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Dangerous Service Dogs for Special Needs Kids

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Contributed by: Laurie Yakish on 9/24/2008

As the mother of a son on the autism spectrum and a professional dog trainer I am outraged to have to bring you this story. I am an enthusiastic supporter of animal assisted therapies (Some of you may be familiar with my program The Sirius Kids' Connection) but, I have encountered some unscrupulous organizations placing dangerous "service" dogs in the homes of children on the autism spectrum, with siezure and developmental disorders. The names of these organizations are Pawsabilities Unleashed and Autistic Service Dogs of America.
I was personally brought in to evalulate a dog named Pheobe from Pawsabilities Unleashed. Pheobe is approximately fifteen months old and is thought to be the result of the random breeding of dogs roaming loose after Katrina. She is a mix of pit bull, lab and unknown. Pawsabilities had no history on her other than she had been through a series of foster homes. They only had posession of her for a few months.
When the new family came for the single week of training the organization requires Pheobe attacked and injured another dog in the training class. It was glossed over and Pheobe was given her Canine Good Citizenship certificate. Even though the child's mother expressed misgivings she was told that she had nothing to worry about. Pheobe would be fine once she settled in.
Since then Pheobe has growled at the boy's father twice and at his grandfather. She even cornered one of the neighbor children. When I went on a public access evaluation with her and the child's mother Pheobe was afraid to go into a Wal Mart and stressed heavily throughout the store. We next went to a medical facility where Pheobe was extremely fearful on the elevator. Upon leaving the building she panicked over two people walking through the door a few feet behind us and became aggressive towards two men walking towards us a full ten feet away.
When the mother contacted Pawsabilities she was told she could get another dog from them but since they are a non-profit they don't have to give her back her money. (So apparently non-profit means non liable to them.) So now, does this woman not only not have the dog her son needs, she has a ticking time bomb in her house and she has used up all ofthe financialresources she needs to get another service dog. I am posting this article because people have to be made aware and be able to protect their vulnerable children.
If you have concerns, questions, would like to become involved in my work or would like to help this family in any way please contact me at 719-227-1874 or at lyakish@netzero.net. Thank you for your time.

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CONTRIBUTOR INFO

Laurie Yakish

Colorado Springs , CO

Laurie Yakish has posted 3 stories and 0 comments since joining on 8/17/2008. Laurie Yakish 's average story rating is 0.

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