Our NSD journey started around the same time as my son, Atlas’, autism diagnosis – a couple of weeks after his 2nd birthday! At my first parent support group (for kids with ASD),  another parent scribbled down “National Service Dogs” on a little piece of paper & handed it to me. These were early days & we were struggling. I’d never heard of a service dog for autism before. How on earth could a dog help us? Once home, I got swept up into the internet ethers as I researched. My conclusion: an ASD service dog was EXACTLY what we needed. I was desperate for help in those early years. We were prisoners in our own home at the time; going into public with my son felt impossible. I felt very defeated & overwhelmed. I lacked control & feared for his safety.
After some lengthy chats with my husband, we applied to National Service Dogs and crossed our fingers, toes, and eyeballs. 

Fast forward a decade. 

Atlas is now 13, and about to graduate grade 8. It’s hard to believe how much life has changed for him, and our family. Slowly, over time, the impossible became possible. All those years ago, a stranger passed me a piece of paper & the journey that followed has been a series of achievements and celebrations. Atlas received his first National Service Dog, Harris, when he was 3. With the support of Harris, Atlas slowly began to tolerate the world outside our home. Supporting the bond between Atlas & Harris was slow and organic. After a while, we decided to brave a family trip & go on an airplane! Success! The dog was a constant, with us everywhere. He was the extra helper I’d always needed & took so much pressure off! My confidence as a parent started growing – I found myself making plans & exploring spaces with my son that were more and more challenging: Great Wolf Lodge, Children’s Museums… with NSD Harris’ help, we could do it! We were fortunate to have strong support from our family, friends & community. Harris began attending school with Atlas in Senior Kindergarten, and was in every class photo until his retirement (during covid).

It was time for our hard-working, super loyal & happy worker to retire. Harris is now our family pet & is living his best life! 

So what happened next?

Atlas thrived with a service dog & we knew the next decade would bring many changes & transitions for Atlas: puberty, high school, adulthood…

Enter NSD Arnie, the big black dog.

We described our perfect next service dog, and NSD listened! I certainly “fished my wish” with Arnie. Atlas & Arnie match each other in personality, gait, and initials.

After a long 3-years at home, navigating remote school (covid), Atlas returned to in-person learning this school year. School transitions are challenging for him at the start of any school year – let alone after a 3-year hiatus, and a NEW school just for added stress. But with Arnie beside him, what I anticipated to be a turbulent few months, was the equivalent of a hiccup. WHEW! In a few short months, Atlas and NSD Arnie will walk across the stage at their Grade 8 grad – Arnie’s “tuxedo bandana” is all ready for the big day! 

These autism service dogs have completely changed the trajectory of our lives. Opportunities are limitless when I look ahead. These dogs have not only enriched Atlas’ life, but mine too. I’m a better parent because I have the right paws in my corner!

Happy Easter,

Kat