Dogs for Kids
I grew up with a remarkable role model: my father. He was a loving and selfless man, who left behind a successful career as an environmental engineer to move to Sudan, where he worked under grueling and dangerous conditions to help the Sudanese people become more self-sufficient. He was also a former farmer as well as an engineer, he rolled up his sleeves and worked the land alongside the Sudanese people, setting up clean water basins and building latrines to improve daily life. After spending 7 years in Sudan, he moved to Egypt and ran a school for refugee children.
Long before his work abroad, my dad was setting an example for me at home. When I was in college, he cared for my breeding dogs during the week so that I could continue developing my business while pursuing my education. It was during those years that I donated my very first puppy to an organization called Canines with a Cause. That pup, Beau, was trained as a medical alert dog for a man in a wheelchair. She retrieved items, opened and closed doors, and alerted others if something was medically wrong with her owner.
Witnessing Beau’s impact on his life was a turning point for me. I realized just how profoundly a dog could change a life. The unconditional love that many of us take for granted becomes transformative in the hands—or paws—of a service dog. Someone who once felt isolated is no longer alone. Someone who felt judged now has a best friend and someone they can lean on for support. Someone who found each day a struggle now has a reason to keep going.
It’s fair to say that Goldendoodles, my first love as a breeder, are especially well-suited for this work. With the intelligence of the Poodle and the gentle, obliging nature of the Golden Retriever, they bring together the very qualities that make service and therapy dogs thrive, all in a low- to non-shedding coat. From the beginning, I have deliberately bred for calm, even-tempered, good-natured dogs. Many of my dogs placed just as family companions have gone on to serve their owners as therapy dogs as well, even without formal training.
But Beau got me hooked. After her, I donated many more puppies to organizations and individuals who could benefit from a service or therapy dog. Over time, I realized I could have the most impact by placing dogs with children facing unique challenges. One of the most defining experiences came through a little girl named Gracie, who has autism. The puppy I placed with her, Freedom, became her lifeline, helping Gracie find comfort, confidence, and connection. Watching Gracie grow into a beautiful young woman with Freedom by her side cemented my passion and led me to work closely with Autism Service Dogs for many years.
Still, I wanted to do more. With the encouragement and help of my dear friend Karley, we founded SwissRidge Dogs for Kids. What began as a dream has grown into a community movement, powered in large part by the generosity of the SwissRidge family. Our Facebook group has become an incredible fundraising force, and I am continually inspired by the compassion and kindness of our clients.
SwissRidge Dogs for Kids
Our mission is simple yet powerful: to bring hope, comfort, and independence to children by pairing them with a devoted service dog. Since 2012, we have been a small but passionate organization dedicated to raising and training dogs carefully matched to each child’s individual needs. These remarkable companions help children feel calmer, transition more easily, build confidence, reduce anxiety, sleep peacefully, find comfort during seizures, and experience the joy of responsibility and independence.
Each year, we raise funds to make this life-changing journey possible. Our largest fundraiser is the SwissRidge Doodle Romp, a summer gathering where hundreds of SwissRidge families come together to celebrate love, community, and purpose. This special event allows us to continue giving children the priceless gift of a loyal companion who will change their lives forever.
To learn more, or to join our journey, follow us on Instagram @Swissridge_Dogs_For_Kids.
Meet Some of Our Service Dogs
CIARAN & LLEW
Introducing Llew — the newest member of our program and Ciaran’s new best friend.
Llew’s journey began with a heartfelt wish. Thanks to the Shine Foundation, Ciaran’s dream of having a puppy came true. Shine was happy to work with SwissRidge Kennels to make it all happen. Now, we have the honour of training Llew to become Ciaran’s service dog, empowering him to take his four-legged friend wherever life leads.
More than a best friend, Llew will offer Ciaran life-changing support in ways such as reducing muscle tension, encouraging movement, sleep improvement, stress reduction, support through transitions, building friendships outside of the home, boost confidence, communication development, and possible seizure detection.
As Llew grows and matures, he’ll begin our advanced service dog training program to fully prepare for his important role. We can’t wait to follow and share the journey of Ciaran and Llew. Stay tuned for the adventures ahead!
ROSIE & COHEN
“My name is Cohen and I have Autism. My dream is to have a dog. It is hard to handle my Autism. When my Autism is acting up I feel out of control and angry. I love dogs and if I had an Autism dog it would help me deal with my Autism by every time I am screaming and crying the dog will help me stop. Love, Cohen.”
