Fonzie is a dog from Racine, Wisconsin. He was trained by Vicki Pingel of Compassionate Paws to be a service dog for a boy named Ryan who has autism. Fonzie is an Autism Light because he is acting as a calming effect on seven year old Ryan Mills, who has autism.
Fonzie was injured in an attack in 2010 while undergoing training. Two of the other service dogs in training with Fonzie were killed in the attack and he was the only one to survive. Ryan's mother, Michelle Mills, says that if Fonzie was tough enough to be the only dog to survive the attacks then he is strong enough for her son. For more information on Compassionate Paws visit their website at www.compassionatepaws.org.
Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.
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Unfortunately Fonzie is no longer servicing...he became anxious and aggressive toward others and my son and had to be removed from service. He was a light though, he tried hard and it was things beyond his control. He is now living the good life with a rescue who is placing him with a home where his unique needs will be met.
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