Woodstock Community Rallies To Get Service Dog For Autistic Boy

WOODSTOCK, GA — When Casey Dasher asked her community for help purchasing a service dog for Ollie, her precious 5-year-old son who has autism, neighbors — and even complete strangers — stepped up to the plate, raising more than $16,000 to date via GoFundMe.

"Thank you everyone who has joined us on this journey to get a service dog for our Ollie," Ollie's mom posted on her son's Facebook page, A Dog for Ollie. "They say 'it takes an army' and you are all part of Ollie’s army!"

Although Ollie is nonverbal and struggles with regulation, he is full of cuddles, laughter and smiles, his mom said. Some research has shown that service dogs can be beneficial for some children and adults with autism by providing increased physical safety and security.

"Our dog will be picked and trained specifically to meet Ollie’s needs and to help keep him safe, calm and regulated," his mom posted on her son's official GoFundMe page.

The cost of a service dog is not exactly cheap, averaging anywhere between $10,000 to $40,000. The cost of Ollie's service dog is just under $18,000, Ollie's mom said.

"I think we’ve found a fair price tag," Casey said. "But if we go over, then we can put money towards the vet bills, pup vaccinations, eventually spay/neuter, grooming. But we could also use extra to help with the specialized training."

In addition to GoFundMe, Ollie’s family is also raising money through Shoes with Heart until Nov. 20. The organization raises money by collecting new and gently worn shoes, and pays per pound of shoes, into the fund for Ollie’s service dog.

"Shoes can come in all shapes, colors, sizes, men’s, women’s, kids, babies, even sports shoes. So long as they are still usable, no holes, not wet, and have no mold or flapping mouth soles coming off," Casey said.

So far, Casey and her son have collected more than 8,000 pairs of shoes. For more information about the shoe drive and how you can help, click here.