Milo is a bright, loving, energetic little boy who keeps our family on our toes in the very best ways. He lives at home with his mom and dad, Chelsea and Steven, along with his baby sister, Addison, who already absolutely adores him. Milo is curious about the world, deeply connected to the people he trusts, and has a personality that can light up a room. Like many children with autism, Milo experiences the world differently, and our family has learned to celebrate those differences while also navigating the unique challenges that come with them. Our journey here has been one of learning, advocating, adapting, and doing everything we can to help Milo feel safe, understood, and successful in a world that is not always designed for him. Through therapies, routines, school supports, and endless teamwork, we continue to learn more about what helps Milo thrive.

One of the biggest challenges we currently face is safety and emotional regulation. Transitions, overstimulation, unfamiliar environments, and changes to routine can quickly become overwhelming for Milo. Public outings often require constant vigilance because of impulsivity and wandering concerns, and communication during moments of distress can be difficult. Everyday activities that many families take for granted — going to the store, attending community events, traveling, or even simple transitions throughout the day — can require extensive planning and support. An autism service dog would provide Milo with grounding, emotional comfort, companionship, and increased safety during difficult moments. A task-trained service dog could assist with interrupting escalating behaviors, helping with transitions, providing deep pressure support, and giving Milo a consistent calming presence he can rely on both at home and in public settings.

We hope a service dog will help Milo feel safer, more confident, and more independent as he navigates everyday life. Our dream is for him to experience the world with less fear and frustration and more freedom to simply be a kid. We envision him feeling more comfortable participating in community activities, exploring new places, handling transitions with greater confidence, and building stronger connections with the world around him. Most importantly, we hope a service dog will become a steady source of comfort, security, and companionship for Milo — helping him continue growing into the incredible little boy he already is.

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 Milo