Cohen’s autism is what was previously known as Aspergers Syndrome which is often characterized by high intellect, strong expressive language and physical and verbal outbursts. Cohen had frequent meltdowns when he was transitioning to and from locations and between activities, when he is overwhelmed with the amount of expectations or work that must be completed or if he does not get what he wants. His service dog provides Cohen with emotional support needed when he is distressed. Rosie also helps him transition between locations and activities as well as providing him with purposeful physical activity and responsibility.
“In June, Cohen graduated from grade 8 and is off to high school in September. He is actually excited, while we are a bit nervous about the transition. Since Rosie came into Cohen’s life, he has grown tremendously. In the last two years we have seen the greatest growth. Cohen has become a confident and social young man who became quite involved at school and has a very connected social group. He decided at the end of grade 8 that he wanted to audition to be the school valedictorian. He wrote and presented this Audition speech. He didn’t get chosen, as it was student selected but he sure was proud, as were we.
At Graduation, Cohen was presented with the Perserverence Award. This was a tremendous achievement for a boy who was very aggressive to family members, teachers and classmates, had no friends and was rarely invited to birthday parties in his primary years. Rosie has been a complete game changer and a huge contributor to the marked changes Cohen has made. She is his absolute favourite thing and is all he speaks about. Rosie was a celebrity at his school because he showed pictures and told everyone about her. She somehow makes it into every slideshow, presentation or project he completes. To say that we are grateful to SwissRidge’s Dogs For Kids Program is an understatement. She has changed all of our lives forever. Thank you!” Cohen’s Mom
LULA & EMI
“Lula has been a true blessing for Emi. She arrived just few weeks before the lock-downs during the pandemic. They had to stop all of Emi’s therapies and were concerned of having some regressions. But when he was finally able to be evaluated, they were surprised at how much he had progressed even with all the things they had to stop. He has had the best companion with Lula. Lula is the perfect reading buddy, a friend to play, a companion to go for walks or to hug when he feels anxious, a classmate for the virtual learning, a weighted blanket to sleep and many other things. She also helps get Emi to sleep and stays throughout the night.
Lula has without a doubt really changed the life of this little boy. She keeps our boy calm on long drives and help him to stay focus and motivated during the long hikings. This year we went to a water park resort and they reserved an area for Lula in the deck to keep her dry and avoid people touching her, but she was still close to Emi in case he needed her. Both rock the Waterpark as champs. Thank you Lucas Mucha and Sherry Rupke for making this perfect companion for our son. It’s been life changing for all of us. Pictures are not enough to show all of the wins with Lula.” – Emi’s Mom
DUKE & DANIEL
Daniel is obsessed with dogs, so we knew he wouldn’t have any trouble bonding with his service dog! Daniel and Duke make such an amazing pair. Daniel has been known to wander at times so Duke is now in his life to help avoid this and keep him safe. Duke is also Daniel’s reading buddy and this has helped continue to develop his speech. Duke keeps Daniel active, with lots of walks, playing with balls, and out in his neighbourhood meeting new friends. He also struggles with transitioning and change, and Duke has already made this easier for Daniel. You can often catch Daniel speaking to Duke as if he was a human best friend. During the lockdowns Duke has been amazing at keeping Daniel occupied, exercised and not lonely. Daniel pretty much takes Duke wherever he goes. Daniel has been able to give commands to him like ‘come’, ‘down’, ‘sit’ which has given him a sense of accomplishment and confidence when he responds the way he wants. It is such a joy to watch them bond and grow up together. Now a days, Duke and Daniel have become country travel mates. They have flown on planes and traveled to various events within Canada. Duke has been a super star on all means of transportation including planes.
“I am so glad Daniel has Duke in his life. They brush their teeth together morning and evening, every day. Daniel continues to try to beat Duke in a race, and they still have cuddle time every night before bed. Daniel thinks it’s great when I come home from work and give him a big hug, Duke squeezes in between us and covers Daniel with kisses. The more Daniel matures, the greater the bond these two have, it’s so wonderful to see.” – Daniel’s Mom
POLO & JULIO
Julio and his new service dog Polo are the cutest, perfect pair! They are so well matched. Polo has a very calming vibe which helps balance a busy Julio out. A service dog will provide Julio with companionship, security from fleeting, social skills, a calming influence, assistance in transitioning and responsibility. Julio has been known to wander off and Polo has been trained to help prevent this and keep him safe. In their first few weeks together Polo has already taken over bedtime routine for helping Julio falling asleep. And wherever Julio goes, Polo is following close behind, keeping a close eye on him. Julio is an active boy and we look forward to watching Polo and his adventures together.
