Caddie the Dog

Autism Light #460 is Caddie the Dog.

Caddie is a Labrador Retriever/Golden Retriever mix dog who lives in Newquay in Cornwall in the United Kingdom. Caddie is a therapy dog for a 13 year old boy with autism named Joel Sayer. Caddie is an Autism Light for having a positive impact in improving Joel's journey with autism. In 2017, Caddie was a finalist in the Crufts hero dog competition by Eukanuba.

The following is the YouTube video made about Joel and Caddie in the Eukanuba Friends for Life hero dog competition in 2017.



Caddie helps Joel with a variety of everyday tasks and provides an anchor for his day to day experiences that can sometimes be frightening to a teenager with autism. Joel's mother Janet said about the intervention skills of Caddie that, "When Joel can't cope, he paces around, but Caddie will nudge him, Joel will start stroking him and he'll come back into our world (As quoted by Emma Cox, RadioTimes.com, March 8, 2018)."

Dogs for Good: Through the sharing of their amazing life story Joel and Caddie are encouraging people throughout the United Kingdom to support the charity Dogs for Good. Their efforts have raised over 32,000 pounds to enable other individuals with autism to obtain a therapy dog like Caddie. Joel said, "Fundraising is great, especially when it's for someone who helped you. It's the best way of saying thank you (As quoted by Emma Cox, RadioTimes.com, March 8, 2018)."

Caddie will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Caddie is a fine example of a dog who is making a difference through a therapeutic and loving relationship with a young person with autism. We wish Joel and Caddie the best in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Benji the Labrador

Autism Light #447 is Benji the Labrador.

Benji is a Labrador dog who lives in Aberdeen, Scotland in the United Kingdom. Benji is a therapy dog for a 7 year old boy with autism named Declan McInnes-Pirie. Benji is an Autism Light for the positive impact he has on Declan's life as he stays by his side as a faithful dog.

Declan's mother Phionna was encouraged to try a dog for her son after she read the book A Friend Like Henry written by Nualah Gardner, who was Autism Light #58.  Henry is another dog who from Scotland who made a difference for a child with autism.

Phionna McInnes-Pirie says this about the light Benji has shined in her son Declan's life.

Benji has been wonderful, he has really had his personality tested with Declan and he has risen to the challenge every time. Never have I seen such loyalty, patience and compassion. 

There has been many a happy tear shed in this house. You read about it, sure, but until you see it happen with your own child - well that's some experience.

It's worth everything we put ourselves through. Getting Benji was the best thing we could have done (STVNews, Victoria Pease, Boy's Best Friend: Autistic 7 year-olds bond with Labrador Benji, March 19, 2016).

Two specific areas where Benji has helped Declan with his some of the effects of his autism are preventing him from running away and providing pressure therapy. A harness and handle keeps Benji and Declan together in public and offers a barrier to his wandering. Benji is able to provide pressure therapy by placing his dog paw or leg on Declan, which helps decrease his anxiety.

Benji is in the process of being trained by Assistance Dogs International (ADI) and when completed he will be able to go more places with Declan and become an official autism therapy dog. For more information about Benji the Labrador read the article on STVNews by Victoria Pease (Boy's Best Friend: Autistic 7 year-olds bond with Labrador Benji, March 19, 2016)

Benji will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Benji is a fine example of a dog who is making a difference through his therapeutic and loving relationship with a young person with autism. We wish Benji and Declan the best in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Teddy Morris

Autism Light #422 is Teddy Morris.

Teddy Morris is a golden doodle dog who lives in Jackson County, Michigan. He is one years old and serves as an autism service dog to a boy with autism named Sam Morris. Teddy is an Autism Light for the positive difference he has made in the life of Sam Morris.

The Jackson County community helped raise funds to help purchase Teddy for Sam. The following is a news story about how Teddy has helped Sam cope better with his autism.




Teddy and Sam are always together. Two contributions that Teddy makes is he helps prevent Sam from wandering and keeps him calm.

Stephani Morris said, "When he is having a hard time, Teddy will usually be able to pick up on that and help him through that process (WILX.com, Haley Nelson, July 17, 2015)."

