Benni, a teenager now, goes shopping

By Frances Ruth Harris
MILFORD — Benni recently went grocery shopping at Key Foods in Milford with his trainer, Chrisanne Cubby, as he racks up the many kinds of experiences he'll need to get used to as service dog for a child with autism.
He did his usual meet-and-greet at the antique car show held in the parking lot on Key Food Customer Appreciation Day. Benni has moved into his teen years with aplomb.
Key Foods Manager Junior Dabashi welcomed Cubby and Bennie to the store. Benni enjoyed a few laps of water from the portable cup he carries in his backpack.
Cubby said one out of every 68 children in the United is identified as having an autism spectrum disorder. She hopes more people will volunteer to raise and socialize puppies. Volunteers are needed as puppy raisers and temporary dog sitters to keep children safe by preventing wandering. The dog is trained to "anchor" in response to the child's attempts to bolt.
Autism service dogs significantly lessen parents' safety concerns and help children to lead fuller lives. For more information check out bluepathservicedogs.org. And check out the Courier's archives (pikecountycourier.com) for Benni's adventures at GAIT Therapeutic riding Center and Kids Play Today.