Since the age of two, Zachary has had trouble with anxiety, transitions, and change. Zachary’s anxiety caused him to have massive, unstoppable meltdowns that left myself and his two siblings exhausted and at our wits end.
Zachary was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 5. He's a pretty typical boy, now age 11... very smart and funny. He loves to talk to people and tries to make friends wherever we go. I am proud of him each and every day.
The biggest concern I had when Zachary was diagnosed was one of safety. He has no sense of danger and fears nothing. If something was to catch his attention, he would walk or run to it, being completely unaware of any dangers in his way....such as moving cars on the road.
Zachary was also diagnosed with Juvenile Diabetes when he was just under 6 years old. My plan is to also train his service dog to detect and alert on low blood sugars, especially at night, as these low blood sugars are life threatening for him.
Zachary is very fragile medically, having spent a good portion of his childhood in and out of the hospital.
I started researching Autism Service Dogs and felt that a service dog would be GREATLY beneficial to Zachary in so many ways.
So, now, as a family we have the responsibility to raise $13,500 for the cost of an Autism Service Dog for Zachary from Autism Service Dogs of America. This cost is gained by fundraising efforts on behalf of the families.
Once application process is completed, donations will be able to be made directly to Autism Service Dogs of America in Zachary's name, all donations are tax deductible.
We will be doing lots of fundraising over the next few months to try and raise these funds. Check back here often as I will be posting fundraising events.
You can read more about the organization we are working with here: http://autismservicedogsofamerica.com/
Zachary needs a best friend!
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