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Cole, as most children with Autism, has a language delay which means he has difficulty communicating complex thoughts such as how he is feeling or why he is upset. This is extremely frustrating to him and the people who love him. It also creates anxiety and a lack of social skills, which are the things his parents worry about most. Cole is often alone, at home and at school. At heart he is an intelligent and loving child, very sensitive to others feelings and moods. He longs for friendships and tries to play and interact with other kids, but it is very difficult and stressful for him, and he usually withdraws into himself, pacing, or reciting movies he knows by heart to distract himself from his embarrassment and loneliness. Cally, Cole’s classmate and “guardian angel” at school, told Heather how Cole loves the book Ferdinand the Bull. There is a remarkable similarity between sweet, peaceful Ferdinand sitting alone under his tree smelling the flowers, and Cole sitting alone under a similar tree at recess at school. Jack, Cole’s father says insurance generally does not cover treatment for Autism. Well researched and documented treatments for Autism show good results with several hours per week of behavioral therapy, speech/language therapy, etc. Insurance, at best, covers one hour of all therapies per week…after deductibles and co-pays. Cole’s school, while supportive and sympathetic, has basically said they do not have the money to provide the individual help, or the type of help that would be most helpful to Cole. And so, Cole struggles through classes he doesn’t understand and usually sits by himself at recess. The accepted treatments for Autism cost between $20,000-$40,000 per year. Jack and Heather are barely getting by now due to a string of health related financial struggles going back as far as their first child having brain tumors and Jack suffering a serious injury at his previous employment. They simply cannot afford the conventional therapy for Autism. But that has not stopped them from doing everything they can to help Cole, to leave no stone unturned to find a way to give Cole peace from his Autism and at a continual and great financial stress to themselves. Cole’s loneliness may just be the hardest part for Jack and Heather. They cannot help but worry about him being alone, even when he is at home with the family. In his quest to find a solution for Cole and his family, Jack thinks he has found the light at the end of the tunnel... Cole loves animals. He spends hours rubbing and pursuing the family dog, a Beagle named Flash. When visiting friends and family, he follows their pets around, wanting so badly for them to stay with him, play with him, and comfort him. Animals help Cole reach a happy place and when he is happy and relaxed, he interacts with people. It is this love for animals that took Jack on a path that led him to the discovery of service dogs. These highly trained canines not only offer a consistently calming effect for their wards but they are trained to recognize the triggers that would send Cole into a spiral of anxiety and frustration. The dog can then actually reprogram Cole to stop the triggers before they start, which is exactly what behavioral therapy does. But more importantly a service dog will provide Cole with companionship. My name is Ethan Pinto, and I just turned 10. When I was 5 years old my doctor told my mom that I have Myoclonic Absence Seizures (MAS). I experience over 30 seizures a day. I know that I am not like the other kids at my school because I go to the hospital a lot and they have to make me stay there for days for testing and medication trials. Most of the time it makes me sick before it makes me feel better. I am currently in a special education program at my school, because sometimes I will have a seizure that is hard for other people to recognize. Because of this I miss a lot of what is being taught, and when my teachers can't tell that I've had a seizure they will continue and I have missed something important in the lesson. Because I have so many seizures in a day there is a lot that I miss out on - even periods of the day that I don't remember. There is so much always going on in my life; sometimes I feel so sad, sometimes I'm happy, but most of the time I just want to be me. Because of my seizure I do not have a lot of friends; they either do not understand it or they are afraid of what to do if I have a seizure so they don't want to be around me. I play on my baseball team, ride my bike with my grandpa, fish with my family, and I love to swim - but now none of those things are safe because I could have a seizure at any time. When I get a seizure dog he will be able to warn me before I have a seizure. I am so excited because then I will get to do all of the things that I love and my mom won't be so worried. The kids at school will think it is so cool that I have a dog and they will know that he helps me. It will give me confidence to tackle the world and learn new things without limitations. He will give security to my family, knowing that I am being watched with those diligent and caring eyes of my service dog. But most of all I am excited to have him as a best friend! So I'm asking if you can, PLEASE help me get my dog. Thank you for your prayers. Ethan I have been afraid ALL MY LIFE. And now