Meet Charlotte. She’s a young girl living with Prader Willi Syndrome, Apraxia, Obstructive Apnea, and Scoliosis, each taking a toll on her balance and mobility. But her best friend Flash is a service dog who helps her walk and climb stairs. She picks up dolls when Charlotte drops them and carries books for her.
Petting the pup’s soft fur gives Charlotte something soothing to focus on when trying to ease negative, repetitive and destructive behaviors. Flash is a warm, wonderful, calming influence on the girl, especially needed during doctor visits and hospital stays.
Saint Francis Service Dogs is a non-profit organization that helps children and adults with disabilities become more independent through partnerships with professionally trained service dogs.