Max Quimby and his parents, Linda Nunes-Quimby and Michelle Quimby, are seeking donations for an autism service dog.
At five years old, Max was diagnosed with both autism and autoimmune encephalitis.
Now at age eight, Max struggles a bit with public spaces and social interaction, and his parents think a service dog will make a world of difference.
An Autism Service Dog Will Improve Quality Of Life
In an interview published by The Mansfield Journal, Max is described as being “not your typical 8-year-old.” For the interview, he wore a Journey shirt from their 1979 tour and was snacking on seaweed.
Max’s condition, autoimmune encephalitis, is certainly an added hurdle upon autism. It can cause his brain to become inflamed, which can then lead to severe headaches.
His parents hope that a service dog might help improve his quality of life. They’ve also noticed that Max seems to “emotionally connect” with animals more than humans.
A trained service dog would socialize Max, provide companionship, and know how to perform certain behavior disruptions.
They’ve both applied and been approved for an autism assistance dog through the Ohio-based 4 Paws for Ability, but training such a pup is expensive.
Training costs 4 Paws for Ability around $50,000, of which the Quimby family must pay $17,000. They’ve already committed about half, themselves, after raising the money for about a year. Now, they’re seeking donations for the final $9,666 needed.
A Crucial Time For Max To Have A Companion
“His dog will literally be life-changing for him,” Nunes-Quimby said. “He’ll have the typical experience that teenagers have.”
Training the dog will take a few years, but Max’s parents believe the timing will be perfect. Teenage years are typically social, but Max retreats inward when stressed. They believe a service dog will help calm him in those situations.
“When he’s a teenager, he’ll be the cool kid who has a dog,” Nunes-Quimby said.
If you would like to help Max get his service dog, you can make a donation here, by calling 937-374-0385, or you may mail a check to:
4 Paws for Ability
207 Dayton Avenue
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Will you help get the word out so Max can get a service dog? Do you think service dogs can provide kids like Max with a better quality of life? Let us know in the comments below!