that I am a grown woman, my fears have taken over, turning simple everyday activities into struggling obstacles. When I was just 4 years old it all began. I was painfully molested by our neighbor day after day, continuously for 2 years. I was afraid to tell my parents because the man who did this threatened me with horrible consequences. When finally I had the courage to tell my parents, it stopped, but then my life was full of strangers asking me hurtful questions, and doctors giving even more painful tests. Of course they were trying to help, but it really just did more damage. When finally I thought the nightmare was over, it really had just begun. When I was 7 years old, I was molested by an older cousin. When I was 12 I was raped on several occasions by a 21 year old family “friend”. At 16 I was brutally raped and beaten in a room full of people who only watched, not knowing what to do. It became a cycle that never seemed to stop. All of this has left me emotionally scarred - thinking "when will this happen again? Will I be abducted in the parking lot of the grocery store? Will someone follow me home?" If a man is looking at me, I wonder why. Everywhere I go, I fear something will happen; I can’t go into public without my heart racing, and wanting to cry. All it takes is a certain scent or sound for me to have a flashback, and I'm suddenly consumed with panic - I can't breathe, I get sick, and all I want to do is hide. My doctors and therapists diagnose the way I feel as P.T.S.D. (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). This is a disorder that is widely discussed on the news as an injury that occurs to the brave men and women who protect our families and country - only what caused my disorder did not happen overseas - it happened right here at home. Multiple therapies, treatments and hospitalizations haven't helped me. But now I have a hope. Recently I've been working with a dog named Shadow. He was provided to me by Little Angels Service Dogs to help with my disorder. He is still in the final phases of his training, but already he is piecing my life back together. He is a huge black German Shepherd cross who would never hurt a fly. Little Angels does not train dogs for 'protection' purposes, and all of their dogs are friendly, but just his size and stature gives me the confidence that he is a deterrent to those who don't know him. He is trained to stand between me and strangers so that I can feel relaxed talking to someone I don't know. Shadow is also trained in medical alert so that he can paw at my leg when he senses my anxiety levels rising. This enables him to interrupt me to prevent a panic attack, or stop a flashback. He is also in training to go around corners to let me know the coast is clears so that I do not have to be 'on guard' in public. I am now 25 years old, I am married and have two beautiful children. I just want to be able to take my children to the park without being afraid, to go grocery shopping, or to the beach. Shadow still needs to finish his schooling so that he can help me and accompany me into public, but I know that once he is ready that I will be able to face my fears, one step at a time with Shadow by my side. In the beginning I will need his help, but in time he will teach me to be independent so that I can live my life without fear. I am 18 years old, live in California, and have had seizures since I was 9. When I was 2, I was diagnosed with a brain tumor called an ependymoma. After it was removed, I underwent 18 months of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation. At age 4, I was done with the treatments, was free from cancer, which I am very thankful for, but the treatments left me with partial hearing loss, learning disabilities and seizures. At age 13, I underwent another brain surgery at Stanford, this time to hopefully help stop the seizures. They did stop for seven months, but then they all came back. I take four anti-seizure medications daily, which leave me tired and groggy. I take a nap every day. My life is very limited. I have a wonderful family and church family. My three older brothers live outside the home, but I love it when they visit me, play games, watch movies and take me places (and tease me like typical brothers do). My younger sister is 15 and she is busy at her high school, playing on the volleyball team and running track. I love to bake and my dream is to go to culinary school and work in a bakery. One of my brothers lives in Alabama and is attending helicopter flight school for the army. I send him "boodle boxes" filled with my special cookies. My dream of school is put on hold for now, as I can never be left alone due to my seizures. I need someone with me wherever I go and even while I am at home, my family needs to be around as I can have a seizure at any time. Even when I am taking a shower, my mom has to be close by. I have fallen on many occasions and hurt myself multiple times. When I go to church functions or out with friends, I always have to be "buddied up" with someone who knows what to do in case a seizure occurs. Other than baking, one of my most favorite things to do is to play with our family dog, Mia. She is a black blue-heeler mix and is a sweetie. She is so much fun! I spend a lot of time playing with her and cuddling up with her and talking to her. She brings me joy and comfort. I tell her all