Training a service dog to meet our child’s requirements can be very costly. On average it costs between $40,000-60,000 to raise, train, and place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. While 4 Paws for Ability fundraises to help cover a significant portion of this cost, families are tasked with raising $20,000 of that amount or $23,000 if receiving a poodle, doodle or papillon. We hope that we can receive assistance from our beloved family and friends to help make our service dog dream a reality.

Samuel is an incredible kid—curious, kind, and full of energy. When he’s interested in something, he dives in headfirst, learning every detail and sharing his excitement with everyone around him. His passion is contagious, and his sense of humor keeps those around him smiling.

Samuel became fully verbal at age five, and while he can now express himself more, having a full conversation with him can still be challenging. His mind moves fast, wandering from thought to thought, making it hard for him to stay focused on what someone is asking. This is a whole new world for him—one where he’s still learning how to put his thoughts and feelings into words. But when he struggles to communicate what he wants or needs, frustration can take over, leading to big emotions that are hard for him to manage.

Unlike most kids who might get upset for a few minutes and move on, Samuel’s emotional regulation can take much longer—sometimes up to 45 minutes. It takes him longer to find his balance, and sometimes he gets stuck in one negative feeling, making it hard for him to move away from it for the rest of the day.

Despite the challenges, Samuel never gives up. He keeps trying, learning, and sharing his unique way of seeing the world. Every small victory—learning a new phrase, staying calm in a tough moment, or sharing a fun fact about his latest obsession—is a reminder of how incredible he is.

Because Samuel’s mind is always racing at full speed, he can sometimes wander off without realizing it. He gets lost in his thoughts and, before he knows it, he has walked farther than he should. Thankfully, we haven’t had a situation where he’s been in danger, but this is one of our biggest fears. A service dog could help prevent this by staying tethered to him, keeping him safe, and alerting us when he might go too far.

Every child deserves a happy, carefree childhood, and for kids like Samuel, a service dog can be a life-changing friend. More than just a companion, this dog would provide comfort in overwhelming moments, keep him grounded, and offer support when words feel out of reach. We imagine a world where Samuel never feels lost in a crowd, where his emotions don’t take over his day, and where he has a best friend who makes him feel safe, loved, and understood—without adding more chaos or confusion. Just pure love and calm reassurance. A service dog isn’t just a pet—it’s a lifeline, a steady source of comfort, and a bridge to a brighter, more confident future for Samuel.

We believe in the power of community. While we know that getting a service dog is a big and expensive move, we also believe that this could change Samuel’s life in so many ways. A dog would not only help him regulate his emotions and navigate the world more easily, but it would also give him a best friend who provides unconditional love, stability, and comfort.

Samuel deserves this life-changing friendship. With your support, we can make sure he never feels alone in his journey. Every donation brings us one step closer to giving him the best friend he needs—the friend who will help him feel safe, strong, and ready to take on the world.

As parents, our greatest wish is for Samuel to feel safe, happy, and understood. Every day, we see his incredible mind at work—his curiosity, his kindness, and his determination to figure out the world around him. But we also see the challenges he faces. When his emotions become too overwhelming, when his thoughts move too fast for words to catch up, or when the world feels too unpredictable, it can be hard for him to find his balance again.

A service dog wouldn’t just help Samuel—it would help our whole family. It would bring peace of mind, knowing he has a constant source of comfort and security. It would help ease the moments of frustration, making it easier for us to connect with him when words aren’t enough. It would help him navigate new and challenging situations with more confidence and independence. And most importantly, it would remind him every day that he’s never alone.

As parents, we’ve learned that it’s never easy to watch your child feel misunderstood—especially in public spaces. Samuel is just being his true, wonderful self, but sometimes, that means people stare. They don’t always understand that the way he behaves isn’t out of defiance or disrespect; it’s simply a reflection of the way his mind and emotions work. Over time, we’ve gotten used to it, but we’re still not sure you ever fully get used to the stares when your child is just being themselves. 

We’ve heard from other families that having a service dog can change this experience. A service dog is like a giant banner of awareness—a visible sign that not all disabilities are visible. It gives us a chance to raise awareness, not just about Samuel’s unique challenges, but also about the importance of kindness and understanding. People are more likely to approach with empathy when they see that there’s more to the story. With a service dog, people might not stare with judgment or confusion. Instead, it can open the door for conversations and make people realize that every child deserves kindness and compassion, no matter what their differences might be.

We want to make the world a more understanding and welcoming place for Samuel and others uniquely wired like him. With the help of a service dog, we believe we can do just that. This is a big step for our family, but we are grateful for the kindness of those who want to make a difference.

Join us in making a difference for Samuel. Your kindness can help change his life forever.

Every contribution brings us one step closer to giving Samuel the love, stability, and friendship he truly deserves.

With love, 

The Martinez Family