Teddy will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Teddy is a fine representative of autism service dogs that are hard at work around the world day in and day out. We wish Teddy and Sam the best in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Danielle Jacobs and Samson

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In Memoriam
Updated on February 7, 2016

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Danielle Jacobs (Autism Light #414) died on February 4, 2016 (CBS News, Woman Killed by Police Had Viral Autism-Awareness Video, February 5, 2016). This post will remain at Autism Light in her memory. She will be placed on the Autism Light Memorial Roll and remembered at the Autism Rest blog.

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Autism Lights #414 are Danielle Jacobs and Sampson. 

Danielle Jacobs and her dog Sampson are intertwined in this story, so it is fitting that they are both named an Autism Light together. Danielle Jacobs is 24 years and has the form of autism known as Asperger's. Sampson is her 4 year old rottweiler that she acquired from HALO Animal Rescue in Phoenix. Danielle Jacobs and her dog Sampson are Autism Lights because Danielle opened herself up by sharing a video of her experience on YouTube where Sampson as a true canine hero comforts her and alerts her to self harm.

Danielle shared the video of Samson comforting her during a meltdown on YouTube and it received over 5 million views on YouTube and was one of the Top Ten Videos in all of YouTube for the week of June 2, 2015.

Danielle Jacobs wrote this description to the video that she uploaded to YouTube. "This is what having aspergers is like. Please no negative comments this really happened and it's not easy to open myself and share what it's like on a daily basis. This is what's considered a meltdown. Yes Samson is alerting. I trained him to alert to depressive episodes and self harm not both but he alerted. It appears the response is late but it's actually supposed to be as I'm coming out of the meltdown as I tend to have a panic attack after."

Danielle Jacobs told Buzzfeed News that after she got Sampson she "immediately began training him for service work for Asperger's syndrome, PTSD, TBI, and anxiety disorder. He alerts to meltdowns, anger, depressive episodes, flashbacks and nightmares, stimming, provides balance and counterbalance, and alerts to panic attacks (Buzzfeed News, June 16, 2015, Alan White, An Autistic Woman Has Bravely Shared a Video of Her Dog Comforting Her)."

Sampson has successfully passed his CGC (Canine Good Citizen) and CGCA (Canine Community) tests and PAT (Public Access Test) (Buzzfeed News, June 16, 2015, Alan White, An Autistic Woman Has Bravely Shared a Video of Her Dog Comforting Her).

Susan Dunne wrote an opinion piece for the Autism Daily Newscast about Sampson being a hero. She describes Sampson's critical role as an autism therapy dog as follows:

Sampson typifies what makes animals so special - he does not intervene with reasoning (pointless at this stage anyway), with pleading or restraint, nor does he ignore it and walk away. He persists, he stays with his owner, lets her know that he is not giving up on her even though she may at this point have given up on herself. He is there for her, bringing a safe warm presence into a broken place. He reaches across the despair and hurt but doesn't try to control it. He is in there with her for as long as it takes and he wins her round as she accepts his presence and reaches out to hug him (Autism Daily Newscast, June 17, 2015, Susan Dunne, Opinion: Self-harm Video Shows Heroism of a Dog).

You can read more about Danielle Jacobs and Samson at these online stories.

• Autism Speaks, June 16, 2015, This Woman Bravely Shares What It's Like to Have a Meltdown
• CBS News, June 16, 2015, Service Dog Calms Asperger's Meltdown
• The Independent, June 22, 2015, This Is What Having Asperger's Is Like

Social Media: Danielle Jacobs is increasing autism awareness through the videos on her personal experiences that she has uploaded to her YouTube Channel.

Special thanks to Danielle Jacobs for having the courage to share this video so that millions can learn about autism and the role a therapy dog can have. Danielle Jacobs is representative of the many people with autism that are trying to raises awareness of their condition. Sampson is likewise a fine dog to represent the many therapy animals who are unsung heroes.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Roxy the Pitbull

Autism Light #395 is Roxy the Pitbull.

