Voody, the Gateway to Zara’s World

“On November 12, 2024, Voody came to live with us. A black Labrador — sweet, eager to learn, and above all… an assistance dog with a mission. Not just any dog, but a certified autism dog, trained by Scale Dogs. For our daughter Zara, he has become so much more than that. He is her buddy, her anchor, her brave companion. And honestly? Also a kind of key to life outside her comfort zone.

The story actually began in July 2022, when we signed her up with Scale Dogs. What followed was a long, slow waiting period — a time of hoping, waiting, and preparing for something we weren’t sure would ever happen. In the meantime, I attended the 2023 PAWS workshops (Parents Autism Workshop & Support), organized by Scale Dogs and Dyadis. We also followed the version offered by Hachiko — because you can never know too much. And then… silence. Because the truth is harsh: there are still far more children in need than there are dogs available.

Until that unexpected day in September 2024, when Shona from Scale Dogs called me. “There might be a dog for Zara.” I still remember exactly where I was standing when I got that call. It’s hard to put into words what you feel in that moment. Hope. Relief. Disbelief. And most of all: the feeling that something might truly be about to change.

And it did. At the very first meeting in October, Zara and Voody immediately clicked. As if they had known each other for years. That look in her eyes. The calm he brought. The curiosity she showed toward him — something we hadn’t seen in a very long time. From that moment on, Voody gradually became part of our family. But more importantly: he became a bridge to the world for Zara.

What has changed since then? Everything. But in tiny, almost invisible steps. She took the bus for the first time — even though it’s hard with her wheelchair. Half a day of school each week. She even dared to go to the library by herself (I quietly stay in the background). We went to the tearoom, the cinema, the shop. She started talking to people when she needed help with her wheelchair. She’s no longer afraid of doctor’s visits and has agreed to a long-term rehab stay. Things that seem ordinary to others, but are huge milestones for Zara — and would be impossible without Voody.

The most beautiful part? It’s all happening at her pace. No pressure, no force. With Voody by her side as a silent strength, a gentle motivator.

And yes, Voody isn’t a saint. If you’re not careful, he eats his own poop. Or destroys a brand-new toy in minutes. But even that is something beautiful: he’s not a robot, but a living being. And whenever something’s wrong or we have questions, there’s always Shona from Scale Dogs. What an incredible support she is — available, caring, and never far when we need her.

Our gratitude is immense. For Shona, for the whole Scale Dogs team, and also for Andrea and Linda — the two kindhearted individuals who shaped Voody’s early life as puppy raising families. They raised him from a playful little pup into the caring, cuddly young dog with a mission that he is today.

I’m not writing this to say how brave Zara is (I hope she already knows), or to show what Voody can do (although it’s impressive). I’m writing this because I’m so very grateful. And because I hope this story might give hope to other parents too.

An assistance dog is not a miracle cure. But it truly is a miraculous beginning.”

– Nancy, Zara’s mom

We’re so proud of Voody and so happy with this success story.

We want to thank everyone who puts their heart into training and supporting our dogs. You’re helping transform lives.

Want to support us? We’re looking for puppy raising families. Prefer to give financial support? Every donation is deeply appreciated!