The Story Of Sylvia The Autism Service Dog

Sylvia has gone out in public with me for the last time. She is officially retired. I felt I should celebrate her career. I also reveal the name of my new service dog...

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[HopeHendershot-Moskal]

I'm not crying. My eyes are just a little sweaty today.

[hannagray]

This video makes my heart so happy. Thank you for sharing. And congratulations on Sylvia for her successful career! Good luck with your new team training. I did mine last Sep. We had fun.

[RamonSelove]

Oh... and thanks for the video. I had some cedar sawdust in my eyes from clearing the fields yesterday but now they seem to have been rinsed out quite effectively.

[drmadisonberesford]

Congratulations, Sylvia is a remarkable dog. Your story has opened doors for other students to have access to disability resources and advocacy. Thank you Sylvia, enjoy retirement!

[nomoneyrecord]

Thank you, deeply, thank you, Nathan.

[cherylcarlson]

So proud of the progress you have made with her help. Love always wins, never dies.

[RamonSelove]

Sylvia spent the day yesterday with me and my dog SSD Coriander. The weather was absolutely beautiful. We spent the whole day outside while I worked on clearing an overgrown field. Sylvia and Coriander played and swam in the pond (and got hosed off afterward--dirty pond.) Anyway, she had a wonderful vacation and really seemed to enjoy herself. She has moped a little and looks for Nathan a lot since he left for team training but she has had good times too and I think she will be fine. Nathan and Blake will be coming home this weekend and Sylvia will get to meet Blake then.

[KentuckyWallChicken]

Good job Sylvia! Rest easy in retirement!

[mariai.g.r.]

It's awesome what Sylvia has done for you. I am just so very happy that she was there for you for all your years.

[olivertherottweilersd]

That was really sweet I teared up at the end. I'm working on my 3rd service dog. The fist 2 had to be washed for one reason or another and now I'm working with Oliver. Take one day at a time and things will work out. Best of luck and
CONGRATULATIONS on your marriage 💖

[airbenderdogs]

This is so sweet. My service dog is 2, I hope he has a long working career like this. Good job, Sylvia :)

[blueaurablob]

Well I am a MESS. I just discovered your channel today and I'm now a subscriber and a fan. My boyfriend is also on the spectrum, and while our dog Chico is not a service dog, he HAS changed our lives tremendously and my boyfriend has bonded with him in tremendous ways I never expected. I love this tribute, I love your channel, and I love your advocacy!

[wookiecd]

Wow, this video hits hard.. like postcards from a life I might have had, if I had not been a late diagnosis.

Wishing you both all the best.

[gnetcnet]

Hi Nathan, this is the first time i see this video and Im not sure how ai missed it. I truly think you made a wonderful video of Sylvia s retirement and the addition of your wife. I have been following you for a long time. I found you when my son applied for a service dog four years ago. We finally got him at the end of october. My son is now also taking him to school. Im so thankful to have found you when I did. Your video of the hardship the school and school bus gave you inspired me to not accept no for an answer. So now where I live he has taken down the bariers for service dogs on the school bus. Also just wanted to mention that you, sylvia, your wife and now blake as well make a wondeful family.❤❤❤

[audrawelsh]

You know it’s sweet when you get goosebumps in the middle of your two mile run

[ChronicallyRollingWithIt]

Awe, Great video! this brought tears to my eyes. She has been with you for everything! From Middle school, to little Hight School, break ups, to getting married, to college and traveling. Everything! I know this isn't going to be easy forming a bond and going out with another dog after 11 years, but soon enough everything will feel right again. You, Sylvia, and Blake, will all adjust just fine in the end. Even if it seems a little rough at first. I couldn't imagine, I got my SD after HS (And he's only a year and 10 months no where near retirement), but getting one as early as 11, she really has been with you for everything! Sylvia will always have a special place in your heart because she was your first life changing Service Dog! But you'll have many more adventure and Blake will be right there by your side, forming that special bond! Then he too, will have another special place in your heart, for being your 2nd SD and going through that 2nd chapter of your life. 2 special amazing dogs! I wish you the best of luck, and look forward to meeting Blake in the videos!! I can't wait to see more of how your journey goes!

[cmnelson]

What a beautiful tribute to love. She has truly been a Blessing to/for you. I pray you find your next SSD is a worthy successor.

[QueenCreeps]

Sylvia has well deserved her retirement. I never thought I'd be calling a dog an inspiration, but everything she's done for you is truly remarkable. Good luck going forward with Blake, and congratulations on the marriage! :D

[melankak]

That's a lovely tribute to Sylvia, she's been such a trooper through all these years :)

Once again, congrats! Wish a lot of luck to both your wife and you.. And Sylvia.. And the Newbie ;)

[DrMd-jrxt]

What a wonderful video! Good luck with your successor service dog!