Elijah is our (almost) 4 year old son who has a dual-diagnosis of  Fragile X Syndrome + Autism.

While he can be one of the sweetest, most affectionate kids you'll ever meet, he has a lot of developmental, emotional & sensory struggles that he may have for the rest of his life.

We found out that there are dogs trained as "Autism Assistance Dogs", & that one could greatly benefit Elijah! We started researching & have learned SO much in the past several months! We've learned that an Assistance Dog can help him with many of his struggles, like speech, because he will want to communicate with him/her; can help boost his confidence in trying new things; can help in development & maturity as he learns to care for the dog.

We found a local, reputable breeder & a trainer who are both familiar with our son's struggles, & are excited to start working with them very soon.

The litter of puppies was born on April 15th, & a deposit of $500 was required to hold a puppy. The remaining balance of $3,000 is due by June 10th, when the puppies turn 8 weeks old. This cost is ONLY for the puppy. They have been bred with impeccable bloodlines, will be extensively tested for health issues & performance, & guaranteed. The puppies must pass a specific temperament test that's needed for an Assistance Dog. If none of this litter pass the test, our deposit will be applied to a puppy from another litter that passes the test. At 8 weeks old, puppy will immediately go through 4 weeks of basic training before coming home, which will set her/him up for success as an Assistance dog. This intense, but necessary, training program will be an additional $4,000.

Once we get the puppy settled in at home, training begins very quickly! We've found an amazing trainer who will travel to us (a HUGE blessing because of our schedules) every week for 24 weeks. The dog will be trained to assist Elijah in Deep Pressure Therapy, Behavior Interruption (licking or nosing him when he does repetitious & self-injurious behaviors), & Eloping (running away). The cost of this training program will be $7,500. This is a Lifetime Training Program; meaning, if new behaviors or struggles arise in 3 years (or at anytime), the dog will receive new training to assist with those new struggles, for no additional cost! The dog will also need regular refresher training, & this is included.

We will also need to purchase monthly pet insurance, as this isn't just a typical pet, but will be Elijah's partner for many years to come. We will need a kennel that is crash tested, as he/she will go everywhere with us (approx. $400); & at 1-year old will need to be spayed/neutered (this is not covered by insurance, so any additional funds will be saved for this purpose).

ALL donations will be put into a savings account to be used exclusively for this dog & training needs. Please help us help our son to be more independent, more confident, & progress in his development! If you are unable to donate, please share to everyone you know; this is the best way to get the word out!!! Thank you for reading!