Hunter is 4-years-old. Hunter was diagnosed with Autism at age two and was non-verbal until age three. Hunter had speech therapy and occupational theraphy for about two years at this point and still the words would not come. We noticed at 2.5 he became obsessed with dirt bikes and four wheelers. Hunter was introduced into the motorcross world at 2.5-years-old, and after that he became a whole different kid. He began talking more and more everyday.

Still - Hunter struggles with sensory and emotional issues. He has trouble communicating when he is upset or overwhelmed and has problems with things like loud noises or large crowds except for the motorcross world. Hunter struggles with change in general. Issues with food testures, some materials and significant attention and focus dificuties contribute to his extreme anxiety.

Hunter is a very outgoing kid which is very rare on the Autism Spectrum. Hunter has a really bad rabit of wandering off from us when we are in public and when Hunter goes outside to play he has a bad habit of trying to go places he shouldn't, struggling with bouts of emotional and angry fits when he gets upset or overwhelmed.

Hunter continues to make progress daily but the struggle is very real. Hunter will benefit greatly from a service dog as the dog would basically ground him, keeping him from running off and for the times when he gets overwhelmed and has trouble processing his emotions. The dog will be his safety net - his best friend.

Hunter will also benefit in other ways such as learning how to care for someone else. The fact that Hunter will be taking care of his dog will help with self confidence and some independence. hopefully it will help with the anxiety he feels as well. Hunter has anxiety with us leaving and going to work. he fears we won't come home. He's afraid of the dark as well.

We feel that with his service dog to help with all of these things and keep the monsters from hiding under his bed or in the closet he will be better off emotionally. We also feel that with a service dog at Hunter's side it will greatly improve his independence, self-confidence, anxiety, and wander off and he can continue to grow and learn in leaps and bounds with his dog at his side as the anchor he truly needs.

You can also mail a check or money order to:

W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, 112 East Center Street, Berea, OH 44017

Please make a memo that your donation is for Hunter