about my frustrations and she listens. She helps me not to be so lonely. When I heard about seizure alert dogs and what they could do, I knew I really wanted one. Having such a dog would be so helpful to me. I could go places with her and have some sense of independence, which I have never had before. My family wouldn't have to always be around me at home and they could leave me home alone with my dog. I could go out with my friends more. Most importantly, the dog would keep me safe, by alerting me to an oncoming seizure, so that I can lie down to prevent falling. I am really excited about getting a dog and can't wait for this new chapter in my life to begin. College students have a lot of things to worry about, but a major stroke shouldn't be one of them. At the age of 18 Taryn suffered a stroke that required brain surgery. After months of rehabilitation she regained partial use of her right hand and arm, but even after three years she suffers from major memory loss that keeps her trapped at home. Even with the use of medication she can't remember close family members and friends, has difficulty navigating in public, and suffers severe anxiety attacks. Constant therapy and meetings with her Psychiatrist shows little hope for improvement using traditional methods. After research her case workers, psychiatrists and therapists recommended the type of help that can only be brought with some tail-wagging-motivation; the use of a specially trained service dog. My name is Kimberly and I am 25 years old. Since the age of 14 I would have attacks which left me exhausted. I would go through spells where nothing made sense, my body would freeze up and I couldn't function. I didn't know what was happening to me, and even my doctor didn't have an explanation. It greatly effected my every day life for fear that the episode would come at any time. I still managed to lead an active life despite my fear. I was able to attend graduate school going after my masters while maintaining at least two part time jobs, and enjoying my active life. My favorite hobbies of the past were driving, romping, biking, working on my car, baking, learning, and fishing. But that is now the past. Two years ago the diagnosis finally came after I had my first grand mal seizure, one of the worst you can get. It was seizures all along, just harder to diagnose until now. I still enjoy walking when I can and spending time with my friends, family, and animals. Hopefully when I receive a dog I will be able to do more of the things I enjoyed doing and become active again. A dog will be able to alert me to the chemical changes in my body so I know I am about to have a seizure. I can stop what I'm doing, and lay down to prepare myself - I can be safe. Just knowing when it will happen will give me the freedom of my old life back again! Thank you for your help! Email; littleangelsdogtraining@yahoo.com to receive our free Monthly Newsletter with training tips and advice. |
| Donate towards an Individual with a Disability The following individuals are on our waiting list. We are currently working on funding their dog's training You can choose to donate specifically for an individual, and 100% of your donation will go towards the costs associated with their future dog. Thank you for your support! |
| As a parent we want to do everything we can to help our children be successful and happy but what if the things your child needs are almost always out of reach? Jack and Heather, Lincoln residents are just that; loving parents of three children, one of which suffers from Autism. As they try to raise their children, keep their home and jobs, they desperately seek to find a solution to the devastating problems brought about by eight-year- old Cole’s autism, which they have little support for. As you can imagine this is a very stressful situation and Cole is very sensitive to stress. |
| Cole |
| Ethan |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |
| The following individuals and families have given heartfelt donations towards Cole's dog. Thank you so much for your generosity! Carol S. of Crofton NE Susan B. of Dakota Dunes, SD Gerald D. of Dakota Dunes, SD Wayne and Lori L. of Lincoln, NE Greg and Stacey D. of Crofton, NE Jack and Mary R. of Idaho Falls, ID Ms Swain of Crofton, NE Jim S. of Crofton, NE Kerry S. of NE Margaret D. of Emerson, NE Earl and Mary F Jennifer O. |
| Amy |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |
| Kimberly |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |
| Taryn |
| The following have given heartfelt donations towards Ethan's dog. Thank you so much for your generosity! Gail P., Dionne T., Nichole P. Alecia G., Tim C., James Y. Leanne Y., Christy Z., Amanda H. Ian H., Edmumd M., The Schultz Family, The Hernandez Family, The Guerrero Family, Jose G. |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |
| The following have given heartfelt donations towards Amy's dog. Thank you so much for your generosity! Maria A. of Davis, CA |
| The following have given heartfelt donations towards Taryn's dog. Thank you so much for your generosity! Anonymous Donor |
| Anna |
| The following have given heartfelt donations towards Anna's dog. Thank you so much for your generosity! |
| The above link will take you directly to paypal. You can also donate by sending a check to Little Angels Dog Training 239 Lilac Dr. El Cajon, CA 92021 |