 12-3!!

Click on the link 🔗 😁

Willowbrook, IL – On Saturday, April 12, Black Horizon Brewing in Willowbrook will host a new Spring Makers Market in partnership with Streetz Artz Alliance. The event runs from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the brewery, located at 7560 S Quincy Street. Admission is free, and the event is family-frie...

04/10/2025

With every child there’s a first time for everything.

First steps. First words. First foods. First friends. First day of school.

With Autism, that “first time” may never come or may take a VERY long time.

These photos seem pretty typical of a group of kids after school. Playing basketball, goofing off. Right?

Not for William.

His free time outside has always needed supervision for safety, redirection from impulsive actions and protection from bullies.

Autisitc kiddos are often targeted, they’re too trusting and take chances.

He’s maturing so much and learning safety, self care and reaching goals we thought may never come to be.

I felt comfortable allowing him to ride his pedal kart out front for awhile, unsupervised. With reminders of the safety and boundary rules. Not to talk to strangers and look before crossing the street. Because there are times his adhd and impulsivity take over.

Then to play in the neighbors back yard, unsupervised. Although I peeked over several times 😉

Don’t get me wrong, I will ALWAYS be a helicopter mom reminding of proper behavior and warning of dangers. Autism requires a lot of guidance.

When I saw him grabbing a step ladder to jump over the fence to get the elusive basketball, I stopped him and redirected him to safer way to retrieve it. Which he did.

No, I’m not going to just let him make mistakes like that. A broken leg, arm or fence isn’t worth a “learn it the hard way” lesson. He doesn’t understand the dangers of actions like jumping over a fence and jumping back.

It’s a step in the right direction.

A peers house, out of sight is not in my comfort zone, but maybe in the future, not that it’s a possibility right now.

These photos made me proud.

Proud of the progress he’s making and the baby steps to independent activities.

Friends. He wants and needs friends!

Keep up your hope my special needs families.

If you put limits on your kids in your own mind, that’s where they’ll stop growing.

Anything is possible if you keep trying.

04/04/2025

This photo memory popped up from March 30 2017.

I called it vacation training.

It was our first attempt at sleeping away from home.

Our first attempt to get William used to the sensory challenges and changes of travel that are often not able to be controlled.

Unfamiliar sounds, textures, foods, people, bed, all of it!

Autism and sensory challenges require routine, solid expectations and supports to create the most favorable day as possible.

I did not go into this weekend trip with high expectations, only to make it through until Sunday, leaving William in charge, no matter how we had to adjust plans.

The hotel had an indoor pool, a reason it was chosen with a favorable activity and restaurants within walking distance.

Swimming was fairly successful until the pool area filled with other kiddos having fun, screaming and the echo became too much.

Upon request, we went back to our room, showered and got comfy in our p.j.’s.

The first night we ordered delivery from a local restaurant and put on a favorite movie. Calm and quiet.

Saturday was going well with a continental breakfast in a quiet hotel lobby and a trip to the store for some pool toys.

Excited about another trip to the pool, we went early and chatted with the nicest man and his wife while
William, jumped , splashed and joined in on the conversation.

Feeling confident that things were going well, I decided to try having dinner in the restaurant across the parking lot.

This is where we were reminded that “we try and can always leave”. Overwhelmed, standing on the seat and getting escalated I asked for our food to go, and we went.

Sunday, our last day, included a stop at Starved Rock National Park.

Fresh air with the peaceful sounds of nature are sure to bring calm to the unknown of being away from routine.

William thoroughly enjoyed a hike through the woods in his rain boots, splashing in fresh puddles and exploring along with his newly discovered walking stick.

A stop at the ice cream store, filled with kid like impulse buys, a meltdown over not buying everything we want, led us outdoors to a picnic table away from judging stares and whispers.

With that we headed home - I considered a success!

We’ve spent many years continuing to practice traveling here and there by car.

William can now navigate an airport , with TSA services and early boarding.

Flights are challenging. Turbulence and rough landings cause hours of escalation but a smooth flight with a movie, video game or video chess with dad make it quick and smooth!

We can now visit family in Boston via air and our next adventure will be to see family in Florida!

We’re doing it, and with baby steps, perseverance, the right supports, strength and resilience, you can too!

04/03/2025

Part of our advocacy for special needs is this business that we started for William and now have grown!

It began as a time filler during covid and has gone full circle to a full time business.

Some of the goals have been to work on taking instruction, challenging individuals to learn new skills, increase fine motor abilities, gain confidence, focus on abilities and strengths to create an awareness of where life can take them and create a meaningful future!

We promote our mission here as well as our vendor events where we spotlight our all natural, preservative free dog and cat treats, Barkeuterie Boxes, Handmade Vinyl P**p Bag Holders, holiday items etc while educating on our advocacy and goals.

