By Tracey Pitter
We have two wonderful sons. Our youngest has multiple disabilities including Autism, and our oldest son, Ian, was also diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2019 at the age of 10.
Ian struggles a lot with communicating with others, building relationships, sensory issues, noise, wandering, self harm as well as anxiety and change. It broke our hearts as parents to watch both of our boys struggle so much with daily life. It is my mission to advocate and fight for our children and ensure they have the best access to services and life skills that they need to succeed.
I did a lot of research and found two organizations locally that worked with children and adults on the Spectrum as well as Veterans who suffered with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
We are so grateful for the organization Tender Loving Canines (TLC), which is a subsidiary of Guide Dogs of America, that has given our son happiness, joy and hope for the future through his new forever friend and companion, Timon.
Timon has allowed our son to feel more comfortable going out in the community, allowing his anxiety and stress to be more manageable. The program has provided us with tools, through commands he performs, that interrupt harmful behaviors, provide calming techniques, and give Ian growing confidence working with communication skills and building relationships.
Timon is now invaluable. He helps not only our sons but also helps us as parents better manage the struggles our children face on a daily basis. I cannot thank TLC enough for their program that not only helps people on the Spectrum but also our Veterans and inmates who are incarcerated give back to their communities by training these wonderful dogs that help others live lives as best they can.
TLC is a nonprofit organization that provides trained services dogs free of charge to those who qualify medically. Thank you TLC. We are forever grateful.
Tracey Pitter and her family live in the San Francisco Bay Area.