Austin Andrew is autistic and would like to a furry friend to guide him.

“A dog would mean so much for our son and family,” said his mother, Holly. “It will give him security, safety and have a calming affect on him.”

Holly and her husband, James, recently launched Austin’s Autism Service Dog Dollar Drive in hopes of raising money to provide a trained service dog for their 13-year-old son. The family’s goal is to raise the minimum amount of $15,500 needed for an autism service dog.

Austin, a seventh-grader at Rainier Middle School, struggles with anxiety attention deficit/hyperactivity and learning disorders.

“With our cities population of more than 70,000, if only a quarter of those would donate just a dollar, we would already be at goal,” Holly said. “Anything would be greatly appreciated … it would help give our son a miracle.”

The family is planning fundraising events.

To donate, please visit www.autismservicedogsofamerica.com, click on donate and follow the instructions, or contribute to Austin’s Autism Service Dog Dollar Drive on Facebook.