Hi all, thank you for reading my son’s story. Let me introduce you to my 4 year old son, Wyatt. He is the sweetest boy, with the biggest heart! Wyatt loves animals, dressing up in his police and firefighter outfits, being outside and helping mom and dad with his baby brother, Waylon. Wyatt was recently diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). He has severe meltdowns and tantrums when things don’t go according to plan or if he is overstimulated. He elopes, meaning he runs away from us any chance he gets. Wyatt also has social anxiety making it hard for him to make new friends. He is severely delayed in speech and several other learning areas.
After speaking to his doctors and to other parents whose children have similar diagnoses, we agreed that applying for a service dog would benefit Wyatt greatly. Therefore, we applied to 4 Paws for Ability and completed the application process. Wyatt was approved for the program and we have agreed to raise $20,000 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 place a service dog at 4 Paws for Ability. We are tasked with raising $20,000 of that amount and are hoping that we can receive assistance so Wyatt can meet his new best friend in the near future.
Wyatt will receive an Autism Service Dog. The dog will help him by interrupting a tantrum or meltdown, detect when he has anxiety and apply deep or light pressure to help calm him down. In addition, this will give Wyatt a non-judgmental, 24/7 friend who will love him unconditionally and will also help him socially. The dog will also help keep Wyatt from eloping. If Wyatt was to ever elope too far away the dog will also be able to aide in tracking Wyatt down and bringing him back home safely.
Wyatt is our miracle. It took us 5 years and a lot of help from doctors to have him. He was born with Chronic Kidney Disease and was almost on dialysis early on in life. After 3 years and countless surgeries/procedures, Wyatt is thriving and has 89% functionality in both of his kidneys. He is the bravest and strongest boy I know. He has overcome so much already in his short 4 years of life. We know that receiving a service dog will help him succeed in so many ways.
How can you help Wyatt?
Donations in support of Wyatt should be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability – be sure to write Wyatt’s name on the memo line and mail checks to:
4 Paws for Ability 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, Ohio, 45385.
If you wish to make an online donation, please visit: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Wyattturner or donate below.