Teen Wants New Puppy To Be Beacon Of "Hope" For People With Autism
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- There's a new team in town with a lofty mission – to raise awareness about Autism and service animals.
The team is a local girl with Asperger Syndrome and her new puppy, "Hope."
Kat Zdrojowy adopted Hope after her former service dog, Checkers, died suddenly at Christmas.
Kat was devastated, but later decided to honor Checkers with a new campaign aimed at educating the public about Autism and service dogs.
Kat took 9-week-old Hope to Happy Tailz Spa in Wexford to get some grooming tips. Owner Denise Mahan donated her services and her expertise.
"She already has a name and now she's able to do even more with that," said Mahan. "Bring more awareness so they realize the need for these service dogs. "
Kat told KDKA's Kym Gable, "My ultimate goal is to keep Checkers' legacy alive, which is also teaching people about Autism, helping people understand… Let's learn from this. It's a challenge, but I think I can do it."
Kat's campaign is called Hope for Autism. You can learn more about it at www.Katdog.org.
Kat is raising money to train and certify Hope to be a service dog. That link is www.gofundme.com/katdog