So, Why a Service Dog?

We could go into a lot of details about how Down syndrome affects the growth and development of a child. But here’s how it plays out in William’s everyday life.

A lot of kids with Down syndrome don’t sleep through the night. Most of the time when William wakes up he comes to our (parents’) bed. There have been occasions when he wanders through the house. Fortunately, he hasn’t let himself outside during the night yet. We are hoping that a furry, warm friend who sleeps next to William will give him the security he needs to stay in bed the entire night. (We could use a full night’s sleep.)

William will still run out into the street or dart between cars in a parking lot. He doesn’t look before he takes off. William realizes that most kids his age walk places without their parents having a firm grip on them. Being tethered to his furry best friend would help keep William safe. If necessary, the service dog is taught to plant themselves, when their human tries to take off. A “danger stranger” will think twice before approaching a kid with a dog attached to them.

William is the ultimate escape artist. Whether it’s over the fence to explore the neighbor’s swimming pool or tree house or up the ladder that’s been left out, William is out exploring. This means it’s necessary to keep William in our sight at all times – a nearly impossible feat. William has learned to quietly disarm our door alarms to go check out a motorcycle down the street or simply go walking with the neighbors. A service dog would be trained to specifically search and track for William when he’s out and about without permission.

William doesn’t like loud noises, like thunder, fireworks, the Movie Theater or large crowds. He goes on sensory overload. William’s service dog would be by his side letting him know that’s its ok and help him refocus when he melts down.

A service dog can help break down social barriers for William. Many people don’t know who to approach or communicate with a child who has special needs, but they are willing to approach a dog. A service dog can reduce the isolation that William sometimes experiences. William will finally have a best friend.

A service dog will give William a sense of responsibility as he learns to care for the dog. It will help William think of someone else regardless of how hairy they are and how sloppy their kisses are.

So, why a Service Dog? To help keep William safe and secure and make him feel safe and secure.