Meet S

S, an eight-year-old, self-proclaimed Animal Whisperer and Dragon Trainer, enchants everyone with her fantastic imagination. She loves to read, draw, swim, play video games, create visual stories, and go on adventures with her “Real but looks Stuffed” bff- Mittens the Kitten- always nearby.

S connects with animals of all shapes and sizes but has always had a special relationship with the dogs, cats, chickens, ducks, goats, and wildlife around her home. Growing up with a house and backyard full of life has helped her understand and connect with the therapeutic magic animals provide their human friends. Even her doctors and teachers have admired S’s special connection with animals.

S was born during her second trimester, at just 1 pound 9 ounces, and spent months growing in the NICU; she struggles with the impact of the medical trauma and neurological, communication, and sensory-motor disabilities.

After much consideration, we’ve decided to partner with Good Dog! Service Canines to get our daughter a service dog to help support her neurological and communication needs.

Good Dog! is a non-profit organization that will raise, train, and expertly match the perfect service dog to S and our family. They also provide ongoing education and support for the lifetime of each service dog they place. And, as a member of Assistance Dogs International, they only use positive training methods and strictly follow their guidelines for dog training and care and support standards.

How Will a Service Dog Help S?

Studies have shown the countless benefits service dogs provide by assisting disabled children and their families. In addition to being S’s fur-ever friend, her service dog will be trained specifically for her unique needs and may help her by:

Encouraging independence and trying new things
Supplying deep pressure and co-regulation for stressful situations like medical visits and procedures
Providing grounding support to help with calming, focus, and self-regulation
Improving her quality of sleep
Assisting with social interactions and communication
Serving as a visual reminder to others to be kind and patient
Giving unconditional love, support, and a devoted friend always ready to connect with her

How Can I Help?

Click the donation button to contribute to S’s service dog fundraiser!

You can also mail a check to waive the small credit card fees. Please note that mailed donations are recorded and deposited at each month's end. Indicate “A Pawtner for S” on your check’s memo line and send it to:

Good Dog! Service Canines
Attn: A Pawtner for S
855 South Main Avenue, Suite K-162
Fallbrook, California 92028

Remember, your donation applies to many corporate matching programs. Check with your HR department to get your company's support.

Wags + Gratitude

Thank you for your support in getting S her service dog. Your generosity will directly impact our daughter's life, giving her more opportunities for happiness and independence with a pawtner by her side!

Please feel free to share our story and this fundraiser with your friends, family, and co-workers.

Sincerely,

S's Family

Good Dog! Service Canines is dedicated to bringing the benefits of the human-canine relationship to children with disabilities and their families. Our highly skilled pups not only provide assistance and independence but also bring hope, joy, and laughter back into the lives of those who need it most.

We invest an average of $32,000 to raise, care and train each service dog as well as educate and support each family who receives them. Currently, we add 8-10 new teams to the Good Dog! Family each year, in addition to supporting our active Good Dog! Teams. That means we must raise up to $320,000 annually. To help us offset these expenses, families pledge to contribute at least $16,000 towards their $32,000 service dog program costs, qualifying for matching with a service dog when they reach $26,000 of their goal amount.

Caring for a disabled child can come with emotional and financial struggles, but we believe that shouldn't stop any family from having access to cover the costs of their service dog.

That's why we created the Good Dog! Family Scholarship Fund.

For families struggling to raise the remaining amount of their service dog programs, we're here to help! The Good Dog! Scholarship Fund offers financial aid once they've met the minimum $16,000 pledge requirements.

With your support, we can provide life-changing service dogs to Good Dog! Families in need, at little or no cost. Let's work hand in paw to create a brighter future!

All gifts are received with the greatest gratitude.

About Good Dog! Service Canines

Good Dog! Autism Companions was founded in 2011 by the parents of an autistic boy. After getting a service dog for their son, they soon realized the life-changing benefits these dogs could provide to so many more. Today, Good Dog! Service Canines provides highly trained service dogs to children with disabilities and their families, helping them live better lives! Each dog is professionally trained using only positive reinforcement methods because we believe the true power of the human/canine bond is brought about through a loving, trusting relationship. Good Dog! Autism Companions, founded in 2011, has expanded its services to help more kids and families. We are now doing business as Good Dog! Service Canines. Thanks to all whose support let the love grow!

For more information, visit gooddogservicecanines.org.

A Pawtner for S

Team Members