Noah Henderson seeks service dog
Noah Henderson is a six-year-old, fun, energetic, loving, and sweet child. But, what you don’t see are the many different challenges Noah faces daily. What are typical daily routines for us, can present many challenges for Noah.
Noah has a chromosome disorder. He was born with chromosome 11p and 13q deletions. That means he is missing a piece of the top portion of chromosome 11 and a piece of the bottom portion of chromosome 13. Because of his chromosome deletions, Noah has Microcephaly (a small head), decreased white matter of the brain, developmental delays, low muscle tone, and vision and retina problems. Noah has been in numerous therapies throughout his six short years, everything from physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy since 14 months of age.
Noah also suffers from ADHD and a sensory processing disorder. It is important for us to keep him involved in positive, safe, and fun activities to keep him stimulated. Noah plays baseball with a special needs league in our community. He also is currently playing soccer through a local church league.
The sensory processing disorder causes Noah to have difficulty processing things in his environment. Things that seem normal to you and me, such as brushing our teeth or eating a sticky snack like a honey bun, can be so overwhelming to Noah that he just can’t handle it. He will get so upset sometimes to the point of having “meltdowns.”
Sometimes it seems his meltdowns come for no reason at all. Once the meltdown begins, Noah’s senses go into overload and the simplest, most innocent touch can send him raging. He’s been known to scream, cry, climb under tables, throw chairs, throw his shoes, hit, pinch, scratch, and even spit on the person(s) trying to calm him.
It is for these reasons we have applied for Noah to receive a Multi-Purpose Service Dog from 4 Paws For Ability, Inc, a Non Profit 501 c(3) Organization that helps families with special needs acquire canine service animals.
As part of the application process, we have agreed to partner with 4 Paws to help fundraise the $11,000 it would cost for training this Service Dog. Once we have reached our goal, 4 Paws will, in return, begin training a dog specifically for Noah and his needs.
Noah’s dog would be trained in behavior disruption, which means the dog is trained to help calm Noah before his meltdowns have a chance to evolve. The dog would also be trained to tether to Noah in public places. Noah often, in stores and parking lots, wants to walk without holding an adults hand.
Noah has no regard to the dangers of a child walking alone in busy stores or parking lots. He has “bolted” from us many times. Noah and his dog would each have special vests with hooks to connect them together with a 4 foot tether (or leash), while an Adult would hold a separate leash for the dog also. This will give Noah the independence he desires with the safety he needs.
Noah’s new friend will also provide him with emotional support with lots of love and snuggles! Noah is so excited about his new friend. He cannot wait to bring his “special dog” home so he can love and care for it!
If you would like to help Noah achieve the independence, safety, and support a “special” dog will provide for him, please consider making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability, Inc at 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, OH 45385. Be sure to include “In honor of Noah Henderson” on the memo portion of your check.
We thank each and every one for your support and prayers for Noah and our family. Sincerely, Heather Pittillo.
Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.