Hello! Thank you for taking the time to read our son Dominic’s story! I would like to introduce you to Dominic. Dominic is a very sweet and kind natured child. As we always say, no one is a stranger to Dominic. Everyone he crosses paths with gets an enthusiastic “hello” and “how are you?” As some may or may not know, Dominic suffers from intractable epilepsy and seizures since he was three. Due to the nature of his condition he needs constant care and monitoring and has suffered developmental delays due to his genetic condition that his seizures are associated with. Along with the seizures, Dominic does suffer from behavioral challenges as well as overall balance and coordination problems. Recently, after numerous tests with a neuropsychologist he received an Autism diagnosis
Based on his many challenges we applied to 4 Paws for Ability for a service dog. His previous service dog suddenly passed away earlier this year, this left a huge hole and role to be filled. After speaking with his neurology team at CHOC (Children’s Hospital Orange County) it was agreed that Dominic needed a new service dog. After applying and completing the application process with 4 Paws which included medical documentation and other approvals along with letters from people closest to him, Dominic was approved for the program, and we have now agreed to meet the fundraising goal for 4 paws for Ability. Training a service dog to meet the requirements can be very costly. On average it costs between $40,000-$60,000 to raise, train, and a place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. We are tasked with raising $20,000 of that amount to help offset the costs. We are hoping that we can receive assistance to make Dominic’s dream of receiving a new service dog come true.
Dominic has been approved for a seizure scent alert dog that will also perform other tasks related to behavior disruption, balance, and mobility tasks. Having a dog that will help perform these tasks will greatly help to improve Dominic’s way of life. The dog will help him through training to interrupt an escalation of an aggressive event, will help detect seizures and be by his side during a seizure event to help soothe his body. This dog will be his friend that will provide the love that can only come from an animal companion. We believe this will help Dominic to become more independent and successful in life.
Dominic was our rainbow baby. He arrived a bit early at 37 weeks and spent one week in the NICU due to severe reflux. He started having seizures at 18 months, however those were febrile. Fast forward to him turning three then the seizures became the beast that he is still dealing with today now that he is 12. Throughout the years he has been hospitalized several times, in fact he is hospitalized at least 2-3 times a year for seizure control. He attends numerous doctor’s visits each month as well as various therapies. A service dog can make a positive impact in Dominic’s life that NO amount of therapy, medication or alternative therapy is able to do.
How can YOU help Dominic?
You can donate online by using the link below or write a check. Donations in support of Dominic should be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability – be sure to write Dominic’s name on the memo line. Mail checks to:
4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Dominic Santos
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.
Contribute to Dominic’s dog below
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.