A dog is a boy’s best friend

Life just got a whole lot better for two Dolphin Coast boys thanks to Labrador-cross brothers, Lego and Lorenzo, KZN’s first autism support dogs (ASD).

While Lego spends his day jumping on the trampoline with Nicholas Zhang (8) in Ballito, Lorenzo keeps it more chilled going for walks on the beach with Conrad Foot(9) in Umdloti.

Besides being great buddies, the dogs have already made noticeable differences in the boys’ behaviour, which their moms – Colleen Zhang and Shelley Foot – are thrilled about.

“We have only had Lorenzo for four months and already he has brought out empathy in Conrad and has made him more social and relaxed. For the first time Conrad sleeps in his own room, with Lorenzo of course. His health is also improving which is fantastic,” said Shelley, who braved an 18-month legal battle to get permission for her son to have an ASD in their no-pets complex and said it was all worth it.

“Having Lorenzo with us reduces the judgement we often get when we go out. Conrad recently had a meltdown in a shop and for the first time, people offered to help me because they saw Lorenzo and realised my child was not just being naughty.”

Colleen Zhang said her son, who has a more severe non-verbal autism, has got new confidence when they are in public thanks to Lego.

“Having Lego around connects Nicholas to the world. He is much happier and calmer when we are away from home, because he has his loving, nonjudgemental friend by his side. We are so grateful for this opportunity from SA Guide Dogs as it is truly life changing for the kids,” said Colleen.

Guide Dogs Association SA service dog manager Maxine Geddie said the main aim of training dogs for children with autism is to assist with the childrens tendency to bolt or run away. “Children with autism have no sense of danger.

The majority of the children do not want to be restrained by having their hands held, but they will hold the dog’s harness, while the parent holds onto the lead.

This gives the children a feeling of control instead of restraint,” said Geddie. Guide Dogs Association SA marketing manager for KZN Ané Roux said while the two-year-process to train an ASD costs about R100 000, families only pay R5 for their ASD.

“We do not want people to “buy” our dogs. They enter into a contract to care for them and to treat them as part of the family while they work until they reach retirement at about eight years old. It is important to understand that an autism support dog is not a pet. They are not therapy dogs or guard dogs either. They are important tools to help the parents and the children live an independent life,” said Roux, who is in the process of establishing the Guide Dogs Association headquarters in Durban with the goal to get more volunteers and train more puppies.

“Our puppies are generally Labrador, Golden Retriever and sometimes German Shepherds and are usually cross breeds as we try to combine the best genes to prevent issues such as hip dysplasia. We actually get sperm from America for the puppies and tend to see taller, stronger dogs which is ideal for the work they are going to do.

“Owning an ASD is a life-changing experience for a child with low functioning autism spectrum disorder. It is an all-inclusive package of independence, mobility, and companionship – a priceless gift!”

>>> Need some ideas for things to do? Check out Holiday Vibes.

Do you want to receive news alerts via WhatsApp? Send us a WhatsApp message (not an sms) with your name and surname to 061 718 4438.

Please read our WhatsApp broadcast list disclaimer.
Join us on BBM at 59015786
Join the conversation on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.