Kairi Victoria’s Autism Assistance Dog Fundraising

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A nonprofit fundraiser supporting

4 Paws for Ability Inc
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$290

raised by 8 people

$17,000 goal

Hello, My name is Yendi Tello and I have a daughter Kairi Victoria. Whether you know her or are just learning about her for the first time, we appreciate your taking the time to find out more about her. In advance, THANK YOU from our family!

Victoria is 6 years old. She was born on February 6, 2013. The moment she was born she had us wrapped around her finger. She melted our hearts with her beautiful smile. She was a quiet, calm, and happy baby. After her first birthday, we noticed she had some challenges with speech and social interactions. She wouldn’t make eye contact or respond when being called by her name. Victoria preferred being alone instead of playing with her peers. She was diagnosed with severe autism on October 20, 2014.

After her diagnosis, Victoria started Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy, Speech Therapy (ST), and Occupational Therapy (OT). These therapies helped her overcome several of her challenges. Victoria’s autism has affected her in various ways, both in social skills and verbal skills. In addition, she is unable to express her emotions, which leads to self-harm. She also has difficulty identifying when she is in a dangerous situation. She cannot be left alone. She must be watched continuously because she is a climber, very active, and sometimes puts herself in harm’s way. Victoria cannot handle being in large crowds or having disruptions to her daily routine. She likes structure. When in public, she must be in a stroller or must be held to keep her near because she might wander off.

Victoria’s average week includes ten hours of ABA Therapy, one hour of OT, one hour of therapeutic horse riding, and 35 minutes of swimming lessons. She also spends five days a week in a special education classroom, where she receives speech services. Victoria has increased her ability to feed herself independently, by using a spoon and fork and drinking out of a cup. She is mastering her fine motor skills in variety of daily activities, such as dressing herself with limited assistance and playing properly with toys. She is able to stay seated during an activity time. The services that she receives have helped her significantly.

Victoria is a HAPPY child! She has a contagious smile. She is an energetic and caring daughter. She loves exploring the outdoors, enjoys sensory activities and water play. Victoria loves to go on road trips. One of the things she most likes to do is going to the beach, splashing in the water and enjoying the scenery. Victoria also enjoys our trips to the snow, sledding is her favorite thing to do. She loves sliding down the hills. She enjoys tactical activities, such as, being hugged, squeezed, and cuddled.

Victoria always has an appetite. She loves tomatoes, avocados, garbanzo beans, strawberries, grapes, blue berries, bananas, steak, and chicken. Her favorite food is pizza! She LOVES food, PERIOD! Victoria likes to play matching games and puzzle games on her tablet. Her favorite movies are A Bugs Life, Finding Nemo, Finding Dory, Coco, and Mulan. Her favorite shows are Peter Rabbit, Spirit Riding Free, Mickey Mouse Club House, Learning Songs by Little Baby Bum, and Masha and the Bear. She loves to dance to the music of the shows. She likes music in general; it tends to relax her.

In recent months friends and family members have suggested our getting a service dog for Victoria. I did some research online and came across 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio (the organization that is featured in Episode 1 of “Dogs” on Netflix). 4 Paws for Ability provides service dogs who are trained to work with special needs children. I submitted the application full of hope and shortly after 4 Paws for Ability replied, “Victoria has been approved and accepted into the program!”

Having an autism assistant dog would open a world of possibilities for Victoria. The assistant dog will help with her disruptive behavior, when she is overwhelmed and having a meltdown. Tethering will also help Victoria stay close. The dog will help her develop social skills. She will also have a steady routine and will participate in the dog’s care. This will motivate Victoria to learn new skills and be physically active while playing and exercising with the dog.

The cost is  for the program is between $40,000 to $60,000 to breed, raise, and train an autism assistant dog for Victoria’s specific needs. We need to raise $17,000 in support of this mission. The money we raise will go to 4 Paws for Ability directly to help them care for and train the dog.

If you would like to help Victoria gain independence and a furry friend, your donation will be greatly appreciated. Any amount is a step closer toward our goal. If you cannot donate, you could always spread the word about our cause. Make others aware of 4 Paws and what they do; bring awareness to others about autism and how a service dog can benefit a patient.


Thank you once again,

Kairi Victoria Quintero Tello & Yendi E. Tello


This fundraiser supports

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4 Paws for Ability Inc

Organized By Yendi Tello

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