Bringing Sawyer and Wilbur Together

Sawyer is 7 years old 1st grader from Holmen, WI. He loves to go fishing and swimming and is also on the Miracle League baseball team at the YMCA. Sawyer has Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. These neurological disorders make it difficult for him to accomplish everyday tasks and take part in the activities he loves.

Sawyer has an inability to stay focused and on task which often causes safety hazards. Under stress, Sawyer has a fight or flight mentality. He will wander away or run into traffic, so family and friends have to be on guard constantly. When he does try to fight, he is unaware of his surroundings and sometimes will hurt himself or others unintentionally. Sawyer's emotions are also hard for him to understand and control which often results in meltdowns that often last for hours. During these meltdowns, he has a difficult time regulating his body and calming himself. He is not yet able to calm down without someone else's help in providing deep tissue pressure (through weight, squeezing or other methods) which helps him reorganize and calm his sensory system.

These are the main reasons Capable Canines of Wisconsin has partnered with us and found Wilbur, a service dog, for Sawyer. A service dog will help keep Sawyer safe through specialized skills like boundary alert, tethering, and deep tissue pressure. Boundary alert is used when Wilbur rings a set of bells located at the door if Sawyer leaves the house. Tethering Sawyer to Wilbur through the use of a harness and belt system will reduce the risk of him bolting and putting himself in danger. Once the sit command is given, Wilbur will keep Sawyer with in a four foot radius. This will allow Sawyer's mom to do things like write out a check at the grocery store without worrying about Sawyer running into the busy parking lot while her back is turned. The service dog will also be a calming mechanism when Sawyer has a meltdown. Wilbur can apply deep tissue pressure by sitting in Sawyer's lap, snuggling or giving kisses and can also help Sawyer as he learns to calm himself simply by sitting nearby so Sawyer can pet Wilbur while he begins to calm down.

The costs of a service dog vary depending on the specialized skill and complexity of the training. The cost of raising and training a service dog with the skills required to meet Sawyer's needs is approximately $9,000. This covers costs Capable Canines has paid including breeder's fees, dog food, veterinarian bills (spay/neuter, immunizations, regular checkups, etc.), training supplies, dog toys, any necessary medication, training fees, and so forth. Wilbur has already had over 18 months of extensive training in preparing to become not only a service dog, but a lifelong friend. I know with your generous donation we will make this goal a reality and make Sawyer's world a happier and safer place in which to live. Thank you in helping Sawyer to be more independent and for helping Sawyer's family feel more secure.