In January of 2021, we met an autistic child at a local park, and he was accompanied by a companion dog.  It was there that we first learned about Canine Companions for Independence; a circumstantial day that has changed our lives forever. During that meeting, the father of the autistic child described Canine Companions as the best program. Later that night, and after days of our own research, we came to the same conclusion. And after experiencing firsthand what Canine Companions for Independence offers and provides, I am happy to report that “he” was right, and our expectations have been blown away each step of the way through this journey.  Our son’s Canine Companion, Conrad, has had a tremendous impact on our lives, and we are passionate about helping this organization raise funds to continue the great work they’re doing to support more people / families in the future.  Thank you in advance for your generosity and contribution to this amazing cause.  

Background on Graeme & Conrad’s Story:
Graeme is a kind, energetic, loving eight-year-old boy.  He is an older brother to McK (age 6) and Mac (age 4), and he takes his role as a big brother very seriously.  While his siblings are his best (human) friends, he enjoys playing with any children (and pets!), due to his very friendly nature.  Graeme fiercely protects his younger brother and sister, as as well as his best friends.  While Graeme loves opportunities to socialize, his differences sometimes make it challenging to interact appropriately with friends and challenging to navigate situations like bullying (he’s had his fair share already of bullying). Which is why we’re working so hard in school, therapy, and life in general, to help support Graeme in becoming an independent young man and great friend.      

As a child with neurodevelopmental differences, Graeme has certain limitations regarding social interactions, communication, and coping with stress and anxiety.  He was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in 2021, and he was previously diagnosed with sensory processing disorder, dyspraxia, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, and developmental coordination disorder in 2019.  

Graeme’s canine companion, Conrad, had helped him become a more confident independent young man.  Conrad supports him through challenging transitions; assists with calming him down during meltdowns / extreme behavioral outburst; he provides Graeme with sensory input and large muscle work through active play.  Conrad also provide tactile or deep pressure stimulation for sensory needs and help him maintain personal boundaries.  

Like epilepsy, cystic fibrosis or diabetes, autism is known as an invisible disorder.  For many people who have this condition, there will be almost no physical features that make them stand out as ‘autistic’.  It’s this fact that has coined the phrase within the autistic community that goes: ‘once you’ve met one person with autism… you’ve met one person with autism’. What’s so remarkable about our experience with Canine Companions, is the ability to fully assess a person’s needs, and match those needs with a highly talented and trained service animal who will assist in making a recipient’s life better in countless ways. And they truly found Graeme’s perfect match in Conrad.

We are grateful for the opportunity to advocate for our son, who is the sweetest young boy, and who requires extra support to prepare for a successful independent future.  And, we are so grateful for the opportunity to have welcomed Conrad, our canine companion, into our family.  Conrad has helped Graeme feel calmer and safer when his brain and body aren’t communicating properly.  Conrad has changed our lives by providing Graeme with comfort and companionship.  We appreciate this opportunity so much and thank every one of the Canine Companion team members from the bottom of our hearts for all that you do for this remarkable community.  

THANK YOU for taking the time to learn more about our story, and the impact Canine Companions has had on our lives.  Your generosity is greatly appreciated, and will make a tremendous impact on others.  

Your support will help enhance the lives of people with disabilities through an expertly trained service dog.

I am raising money for Canine Companions® because I believe in their mission and appreciate the impact these exceptional service dogs have on the people they serve.

Did you know? Each Canine Companions service dog is specially matched with a person with a disability. The connection and bond that the team has is incredible! These dogs not only open doors, pick up dropped items and turn on light switches, they provide greater independence and an amazing life-time partnership.

Please help me reach my fundraising goal by making a tax-deductible contribution. Your gift will help open more doors for people with disabilities. Every dollar counts! Together, we can change lives four paws at a time.

Thank you!