Help Luca take his next step—with paws beside him.
Luca’s Goal
We’re raising $20,000 to help fund the training and placement of a service dog for our 3-year-old son, Luca.
Through 4 Paws for Ability, this dog will provide safety, independence, sensory support, and companionship — helping Luca explore the world with confidence and joy.
Every donation, share, and word of encouragement helps us get one step closer.
Meet Luca
Luca is a bright, determined 3-year-old who brings joy and laughter everywhere he goes. He was born with Down syndrome and profound deafness. While Luca wears cochlear implants, he has cochlear nerve deficiencies, which means his access to sound is limited, and he primarily communicates through sign language, gestures, and his expressive personality.
Every day, Luca works hard at school and in therapy to strengthen his muscles, improve his balance, learn sign language, make meaning of sound, and build new skills. He approaches each goal with determination — reminding everyone around him that progress comes in small, meaningful steps — inchstones, not milestones.
A service dog will help Luca explore the world safely and confidently, bringing comfort, connection, and a loyal companion every step of the way.
Watch Luca’s Story
See why we’re raising $20,000 to bring home Luca’s service dog — the one who will become a lifelong member of his care team — a constant companion who will never leave his side.
Together, they’ll navigate the world with trust, connection, and unconditional love.
How A Service Dog Helps
Safety & Independence
Because Luca is Deaf and experiences cognitive delays, he isn’t always aware of danger — things like cars, uneven terrain, or open spaces. We can’t use our voices to call out to him, and that’s our biggest concern. A service dog will help bridge that gap, keeping him safe in public by guiding him and preventing wandering.
Communication & Connection
Whether it’s following a signed command or simply sitting beside him during a tough moment, this bond will give Luca a steady sense of comfort and confidence. More than anything, it means he’ll always have a friend who gets him — someone who listens, understands, and stays right by his side.
Emotional & Sensory Support
When Luca feels overstimulated or anxious, his dog can provide calming pressure or gentle grounding. This sensory support helps him regulate emotions and feel secure as he moves through routines and new experiences. Whether it’s at school, during appointments, or out in busy public spaces, the dog will be a steady presence.
Your support means everything. Whether you donate, sponsor, or simply share Luca’s story, you’re helping a little boy take big steps toward independence.
How You Can Help
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Donate
Every dollar goes toward training Luca’s service dog through 4 Paws for Ability, helping him gain more safety, comfort, and independence every day.
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Sponsor
Local businesses can join Luca’s journey and be featured on our website and social media — sponsorships start at $250 and are tax-deductible.
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Share
Sharing Luca’s story spreads awareness, connection, and inclusivity for kids with disabilities. Every view, repost, and conversation helps us reach new hearts.
Our Growing Pack
Thank you to the incredible businesses, friends, and supporters helping make Luca’s dream a reality.
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The Journey to Luca’s Service Dog
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Application & Interview
We applied by submitting forms, medical evals, and references. After an interview and review, 4 Paws gave the green light!
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Fundraising & Community
We will raise $20,000 to help train and prepare Luca’s future Golden or Lab to be his perfect, service dog match.
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Matching & Training
Once fundraising wraps, 4 Paws starts training and matching Luca with his perfect dog — a process that takes 18–20 months.
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Placement & Graduation
We’ll travel to Xenia, Ohio, for a 10-day training to meet Luca’s dog, learn commands, and practice working together.
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Ongoing Support
We’ll travel to Xenia, Ohio, for a 10-day training to meet Luca’s dog, learn commands, and practice working together.
Partnering with 4 Paws for Ability
4 Paws for Ability is a nationally recognized nonprofit that trains and places service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. Based in Xenia, Ohio, they’ve placed over 2,000 service dogs since 1998 — specializing in matching dogs to meet each child’s unique needs.
Updates
