When the world shut down in 2020 - everyone, for a moment, felt what it was like to have the walls close in on them. For 11-year-old Isaac, this triggered debilitating panic attacks that - on top of his previously diagnosed autism - had his mom, Michelle, considering a service dog.

High school in general can be a fabulous time to introduce a service dog into a chid's life. A naturally transitionary time - the child is primed to be emotionally available to the service dog who is only too ready to assist physically, emotionally and socially. All of these factors - huge building blocks during this fragile phase of life - when joined with a service dog, can help bridge the gap between inclusion and disassociation.

And so it was in the summer of 2023 that Isaac was partnered with Wyatt. A jet black labrador retriever - this handsome fella is as sweet on the inside as his is handsome on the outside and immediately took to his new home and duties as Isaac's sidekick. Now, tasks considered "every day" like friends at school, siblings, and taking tests - no longer cause sensory overwhelm or debilitating anxiety. Wyatt can be seen wandering the school halls with Isaac - ready with a "hug" when needed and gearing up for the next day's assignment.

The whole family has been impacted since Wyatt's adoption. Options for family activities previously left the world feeling small before Wyatt - not attempted or ending abruptly due to Isaac being anxious or having trouble with sensory overload in a new place or around new people. Family holiday parties, like Thanksgiving, could be overwhelming for Isaac. A year later and options for family outings now go unabated. And Wyatt? Wyatt continues to be the reason Isaac says he is most grateful this year.

This holiday - we wish you all comfort and less stress.

WAGS relies on donations to help provide these dogs to kids in need. To learn more click HERE