A Girl and Her Autism Service Dog

I am so pleased to share the floor, this Wordy Wednesday, with a dear friend. Her name is Alison, and she is a mom, an advocate, and a new author. Intrigued? You should be. She has just completed her first book, "If My Dog Could Talk". It's a beautifully photographed, 24-page book about Service Dogs and her family's story with Autism.

If you share only one post or send one email today, I humbly ask that it be this post that you send to your family and friends. Their family's story is one that needs to be shared so that people with disabilities will experience a positive change in their lives.

And now, over to Alison:

Keeping in mind that inspiring stories can sometimes come from the most ordinary of places, I am writing to introduce you to just such a story and hope that this story touches you personally to help us make a difference. My daughter and others like her are worth the telling of this real life journey to help elevate the message of inclusion and tolerance for every child in every community regardless of differences of disability.

My daughter is a child affected by ongoing medical and developmental challenges and remains the picture of hope and opportunity for everyday miracles. This real life story with her Autism Service Dog is now featured in a self authored children's book entitled, "If My Dog Could Talk" that "is a must have, must read for every household and classroom". The book is on sale now, exclusively through the website.

As a parent and advocate I have worked tirelessly to open minds and doors for my child and others affected by disability with a passion to help others 'embrace differences' as a value and benefit to us all, with this unique platform through the telling of our journey, struggles, and celebration of our differences as we welcomed a fluffy, four legged Service Dog into our child's life and community.

My daughter is sweet and funny; she loves music and is utterly charming. She loves adults and loves to make people laugh. Her story is touching and moving. It has been said that "once you meet Emily and her Service Dog, you will never be the same". She is known to wake shoppers from their slumber with her curly hair, glasses and endearing cheer. She transforms parties into genuine celebrations for life, despite her challenges and struggles with years of feeding tubes, medical procedures, brain surgery and the uncertainty of her survival with an underlying one-in-a-billion genetic abnormality. Living life with Autism doesn’t get in the way of her profound love for life.

Her dog wiggles his way into the minds of people who never dreamed a child could have a Service Dog and friend who is so helpful. As a rescue dog, he reminds us all to invest in each other. Just think what we would be missing if it weren’t for him saving her life every day from danger, keeping her secure, and providing comfort so that she could learn and grow to her potential. In truth, they saved each other.

Photography by Lori Maloney of Bella Faccia Photography

I am a proud mother, wife, advocate, author, the former President of the Autism Society of Central Alberta, and member of the Autism Society of Alberta. Our story has appeared in international press relating to medical treatments in the USA and Canada, the welcoming of a Service Dog, the petition for funding endorsements from local and federal government, and our appearance at the provincial government assembly.  It has even been showcased on Larry King in 2008.(Please visit Significantly Simple's Facebook page to watch the video.)

Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to see this small town story turn into a big time miracle that helps other children and their families affected by Autism and disabilities, as we speak to the hearts and minds of every man, woman, and child by reminding us all about our own humanity; however, I can’t do it alone.

With thanks,
Alison Ainsworth
Mother, Author, and Advocate

**Just a reminder that the book is available only at If My Dog Could Talk. It sells for $12.99 per copy, which makes it easily affordable for you to buy two --> one for your family, and one for your child's school.**

I am leaving you with two questions today:
Who will you share this information with?
Have you ordered your copies?