Help Joey get a service dog.

Joseph is a sweet, intelligent and funny 10 year old boy diagnosed with autism. Joey was diagnosed at a young age and has received services prior and since his diagnosis. He also has an individualized education plan, which is discussed and adjusted as needed yearly.

Joey loves to sing and has a beautiful voice. Joey also enjoys drawing, dancing, and playing outside!

Joseph unfortunately lost his mother in March 2022, a loss no child should have to endure. Although Joseph was adopted by his nana almost six years ago, he and his mother Casey had a special bond and have some great memories together.

However, he struggles in school over simple requests. When asked to correct work he gets angry, and often times tries to run from his classroom, and has even hit his teachers out of frustration. The school Joey is currently enrolled in has an emotional support dog, and Joey has benefited immensely from this dogs support.

His grandmother, my friend Lisa Will wants to get Joseph an autism service dog. This dog would be able to accompany Joseph to medical appointments, school activities and so much more! In some cases these support dogs can even be trained to interrupt self-harming behaviors and deescalate a possible meltdown. It can also help with social interactions, increase joeys independence. This dog could be a forever friend and companion to Joseph, as he continues to navigate the ups and downs of school, and even at home.