Hali Funk's Autism Service Dog
Donation protected
Hali Funk is a happy, energetic 12 year old girl who also has autism. Hali has a large family whose world revolves around her. Because of her autism, Hali deals with anxiety and struggles emotionally. She is easily distractable and quickly wanders if not watched closely by her family. While fairly verbal she has a difficult time communicating her frustration which results in extreme aggression towards her family members, especially her younger siblings and mom.
Her family has noticed that Hali often seeks out animals as a source of comfort. Her family is fortunate enough to own several horses. Hali does 4-H with her horse, Grey, throughout the summer and trail rides with her family year-round. Being with and caring for her horse has helped Hali gain a sense of independence and accomplishment. Hali is happiest while riding Grey. Hali's family realized that Hali's natural tendency to seek out and bond with animals could be the key to helping her deal with her autism.
After months of research, Hali's parents, Brad and Shiloh, learned about autism service dogs and the benefits they provide for these special children. They decided to contact Tyler Brown in Sandy, Utah, a dog trainer who specializes in finding and training service dogs. This last week he found a dog for Hali!
Moose is a very smart, sweet labradoodle. His intense training will include being able to give Deep Pressure Therapy and Pattern Interrupt. Deep Pressure Therapy is when the service animal sits or lays on or by the child which in turn releases endorphins in the child's brain lessening the anxiety or anger. Pattern Interrupt is when the service animal recognizes the child is beginning to become frustrated or angry and intervenes by licking her hand or bumping her leg to interrupt the child's downward spiraling pattern of behavior, grounding her in the here and now, helping to prevent complete meltdowns.
An autism service dog will give Hali a non-judgemental constant companion and friend who loves her no matter what, even when she's out of control. Having a service dog will also provide a safety barrier between Hali and strangers.
Moose's intense training will take months and is very expensive. We (Hali's extended family and friends) are raising money to help cover the costs for Hali to get her autism service dog. Please help us provide Hali with the independence and love Moose will give her! Thank you so much for all of your support in donating to and sharing Hali's GoFundMe page!
Her family has noticed that Hali often seeks out animals as a source of comfort. Her family is fortunate enough to own several horses. Hali does 4-H with her horse, Grey, throughout the summer and trail rides with her family year-round. Being with and caring for her horse has helped Hali gain a sense of independence and accomplishment. Hali is happiest while riding Grey. Hali's family realized that Hali's natural tendency to seek out and bond with animals could be the key to helping her deal with her autism.
After months of research, Hali's parents, Brad and Shiloh, learned about autism service dogs and the benefits they provide for these special children. They decided to contact Tyler Brown in Sandy, Utah, a dog trainer who specializes in finding and training service dogs. This last week he found a dog for Hali!
Moose is a very smart, sweet labradoodle. His intense training will include being able to give Deep Pressure Therapy and Pattern Interrupt. Deep Pressure Therapy is when the service animal sits or lays on or by the child which in turn releases endorphins in the child's brain lessening the anxiety or anger. Pattern Interrupt is when the service animal recognizes the child is beginning to become frustrated or angry and intervenes by licking her hand or bumping her leg to interrupt the child's downward spiraling pattern of behavior, grounding her in the here and now, helping to prevent complete meltdowns.
An autism service dog will give Hali a non-judgemental constant companion and friend who loves her no matter what, even when she's out of control. Having a service dog will also provide a safety barrier between Hali and strangers.
Moose's intense training will take months and is very expensive. We (Hali's extended family and friends) are raising money to help cover the costs for Hali to get her autism service dog. Please help us provide Hali with the independence and love Moose will give her! Thank you so much for all of your support in donating to and sharing Hali's GoFundMe page!
Organizer and beneficiary
Tara Winn Larsen
Organizer
Roosevelt, UT
Shiloh Funk
Beneficiary