Newfound Hope for Many: Autism Service Dogs

I am excited to say that this will be my topic for my next feature story. We have to write a trend or issue story, and honestly, I had no idea what I was going to do - until I ran across this extraordinary topic.

Even though I didn't know what I was going to focus on yet, I can say that during class the other day I was inspired by a particular story about "therapy dogs." After reading it, I thought to myself, 'That is the kind of story I want to write.' 

I didn't want to copy the same exact idea, though, so I decided to research the different types of therapy and service dogs available. In the midst of my search, I discovered a special place for dogs - helping people with autism. I had no idea there were such dogs out there. Of course, these dogs are different from the "therapy dogs" I read about in class. Unlike the therapy dogs, autism special service dogs require extensive training to help these people.

People with autism have a hard time connecting. They can't connect with their environment, themselves, or others. Having these special dogs around them has proven to be very beneficial to integrating them into new environments and experiences. I've known a little about autism, but am beginning to learn even more in my eagerness to write this story.

I'm excited to get started on it, and will provide updates of how it is going. For now, I hope everyone has a safe and fun Halloween weekend! I know I will... well, as soon as I get that eskimo costume so I can represent Sarah Palin. Maybe I can see some Russians along the way!