If My Dog Could Talk

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“A children’s book that will make your heart smile!” This tag line pretty much summarizes Alison Ainsworth’s book If My Dog Could Talk. This is the wonderful story of a day in the life of a child with autism. We are privileged to walk through her experiences with her service dog by her side.

Rhyming sentences tell the story of Levi, a service dog, and his life with his little companion. Beautiful photographic pictures are set on each page and make this story come alive. Its a wonderful tale and should be read in classrooms, at home, and in libraries as it offers many teachable moments.

The reader is brought through the school day with Levi and then goes on errands to the store and a restaurant. You can see how Levi blends into his surroundings, as he awaits his next job. Levi helps alleviate his companion’s stress as she maneuvers these various outings.

This book offers many teaching opportunities for parents and teachers. Not only can they use this book to expose children to service dogs, they can also discuss the bigger topic of people with special needs.

There are two full pages contributed by Beverly Swartz, the Executive Director of All Purposes Canines.  This organization aims to provide individuals with autism a service dog that will enhance their life. Beverly explains:

Autism Service Dogs can provide support to promote safety and prevent running away, provide tracking if the child should become lost, foster positive social interactions, promote play skills and build confidence, increase verbal communication, teach responsibility, provide calming sensory feedback, assist with challenging behavioural issues and in the event of meltdown, provide a focal point for the child to rely on.“

The author of If My Dog Could Talk, Alison Ainsworth, is a mother of child with autism, and also an advocate and a public speaker. At the end of the book she documents her family’s journey to receiving a diagnosis of autism for her daughter and their eventual entry into the Autism Service Dog world. Alison’s closing wishes are:

Please share this book with every child, family, friend, retailer and service provider to breed compassion, understanding, and hope for individuals and families affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders.“

You can purchase this delightful book at the author’s website http://www.ifmydogcouldtalk.net/.