Stella—Our Autism Service Dog

by Timothy McMahon
(Merrimack, NH)

Stella

Stella is a 4-year-old Aussie, rescued by SATO in Puerto Rico several years ago where she was lost in a hurricane. She was sent to New Hampshire and the Nashua Humane Society on her way to joining our family.

Our daughter has autism spectrum and cognitive disabilities and Stella showed an immediate sensitivity to her needs. After extensive training Stella now supports her in many ways including managing stress, seizures, and meltdowns. Each morning, on command, Stella dashes upstairs to our daughter's bedroom to wake her up (with lots of licks and mutual kisses) and brings her down for breakfast. She's never far from "her girl".

In 2019 Stella was a national finalist in Good Morning America's Pet of the Year and appeared on the show.

Stella is a 100% typical Aussie—fun, silly, and full of the "zoomies"!

Have Dog Training Questions?

Check out these introductory dog training videos...

I want my dog to stop being aggressive.

I want some help training my new puppy.

I want my dog to stop barking at everything.

I want my dog to walk nicely and calmly on the leash.

I want my dog to listen and come every time I call!