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We have 1 week to raise the needed $2500 to go for training. If we can not reach that goal we will be unable to go for training. Please help, please make our training possible with a donation.

Why an Autism Assistance Service Dog?

Curtis Cottengim looks like a typical Eight-year-old boy with his big warm smile and bright eyes. But Curtis does not experience the world like most children his age, because Curtis is Autistic. Curtis has faced more challenges in his short life than many others will ever experience. Children with Autism have many special needs.

Curtis has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), severe A.D.H.D (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Anxiety Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as social issues.

Photo of Curtis Cottengim, who is raising funds for a Autism Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability He has a limited but growing vocabulary, which limits his ability to be social. He has an especially hard time in social situations and doesn't make friends like his typical peers. New places, people, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming for him.

Children with Autism tend to wander and are very unaware of potential danger. Curtis has no fear of traffic, water, or the ill intentions of strangers. Even though he will not talk to a stranger or go up to one, he will not walk away. If Curtis became lost, he would not answer to his name being called, nor will he come running toward us.

Photo of Curtis Cottengim, who is raising funds for a Autism Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability Children with Autism also have behavioral issues, which Curtis also has. He has many meltdowns (tantrums) that can be started for reasons of not liking something to someone talking to him. We do not go out in public much because of his meltdowns. It doesn't matter if he is at home or at school: his meltdowns will happen anywhere and they last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Curtis needs a strong companion with him at all times, one who is trained to provide assistance, protection, and unconditional friendship. Autistic children and adults tend to connect better with animals then with people.

Photo of Curtis Cottengim, who is raising funds for a Autism Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability Curtis was accepted for a service dog through 4 Paws for Ability. This is a wonderful thing, since 4 Paws will train the dog specifically for him. Please help us raise the money needed for Curtis to receive his dog. With every donation made, Curtis is that much closer to receiving the security and independence that he deserves. Every cent counts.