Roxy/Courtesy of Best Friends Animal Society

Roxy is a 60 pound female Pit Bull Terrier who was adopted by Joey Granados and his family. She was adopted on the Saturday after Thanksgiving in 2014 from the Best Friends Animal Society shelter in Los Angeles, California. Joey is a 14 year old who has Asperger's Syndrome. Roxy is an Autism Light because her relationship with Joey Granados helped him hug his mother for the first time and improve in his social relationships.

The following is a video about the impact Roxy has had on Joey Granados and his family.

Amanda Granados told TODAY.com, "For all those years, he wouldn't hold my hand, he wouldn't hug me--it was all part of the autism--but this dog has taught him how to give and show affection. He holds my hand now! He hugs me! The first time I got a kiss on the cheek was when Roxy came home (TODAY.com, Laura T. Coffey, April 27, 2015)."

Joey Granados himself described the impact that Roxy has had on his life when he said, "I didn't have too many friends growing up, but then we got Roxy and I've been able to make friends ever since (TODAY.com, Laura T. Coffey, April 27, 2015)."

Special thanks to Roxy for being an Autism Light. Roxy is representative of the thousand of autism therapy dogs around the world who are making life easier for individuals with autism. We wish Roxy and Joey many years of friendship.

Roxy will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today. Roxy is the second Pit Bull breed to be featured on Autism Light. The first was Karma. That means the Pit Bull breed at this time is second only to the Golden Retriever in being highlighted on Autism Light.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo of Roxy was used with permission of the Best Friends Animal Society, an animal shelter with a no-kill mission.

Karma the Pitbull

Autism Light #353 is Karma the Pitbull.

Karma is a Pitbull Dog who is a special friend to a 6 year old girl named Lacy, who has autism. Karma is an Autism Light for the difference she makes in Lacy's life by showing affection and sensitivity to her needs. Karma is the first Pitbull dog to be named an Autism Light and she will be added to the Autism Light Animal Page today.

Here is a video of Lacy and Karma interacting.


Karma has been friends with Lacy since she was a baby.  "Karma has never had professional therapy training, but her acute understanding of Lucy's needs has been a blessing to the entire family (The Autism Site)."

Special thanks to Karma for being an Autism Light. Karma is an example that all dogs are unique, and a natural born autism therapy dog can come forth even from a breed that is not known for being kid friendly.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Note: We are unaware of the geographical location of Karma, so this post uniquely is not classified by location of the Autism Light.

Golden Retriever Puppies of LionPaws

Autism Light #349 is the Golden Retriever Puppies of LionPaws.

LionPaws is a partership between Paws4People and The LionHeart School in Alpharetta, Georgia. Paws4People sends Golden Retriever puppies to help the students with autism at The LionHeart School. It is a win-win situation as the puppies are being socialized to be future service dogs for injured war veterans who have Post-Traumic Stress Disorder. The Golden Retriever Puppies of LionPaws are Autism Light for how their presence helps the children with autism at The LionHeart School. They will be added today to the Autism Light Animal Page.

Here is a news story from USA Today on the LionPaws program.



Autism Speaks and NBC News 11 in Atlanta also did features on the Golden Retriever puppies in the LionPaws program.

The LionPaws program describes the benefit of their partnership as follows:

LionPaws is the only program of its kind in the nation, where students with special needs help socialize future Service Dogs. Many children with special needs have a natural affinity and comfort level with animals, so being around the puppies is beneficial for both the students and the puppies. Research indicates that animal interventions provide health benefits such as reducing anxiety levels, helping with depression and fear as well as facilitating social interactions (LionPaws Website).

The following was posted on Twitter about Austin and Memphis, representatives of these adorable Golden Retriever puppies.

Today's training was a ride on @MARTASERVICE for AUSTIN and MEMPHIS! #lionpaws #lionpawspdc #marta #paws4people pic.twitter.com/1T4TQg1SGI
— LionPaws PDC (@LionPaws_PDC) June 17, 2014

Special thanks to the Golden Retriever puppies in the LionPaws program and their human handlers who made this light to autism possible. Hopefully this concept of puppies learning socialization from students with autism will continue at The Lion School and be replicated in other schools in the future.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Ruby Tingum

Autism Light #288 is Ruby Tingum.

