Following the example of other area families aiding autistic children with service dogs, Cody Olsavicky's family is raising funds to link him with a canine companion.
Cody recently was introduced to a group of K-9s for Kids service dogs in training to aid other children with special needs.
“He had no idea what a German shepherd was,” Cody's mother Patti Olsavicky said. “We went to a training (session) at Mingo Park in Washington County. We watched, and Cody got to follow along. He thought it was so cool that the dogs knew where their friends were.”
K-9s for Kids developers said the organization's mission is built on the natural bond between children and their pets. The service dog initiative has gone above and beyond what they expected when the program began in 2008.
A K-9s for Kids spokesperson said the children are primary caregivers for the dogs in terms of feeding. That immediate connection, beginning at 8 weeks of age for the pup, helps to establish a relationship with and dependency on the child.
In turn, the child's family can depend on the dog in times of need. K-9s for Kids has trained autism service dogs as well as dogs that can detect seizures and diabetic emergencies.
Cody is expected to receive his dog from a Labor Day litter during the first week of November and will begin training shortly thereafter. He said he plans to name his “buddy” Shy.
“I think it's because that's how he feels sometimes,” Olsavicky said. “Sometimes he gets mad and doesn't know how to deal with it. At other times, you don't know he has a voice because he won't talk.”
Cody's autism manifests in social situations, evidenced by awkward interactions, stress and anger. He plays rough and has problems with aggression.
His mother hopes having a canine companion will help to ease Cody's stress when meeting strangers and in dealing with encounters that otherwise would make the child uncomfortable.
“We've had two Code Adams (missing child alerts),” she said, noting that Cody fled when he became nervous. “That's enough to make any parent panic, let alone the parent of a special needs child.”
Cody, 10, of Hempfield Township, attends school through NHS Human Services in Greensburg — a program that brought the family to Westmoreland County from their former Munhall home.
With specialized care and schooling, Patti Olsavicky believes Cody's quality of life would be improved by having a dog.
Autism service dogs are trained to track the children with whom they are partnered.
Olsavicky said she will sleep easier knowing that Cody's companion would find him if he fled again.
Because Cody also suffers from seizures, his mother said the dog may help him feel comfortable at night.
“When we moved into this townhouse, he had no problem sleeping in his room through the night,” she said. “Since he had a seizure at night, he's scared to sleep. I can't say that I blame him, because I'm scared, too.”
The Olsavicky family has been raising funds for nearly a year in order to finance an estimated $7,000 for the dog's purchase, training and miscellaneous at-home costs such as veterinary bills.
After a Father's Day spaghetti dinner at West Mifflin No. 3 Fire Co. and a fund-raiser with the Knights of Columbus in Jeannette, the Canine for Cody initiative is growing with media attention.
“I'm amazed at how many people are contacting me since Cody has been on the news. They're asking how they can help,” Olsavicky said. “We have some events coming up, and I think we can pull it off.”
Huntingdon Hills Miniature Golf will donate the $6 admission fee for every golfer who plays on the course Sunday between the hours of noon and 9 p.m. Burgers, hot dogs, ice cream and soft drinks will be available for purchase.
Music will be played by DJ Kevin & Co.
The Backdraft Band Fest & Pig Roast is scheduled for Sept. 30 from 1-9 p.m. at 3049 Churchview Ave., Baldwin. A $10 admission fee includes food and entertainment. Without food access, admission is $5.
Performers are Lyn Woods & Joe the Mailman, Shakedown, G-13 and the Fabulous Gunslingers.
All proceeds from both events will benefit the Canine for Cody fund.
Donations also may be made at any PNC Bank branch with checks payable to Canine for Cody.
Jennifer R. Vertullo is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-664-9161, ext. 1956, or jvertullo@tribweb.com.
