31st October 2025
Charlotte and her autism assistance dog, Koda, have been a team since 2019, and even at home, Koda knows exactly when to step in.
Sometimes, a calm presence and unconditional love are all it takes to turn a difficult moment into a peaceful one.
Here, Charlotte’s dad, John, tells a simple story as reminder of how life-changing these partnerships truly are.
We have many, many (dare I say another many) stories about how our assistance dog Koda has been a game changer in our home.. not every story is complicated.. some are so simple, yet absolutely wonderful..
Like this one..
It doesn’t look much.. but here’s what’s happening..
After long overdue, we had to put some of our favourite VIP Elmos into the wash..
It was a real worry for Charlotte..
Yes, it got tense..
So, as she always does, Koda spotted the problem and moved in to do her support piece..
Charlotte was persuaded to sit.. with Koda volunteering to sit close by.. to watch and wait.. patiently..
And avoiding what would otherwise have been a meltdown/sensory overload moment (these are never moments.. and can be hours)..
Koda’s reassuring presence, long established over 6 years now, has taught Charlotte coping skills we couldn’t ever have imagined until 2019…
Not every child will take to an assistance dog, but those who do reap massive rewards and growth.. and this is why your work.. and the generosity of your challenge participants is so immensely important.
Thank you for Koda.
And, at the end of the wash cycle, the guys emerged clean and safe..