My Nonprofit Reviews

I have two sons on the Autism Spectrum. I heard about North Star soon after my sons were diagnosed. I talked to Patty the next day and it was clear to my husband and I that our sons could benefit from having an assistance dog. Patty was accommodating and we were kept informed of where we were on the waiting list. Once the puppies were born we visited the litter several times and also met with Stitch and his puppy raising family a few times. We received Stitch in the Fall of 2004. He received most of his training at his puppy raising home and then the rest with a local private trainer near our home. Stitch had two boys to help and he did this beautifully. I have had dogs since my childhood, including a Golden. I can say Stitch's temperament and intelligence was exceptional. He not only kept my middle son calm, but could also find my youngest on command. As a pediatric physical therapist who works in children's homes, I would often bring him with me and he could help me in many chores such as providing a surface for a toddler to pull to stand at or providing comfort during painful stretching. We had to say good bye to him this month; he lived a long and productive life that was unmarked by any large health issues. My boys are adults now, but if they were children, I would not hesitate to get another dog from North Star.