Hey y'all! WE DID IT!!!!! 

We are no longer accepting donations at this page as we have reached our first goal. Please, head over to https://www.supportnow.org/george-benson-fund where you can read more on the process of breeding, training and pairing Benson and George. 

We are beyond humbled at your generosity and open hearts. THANK YOU for loving my sweet boy. We could not have done this without any of you and I am forever grateful. 

OPERATION: BRING BENSON HOME begins NOW! We will continue to keep you updated on this journey, George's milestones, and so much more! 
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George was born 6 weeks prematurely and spent time in the NICU after his delivery. He overcame every challenge he was faced with in that hospital pod and has continuously knocked smilestones and achievements out of the park. George began therapy very young to learn how to chew his food (feeding therapy). He seemed to be progressing in speech and communication just fine until one day, he stopped saying "Mama" and stopped signing. Concerned and knowing if anything was wrong that early intervention was key, Kristen did every test she could imagine. 

And after everything was ruled out (epilepsy/seizures, complications from prematurity), George was diagnosed with Autism (ASD) and began ABA therapy just before his second birthday. Over these past 18 months, George has excelled in many areas and has developed more behaviors in others as we learn more about his Autism and the difference between "he's being a 3 year old toddler" and "this is not normal behavior." George has been diagnosed with PICA (which terrifies Kristen as he puts everything and anything into his mouth- another behavior Benson would be so helpful with) and OCD. George has a very limited diet of foods he will eat and can eat due to allergies as well. 

The thing about George is that he is a miracle. Kristen was never supposed to have children after doctor's told her time and time again she couldn't. But on her 38th birthday, she saw the words "pregnant" on 12 different sticks (disbelief kicked in immediately), Kristen knew that she would do ANYTHING for the baby that she had always prayed for but was told she would never carry. 

George is being raised "like the 90s" because his mama is old and only remembers 1980s Sesame Street and when car rides didn't have technology. He has read over 3,000 books and is teaching himself ASL because he wants to learn it. He has a typewriter (or "iPad") and he types so many words including his signature "Ten Love George". He thinks he is a firefighter, a cowboy and a comedian: all at the same time. 

Kristen knows how incredibly blessed she is to have George as her son. And while it's very difficult to be a single mother to a special needs child, she wouldn't have it any other way. God made George perfectly in His image and just the way He knitted him together in her womb. No mistakes were made. But as George grows up, having a service dog will provide him with comfort, security, safety, comraderie and love that Kristen can only do SO MUCH of as the only parent. And the peace of mind that would come with having Benson would be life changing. 

Sometimes George goes into his own little world and disappears for a bit. We're not sure where he goes but when he is there, he is so happy and talking in his own language and has a light in his eye that just melts your heart. Although we can never join him in that world he sometimes escapes to.... we are just blessed to have a chance to be part of it. And the life that George Wilder and Benson will live together as best friends- truly growing up together- will be one that will never be taken for granted. 

Follow along and learn more about George and his journey to get Benson with us in this Facebook Group. 

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.