Meet Astrid! She's five years old, endlessly curious, a little mischievous, and always on the move. She loves Legos, Barbies, Calico Critters, arts and crafts, Play-Doh, and exploring outdoors. She's adventurous, determined, and has a big personality packed into a little body. She's also absolutely adorable, and the best part is that she knows it!
And if there's one thing Astrid loves more than almost anything, it's dogs.
Whenever we visit family with dogs, Astrid gravitates toward them. She follows them around, wants to play, and loves simply being near them. We often joke that when we're looking for Astrid, we should probably start by finding the dog.
A World She Wants to Explore
Astrid is autistic and minimally verbal. Although she's made wonderful progress through years of therapy, she still faces challenges with communication, safety, and sensory regulation.
Like most five-year-olds, Astrid wants to explore everything around her. But she doesn't yet recognize many everyday dangers, and her sense of adventure often moves faster than her understanding of risk.
During a family road trip, an ordinary stop at a gas station became one of the most frightening moments I've experienced as a parent. Astrid suddenly ran outside toward a nearby highway. I raced after her, terrified. Astrid, meanwhile, thought we were playing a hilarious game of tag.
It happened in seconds. Moments like that are why we're constantly thinking ahead and finding ways to help her explore safely.
Busy or unfamiliar environments can also be overwhelming. A visit to a children's museum, a family dinner, or even an introduction to kindergarten can present challenges that require extra preparation and support.
As her parents, we'll always be there to guide and protect her. But we've also wondered what another kind of support could make possible.
An Unexpected Connection
One experience in particular gave us a glimpse of that possibility.
During a family visit, Astrid met a retired autism service dog. She immediately gravitated toward her, following her around and wanting to be wherever she was.
Later, we went to a restaurant, somewhere that would ordinarily be difficult for Astrid. Between the noise, activity, and expectation of sitting still, dining out can quickly become overwhelming.
But that day was different.
The dog gently nudged Astrid and let her lean against her. Eventually, Astrid settled down, resting comfortably against the dog while the busy restaurant carried on around them.
I remember watching them with a mixture of surprise and enchantment. There was no coaxing or effort to bring them together. They simply fit, like peanut butter and jelly.
And for once, I could relax a little too.
It was a little girl finding comfort beside a dog, and her mom getting to enjoy watching it happen.
That experience helped us imagine what a specially trained service dog might mean for Astrid's everyday life.
A Future Full of Possibilities
A service dog could help Astrid stay close to her caregivers, assist in locating her if she wanders, and recognize signs that she's becoming overwhelmed. A gentle nudge or calming deep pressure could provide another layer of support during challenging moments.
Imagine more afternoons at the park, more family adventures, and more opportunities for Astrid to discover new places with greater safety and confidence.
Our goal isn't to change who Astrid is. It's to help her experience more of the childhood she deserves.
Help Us Bring Paws for Astrid to Life
Our family is partnering with 4 Paws for Ability to help make that future possible.
Training and placing a service dog costs approximately $40,000. Our family's required fundraising contribution is $23,000, and we're asking our family, friends, local businesses, and community to help us reach that goal.
Would you consider making a contribution toward Astrid's future service dog?
Every contribution brings us closer. Sharing her story or connecting us with a potential sponsor can make a meaningful difference too.
Thank you for celebrating the little girl Astrid is today and helping us work toward the possibilities of tomorrow.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Nicole, Brian, and family
Donation information: Contributions designated for Astrid's campaign are made to 4 Paws for Ability and credited toward her fundraising goal. These contributions are not tax deductible.