Let’s help Tucker Davis get an Autism Service Dog!
My name is Heather Davis. I have three wonderful sons - Taylor, Chandler, and Tucker. Taylor is a sophomore in high school. He enjoys playing music. He plays percussion in the band, snare on the Drumline and piano for the 5th grade choir. Chandler is a 5th grader and he enjoys singing in the 5th grade choir (especially since brother is the accompanist) and student council class president. Tucker is a 4th grader and likes to ride his skateboard and play on the computer.
What makes my family different besides my great kids?
Tucker has Autism as well as Bipolar Disorder, Tic Disorder, ADHD and Restless Leg Syndrome.
Tucker looks like any other 9 year old boy. He is a spunky and vivacious fourth grader at his local elementary school. He loves swimming, skateboarding, riding his bike, cartoons, hula-hooping and video games, but not school so much. Tucker has struggled with behavioral issues all his life, and his actions let many people know it. Tucker lives ‘in his own little world.’ However, sometimes this world gets interrupted, leading to meltdowns and explosive outbursts as he reaches sensory overload.
Because of Tucker’s disabilities, we, as a family, face many obstacles. It is hard to go to my sons’ concerts and sporting events. Tucker is easily over stimulated in those environments and is unable to self soothe. Which may lead to a meltdown or he may go into escape mode and run away without regard to personal safety.
Taylor and Chandler are afraid to have friends over, because they never know how Tucker will act, afraid of embarrassment when their brother has a meltdown or explosive episode.
We love to vacation, but this causes obstacles as well because of the break in routine. Sometimes Tucker does a Houdini act and I am unable to find him anywhere. I cannot count the number of times he wandered away this past summer when I was watching him like a hawk with his other two brothers keeping an eye out too. Embarrassing but true, it is impossible to keep hold of Tucker’s hand 24/7.
The problem then becomes the stares and glares from others who don’t know Tucker. Time after time I have heard about how he is bullied and made fun of at school or what a brat he is or that I am a bad parent and I don’t know how to handle my child. Tucker has a handicap, but doesn’t have a wheelchair, or crutches, or a service dog…
As Tucker’s mother, I hope his certified service dog will not only be his constant companion, but will also provide a launch pad for social interaction. In cases of escalating behavior, the dog will be trained to come alongside him, offering Tucker the opportunity to self-soothe before behavior gets out-of-control.
The dog will be able to combat other autistic traits, like nudging him if he is doing repetitive motions or some of his tic traits, and even track him if he were to wander away.
We visited the 4 Paws facility in July and were so impressed with the volunteers, staff, the training the dogs receive, and especially the new puppies. Tucker 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 our dreams come true, you can make a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability, 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, OH 45385; just make sure to write in Tucker Davis’s name in the memo of the check. If you make an online donation, please say in honor of Tucker Davis. Thank you.
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.