Yuku free message boards

Thanks for posting this, coreyes! I've never heard of this book, but it definitely looks like something I'd want to read. I've seen the difference in my own son -- he's much less shy, much more social and verbal when there's a dog around. We are actually on the waiting list for a Golden Retriever from an organization that raises and trains them specifically for children with autism. Unfortunately, we still have a year and a half to go before our turn comes up. But I've seen the transformations that Autie kiddoes undergo when there is a dog in their life. They form a close bond and friendship. And they develop new social skills in the presence of a dog that seemed previously seemed impossible for them to develop.

The actor Gary Cole has talked many times about how a dog transformed his daughter:

Gary Cole is grateful for the help provided his 12-year-old daughter, Mary, by Tattinger, her furry best friend. As recounted in the book "Love Heels: Tales from Canine Companions for Independence," Cole and wife Teddi had their autistic little girl in to see a myriad of specialists and undergo various therapies before being astonished at her interest in a friend's dog at a Christmas party. Teddi contacted Canine Companions for Independence, and eventually Mary wound up with the pooch who caused an immediate change in her. She was calmer, more focused, more communicative. The Coles would love to see more autistic kids teamed with canine pals -- the ultimate loving and non-judgmental sidekicks