Rye Haddon is already a little champion, but having the support of a service animal could really help him beat the odds.
The 5-year old, who was diagnosed with Autism at age 3, is able to do a lot of the things most kids his age do — such as go to school and play on the playground at the park. But unlike other 5-year-olds, Rye is non-verbal and has an uncontrollable tendency to wander off.
“When he wanders off it’s hard to just call his name and have him respond to that,” said Tara Haddon, Rye’s mother. “We’re hoping that the dog will bring him out and help him increase his vocabulary.”
Studies show that service dogs have a tremendous impact on Autism sufferers. Not only do they decrease stress and anxiety, but their companionship helps children develop much-needed social skills. The friendship a non-verbal child has with the dog tends to encourage him or her to speak.
“Rye loves animals, so we’re hoping that he’ll want to talk to the dog,” Haddon said. “Increasing his vocabulary is one of our main goals.”
The service dog will also be trained in search and rescue, which is vitally important when an Autistic child, such as Rye, has a tendency to wander off.
“I have to watch him constantly because he can get in or out of everything. I may think I have something locked, but he always figures out a way to unlock it,” Haddon said. “This dog will be with him constantly. It will sleep in his room with him, go to school with him and be with him everywhere we go.”
Trained in touch therapy, the dog will make sure Rye doesn’t get too far away, and when he does, it will nudge him and bring him back.
When Rye’s mother takes him to the store, he will be able to walk alone without his parents having to hold his hand or put him in a cart.
“He’ll be more independent with the dog, and it will be nice to not always have to worry about him running off,” Haddon said.
Getting away from the dog is rare, but in the event Rye did get separated from his companion, it could quickly find him — greatly reducing his risk of harm.
Having the dog watching over Rye during the night will help his parents to rest better. “Nights right now are rough,” Haddon said. “ In the middle of the night, I have to constantly get up to check on him because we’re scared he may get up and get himself hurt. He wakes up a lot during the night.”
Service dogs are known to help Autism patients and their families to all sleep better at night.
The Haddons already have a dog, but they’re hoping that Rye having one of his very own will bring him a lot of happiness.
“We tell him he’s getting a dog. I know he understands a lot of things, but I’m not sure if he understands that he’s getting a particular dog just for him. We show him pictures and tell him that he’s getting one, though,” Haddon said.
Rye is especially interested in horses. He enjoys riding them and stroking their mane. “Riding horses is a comfort to him. I think it relieves a lot of stress,” Haddon said.
The Haddons aren’t sure what breed of dog Rye will get, but it could be either a Labrador retriever, Golden retriever or a Labradoodle.
The process for obtaining a service dog is very lengthy. Rye has been assessed by a company in North Carolina that trains the dogs, and the Haddons have paid their deposit and are on the waiting list.
Once the company finds a dog they think is suitable for Rye’s needs, professional trainers will start the training process, which takes six months.
The time and cost of obtaining a service dog are extensive.
Training alone is $9,000. Once the dog is selected for Rye, the Haddons will travel to North Carolina to meet him or her. Six months later, the dog and dog trainers will travel to Mississippi to teach the Haddons how to handle and work with the dog. The Haddons are responsible for all of these expenses.
A few benefits have been held in Rye’s honor here lately, and another one is coming up in September.
Recently, a silent auction, bake sale and chicken dinner fundraiser was held at Holley’s on Main in Carrollton.
The event raised around $5,600, but the Haddons are still short of their goal of $15,000.
A benefit concert, “Rockin’ for Rye,” will be held on Sept. 1. at Triple N Ranch in Carrollton.
Featured bands include Whiskey Seed, The Firm, Honey Please, Jason Walker Band, Alanna Mosley and Haggard Collins.
“We’re so thankful for all of these people who have volunteered to help us, “ Haddon said. “They’ve organized everything and have been very generous.”
If you would like to donate to Rye’s cause, visit www.youcaring.com and search “Help Rye receive a service dog.”
Rye is the son of Tara and Eric Haddon of Carrollton.
nContact Beth Thomas at 581-7233 or bthomas@gwcommonwealth.com.
