William Smith was just three years old when he was partnered with his dog, a golden retriever called Spencer, becoming the youngest children’s team the charity has trained.
William had been diagnosed with classic autism just after his second birthday, and his family worked hard to search for things that might assist his social development and address William’s major fear of leaving his pushchair when going out and about.
William’s father Lee explains just how life has changed: “You would be amazed at the difference that Spencer has made to all our lives, but especially William’s. Spencer has brought order and safety to the world outside our house as well as confidence and fun.”
As an autism assistance dog Spencer has received specialist training which allows him to go into shops and other public places. Lee also attended a two-week training course and continued to receive back up training at home until the team had fully bonded. William is discreetly attached to Spencer and holds a handle on a special blue jacket worn by Spencer while Lee instructs Spencer via a lead and simple directions.
“The practical side of an assistance dog has been great as William tends to do what Spencer does rather than what I say!” explains Lee. “I have to ask Spencer to sit at kerb and if Spencer sits, William is happy to wait and amazingly no more bolting. William will now sit in a coffee shop quite happily and we’ve even been able to get rid of the pushchair – so happy is William to walk anywhere if Spencer is there too. William will only call him “Big Doggy”, but Spencer doesn’t seem to mind.”
Spencer has also helped the family’s daily routine, Lee explains: “If the dog stays at the dinner table so does William, so meals times have become quieter and usually in one place now. If the dog goes upstairs at bath time, William will follow, that’s saved me an hour of previous negotiations. Family walks on a Sunday in the woods have become a hobby, previously not an option.”
“While William is Spencer’s number one fan, I’ve become a big fan of Dogs for the Disabled and the work they are doing to help. I think it’s safe to say, ‘Big Doggy’ is the best thing that’s happened to William and our family in a long time.”
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