PUPPY LOVE
Two caring canines have helped Joanne’s family in so many ways….
Just a month after the arrival of a loving Labrador named Bella, Joanne Dower’s family life changed for the better.
Joanne’s son Ethan has autism and when Bella scampered into their home to become his assistance dog, Ethan came on leaps and bounds. But when an injury left Bella poorly and unable to assist Ethan any more, a devoted Dalmatian called Rorschach joined Joanne’s brood to fulfil this role, and everyone adored him – especially Bella!
Joanne says, “We’re so lucky to have Bella and Rorschach. They have given our family unconditional love and support and we’re forever grateful.”
Ethan was just four years old when he was diagnosed with autism. Joanne, 35, a retail worker, says, “When Ethan was a toddler, I’d noticed he was anxious in large spaces and struggled with his speech – he’d found it hard to express himself.
IMPACT
“When he was four, we got an autism diagnosis. Not long after, I contacted an organisation called ADA that placed assistance dogs with autistic children, and along came Bella, who had been expertly trained to help with Ethan’s specific needs. They quickly formed a tight bond and within days Ethan’s confidence soared. Before Bella, Ethan had been almost non-verbal, but now, as I watched him chat away to his patient pooch, it was clear my amazing boy was finding his voice.”
Weeks went by, and Bella didn’t just help Ethan, then five, with his speech. Joanne explains, “Bella also stopped Ethan feeling overwhelmed by “grounding” him. This could be by distracting him with a soft nudge of his leg or a little lick of his fingers. It was so effective and allowed my son to go to places he’d previously found too unsettling, such as big shopping centres.
“Bella also soothed Ethan if he ever had a sensory meltdown by nuzzling his pressure points or gently putting her body weight on him. Ethan found it difficult to make friends, so it was a relief that Ethan had a big furry bestie who always looked out for him, no matter what.”
CONNECTION
Over the next two years, Ethan and Bella’s connection grew even stronger. Joanne says, “It was as though they had their own unique language. Bella instinctively knew what Ethan needed and when, and Ethan would say, “I feel so safe when I’m with her,” which was lovely to hear.”
Only there was a bump in the road for the family when one morning, Joanne noticed Bella limping. She underwent an X-ray at the vets where it was confirmed she had ruptured her cruciate ligament. Bella had surgery which was a success, but soon after, Bella ruptured the same ligament in her other leg, meaning she required more veterinary inte
