Over the course of Ian’s junior year of high school (well earlier – we just didn’t notice the slow decline until it hit us in the face), we noticed him struggling a lot more with his autism, depression and anxiety. His grades continued to drop (more drastically this time), he lost interest in everything, became a hermit to his room – only leaving for school and food, in addition to having more autistic meltdowns and not being able to regulate and express his feelings. We watched as we slowly lost the Ian that was fun, energetic, always wanting to help, wanted to learn to cook and in the kitchen and with his uncle every chance he got, loved scouts, enjoyed spending time with friends/family, mentoring those he could, and everything everyone once commented were his best attributes. Jake and I were at a loss on how to help him.
While he did do intensive therapy from January-March it is nowhere near the end of his mental health battle (As someone that has lived with it most of my life and now watching him struggle through it). After a lot of research, thought and discussion, we have decided that a service dog would be extremely beneficial to Ian. We have been told by multiple mental health professionals that they strongly believe Ian not only qualifies for one but also agree that it will change his life drastically. I have spent over 6 months trying to find out the best option (buying fully trained, getting a puppy and having someone train, getting a puppy and have a trainer help train, getting a “started service dog” and have it finished, etc.), with not a lot of answers until recently when a member of my scouting family (who is a SD trainer) stepped in to help in the process .
We have narrowed it down to one of two paths. We will be looking at a 6 month old started Autism dog, or Christine has lined up a golden pup that is 8 weeks old. Either way, the process with be $20,000+ to get Ian a fully trained service dog.
We truly appreciate anything you would be willing to donate to helping cover part of the cost of this amazing opportunity to support Ian’s mental health, not only now but for many years to come.
THANK YOU!
Angel and Jake
