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This Service Dog Radically Changed The Life Of One Autistic Child

Written by: Modi Ramos
| Published on June 11, 2015

For any parent, seeing your kids have to suffer through anything is hard to bear. We want to see our kids shine, and make memories of happy times and sunny days. When the Tingum’s noticed there was something different going on with their son, Garrett, at just one year of age, soon they discovered that he was diagnosed with severe autism, as well as many other conditions that would affect his life on a daily basis. Without proper social and judgement skills, Garrett was a danger to himself, repeatedly attempting to escape from home and even running into the street. Their son wouldn’t get to experience many of life’s joys, and worse, poor Garrett didn’t even have any friends.

Thankfully, the Tingum family discovered the nonprofit organization Tender Loving Canines, and with their help after 18 months of extensive training they were able to match Ruby, a Golden Retriever, as Garrett’s service dog. Ruby brightens the lives of the entire Tingum family, keeps Garrett safe, and allows this child to have a true best friend. Watch this special video below:

It’s amazing to see the healing power of animals and knowing that Garrett has found a true friend in Ruby. Do you have any stories to share of the healing power of animals? Leave us a comment, we’d love to hear!

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