In 2017, 5-year-old Tyler was known as the “happiest little guy,” as many 5-year-olds are. But with his diagnosis of Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder, Tyler would often become frustrated because of his lack of verbal communication. After his diagnosis, Tyler was progressing in some ways but still had mountains to climb. That’s when his parents Brad and Michelle began the search for a service dog.

Michelle explained they contacted W.A.G.S. 4 Kids to “Help our son with autism to be able to handle certain situations, to help him become more calm, to keep him safe in public and provide him with a purpose in his world.”

It has only been a couple months since Tito was placed with Tyler, but the two are already forming a special bond. Michelle said, “Tyler is warming up to him in his own ways. We like watching the two interact a little more everyday. Tito walks to the bus with Tyler and Tyler gives him lots of bus stop kisses before leaving for school.”

It’s those little moments – like bus stop kisses – that will grow the bond between these two as time goes on. The hope for Michelle, before Tito was placed with Tyler, was that having a service dog would help Tyler learn to form bonds. “This would help to improve his skills on forming relationships that he can carry over into social settings with his peers and other adults,” she said. It looks like they are well on their way to that. We are excited to see where the future takes Tito and Tyler on their journey together.

It is a very Thankful Thanksgiving for Tyler and Tito, thanks to your ongoing support of W.A.G.S. 4 Kids’ programs and children. Check in next Thursday for Part 3 of our 2018 “A Thankful Thanksgiving” blog series.

If you’d like to change the life of another child in Tyler’s name, please click the button below to make your online donation today. Along with us, you are “Growing Possibilities, One Child at a Time.”