Chase & Buddy
"Chase is a 15 - year old, blonde, blue eyed boy. He was born with FG Syndrome along with other disabilities.
"FG Syndrome is a genetic disorder that is passed mainly from mothers to sons. With FG comes an array of challenges such as: short stature, some physical abnormalities, mental handicaps, attention deficit disorder, autistic-like characteristics, speech and language disorders and other challenges.
"Chase was diagnosed in March of 1999 by a world re-known geneticist named Dr. John Opitz. Chase appears to have a more mild form of FG so it was very difficult to properly diagnose.
"Last June we decided as Chase's parents to consider getting a dog for Chase's 15th birthday. This was considered very carefully because Chase's mother was so adamant about not having any dogs. One morning something was whispered in her ear that she needed to succumb. Her son "needed" a dog.
"As soon as Chase's mom mentioned to Chase's dad that this was the decision, he immediately knew where to go and which dog to look at.
"On June 12, 2002 our family went to Incredible Pets in Sandy and found the sweetest, cutest, fuzziest, red Golden Retriever you have ever seen. Our family was immediately in love.
"The sales lady put the dog on the floor away from Chase. Chase knelt down and said, "Here, Buddy." The puppy came running to Chase. To everyone's delight, Mom said, "Buy him." The expression on Chase's face was indescribable. He jumped for joy and shouted "yes" as he laughed and laughed. He was thrilled.
"Chase knew immediately what to call his new puppy. Chase said he named him "Buddy," because "he'll always be my buddy."
"Chase does not have normal social skills and leads a fairly lonely life. Our family needed Buddy to become Chase's companion. He was in danger socially. Chase, as an individual who is disabled, deserves to be loved and to give love back.
"Buddy is a true blessing to the Lodder family. With his sweet nature and intelligence he added so much to Chase's life. Now Chase will always have "someone." Even during social activities he'll have someone always with him.
"Buddy is a very smart animal. He will become a helping dog for Chase. In fact he catches on faster than Chase in most incidences.
"We see Buddy as a long-term support for Chase. We see him successfully training to accompany Chase to the movies, to the stores and to school. With the help of Gateway To Canine Partnerships, Chase's mom's vision will become a reality for her son. Chase will always be able to have a "buddy" near like most children. The emotional support that Buddy gives to Chase is irreplaceable. We are so grateful to Gateway To Canine Partnerships for giving us the wonderful opportunity of fulfilling our dream. Thank you so much."
-The Lodder family
