The dog will assist in reducing the effects each diagnosis has on the family’s independence and daily life.

MARYVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA, June 15, 2019 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Blake, a 6-year old boy living in Maryville, Tennessee has received a very special delivery of his very own Autism Service Dog from SDWR to assist him and help better communicate his needs. Based in Madison, Virginia, SDWR has a mission to provide specially-bred and trained dogs for people with invisible disabilities like Diabetes, PTSD, Seizure Disorders, or in the case of Blake - Autism Spectrum Disorder. SDWR has hundreds of service dogs working across the United States and around the globe. SDWR is currently serving approximately 1,000 families.

Tony, a Goldendoodle Autism Service Dog, recently graduated from SDWR’s Service Dog Raiser Program where volunteers diligently raise young service dogs in training over the course of approximately one year. Both the dogs and raisers must complete the foundation and skill set training provided through SDWR trainers at their facility in Virginia.

Tony is also an honored graduate of the SDWR Fallen Officer Puppy Program. The Fallen Officer Puppy Program, also known as “FOPP,” is an initiative by SDWR to pay respect to the legacy of service by fallen American police who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Tony is named in honor of fallen hero Trooper Tony Vian Radulescu of the Washington State Patrol. Trooper Radulescu was a U.S. Army veteran and had served with the Washington State Patrol for 16 years. Autism Service Dog Tony’s work with Francesco will carry on in memoriam of Trooper Tony Vian Radulescu’s life of service before self.

Blake was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder at 4 years old. His family is hopeful that a service dog will provide a safety net for them. Tony will assist in reducing the effects each diagnosis has on the family’s independence and daily life by working continuously with Blake. Since Tony is a service dog and covered under laws in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, he will be able to accompany Blake and his family everywhere - from school, to the park, and even grocery shopping or out to restaurants.

SDWR’s unique training program is what sets them apart from other non-profit service dog organizations. SDWR trainers will continue to return for training sessions with Blake, his family, and Tony every 3-4 months over the course of the next 18 months to continue working on Tony’s customized training, follow up training and training the human to make a successful team and public access certification.

About SDWR:
Service Dogs by SDWR is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Virginia, and relies on donations to help the organization in its mission, “Until there’s a cure...there’s a dog.” To make or donation or learn more about SDWR, please visit the website, https://www.sdwr.org. To learn more about Autism Service Dogs go to https://www.sdwr.org/service-dogs/autism/. To find out how you can volunteer as a puppy raiser visit https://www.sdwr.org/volunteer-opportunities/

Danielle Lewis
Service Dogs by SDWR
+1 540-543-2307
email us here
Visit us on social media:
Facebook
Twitter