James Isaac, a young boy with autism, depends on his service dog, Mahe, for support. James doesn’t speak and feels uncomfortable with human touch and eye contact, but with Mahe, it’s a whole other story. Mahe helps the 9-year-old feel calm and safe, and their bond shows just how much the dog matters to him.
James had a hospital appointment for an MRI to help with his seizures. His mom was concerned about how it would go, but she felt better knowing Mahe could go with him. At the hospital, Mahe stayed by James’s side in his bed, working hard to comfort him.
He gently nuzzled James’s face as the boy was put to sleep with anesthesia. Mahe stayed close by, never leaving his side. James’s mother mentions that Mahe is always there for him, preventing him from wandering off, keeping him safe, and assisting him in social settings. Mahe is also trained to alert the family if James has a seizure.
The black Labrador Retriever was trained by Assistance Dogs New Zealand and joined the Isaac family two and a half years back. Since then, their lives have changed dramatically for the better!
Service dogs like Mahe can really make a big difference for children with autism. If you believe service dogs are amazing, please don’t hesitate to share this story to spread awareness!