Special-needs Dayton boy seeks help to get canine helper

Six-year-old Tristan Moore is looking for a friend. His mom, Colleen Moore, has found him one, but first must raise nearly $10,000 before "Indy," his service dog, can be trained and brought home.

Tristan has a series of diseases including Down syndrome, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism. He lacks defined gross and fine motor skills, and his speech and cognitive skills are similar to a child who is less than 2 years old.

Tristan has been paired with a German shepherd through 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization in Xenia, Ohio.

Tristan has no fear or realization of things that can harm him and likes to hide, said Moore.

"He's even gotten out of the house. He'll even hide in the house and won't answer when I call," she said.

The dog, which will sleep with Tristan and be harnessed to him when they are out, will also help him with his communication skills.

"He communicates better with animals," Moore said. "I'm hoping the service dog opens up the lines of communication and friendships with his peers."

Moore said most of the cost for Indy - short for Independence - is for the search-and-rescue training.

"When we're going somewhere, he will get out of the car and start to take off. With the dog, all I will have to do is command the dog to sit and stay, and he won't allow Tristan to go in the street," she said.

To help Tristan and Indy, drop donations in jars at Mail Boxes Etc. in Gardnerville, Connie's Coffee Place in Dayton and at the Dayton Valley Veterinary Hospital. Donations may also be made directly to 4 Paws For Ability Inc.

For information and raffle items, visit Tristan's Web site at www.geocities.com/tristansgift/

Moore is planning more fund-raisers including an aluminum can drive. Visit the Web site for updates.