Friendly companion by his side

The Robison family, residing in Moscow, has transformed their son Kaleb's life through the acquisition of Earl, a service dog trained to assist children with autism. Kaleb, 10, struggled with emotional dysregulation and social interactions, often exhibiting aggressive behavior and anxiety. Upon discovering the potential benefits of service dogs, they applied to Guide Dogs of America, resulting in a match with Earl, a friendly golden retriever. The family's experience included a comprehensive vetting process, which featured in-home evaluations and extensive training. Since Earl joined the family, Kaleb has shown remarkable improvements in independence and social skills, often seeking Earl's comfort during moments of distress.

Kaleb's parents noted significant changes in his demeanor, with increased self-confidence and a willingness to engage with peers. Their journey is depicted in the documentary "Unleashing Hope," produced by Rosie O'Donnell, aiming to raise awareness about the impact of service dogs. The Robisons will attend a screening of the documentary and celebrate Kaleb's 10th birthday at Disneyland.