For Kam and Kris, service dog Massimo is a protector, a best friend, and a life-saver.
As their autism assistance service dog, Massimo keeps them safe and gives them the freedom to explore the world with confidence.
“Massimo watches out for Kam and Kris. He helps keep them safe, especially in public spaces. He alerts when he sees them doing something he thinks is unsafe,” says their mom, Melanie.
Before Massimo, outings were stressful. Kam and Kris were prone to elopement, but once they realized Massimo could find them, they stopped running off. “They have not eloped since.”
Beyond safety, Massimo is a constant source of comfort, especially for Kris. “He is Kris’ best bud most of the time. They play and snuggle,” Melanie shares. He also helps Kam and Kris connect with others. “It’s hard for autistic people to make friends, but Massimo makes everyone think that Kam and Kris are so lucky to have a good buddy like him.”
Massimo has also become a guardian for the entire family. “He alerts for anything he thinks we need to check on. He still loves to train, and he loves to go places with us,” Melanie says. From guiding his boys through crowded amusement parks to enjoying a quiet day at home, Massimo is always there.
“We hope other people know that Massimo has changed our lives. He has made it safe to take our boys out to places we couldn’t navigate before,” Melanie says. “He is also just a really great dog, even when he is not working.”
Massimo isn’t just a service dog, he’s family. He’s proof that a four-legged friend can make the world a safer place.