Nathan & Spartacus, A DogWish Success Story
DogWish Service Dogs Transforming Lives!

I have to state that this is one of the most disturbing stories I have ever written...WITH A GREAT ENDING!

Nelson and Kim saw me at a disability expo and called me about their son.  They have two boys that are disabled with autism, but their one son is a special concern.  Their boys are wonderful, very sensitive, approachable, loving, and their family has a special place in my heart.  Their third son seems completely abled and is a handful, but not in a way that is irritating or bothersome, he’s hilarious, and fun to be with. 

They found out their boys had autism, lost their home, and modified their careers accordingly, and the last couple of years have been very hard, especially on Kim.  Last year, one day at school, a group of older kids surrounded Nathan, beat him senseless, kicked him, urinated on him, and spit on him.  Nathan spend a month in a psychiatric hospital, and the rest of that year being “home schooled” by his mother, who lost her job.  The school did nothing!

I met Nathan this fall, and things were not going to well for him.  He was in school but scared to death, and his mom was a shamble.  They had no money, but felt that Nathan’s future depended on their being able to do something to turn things around for him. 

They came to see me and after hearing their story I knew exactly what to do.  Nathan broke my heart.  I hurt so bad for these people, after hearing their story I cried.  We all cried.  But you can’t see a boy like Nathan, hear his story, and not be deeply touched.  So, I did it again, I gave them my personal dog.

I had to convince them that I had their best interests at heart, and not to run, no matter what, and that if they would give this dog five minutes he would “change their lives.”  It was the scariest thing Nelson and Kim had ever done.  They stood still while I went to the kennel and opened the door, and out came a 125 pound, black with brindle Italian Mastiff puppy, who looked like “King Kong” in a dog.   I’m sure they couldn’t have run at that point, and were very happy, overwhelmed, that this dog came to them walking perfectly on leash, obedient, sensitive, loving, and very trained. 

It took Nathan 10 minutes to learn how to handle Spartacus, and unlike what they thought, he was telling his dad how to handle the dog before they left.  They were shocked that Nathan would stop, focus, listen, and respond like he did, but not me.  Nathan had a big whole in his heart, he felt unconnected, didn’t believe anyone really cared, and had retreated into his own world.  When he saw Spartacus it all changed. 

Nathan is becoming confident and his self esteem is growing each day.  His BIG friend has helped him in many ways.  Learning how to handle Spartacus, and make him obey, would be a HUGE undertaking for anyone, especially a 11 year old boy with Autism.  But Nathan has taken on the job, and is doing great!  I can’t wait for the kids at school to meet Nathan’s personal K9!!