Ruby Tingum is a Golden Retriever who lives with Bruce and Caroline Tingum's family in Encinitas, California (part of San Diego County). She is an autism service dog who is very gentle around children and received her training from Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs, Inc. Ruby's role is to protect Garrett Tingum, a 10 year old boy with severe autism. Ruby Tingum is an Autism Light for the help she provides to the Tingum family and Garrett Tingum as he navigates through life.

In addition to autism, Garrett Tingum has mild cerebral palsy, apraxia (motor planning disorder), and pica (eats non-edible items). Garrett's most dangerous behavior is his tendency to escape his home and run into the street or go into people's homes. Ruby has been especially trained to find Garrett when he goes missing. Here is a video on Ruby's story of comforting the Tingum family.

   

Caroline Tingum described Ruby and Garrett's friendship in the above video, "Garrett has a friend. He's never had a real friend before. You know you don't think of children with autism as being lonely just because they can't express it. Ruby has filled that void I think."

Special thanks to Ruby and all the talented and loving dogs who are making a difference around the world for autism. If you liked this post you may like to read about other Autism Lights with the label "Animal". Ruby Tingum has also been featured on our Golden Light blog as Golden Light #8.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Autumn Moser

Autism Light #282 is Autumn Moser.

Autumn Moser is a 9 year old Golden Retriever from Ellsworth, Wisconsin. She is owned by Jason and Melissa Moser. In July, 2012, when Autumn was 8 years old, she was instrumental in finding a missing boy named Scotty (Scott) who has autism. Autumn Moser is an Autism Light because she was able to find a missing boy with autism even though she had no special search and rescue training. Autumn is the third Golden Retriever to be featured at Autism Light. Others included Jim and Nuala Gardner of Scotland who had a Golden Retriever named Henry and Sophie Perlzwig, a Golden Retriever in New York.

On the afternoon of Tuesday, July 3, 2012, a little boy named Scott Meyer went missing from his Pierce County, Minnesota home. Scott Meyer was 5 years old at that time and is nonverbal because of his autism. The community searched for 20 hours to find the boy and were concerned because of the hot weather at the time. Jason Moser had his Golden Retriever Autumn come with him as he searched for Scott. At about 8am on July 4, 2012, Autumn led his owner Jason to an area hidden under a tree near a small slope where they found Scott Meyer about a half a mile from his home but near a dangerous body of water (Source).

The following is a news story on the rescue of Scott Meyer by Autumn and her owner Jason Moser.

The Two Little Cavaliers blog praised Autumn's efforts in this way.

After 20 hours of the community searching for the lost little boy it was an 8 year old Golden Retriever with no special search and rescue or other service dog training that eventually helped to find the little boy. A dog that was almost left home because of the heat and no special training. Jason Moser who is Autumn the Golden Retriever’s owner said he decided to bring her in the end because she loves kids and loves giving them kisses (Source).  

Read more information on Autumn finding Scott Meyer at the following blogs and news websites.

• Two Little Cavaliers Blog
• The Daily Golden Blog
• The Star Tribune
• The Huffington Post

Special thanks to Autumn and all the talented and loving dogs who are making a difference around the world for autism. If you liked this post you may like to read about other Autism Lights with the label "Animal".

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Sophie Perlzweig

Autism Light #208 is Sophie Perlzweig.

Sophie Perlzweig is a 5 year old Golden Retriever that is a trained autism therapy dog. Sophie visits Floral Park Memorial High School in Floral Park, New York every other Tuesday to interact with autism students who are in the after-school program called Promoting Academics through Life Skills (PALS). Sophie is an Autism Light for the contribution she makes in the lives of PALS students with autism.

Sophie is owned by Roni Perlzweig of Bayside, Queens in New York City. Roni Perlzweig is a math teacher at Floral Park Memorial High School and she has been bringing Sophie to the PALS program at her school since January, 2011 (Source). The following is a video of Sophie's interaction with the autistic students.




Special thanks to Sophie for being an Autism Light. Sophie is a fine example of how autism therapy dogs can help in temporary school settings.


Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Mushers

Autism Light #149 is the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race Mushers.

The Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race is an annual sporting event that is one of the most popular in Alaska. The great race coves over 1,000 miles in sometimes sub-zero or blizzard conditions from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. It takes 9-15 days for participants (called mushers) to complete as they drive teams of about 12 dogs. The Iditarod Race mushers are an Autism Light because in 2010 they helped provide $15,000 in support to make it possible for a boy with autism, Logan Erickson, to receive an autism service dog.

Logan Erickson is a 10 year old boy with autism who is chiefly nonverbal. He has been a fan of the Iditarod Race when he experienced it coming through Unalakleet, Alaska. Dee Dee Jonrowe is a musher and family friend of the Erickson's. Logan spoke his first word in seven years when he said, "Miyagi", the name of one of Dee Dee Jonrowe's race dogs. Dee Dee Jonrowe and other mushers of the Iditarod Race decided to take up Logan's cause and in 2010 donated almost $15,000 to help pay the expenses to bring an autism service dog to Logan Erickson.

Juke Erickson is the name of the yellow labrador dog who now lives in Unalakleet, Alaska with the Erickson family, thanks to the generosity of the Iditarod Race mushers. He has been trained by the 4 Paws for Ability organization to be an autism service dog for Logan Erickson. Juke is trained to find Logan in the event that he wanders, as children with autism do.

4 Paws for Ability completely trained Juke to be able to provide autism service. In the video when it speaks of Juke being trained by the Erickson family, it refers to the steps they took to help Juke apply his new skills specifically to the service of Logan Erickson. 

For more information on the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race visit these websites.

• Official Website
• Wikipedia

Special thanks to the Iditarod Trail Dog Sled Race Mushers for being an Autism Light and helping bring Juke Erickson to Alaska. The Mushers become the first Autism Light from the State of Alaska. If you liked this post you may want to read about the other Autism Lights who have the label, "Animal".

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post was acquired from the Wikipedia Commons.

Elf Butler Modaff

Autism Light #102 is Elf Butler Modaff.

Elf Butler Modaff is a black lab dog who lives with the Butler Modaff family in La Crescent, Minnesota. Elf is an Autism Light because he is a trained autism service dog who is helping protect a boy named Caden who has autism. His specific mission is to keep Caden from wandering off on his own and to find him if he does wander.

Elf was trained by 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio. 4 Paws for Ability trains dogs to help with special needs and has a special program for autism assistance dogs. Elf has a special second buckle on his collar that can be attached to something Caden has with him such as a backpack. Elf has been trained to sit or lay down if necessary to keep Caden from wandering off on his own. Should Caden go missing Elf is also trained as a search and rescue dog to specifically track Caden.

The following is a news story on Elf done by WKBT.com (News 8) in LaCrosse, Wisconsin.

For more information on black lab dogs like Elf visit the Wikipedia page for Labrador Retrievers. Special thanks to Elf and all the autism service dogs who are making a difference around the world. If you liked this post you may like to read about other Autism Lights with the label "Animal".

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

Photo: The photo in this post of Elf was used with permission of Jennifer Butler Modaff.

Fonzie Mills

Autism Light #91 is Fonzie Mills. 

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.

Special Note: If you enjoyed this post you may like the other Autism Light posts with the label Animal. 

Jim and Nuala Gardner

Autism Lights #58 are Jim and Nuala Gardner.

Jim and Nuala Garder are from Scotland. They are parents of a son and daughter with autism. Both Jim and Nuala are praised for their hardwork and dedication that went into facilitating a healing relationship between a Golden Retriever named Henry and their autistic son Dale. Jim and Nuala Gardner are Autism Lights because their story of being engaged parents has had an impact on other families around the world who may be considering getting a dog for a child with autism.

Jim and Nuala Gardner had a lot of problems with their son Dale's self-destructive behavior. As they struggled with what they should do, they acquired a dog for Dale, and the dog changed everything. They were able to create a voice for the dog to facilitate their communication with Dale and other positive effects poured in over time.

