Gucci Serves as a Model Autism Assist Dog for Kaden

By Jessica Kellogg -

For most of his nine years, Kaden and his family have been living a rather isolated life. Beth, Kaden’s mom, describes Kaden as a “friendly and social, but quiet and reserved boy.” He was diagnosed with Level 2 Autism when he was 3 years old. Commonplace activities like shopping for groceries or going out to dinner as a family were insurmountable obstacles, because Kaden could quickly become overwhelmed. Beth recalls how in the early days of Covid shutdowns, their daily lives continued without much change. “Having to stay home all the time actually helped people understand a little more what we were going through.”

Shortly after Kaden’s diagnosis, Beth began researching assistance dogs. As she learned about the benefits and opportunities an Autism Assist Dog could provide, the name Can Do Canines came up over and over. She says, “Everyone who spoke of Can Do Canines had nothing but wonderful things to say about the program. The more I learned, the more Can Do Canines felt like the right fit, and the more I was confident in the quality and qualification of any dog we would get from Can Do Canines.”

Kaden’s family was incredibly excited to be selected to be partnered with an assistance dog. “For whatever reason, almost as soon as we were notified Kaden had been selected, the Can Do Canines staff knew Gucci would be a good fit for Kaden,” explains Beth.  From that moment on, it was a bit of a “whirlwind.” She adds, “Everyone was just so wonderful, super friendly, and helpful welcoming us into the program. The education and training Can Do Canines provides has been wonderful.”

Since Autism Assist Dog Gucci joined their family, doors have opened for Kaden. “Gucci has really helped Kaden be involved in the community,” says Beth. Gucci’s soothing presence helps Kaden remain calm and regulated in public. With Gucci at his side, Kaden is able to navigate through a store to spend the Christmas shopping money from his grandpa. For the first time in years, Kaden and his family are able to eat together at a restaurant. Soon, Gucci will be joining Kaden at school to help him remain grounded and focused in his classes.

Thinking of all the ways Gucci is making a difference in Kaden’s life and their family’s opportunities, Beth says, “We are so grateful for this opportunity.”

 

Thank you to all those who made this partnership possible:

Whelping Home — Sheryll Fonseth-Lais
Puppy Raiser — Federal Correctional Institution - Sandstone
Special Thanks — Jill & Gary Hallman
Team Sponsor — Ron Knutson