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Autism service dogs recognized

FALLBROOK – San Marcos Mayor Jim Desmond has declared March 11 to be "Autism Service Dog Day" to help increase public awareness and education about these specially trained assistance dogs.

Desmond made the announcement during the Good Dog! Autism Companion's annual family picnic, hosted at The Lionsgate Estate, where families and trainers gathered with their service dogs to celebrate the day and hear the mayor's announcement. Each family received a gift bag of items from The Blissful Dog, The Honest Kitchen and Drake Center for Veterinary Care.

Recognized by the Americans with Disabilities Act as assistance dogs, autism service dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help mitigate an individual's disability. The life-enhancing benefits may revolve around self-regulation and calming, social interaction, communication, independence, companionship and quality of life. It typically costs over $26,000 to raise, care and train each dog over 18 to 24 months, in addition to providing education and support services for each family.

"As autism spectrum disorder has risen to one in every 68 births in the United States, so has the increase in demand for service dogs to help individuals live better lives," Desmond said. "Autism Service Dog Day aims to bring awareness to the benefits pertaining to autism service dogs as well as the information needed for families to source a reputable organization."

Autism Service Dog Day will be celebrated worldwide each year, March 11, by autism service dog organizations.

 

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