SOUTH PORTLAND, Maine — They can turn off lights, stay calm in tight spaces, and even grab items from the fridge. That doesn't even describe what service dogs can do for the people they serve.
Three years ago, 17-year-old Sawyer Marston of South Portland was matched with his service dog Emmitt through the nonprofit NEADS World Class Service Dogs for Children with Autism. The black lab is unique compared to other service dogs because Emmitt is trained to work with Sawyer and his parents.
From turning on the lights to fetching tissues, these were tasks that used to be challenging for Sawyer before Emmitt came into his life.
The teenager, who is on the autism spectrum, also struggled with sleeping and getting up on his own.
But now that routine has finally fallen into place with a new companion.
"Now, Emmitt sleeps with me in my own bed," Sawyer said with a smile.
"Emmitt was like the missing piece of the puzzle," Sawyer's mom, Melinda, said. "He is such a great fit for Sawyer and our family."
The teen was matched with the black lab through the NEADS World Class Service Dogs for Children with Autism Program. The nonprofit, based in Princeton, Massachusetts, trains the child and an adult handler, typically a parent or a caregiver.
"The parent is the primary handler, so they are responsible for keeping the dog in control to ensure that they are safe, the child is safe, and the public is safe. So, the child is the secondary handler," Kara Milotte, the manager of client services for NEADS, said.
Sawyer and his mom each hold their leash while Sawyer is working, providing a focus for Melinda, while Sawyer gives commands to Emmitt, who is trained to make eye contact.
"Sawyer has it under control, but I support Sawyer and Emmitt. Emmitt knows I am the backup," Melinda explained.
Sawyer's fantastic bond with the highly trained service dog was recently featured in Healthy Pet, a magazine available to pet owners at veterinary offices and clinics nationwide.
Emmitt is loved by everyone in the family, including his older brother Caleb, and goes with Sawyer everywhere.
From doctor's appointments to the mall, movies, school dances, and family functions like weddings.
It's a special connection that is helping Sawyer come out of his shell.
"Then you look over on the dance floor, and Emmitt and Sawyer are talking to a group of people and making friends with a group of people," Melinda said happily.
"I wouldn't enjoy it as much if he weren't there. Having Emmitt is a dream come true," Sawyer said.
These were life-changing moments, and there was much more hope for Sawyer's future of becoming more independent with Emmitt by his side.
For more information on applying for a service dog from NEADS, contact Kara Milotte, the Manager of Client Services, kmilotte@neads.org
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