I don’t make it a secret that I love dogs–I talk about them a lot and I even feature them in my fictional stories. Dogs have this amazing way of healing and helping us that we don’t completely understand–and even take for granted.

I know an incredible family, the Durrants, that have four children and they opened their home to three (siblings) making their family with seven children. I cannot begin to imagine how difficult it must be, but it’s done all in the name of love. With everything going on today, I take heart and pause for selfless, loving people. And sometimes people need just a bit extra help.

Joshua “JJ” is a very special boy. His mom whom I’ve know for about ten years told me this:

“JJ is one of the most unique children you will ever meet. Along with autism, he has synethesia – he sees color when he hears sound; any sound. He’s great with math – he can solve math problems out loud that children his age aren’t doing yet. He can listen to his sisters practice a song on the piano then sit down and start playing what he heard. It’s not perfect, but it’s pretty amazing. Along with the ADHD and autism diagnosis, we saw markers for anxiety and ODD.”

If you can remember what it was like to be eight years old, playing outside with your friends, going to school, making new friends, and enjoying everything that a kid should–and then mix in a disability that makes you different. I was heart-broken to hear that JJ was not only teased, but bullied at school for being different. Now imagine being scared to go to school to makes friends and learn.

JJ is a perfect candidate for a special dog: Paws 4 Autism.

Please visit JJ’s fundraising page if you feel so inclined to give anything so that he can have a specially trained dog companion.

“EVERY child should feel safe going to school. This dog will be the difference between my son attending school and being isolated at home instead of taking advantage of all of the enriching things our schools have to offer. This is his hope for more independence, his hope for feeling safe so he can learn, and his hope for making friends.”

JJ’s mom told me that when he heard that people he didn’t even know were donating so he could have an autism dog, he was SO happy and teared up.

The poster is located at the bottom of this post.

For more information about the Durrant family: Please click HERE

Click HERE to donate: JJ’s Paws 4 Austim Page.

Joshua 1;9

Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
  ~KJV