One of Pawtism’s first grants in January 2022 was to Asher’s family, to assist with the cost of a trained autism assistance dog: Maxi. You can read more about their experience here. Here is a recent update from the family:

Maxi has been such a gift to our family. Due to Asher’s changing needs, her role has evolved. The past year has been an incredibly difficult one for our family. Asher has endured multiple grand mal seizures and several hospital stays. Through it all, Maxi has been a comforting and calming presence. Twice she has alerted us to a seizure, and this was not something she was ever taught in training. Since Asher doesn’t yet have the ability to be her handler, she doesn’t go with him everywhere so is with me the other times. I’m working through anxiety and panic attacks, and she watches over me with the same diligence she does Asher.