When your child goes to school, many parents would agree that friendships are just as important as learning. When my son Hudson was in 4th grade, I knew middle school would bring new challenges, especially making friends, something many autistic children struggle with. I remembered a veteran who found comfort through a service dog and my late father, Edward Giegucz, founder of Vestal High School’s Special Education, who loved our family dogs. That’s when I realized Hudson needed a big dog, a true best friend who could even accompany him to school.

In 2014, I began researching and discovered The North Star Foundation, founded by Patty Dobbs Gross. After contacting her, Hudson was placed on the list for a service dog. During the long wait, Hudson chose the name Oscer, after a storybook dog, and prepared for the responsibilities of caring for him. Just before 6th grade, Oscer arrived, and everything changed. Hudson made increased eye contact, spoke more, slept better, and found comfort in petting Oscer’s soft fur and receiving wet kisses. Their bond was extraordinary.

Integrating Oscer into the school required meetings with administrators, as he became the school’s first working service dog. For years, he graced the school's yearbook, and his presence inspired a new policy, making service dogs welcome across the district for use by individuals with disabilities. Oscer was written into Hudson’s IEP, with an aide assigned as his handler. One student wrote, “You always make me smile. Thank you for your presence.” Oscer truly became what Patty Dobbs Gross calls a “Social Bridge,” helping Hudson connect with others and paving the way for future service dogs.