The Marisa Tufaro Foundation was privileged to donate to a South Plainfield family raising funds to bring a fully trained Great Pyrenese home to their nine-year-old daughter Brooke, who is autistic and suffers from other medical issues.
The service dog, whose name is Dakota, will help Brooke navigate daily life and keep her safe.
“Brooke was diagnosed with autism before the age of two. She also suffers from pica, a disorder characterized by compulsive eating of things that aren’t food, which can be dangerous,” mom Susan Sollaccio told TAPinto South Plainfield.
Brooke also suffers from separation anxiety, as well as ADHD and depression. Additionally, she has a difficult time falling and staying asleep and, at times, when she’s woken in the middle of the night, has made some unhealthy and unsafe decisions.
Please click here to read more from TAPinto South Plainfield about this amazing family and their inspirational daughter.