Dana Thiede, KARE – October 26, 2016 BLAINE, Minn. – Each morning the feet of hundreds of students shuffle off their buses and through the halls of Roosevelt Middle School in Blaine. This year, for the first time ever, four of those feet belong to a special educational aid that is changing the life of one student, who is in the midst of a jaw-dropping turnaround. “It’s been amazing. Truly amazing,” marveled science teacher Bobbi Jo Rzeszutek. In some ways, Sophia Reither is a typical 6th grader, described by her mom as silly… adventurous… and headstrong. There is another word, however… that has …
Autism Assistance Dog
A Calming Friend
Gabriel O’Donnell & Autism Assistance Dog Ramsey Gabriel (Gabe) O’Donnell, from Columbia Heights, Minn. is 10 years old and has autism. One morning before school, Gabe was outside and so upset about going to school that he refused to come inside the house and calm down. He was so focused in his anger and frustration that his tantrum kept him from listening to his mother Rebecca. Remembering how influential Ramsey is to Gabe, she said, “Gabe! Ramsey needs you to come inside!” Immediately after saying that, Gabe snapped out of his outburst and promptly came inside to greet Ramsey, his …
Stitch: Provider of Calm and Confidence
Jack Peña & Autism Assistance Dog Stitch Author: Tammy Waibel Just by watching an interview of nine-year-old Jack Peña, it is visible that his Autism Assistance Dog Stitch calms him. As he pets his Golden Retriever, Jack says, “Stitch is a really good friend and assistance dog. I sleep better now because Stitch cuddles with me.” Jack and Stitch live in Andover, Minn. with family members John, Jen, seven-year-old sister Isabella “Bella” along with Lucy the puppy and Cuddles the hamster. John says that Stitch has improved not only the life of Jack, but also to the whole family as he …
Giving Sophia Her Voice
Sophia Reither & Autism Assistance Dog Rylee Author: Bobb Elsenpeter You would have a hard time believing that behind 11-year-old Sophia Reither’s bubbly laugh and infectious smile was a little girl who, just a few months ago, had chosen not to speak. In fact, it might be hard to believe that she’s had to face many other obstacles in her short life. Sophia, who lives in Blaine, Minn. with her parents and two brothers, came into the world with a host of health problems. She and her twin brother Nicholas were born premature and with fragile X syndrome. Weighing just …
A Calming, Comforting Friend
Nicholas Conley & Autism Assistance Dog Truly Author: Bobb Elsenpeter Like so many children with autism, 10-year-old Nicholas Conley doesn’t sleep through the night. At least, he didn’t. That is, until he met Truly, a two-year-old black Goldador (Golden Retriever/Labrador Retriever). “Everybody told us – even the autism specialist – the only solution for the sleeping problem is a dog,” Nicholas’s mom Paula says. “I was in disbelief. It’s been 10 years. We’ve tried everything. But since the first day of receiving Truly, Nicholas has not come to our bed.” But prior to Truly’s arrival, there were more than seven …