My name is Ryan and I'm 12 years old. I like to play on my ipad and the computer. I like to play football and basketball with my family. Solving Rubix Cubes and collecting football cards are other hobbies.

Some things are easy for me, like technology, but other things are really hard. I have Autism and an Anxiety Disorder that makes going places very difficult. Since starting middle school this year, school has become almost impossible for me even though I really want to go. I am only going to school for a short time each day and that is still really hard. I get overwhelmed easily when I'm in loud, busy places and that makes it tough to go anywhere because I really don't like unexpected changes. I get frustrated a lot. I don't really have alot of friends and sometimes I feel lonely but I just don't know what to say to new people. I also have lots of trouble sleeping at night.

I would like to ask you for help to get a service dog from W.A.G.S. 4 Kids. A specially trained dog would be able to help me with so many things. A service dog could go places with me, like school, and help me feel less worried and alone. When I'm upset, deep pressure makes me feel calmer and a dog could be trained to lay against me and make me feel safe. I wouldn't have to face the unknown by myself, but instead I would have a partner. My dog could be trained to sleep in my bed at night and hopefully help me sleep better. I am getting older and want to do more things without my parents but I know that I still need help. I work really hard everyday but I feel like a failure when I can't do something that seems easy for everyone else. A service dog would make it easier for me to do things independently.

My dream is to have a service dog of my own. If you would be willing to donate to W.A.G.S. 4 Kids, you can help make my dream become a reality.

Thank you, Ryan