While MGS Tech was training in Quantico, VA, we were lucky enough to meet Dawson Palermo. Dawson, the son of Assistant Chief Dwayne Palermo, has some special needs that would greatly benefit from a service dog. Please read how you can help!
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This is our son AWESOME DAWSON! He is five almost six years old and leaves his mark on everyone he meets. Once you meet him, you will never forget him. He brightens your world and leaves you a better person than when he found you. He is incredibly brave and so inspiring. He is loving, curious, has an imagination that is out of this world and is incredibly bright. He can even tell you about every piece of equipment and what it is used for on a fire truck (thanks to his Assistant Fire Chief Dad). As you look at Dawson you probably are thinking “there is nothing wrong with this child.” He looks like a “normal” kid. What you don’t’ see is that Dawson suffers from an Invisible Disability called ADHD, Social Anxiety and some Autistic Characteristics. Children with ADHD have trouble paying attention, controlling impulsive behaviors (they might act without thinking about what the result will be), and in some cases, are overly active. It is normal for children to have trouble focusing and behaving at one time or another. However, children with ADHD, Social Anxiety and Autistic Characteristics do not just grow out of these behaviors. The symptoms continue and can cause difficulty at school, at home, or with friends. Dawson has already had to overcome so many hardships in his short life and he has a lifetime of hardships yet to overcome. We are hoping that the addition of a Service Dog will be life-changing for Dawson, helping to keep him safe, alert of his emotions and actions, improve his confidence, increase his social skills and give him a constant companion who can sooth his anxiety about the over-stimulating world around him. Since the service dog will be certified for public access, anywhere Dawson goes (the store, school, restaurants etc.) the Service Dog will go with him. This will open up so many more opportunities for Dawson and enable us to enjoy more activities as a family.
Many times individuals with disabilities experience isolation and in some instances, outright shunning because others feel uncomfortable with how they should act around them. Dawson is no different. He has been left out of group activities, harassed, teased, labeled as a trouble maker, and even provoked to the point of lashing out uncontrollably and at times putting himself or others in possible danger of being hurt. Unknown circumstances can be scary and humans are notorious for avoiding situations where they don’t know what to do or how to act. Having a Service Dog helps to bridge that uncomfortable barrier. Where someone would feel they couldn’t possibly ask how a person deals with their disability, they are easily able to show an interest in how the dog helps their partner. This increased social interaction greatly lessens the isolation and feelings of being alone that Dawson must cope with every day.
By giving a Service Dog to Dawson, we hope that it will alleviate his stress and frustration with everyday tasks such as getting dressed, brushing his teeth, going to school, playing sports, playing with friends, and even just having meals. We hope that the Service Dog will be able to prevent any future meltdowns or outburst before they occur. This Service Dog will make Dawson’s confidence go up, help socialize and make friends easier, as well as getting the attention of the public to see there can be a disability there even when someone looks
“normal”. Right now Dawson’s interactions with the public are generally negative as he appears to be a healthy child with behavior issues and who is out of control. The Service Dog will act as an ambassador for Dawson, prompting questions and conversations instead of stares and snide comments. Which will be of great benefit to Dawson and his low self-esteem.
No matter how rotten a day has been, these special dogs provide affection during those hard times and offer unconditional love and support. So often Dawson will put on a brave front but inside will be in pain, scared, depressed, frustrated, angry, or just plain exhausted with dealing with the effects of his disability. Having a canine partner there, giving him both physical and emotional support can make the difference between a tolerable day and one where you just want to give up.
We are so excited to say that a wonderful opportunity has opened up for Dawson. We have been blessed to discover Warren Retrievers and Guardian Angel Service Dogs, Inc. Through Warren Retrievers and Guardian Angel, a fully incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that specializes in providing service dogs specifically trained to handle the challenges of both Visible and Invisible Disabilities, Dawson’s dog will be trained specifically for him.
A service dog requires a great deal of training and the cost for Dawson’s dog is $17,000. I know this is a lot of money but to us it’s a small price to pay to keep Dawson safe and help him live a better quality of life. If you or someone you know would like to donate today and become part of the journey to raise $17,000 for Dawson,
please send checks to:
Guardian Angel Service Dogs
FOR: DAWSON PALERMO
P.O. Box 429
Montpelier, VA 23192
Questions?
Please contact Executive Director Sue Kindred at (972)978-6243.
We cannot do this on our own however, with your help I do believe we can make this happen. If you would like more information about Warren Retrievers and Guardian Angel, please visit www.warrenretrievers.com.
Thank you in advance for your support.
Warmest regards,
The Palermo Family