Childhood is when we learn the meaning of friendship and connection. But for some children with disabilities, including 10-year-old James, bridging that social gap can be challenging.
As James was getting older, he was having a harder time connecting with his peers beyond a simple “hello.” James loves socializing but living with Down Syndrome and hearing loss made it difficult to express the words he wanted to share.
James’ mom, Larkin, knew that James needed someone to motivate him to express himself and connect with his community.
“Nia has a secret power over him,” Larkin remarks. “Being able to grab that harness handle motivates James to walk to class or in the grocery store.”
Down Syndrome causes low muscle tone, resulting in fatigue and poor stamina. At the end of each day, Nia helps James conserve energy by cleaning up his toys and placing them in the toy box. She also interrupts anxiety and fear at James’ many appointments by nudging him and providing deep pressure.
“Nia has a secret power over him,” Larkin remarks. “Being able to grab that harness handle motivates James to walk to class or in the grocery store.” Nia’s expert training ensures she keeps pace without rushing while she, James and Larkin move through the world.
James and his family have also received an unexpected gift from Nia – the vast, inclusive Canine Companions community. Larkin jokes that being part of the Canine Companions community is like joining a secret society that shares a common passion.
Larkin sums it up: “There’s no real way to understand the benefits and all the good that comes from having a service dog, until you do. The community that comes with it and the amazingness of the of the dogs is so worth it.”
Canine Companions Service Dog Nia was the key to unlocking James’ world. “James has something to talk about that others can understand,” Larkin says. “His language and self-expression are developing more, and I think Nia has a lot to do with that. He feels safe and comfortable with Nia with him.”