Unfamiliar places used to cause 9-year-old Ryden extreme discomfort due to anxiety associated with cerebral palsy. Ryden is unable to speak, and his muscle movement is limited as a result of his disability. However, a snuggly, affectionate service dog named Santana changed everything. “It was a perfect match right away, and Ryden’s life has drastically changed for the better,” says Ryden’s mom, Heather.
With Santana by his side, Ryden and his family can go out to public places with ease. If Ryden starts to feel uncomfortable, Heather will have Santana lay his head on Ryden’s lap, redirecting anxiety towards petting Santana’s head, playing with his ears and rubbing his back.
Santana bridges a gap between Ryden and other kids his age and provides unbeatable, unconditional love. “Santana brings so much joy by being someone that doesn’t distinguish Ryden as having a disability, but simply sees him as a friend,” states Heather. “Ryden knows how much Santana loves him.”
There is no doubt that Santana is making a difference in Ryden’s life. As Heather says, “I have seen Ryden smile more since he was matched with Santana than I have in his entire life.”