Why a Service Dog????

Why a service dog for Alex?

The placement of a dog with the child enables the child and family to increase their mobility and socialization as a family, and the child individually. In most cases the dog accompanies the child at all times when the child leaves home. The dog goes to school with the child and the presence of the dog calms the child, reduces emotional outbursts and serves as a positive social link for the child to their home, school and community.

Above is a quote from a service dog website and it explains really well what we hope Stanford will do for Alex. In addition to Alex, at school Stanford can help the other kids and he can help with OT and PT ! He is trained both as a service dog and a therapy dog! Alex’s diagnosis of T21 and ADHD were the qualifying factors.

We’ve already noticed a difference in Alex. Going out to eat was a nightmare, but now with Stanford, Alex behaves so much better and eats and remains calm. Stanford provides good exercise since we need to walk him and he loves to play too! Another benefit I never anticipated was that now when we go out, people don’t stare at Alex….they stare at Stanford! If you have encountered “the stares” what a relief to have them watch the dog and also for them to think that Alex is “cool” because he has the dog!

You can have other pets home as well!!! We have two cats and while they're not friends it, it's getting better!

We used CARES (www.caresks.com) in Concordia, KS. They are a wonderful group and work so well with both the dogs and person who is receiving the dog. Their application process is listed on their website if you’re interested! Your ped will need to fill out a form as well. They do offer some scholarships based on need and you can even start making payments or have donations go directly to them (in your child’s name) once you’ve been accepted. It took us about 1 ½ yrs from application to receiving Stanford.

I would highly recommend a service dog!

Introducing.... Stanford!

Taaaa-daaaaa! It's Stanford! Alex's new service dog! Stanford is a 15 month old Golden Retriever. He was puppy raised at the Ellsworth Correctional Facility in Ellsworth, KS.

We spent a week training with Stanford in Concordia, KS. He is a wonderful dog, but since we've been home, he's needed to be reminded that he is a TRAINED dog! LOL Alex is going to love him!

We will be working on the dog going to school with Alex. Since school starts Wednesday, we may not get him right to school the first day or even the first week!

If you are interested in a service dog, the organization we used is CARES. They are a wonderful group of people and truly care about the dogs and the people! Check out their website. Also, if you're looking for some place for donations, they would love to receive donations and give scholarships to those who cannot afford the entire cost of a service dog!