Our next events are BOTH on APRIL 12th!!

The first at:

Hand Crafted Spring Market at
Black Horizon Brewing
7550 S Quicy St - WILLOWBROOK
excited to havea show back in the old neighborhood!!
12-5 - Come see the amazing Sarah - I will be there toward the end!!

The second at:

The MORE Women’s Conference Blooming Boutique Pop Up - 1300 in attendance!

The Weber Center at Olivet Nazarene University / Bourbonnais
1130 to 1 (for attendees & students)
The star of the show WILLIAM will be present !!

Supporting small business comes in all ways!

If you can’t make our events, don’t have a pet, etc. you can still supportort is with a like and share our post and get us out there to help promote advocacy for autism and the best healthy treats around for your pets! 

spotsonthefox.com/treats-by-william

04/02/2025

Sadly , the Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue Resale Shop will be closing once everything is cleared out.

Please read the letter below.

We will be running a 30% off sale to move all items currently remaining on our shelves and our fresh stock of Frozen Pup Cups!

The resale will remain receiving 30% of our profits so please help us with this final push to help out this amazing rescue!!!

Mark downs will begin tomorrow!!

We will continue our production facility in our same location within the building and have free local pickup to anyone who has been purchasing from the resale shop!

The rescue remains operational so continue to support the rescue of these amazing animals, the daycare and boarding facility!!

On behalf of Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue Resale Shop - we thank you for your support!!

It is with great sadness that we announce the decision to Officially close the Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue Resale Shop.

Unfortunately it never was able to achieve the greatness we had hoped for in helping Wags 2 Wishes Animal Rescue and has been pulling much needed funds from the rescue to stay open and operate.

Effective immediately we will not intake any new donations for Resale and will start to drastically reduce all in house merchandise as well as shelving etc.

It was a great try/effort but this area wasn’t ready for something such as a low cost resale.
(Donations were fantastic- thank you so much! Where we lacked was sales)

We will remain operational until we are able to clear out the resale.
Please watch for BIG SALES with DRASTIC REDUCTIONS on all merchandise including shelving!

Thank you all for your support and donations this past year!

04/01/2025

William went for his yearly eye exam a week ago Saturday.

Everyday since then he has asked if I received the text that his new glasses are ready.

Everyday I say “not yet, but soon”.

Perseveration is quite common with Autism.

Being stuck in a thought or on a subject can be quite frustrating. The need to complete a particular task to be able to move on can be emergent and cause escalation.

He was getting increasingly agitated as the days wore on complaining that his eyes hurt, his glasses didn’t fit right anymore and he needed his new glasses now!

The text came late yesterday. So after spending 4 hours at work with his Uncle Dave and I today, we picked them up.

Instant relief !! Huge smile on his face!

He quickly moved on to his next focus. That of our mailbox having loose nails, screws, postal plate and floppy red flag.

Upon arrival at home we walked the dogs and then he quickly grabbed his tool box and ran right out to tighten, hammer and repair.

He even completely removed the flag support, tightened the flag and screwed it back on with his own tools in hand.

I watched from inside marveling at his confidence and seemingly expert use of tools he just received for Christmas. His dad has taught him a lot when they’ve worked together on various projects.

Without instruction, he innately righted the wrongs and called me out to see what he had done.

More than anything, he was so proud of himself and can’t wait to show his dad how he fixed the flag when he arrives home.

He has a knack for taking on jobs with confidence and clearly thinking through each step.

I had complete confidence that he would do a great job and our mailbox would be better for his care.

04/01/2025

HAPPY AUTISM AWARENESS MONTH!!

For our community, it is every day! We strive to do our best to share stories of our lives, not only focusing on the wins, but bringing strong awareness to the challenges.

In creating some awareness, let’s start with April Fools’ Day. 

April fools is not a fun day for everyone.

William is on spring break this week and said he was happy that he would not be in school on April Fools’ Day. That being in a classroom of autistic teenagers would be torture.

Why?

Any physical prank can be painful due to sensory sensitivities.

Well, meaning, teasing and pranks can bring on trauma reminders of past incidents, and trust me, they all have moments in their lives that have been beyond what you can imagine. 

A lie, which is a prank, can bring on memories of being bullied and made fun of.

Many have rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and often feel abandoned and left out. 

Rejection sensitivity dysphoria is where they feel intense emotional reaction to rejection or criticism.

So think before you tease ! 😁💕

03/30/2025

25% OFF SALE !!! - LAST DAY AT ….

The Painted Tree - C-9 - 240 IL Rt 59, Naperville

It’s going to rain, get out and do some shopping while you support small businesses !

Find our products at our newest location:

The Nest and Company - 11306 W Southwest Hwy - Orland Park!!

03/30/2025

We’re not sure how this is comfortable but as long shes
happy !! One of many interesting Stella positions!