Take Your Friday Back: Learn How An Autism Dog Loves and Heals

Take Your Friday Back: Learn How An Autism Dog Loves and Heals

In 2008, Guiding Eyes for the Blind introduced Heeling Autism, a program in which its world-renowned dogs are trained to provide safety for children with autism. In actuality, an autism dog is primarily tasked with preventing children from bolting or wandering in public. But in most cases, these canine friends offer countless additional gifts to the lives of those affected by autism.

Take a look at how Pablo, a healing autism dog, provided relief and support to the O’Connor family and enhanced their lives in more ways than they ever expected.

“Children and adults alike stop to ask if they can pet her autism dog. They ask his name and his age and how long we’ve had him. Suddenly, a conversation is set in motion, and smiles are exchanged as Pablo happily steps into the spotlight, and the rest of us find ourselves experiencing a rare moment of calm within the confines of a public space.”

Learn more about Heeling Autism, and visit Guiding Eyes for the Blind for more information and inspiration.

About Guiding Eyes for the Blind: “Guiding Eyes for the Blind is dedicated to creating and supporting life-changing connections. Since our founding by Donald Kauth in 1954, we’ve graduated almost 10,000 teams. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with all services provided completely free of charge.  At Guiding Eyes, we rely upon the contributions of our generous donors to fulfill our mission.

Guiding Eyes is an accredited member of the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the organization that establishes worldwide standards for the breeding and training of guide dogs. We’re proud to support their mission to improve and uphold worldwide standards for the breeding and training of guide dogs. Guiding Eyes also partners with other organizations to ensure that exceptional dogs who are not suited to guide work may go on to alternative careers in detection or as service dogs or are placed in loving homes through our Youth Program or public adoption.”