“They do more then save two lives at a time. They saved my whole family.” — Rachelle
My son Mason was Diagnosed with 22q deletion syndrome in 2016. With this diagnosis comes immune deficiency, Left Hemiplegia which effects his balance, anxiety, Epilepsy and delays. As a parent I was devastated, my anxiety was on high. Never living each day to the fullest and my worry and panic consumed my every breath. I saw how it was effecting Mason and myself. Tripping easily, scared of large crowds and always being sick. It crushed his spirits and mine. All I've ever wanted was for him to be happy and have the independence he so desperately wanted.
July 2019 we received our miracle Amber. There is not a day that goes by that I'm not thankful for her and we owe it all to Merlin's KIDS. The time and training that is put into these amazing dogs is unbelievable. I learned so much on dog behavior ,I even started using it on my own personal dog. The bond between Mason and Amber is unbelievable.
She helps with his balance when walking, she shows me cues when a possible infection may or is starting. She will use direct pressure if he is having anxiety or meltdowns. And she reassures me everyday that I'm not alone. She has shown me such devotion to our family and has never given me a reason to doubt her. She loves us and we love her. After placement, Merlin's KIDS never left our side. They are always there to help answer any questions no matter what time of day. The staff is so kind, caring and their Integrity is hard to find these days. Not only is Amber part of our family but we gained Merlin’s KIDS as our family as well. I wish I had all the money in the world to help other children like my son Mason, because without donors none of this can be possible. I'm so glad that I have a chance to be apart of such an amazing non profit. They do more then save two lives at a time. They saved my whole family.
My son Timmy was born with several rare developmental disabilities. By age 13, he endured at least 10 surgeries on his legs and feet. Balancing and walking was very difficult for him, and Timmy needed a great deal of help with mobility. When my son turned 12 he was also diagnosed with epilepsy.
Meeting Janice and Bruiser, used to evaluate Timmy, changed Timmy’s life. Janice and Timmy formed an immediate bond. That bond would lead us to get our Larry, the biggest 120lb Rhodesian Ridgeback I’ve ever seen. Janice being so in tune with my son and her dogs, knew Timmy and Larry would make a perfect match. Larry, not usually easy to bond, was stuck like glue to my son the minute they walked in the door.
Larry has changed Timmy’s life so much for the better. Not only does Larry give my son support for his mobility issues by keeping him steady on his feet and protecting him from falling, he is his best friend.
We were concerned about Larry being able to help Timmy in case of a seizure, and if he were to fall during a seizure. Larry being the rock star dog he is, breaks his falls and keeps him safe. If Timmy is sleeping, Larry does not leave his side. If Timmy does not feel well, Larry will not leave his side, even to eat or go out.
Larry slows to Timmy’s pace and watches every move he makes. They stroll along together in perfect stride. It is truly amazing to watch the two of them together. In September of 2019, Timmy and Larry began their journey in high school together. The security that Larry gives Timmy is priceless. The two navigate through the crowded hallways of a huge public high school with ease. Larry is always there to support Timmy for mobility, for falling, for support, companionship, and is his best friend.
