Comments on: Was That a Woof?

By: Banned: Newman, Wally’s Dog

Banned: Newman, Wally’s Dog — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 17:08:01 +0000

[...] St. Paul family is suing after the school district decided to bar Newman, their son’s service dog, from his public school, Como Park Elementary. Newman, a Golden Retriever, is connected to [...]

By: Regan

Regan — Fri, 12 Sep 2008 11:11:48 +0000

Not posting this as a particular critique either way--just a couple of interesting articles that stood out to me because they mentioned hereabouts. A story from our neck of the woods with successful and one not-so-successful placement of autism service dogs. An autistic child's best friend with some more pros and a little more discussion on what might have gone wrong for the Gallo family with their first service dog placement (the second one seems to be working out to everyone's satisfaction), Man’s Best Friend Comes Through for Autistic Children

By: Phil Schwarz

Phil Schwarz — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 06:22:31 +0000

Jim Sinclair of Autism Network International has been active in the training of service dogs for autistic people for almost 20 years now.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 18:30:41 +0000

And there was a cat on the airplane the last time that Charlie and I flew—and the cat got out of its carrier.

By: Adi

Adi — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 09:47:24 +0000

I think allowing a service dog with an autistic child on a plane may have prevented many of the last weeks’ negative stories of autistic kids and their parent being asked to get off the plane. It is a Very Good Idea. My neighbour’s autistic son just got a little puppy and although I expected it to be a great thing, I am stunned at how amazing it turned out to be in the end: these two are bonding and truly becoming the best friends. It is like a miracle.

By: Saturday Sanity: And The Thunder Rolls

Saturday Sanity: And The Thunder Rolls — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 05:22:05 +0000

[...] for Alzheimer’s patients, caregivers, and loved ones, and Kristina at Autism Vox discusses therapy animals. Liz at Healthbolt shares some news about potentially life-saving medical tattoos, and Hope at [...]

By: Marla

Marla — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 03:28:42 +0000

Service dogs are the best. I have known a few people in my childhood that had one. The schools never gave them any problems. Now that they take allergies more seriously…wonder if they make it harder? I hope not.

By: Lee (Shawn's other half)

Lee (Shawn's other half) — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:25:49 +0000

We have had our service dog, Stitch for almost three years now. Stitch came from North Star Foundation in Storrs, CT. Stitch does not attend school with the boys, but comes in with me frequently during scheduled pick ups and when MJ is having a tough time. Another dog from North Star was recently put on his boy’s IEP and does attend school with him. We had several goals in mind when deciding to get an assistance dog. His most important job has been helping MJ through periods of anxiety. Stitch also functions as a bridge for both the boys to others. When we are walking Stitch with his saddle on we encourage the boys to answer the many questions people ask. We do have concerns of how the boys will do if and when Stitch is no longer with us, but I’m sure it will provide a valuable learning experience for them.

By: Bonnie Sayers

Bonnie Sayers — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 01:22:17 +0000

There are also many stories of Principals not allowing service dogs into schools, especially with other kids having allergies.

Could you imagine doing the fundraising and the hours and then facing that obstacle?

Nick likes watching National Geo show called Dogs with jobs. He is into cats big time.