Oh my goodness both of you brought tears to my eyes!!! You BOTH GET IT!!! You are right many people don't understand. My in laws at first thought I was this over bearing mother. and my family thought I was smothering him to death. I remember when I was pregnant and took Jaxon school shopping before the year started and before he was diagnosed. My hands where full with bags and I was opening the store door to leave and Jaxon took off. Blink of an eye. I ran so fast watching this car heading straight for him and Jaxon turning and smiling at me thinking it was a game. I was screaming so loud. The car came to a screeching halt. Still didn't phase Jaxon a bit. The comment made to me when telling the story was I can't believe you let him get that far a head of you. My heart sank. At that moment I understood that they wouldn't ever understand. Jaxon is a very good boy. He is non verbal and keeps to himself. I don't have many problems with him, but he doesn't understand safety issues. Yeah these dogs are at least 85 lbs and are trained to laydown anchoring the child, giving the parents the extra few minutes to be able to handle it. They would also retrieve the child if they got away because they should be tethered. Ya we have a fence, but now he figured out the latch. We are able to get there in time, but you are right! A lot cheaper. It's just like days like today. It is beautiful outside, my husband is gone and we are stuck in the house. Still way to muddy outside in the back, but a walk would be GREAT! I used to all the time just me and Jaxon, but with Paityn, maybe next year when she is older. It is so nice to hear that I am NOT crazy and over protective smothering mother and the reason why he doesn't talk is because I do everything for him and give him no reason to want to say anything. But we know different don't we. Thanks again.....

I am debating getting one but in Canada, if you are approved, the cost of the dog is covered and all associated costs can be written off of our taxes. I have read that they can really help calm a child, be trained to lie on their lap when they start to melt down. Also, one person posted that their granddaughter is sleeping through the night because the dog is with her. All of this would make my life so much easier.

@A MyAutismTeam Member Did you get the service dog? or are you still looking into it?

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A MyAutis...

Look at Wilderwood Dog Services. You can do a search for them. Great to talk with too. There are several organizations throughout the US that I have found. We even have one in MN but the kids have to be between the ages of 2-7 to even get on the waiting list. Jake is now 10!!

The dogs can be trained to retreive the child, most are tethered to the child with a belt the child wears and then the leash hooks to that. They can also be trained to interrupt behaviors, put gentle pressure on a leg or lap to be calming. They will also help stimulate social interactions as other kids and adults will come up to pet or talk about the dog. It gives our kids a chance to be part of the group without being the spectacle. I am working on raising money for my son...Can't wait