Malia is a data analyst in Seattle. She has been diagnosed with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder and has a daily battle with the sights, sounds, smells and textures of everyday life. When her senses become overloaded, she loses focus, and forgets to eat, is unable to understand people who are talking to her, and even loses her ability to speak. She often shuts down when overloaded, resulting in her being unable to perform basic life necessities like going to work. It also causes agoraphobia and negative behaviors, such as slapping/hitting/scratching herself without realizing she is doing so. It is Malia’s hope than Assistance Dog will give her more independence and allow her to grow to her full potential.
When Malia met FRANKIE in December 2019, there was an immediate connection! FRANKIE is a sweet-natured Golden Retriever who will be there every step of the way to help Malia get through the day. She will help by anchoring to Malia’s rising anxieties, interrupting her negative behaviors, and will even perform deep pressure therapy during therapy sessions to help work through her emotions. We cannot wait to see the amazing things these two will do together as a team!
FRANKIE is a Tribute Puppy named in honor of Frank Kurtz.
