Justin's mom, Lisa Beth, of Phoenix is raising funds on behalf of 4 Paws For Ability, a non-profit organization specializing in the training and placement of service dogs for children with disabilities that has accepted Justin into their program.

 

Unfortunately, some autistic kids, like Justin, are "elopers" and take every chance to escape even from a seemingly secure place.  Combined with their attraction to dangers which they are unaware of, such as traffic, pools, or strangers, this makes a deadly combination!  Time is wasted when the search starts in the opposite direction the child went and the child does not or cannot respond to his name being called.  Justin's dog will be trained to track him... even if he is hiding and not able to be seen by those looking for him.  To prevent dashing into traffic or escaping, Justin will wear a vest that will be attached to a harness on the dog.

 

Justin's dog will do much more, such as be trained to put his paw on Justin's leg to disrupt these behaviors.  The dog will provide him with a friend that he desperately needs.  This dog will be his physical and psychological anchor to help keep him safe and help stabilize his mood by providing unwavering friendship and loyalty.