This week, the non-profit 4 Paws for Ability, which pairs special needs children with service animals, shared the touching account of one mother who knows that first hand. Her 5-year-old son, who has autism, was recently introduced to his new service dog, Tornado – and the effect was, in a word, profound.In a world that can be full of judgement and misunderstanding, sometimes all you need is a friend.
That’s what non-profit organization 4 Paws for Ability recognizes, and that’s why it is their goal to pair children with special needs with service animals that can change their lives. Shanna Niehaus, a mother of a 5-year-old boy with autism, felt the impact of this incredible service when her son was paired with his new service dog, Tornado. It wasn’t long after these two met that profound results were seen.
The connection between her son and Tornado was instant, and within a short time, her son was happily laying down on the pup’s body, all of his own free will.
The sight of Shanna’s son reacting so naturally and comfortably to Tornado reduced her to tears. Due to his autism, her son has difficulty with social interactions and is often uncomfortable with being touched, even by his mother. But with Tornado, everything came naturally.