Elias & Spencer
We support Spencer's training as assistance dog
Our cooperation partner Assistenzhunde Bayern e.V. is a non-profit self-help association that supports disabled and chronically ill people in acquiring and training assistance dogs. Through them we became aware of Elias & Spencer.Elias (10 years old) has an autism spectrum disorder (Asperger), as well as attention-hyperactivity syndrom (ADHS). He, and his family have been fighting for years with this extreme and challenging situation in their daily lives, which has become increasingly debilitating. For one year they have a new family member named Spencer (bearded collie/assistance dog), which is very well suited, being a herding dog, to care and watch over Elias if he’s having a tantrum or fit of rage, if he runs away, or is in acute danger of harming himself.
Okay, so I'm not „normal“…
Presently, Elias is living in a center for autism and disabilities in speech and mental development. An integrated school close to Munich. He only comes home on weekends, since living in a structured atmosphere is extremely crucial for children with Asperger and ADHS. Due to Corona conditions, normal school life, with all the daily adjustments, cannot offer Elias a sufficient basis for learning, as well as dealing with his outbursts, and fellow students.
We visited him for the first time for an interview. We learned that his day is fully organized exactly to the minute, and that every day there is the same routine. This gives him structure, and the security of always knowing what to expect. This way, there are no uncomfortable surprises. This reliability offers more options for supporting and rewarding positive behavior.
What has Spencer learned to help you?
He cheers me up, and knows exactly when I'm not feeling well. He nudges me with his snout or licks me. He realises when I'm about to have a tantrum, and lays his head in my lap... To the full interview.
To train a dog professionally, and to pay for ist upkeep is very costly! Unfortunately statutory health insurance does not cover or subsidise the training of an assistance dog. Therefore, all costs must be carried by the family. Therefore, we have decided to provide for the cost of the feed, as well as visiting them both on a regular basis. We will report on their progress, in order to create more awareness for this illness, and to show the sensational work that assistance dogs can offer.
With our virtual charity can, you can help support the training of Spencer as an assistance dog for Elias. For every "Assistenzhunde Bayern" charity can purchased, 100% goes to the Assistenzhunde Bayern e.V. association.
