Autism Service Dog Delivered to Assist 7-Year-Old Boy in Monroe, NJ

Monroe, NJ, April 19, 2019 --(PR.com)-- Michael, a 7-year old boy living in Monroe, New Jersey, has received a very special delivery today of his very own Autism Service Dog from Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers to assist him and help better communicate his needs. Based in Madison, Virginia, Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers, or “SDWR,” has a mission to provide specially-bred and trained dogs for people with invisible disabilities like Diabetes, PTSD, Seizure Disorders, or in the case of Michael - Autism Spectrum Disorder. SDWR has hundreds of service dogs working across the United States and around the globe. SDWR is currently serving approximately 1,000 families.

Janey, a labrador retriever Autism Service Dog, recently graduated from SDWR’s Service Dog Raiser Program where volunteers diligently raise young service dogs in training over the course of approximately one year. Both the dogs and raisers must complete the foundation and skill set training provided through SDWR trainers at their facility in Virginia.

Janey is also an honored graduate of the SDWR Fallen Officer Puppy Program. The Fallen Officer Puppy Program, also known as “FOPP,” is an initiative by SDWR to pay respect to the legacy of service by fallen American police who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Janey is named in honor of fallen hero Deputy Sheriff Jonathan Dwayne Janey of the California Highway Patrol who was shot and killed while conducting a stakeout at a residence believed to be the target of an arson. Janey’s work as an Autism Service Dog with Michael will carry on in memoriam of Deputy Sheriff Janey’s life of service before self.

Michael was diagnosed with Autism at the age of 18 months old. Michael is a very low functioning Autistic and he has trouble with simple tasks and following directions. He is nonverbal and has no fear of anything, which can be a huge risk for Michael’s safety. Michael’s mother, Lisa, states that, “My son's disability affects everything. The biggest is not being able communicate or get out much because it's so hard.” Michael’s family is hopeful that a service dog will act as a guardian for him and help keep him safe and comfort him.

Janey will assist in reducing the effects each diagnosis has on the family’s independence and daily life by working continuously with Michael. Since Janey is a service dog and covered under laws in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, he will be able to accompany Michael and his family everywhere - from school, to the park, and even grocery shopping or out to restaurants.

SDWR’s unique training program is what sets them apart from other non-profit service dog organizations. SDWR trainers will continue to return for training sessions with Michael, her family, and Janey every 3-4 months over the course of the next 18 months to continue working on Janey’s customized training, follow up training and training the human to make a successful team and public access certification.

Service Dogs by Warren Retrievers is a nonprofit organization based in Madison, Virginia, and relies on donations to help the organization in its mission, “Until there’s a cure...there’s a dog.” To make or donation or learn more about SDWR, please visit the website, https://www.sdwr.org. To learn more about Autism Service Dogs go to https://www.sdwr.org/service-dogs/autism/. To find out how you can volunteer as a puppy raiser visit https://www.sdwr.org/volunteer-opportunities/.