Comments on: The Back Story

By: Janet Huwar

Janet Huwar — Sat, 22 Mar 2014 17:47:25 +0000

This is my first time to get a chance to check out your site since you gave me your card at Disney World almost 2 weeks ago. We met on the tram and I was very inquisitive about your service dog for autism as I have driven autistic children to and from school for approx. 27 yrs. I am so anxious to share this information and your site to my parents and hope to get some fundraisers going for them! Thank you for being so open and sharing of information about this to me.

By: Alisha Gardner

Alisha Gardner — Wed, 19 Feb 2014 03:25:09 +0000

It was such a delight to meet you and Gray & Hope at the park yesterday. Thank you so much for being so sweet and informative to my (very inquisitive) children. We had a fantastic discussion when we left the park. It will be years before we know this for sure, but I’m certain your family, including Hope, left quite the positive impression on my children and really gave them a glimpse into the challenges & successes of autism. I hope your journey continues to be pleasant and peaceful for your family. What a strong and amazing woman you are.

By: Kelly Michelle Sosa

Kelly Michelle Sosa — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 18:03:27 +0000

This is very interesting for me to hear this side of the ASDA story! I have been training service dogs for ASDA for 8 years now, and worked with Hope briefly. I just don’t get to hear much from the families that get the dogs I work with very often, so this is awesome to read! Best of luck to you all!

By: Brandie

Brandie — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:56:47 +0000

You and your family are incredible, Rhoni! You are going to touch so many people through your journey.

By: rhonigolden

rhonigolden — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:42:45 +0000

Thanks, Holly. I wish you all the best with your dog. I know the wait is killing you. It’s worth it, though.

By: Holly Andrew

Holly Andrew — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 15:36:31 +0000

Rhoni, thank you for sharing. Our stories are all so different and yet in the end we all want the same for our children, a happy life. Our son is 14 and high functioning. He stills has meltdowns and sensory overload is always on our radar. We should be getting our dog late spring from the ASDA it is so helpful to read your story and to have a little more insight to what the process looks like. I look forward to reading more.

Holly

By: rhonigolden

rhonigolden — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 06:11:49 +0000

Thanks for the kind note, Shelly. Gray turns 7 today! Yay for our spectrum boys

By: Shelly Semrad

Shelly Semrad — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 22:58:47 +0000

Hey Rhoni. SO glad you are sharing your journey with so many people. Getting out there and educating is terrifying, but so dern needful. I have never seen one of these dogs in action- actually had no idea they existed. My little guy is on the spectrum- our experiences have been different from yours, but reading Gray’s backstory triggers lots of familiar feelings… Coop is 7 now. Your family, by the way is lovely.

By: rhonigolden

rhonigolden — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:50:31 +0000

Thank you, Michelle. I am so happy to hear about kids like your son. They each will leave a mark on the world in their own quiet ways, right?

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 05:47:53 +0000

What an amazing story! I know Renee Morlan and she posted your family’s story to Facebook. I have an autistic son who is high functioning and integrated in 2nd grade with “typical” kiddos. But we have had episodes over the years of tantrums, erratic behavior and confusion with the world. I am so inspired and amazed by mother’s like you who keep looking to find the best option for their child. Our son, William, loves animals and younger children for their unconditional acceptance of him and his “quiet” ways. I look forward to hearing more about your journey as our son is 8 and was not potty trained until 5 and 1/2. Anything is possible and I am sure that Hope will make an amazing difference in your family’s life.