How a Golden Retriever Became an Autism Support Dog for One Amazing Kid

This post explores how a golden retriever became a vital autism support dog, highlighting the powerful bond between a support dog and an autistic child.

The house was too quiet.

As soon as I peered into Konrad’s bedroom, I felt a rush of sadness, knowing Konrad was in pain.

Five-year-old Konrad was on his bed, his stomach pressed against our dog Sammy as Konrad lay on top of Sammy. Sammy didn’t move when I entered the room.

Konrad, age five, resting on our golden retriever, Sammy

“How did you two get into this position?” I asked while I pet my golden retriever and then put my hand on Konrad’s forehead. His forehead wasn’t hot, but Konrad was pale and looked miserable.

“Are you feeling worse, Kon?”

Konrad just looked at me. He wiggled, his stomach pressing harder against Sammy. Sammy stayed still.

“Good boy,” I said to Sammy as I pet him. “Are you taking care of Konrad?” Sammy’s tail thumped against the wall.

Sammy stayed with Konrad for hours that night, keeping a close eye on Konrad.

This was just one of many moments that showed how our amazing dog had a special touch — truly making him an incredible autism support dog in our home.

Autism Support from a Cool Dog

As many of us parents have learned, trying to talk to or reason with a kid during a meltdown just makes a meltdown worse. When meltdowns happened at home, we brought in the reliable backup support: Sammy.

Konrad felt soothed when weight pressed against him. During a sensory meltdown, I’d get Konrad into his bed and pile blankets and stuffed animals onto Konrad. Next, Sammy would jump onto the bed and lay on Konrad’s torso and legs. Within a few minutes, Konrad calmed. Before the dog's support for a child with autism, a meltdown could last an hour.

Sammy also sensed when Konrad needed support before a sensory-related meltdown came.

(For other tools that can help before a full sensory-related meltdown hits, check out this post).

Sammy would sit on top of Konrad – Sammy’s back facing Konrad – and Konrad would hug Sammy’s back and stroke Sammy’s fur.

Sammy would stay in this position for as long as Konrad needed. The 75-pound dog was like a hairy weighted blanket.

Sammy, a golden retriever, sitting on five-year-old Konrad, applying deep pressure to help Konrad cope with sensory overload

Sammy’s way of supporting Konrad extended to other people, too (whether other people sought the support or not).

For example, if someone – feeling stressed or emotional – came to the house and sat on the couch, they soon got a big dog on their lap. This surprise led to a laugh and a positive boost in mood.

It became a joke. If you came to our house stressed out, a big dog would take care of you. People welcomed the 75 pounds of dog love.

The Playful Side of Our Autism Support Dog

In addition to providing comfort, Sammy has provided endless hours of play and entertainment. Sammy's favorite game to play with the kids? Hide and Seek! We've been playing it for years. Sammy, as you might imagine, is the ultimate seeker.

Sammy also offers distraction from stress by playing catch games with tennis balls and playing chase games. Whenever I'm involved in chase games and am chasing my kids, he has a habit of ramming into the back of my knees and knocking me down, as if I'm not supposed to chase my kids.

Whenever the kids rough house and get too rough, Sammy separates them and then sits on top of one of them, as if telling them they need to stop before someone gets hurt.

Whether it's comfort, play, or "keeping the peace," Sammy is reliable support.

Sometimes the dog's touch, rather than a human touch, helps us the most.

Can you relate?

How has an animal supported you or your kids? Tell us in the comments.

And for other ways Konrad calms, check out this post about his amazing spinning skills that support self-regulation or this post on giant bubbles for sensory play.

Jen with Cool Wiring

P.S.: You can also check out our YouTube video tribute to Sammy:

Watch this one-minute video of Sammy, the golden retriever autism support dog, showing how he brings comfort and support to his autistic family member.