ASA Service Dogs is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing Assistance Dog placement, training education, and awareness.
ASSISTANCE DOGS
Service Dogs provide innumerable benefits.
Whom and how to they help?
SERVICE DOG RECIPIENTS
Our Service Dog recipients receive a loyal, compassionate, joyful, and loving presence that has specialized training. Along with performing tasks to that assist their disabled person, SD's encourage daily routines, teach responsibilities, improve communication skills, and provide companionship! Recipients have described the feeling of an SD by their side as encouraging, healing, and hopeful to know their loving best friend is there JUST for them.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS
The family and friends of individuals who receive service dogs from ASA also experience benefits. They receive the love, comfort, and laughter the service dog adds to daily life. They also get to see their loved one's lives improved; this may look like:
A daughter reading more often because she loves telling stories to her judgement-free best friend.
A mother diagnosed with PTSD able to safely wean off anxiety medications because the panic of being alone is gone.
An autistic child deescalating quicker during a meltdown with deep pressure therapy.
A granddaughter receiving an alert 15-minutes prior to an anaphylactic reaction resulting in less trips to the hospital.
THE DOGS
Previously destined for the life of a pet or even living in a shelter, our dogs instead go on to become educated and cared for family members. Our dogs are called upon to do incredible work for their handlers. But this higher calling comes with perks; service dogs get to go places most dogs can’t. Our service dogs have fun, too! When not working, they may be resting, visiting other members of the family, playing with dog friends, exercising, or even on vacation.
OUR COMMUNITY
We are incredibly proud of the value we add to our community through educational programs and events. A few of the programs we offer:
SERVICE DOG FOSTER TRAINER PROGRAM
Members of our community learn how to train a dog - a unique skill that many pay thousands of dollars to go to school to learn! This program offers hands-on education that allows both kids and teenagers to get involved. Participants can learn valuable life skills, discover a possible career path, and all while accruing community service hours.
READ TO THE DOGS
Our group of dogs, trainers, and volunteers visit schools, camps, clubs like Girl and Boy Scouts, libraries, and other events to teach kids (and adults!) about the awesome world of assistance dogs! We are excitedly spreading awareness about disabilities, the proper ways to interact with dogs, various dog breeds, and the awesome world of animal training. We give the kids an opportunity to read their favorite books aloud to the dogs. Kids with dyslexia, those lacking strong social skills, or children who just don't feel confident reading out loud, feel comfortable reading to our judgement-free, loving dogs!
SUPPORT
Trained ASA dogs are available to any individual living in the United States.
CONTACT US
704-323-6650
OPERATING IN THE LAKELAND AREA
Please contact ASA to schedule an appointment
FRIENDS & SPONSORS
