Man's best friend

We, for centuries, and even longer then that. Have seen dogs as "man's best friend". Many people can relate to this, especially if they've had a pet dog throughout their child hood that they grew up with. They're there for when were sad and need a hug, when were sick and need something to cuddle with us, and when we just need a laugh they can be there to amuse us to. Sometimes, man's best friend can be there for even more then that.





Pepsi, is a black labrador retriever. He's just like anyone else's pet dog, bouncing around, tearing up toys, and eating any sort of food that could possibly be left out and un attended. He's a great house hold pet to the family he lives with, but he serves a greater purpose as well in the family.






Pepsi is an Autism Service Dog.



What is an Autism Service Dog? May be some people's questions, and the best way I can explain it is, they are one of the best living versions of mans best friend. He helps keep the boy he works with Alex safe, and on time, he helps to relieve anxiety, and make life easier for Alex and his family in some aspect.



Pepsi, like most service dogs helps insure saftey for Alex, and is a reliever of anxiety. Some places where Pepsi helps out the most is to give Alex a type of independence when going out on the town with his family, and at school showing that he's capiable to do anything.

Coming from a third party, I remember a time when Alex didn't have Pepsi around. A 5 minute walk for me could be a 20 minute walk for Alex because of his constant tapping along the way. There was always the worry to that when Alex's parents turned their back, or when they least expected it, he could run and could end up getting seriously hurt.

When Alex's mom had her urekia moment the day she thought that Alex could use a service dog, there was an immediate change in Alex's behaviour.

Alex was able to make that walk faster then I could, and in one fluid motion without having to go back and tap things. It also gave his family a reassurance that if anything did happen, that Pepsi would be there to help control the situation.

Like most families with service dogs now, service dogs don't come cheap.

For a service dog like Pepsi it costs $18, 000. Not exactly the cheapiest thing in the book.

Through fundraisers and donations, being able to afford a dog and make them the families own.

Service dogs help reassure saftey, and are a very key tool in helping kids with autism to relive anxiety, or just be that close pal.

**IF You wish to learn more about Pepsi and help fundraise. or learn more about autism dogs in general visit these sites**

Pepsi Fundraising Information --> www.autismdogforalex.piczo.com
--> http://www.facebook.com/#1/group.php?gid=140312424576&ref=ts

More about Autism Dog Services --> www.autismdogservices.ca