Polo listens to his training very well. He is perfectly behaved wherever we go. Julio loves to dress up Polo as a reindeer. Polo gives him what he needs, when he needs it. They love walking the mall together, going shopping. Just got back from a vacation. No shortage of smiling on-lookers while these two walked Pittsburgh together. It’s been our pleasure to share all the wins with the SwissRidge Community and we are forever grateful.” – Julio’s Mom
ASHA & RACHEL
Rachel and Asha are the cutest bestfriend pair! These two have a special connection. Rachel has a natural love for all dogs. Asha has been great with Rachel’s Autism, which can cause tough transitions. Asha helps with adjusting to unfamiliar environments, going into her school, has helped Rachel sleep on her own in her bedroom, better control of her emotions and anxiety, making social connections with others, and building confidence and self esteem. Rachel’s responsibility duties have come a long way too. These two go everywhere together.
“Asha has made a huge difference in Rachel’s life. She sleeps with her, follows her around everywhere. She gives her a sense of confidence and has gotten her out more often. Lucas trained her so well. She can be around a huge group of dogs and she is super calm.” – Rachel’s Mom
ANCHOR
Introducing Anchor. He is the newest addition to our program, and a dog whose story and purpose are truly special.
Anchor is being trained as a Transient Service and Therapy Dog to support children in times of need. His mission will take him to children’s hospitals, mental health clinics, special education and disability programs, elementary and high schools during exam periods or following a crisis, library reading programs, and youth grief centers.
Anchor’s journey began thanks to one of our program’s most devoted supporters: Frank Murphy. Frank was not only a passionate dog lover but also loved spending time on the water in his boat. Before his passing, he expressed a heartfelt wish that his family continue to support SwissRidge Dogs for Kids. In honour of that wish and with the support of his beloved wife Maura, who will be Anchor’s handler, we proudly welcome Anchor into the program.
We look forward to following Anchor’s adventures and witnessing the profound impact he will have on the children he meets, bringing calm, easing loneliness, building resilience, and encouraging communication in a supportive, non-judgmental way. Sometimes, all it takes to begin healing is a wagging tail and a quiet moment of feeling understood without words.
BRODIE & JACK
Brodie is one of the very first children placed with a service dog from Autism Dog Services. His first service dog retired in 2016 and we were honored to get him a new dog in 2017. Jack has given him new light, friendship, and has allowed him to trust a new dog for his specific needs. Jack is the perfect dog for Brodie and brings out the best in him.
Freedom & Grace
Freedom was the first service dog I ever donated. He was donated to a little girl named Grace who has autism. He was the dog who opened my eyes to just how much a well-matched service dog can help a child and truly change their life forever. From the moment Freedom joined Grace, I watched her grow, blossom, and step into the world with a new sense of confidence. He gave her the courage to try new things, the comfort she needed in challenging moments, and the support that allowed her to flourish into the beautiful young girl she is today.
CIARAN, SHAY & OLLIE (RETIRED NOW)
“It is really hard to put into words what an impact Ollie has had on our lives and the lives of our children. Ollie breaks down barriers. His loving nature attracts an abundance of energy. When the boys are out with Ollie, people are drawn to conversations with them. Barriers disappear and powerful conversations happen. Coversations that educate, that empower, that change mindsets.
Shay’s relationship with Ollie is an uncomplicated one. Their love for each other has been obvious since their first day together. Ollie makes Shay laugh daily, he encourages him to be responsible as Shay feeds Ollie and helps walk him. Ollie adores Shay and is never far from his side. Ciaran is more complex than Shay. It took Ciaran much longer than his brother to connect with Ollie. Thankfully Ollie persevered and Ciaran is now his number one fan. When Ciaran needs a friend – Ollie is his guy. When Ciaran is anxious – Ollie is his calm. When Ciaran is sick – Ollie will not leave his side. Ollie understands Ciaran’s vulnerabilities and his social difficulties – and stands beside him no matter what. Their relationship is incredibly heartwarming.” – Cairan and Shay’s Mom