Nuala Gardner wrote the book, A Friend Like Henry (2008) to document the dramatic change in her son Dale (now in his early 20's) as he developed a relationship with their Golden Retriever named Henry. The book is evidence of the positive effect that a dog can have on some children with autism. In Dale's case his dog Henry helped improve his behavior, communication, and self-concept. The following is the YouTube video made to give a brief glimpse at the story of Henry and Dale.

After Thomas was a movie based on the Golden Retriever Henry and Dale's relationship.  Henry is called Thomas in the movie because of Dale's love for the Thomas the Engine character.

Nuala Gardner is an encouragement to all parents. Nuala Gardner said the following to help parents, "Be your child's mother but be their carer, their speech therapist, their lawyer and their champion, too. And never, ever give up hope (A Boy's Best Friend, The Telegraph)."

The dog in this story called Henry died in 2006, but his legacy of having changed Dale's life lives on. Dale said, "He was my dog and I loved him. He died in April this year (2006) and even though I love our new dog (also called Henry) it was terrible for me. The first Henry was special (A Boy's Best Friend, The Telegraph)."

Dale Gardner's parents are very proud of what he is accomplishing as a well adjusted young adult. After Henry arrived into their life, Jim and Nuala Gardner had a daughter Amy who also developed autism. More information on their family can be found in an article written by Daphne Lockyer.

Special thanks to Jim and Nuala Garder for being Autism Lights and being engaged parents who showed the world the tremendous value a dog can have on a child with autism. If you liked this post you may like to read about other Autism Lights with the label "Animal"

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism.

This post went into syndication on Autisable.

Goldie Lauffenburger

Autism Light #44 is Goldie Lauffenburger.

Goldie

Goldie is a Bansenjs mixed rescue dog who resides in Oklahoma. She is also companion to Joy Lauffenburger a high school senior with autism. The two have been together since Joy was 9. Goldie is an Autism Light because her companionship has aided Joy in being successful in life by improving her communication and engagement with others. This is the first time that Autism Light has designated an animal for it's award and it is felt that Goldie is deserving of the honor.

Joy and Goldie met 9 years ago when Joy was trapped in severe side-effects of her autism and Goldie was down to her last days at the Bansenjs Rescue and Transport. Goldie was soon going to have to be put to sleep unless a home for her was found. Goldie found a home with the Lauffenburger's and she is now a certified therapy and service dog. What has transpired over the years between Joy and Goldie was autism light to Joy.

Joy has benefited from her relationship with Goldie in many ways. Her communication, emotions, and self-confidence have bloomed since she found Goldie. Joy takes Goldie to presentations she makes at Bansenjs Rescue and Transport (BRAT) seminars, something that once seemed unimaginable. Although dogs from the generally aloof Bansenjs breed are not normally pegged for the task of helping someone with autism to open up, this relationship has been a success story.

Liz Newton, President of the Bansenjs Rescue and Transport and a worker at a school for severely handicapped children said, "Joy was reluctant to speak. Goldie would accept whatever she said. That became very comforting for her."  For more information on the impact that Goldie has had on Joy see the article by William Hageman that appeared in the Chicago Tribune on June 11, 2011.

Here is a video designed to showcase the work of Goldie's former home, the Bansenjs Rescue and Transport (BRAT).

In 2009 Goldie was inducted into the Oklahoma Veterinary Animal Hall of Fame under the category for Companion. Goldie's nominating veterinarian Dr. Paul Davis wrote:

Joy says, "Goldie has healed me." Goldie's unconditional relationship with Joy helped to open up feelings of empathy and love. 

Joy says, Goldie helps me talk to strangers about my autism, she helps when I am in a bad place, and when I am scared or nervous.

Goldie and Joy's story is also featured on the following other websites or blogs.

• Creatures and Kids Website in the section on autism therapy dogs.
• Nathan's Voice Blog

Special thanks to Goldie Lauffenburger for being an Autism Light. Joy give Goldie a hug for us.

Autism Light honors diverse heroes to the world of autism. 

Photo: Photo in this post used with permission of Oklahoma Veterinary Medical Association.

Special Note: If you enjoyed this post you may like the other Autism Light posts with the label Animal.

This post went into syndication on Autisable.