5 years ago
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Every family with young children has worried about it before?that their child could come up missing. For the Todd family in Searcy that's a huge concern. Their daughter Danielle has autism, which means keeping up with her can be a challenge.
We first told you about Danielle and her need for a new service dog last month. Wednesday, the family's wish came true.
Their family has been waiting for this day for more than a year. Laurie Todd says, "She just took him and they've just been inseparable." Todd is talking about her 13-year-old Danielle and her service dog, Shane.
The German shepherd is trained to keep the autistic teen safe. Todd says, ?God forbid we could be doing one of these Amber Alerts on her. She?ll take off with anybody, go with anybody."
Now, when Danielle?s away from home, she'll be tethered to Shane. The family commands him not to budge and neither will Danielle.
Trainer Michelle Reinkemeyer explains, ?She can kick, scream, holler and throw things; he's not going to get up unless they've given a special phrase."
Reinkemeyer started Heaven Scent Paws, a nonprofit group that trains service dogs like Shane. The dog was donated and so was the family's van. Because of Shane, for the first time the Todd family can go on outings together. But first, Danielle must learn how to rely on her new friend.
Eventually, Shane will learn to detect Danielle?s seizures. He can already track her if she's ever lost.
Reinkemeyer says "Once he's bonded to her, Shane is extremely loyal. He?s not aggressive. A lot of people put those together, but he's not."
Shane was actually chosen for his gentle demeanor and he'll even go to school with his new best friend.
Money for the dog was donated by Paul Harris, who is a singer in Branson. The van was donated by Stark Sunday School Class from the First United Methodist Church in Searcy and Crain Kia in Little Rock.
