Service Dogs Help Arlington Students With Autism

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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) – A pair of service dogs at Dunn Elementary in Arlington ISD are helping two of their students cope with Autism.

Nate Montgomery, 9, and Andrew Sapp, 11, are both on the Autism spectrum. Their special needs are different but a trained service dog will offer both children the same, attentive companionship.

Nate's dog named Denver has kept him company for 2 weeks. According to his teachers and mother Carey Montgomery, Denver helps calm Nate when he is anxious or frustrated.

"They've bonded. It took a little bit but they really have bonded well," said Montgomery.

Nate is speaking more and having less anxiety issues since Denver has come into his life.

Andrew's mother, Jill Sapp, said her son's service dog Nora is specifically trained to track him and protect the boy from wandering off.

"I can get out in public and I know that Nora can help keep Andrew close to us," said Sapp.

Dunn Elementary school is the only school in the district currently allowing service dogs. Teachers hope Nate and Andrew's example will help motivate other school to adopt similar service dog policies to help benefit students living with Autism.

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