This Ontario couple tried to adopt a dog. The rescue group said no because their son has autism
CBC
Mike and Erin Doan of Listowel, Ont., began inquiring about adopting a dog this week after their nine-year-old son Henry communicated to them that he wanted one.
Henry is non-verbal and only recently began speaking with the help of special software installed on an iPad.
"He said, 'Want a dog now,'" said Erin. "It makes us very happy because we've always been dog people, and we were holding off for a bit until we were sure that Henry was ready.
"Now we know he is."
But, she said, the response was disheartening when the family asked about a puppy posted online by Kismutt Rescue outside St. Marys, Ont.
Erin said she wanted to be upfront, so when she requested a meet and greet with the animal rescue group, she told them her son has autism.
"I got an email back later, just basically saying, 'Sorry, I hope you understand, but I don't think based on your son's autism that it would be a good fit.'"
When Erin asked for clarification, she was told the organization does not adopt out dogs to families with autism.
"In this day and age, there's so much disinformation, and these kiddos and adults with autism, they're wonderful people," she said.
"For sure, there are some that have more behavioural issues than others, but to put a blanket policy in place without even meeting the kiddo and the family — it's just really disheartening.
"Most parents would say my kid would never hurt a fly," Erin said. "But [Henry] has so much love to give, and he's just an empathetic little boy."
Although Kismutt Rescue did not respond to multiple requests by CBC News, the organization wrote a lengthy post on Facebook about its policy against allowing families with a child with autism to adopt a dog.
"One of the hardest parts of rescue is the emotional aspect of it," reads the post. "Making tough decisions, learning by mistakes and witnessing severe injury, disease and death in animals."
Read the Kismutt Rescue post:
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