The Smitten Project - Aaron & Krystal

The inspiration for my current photobook project "Smitten – The Amazing Bond Between Children and their Pets" came after hearing the story of little Aaron and his best friend Krystal. Pets can have such a positive and healing presence in all children's lives and I love being able to tell these everyday stories in my photobook, all while helping raise awareness for the wonderful work of The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.Here's Aaron's inspiring story as told by his mum Kim...."During Aaron's first year of life, he developed a very rare form of life threatening epilepsy. Aaron's daily battle against the epilepsy has resulted in many trips to hospital, emergency situations and isolation from the various activities most kids enjoy.With sincere heartfelt thanks, we are forever grateful for The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT who so generously provided us with a therapy dog, Krystal.  Krystal is Aaron's companion and best friend. She comforts him during seizures and she can even sense when a seizure is coming on. Krystal has provided assistance by comforting Aaron in the car while I am driving, she comforts him while I talk with paramedics and wait for the ambulance to arrive. She even runs to him and will lay down in front of him to protect him from a fall during one of his many atonic seizures. In addition to providing this support, Aaron has learned how to care for an animal and he takes great pride in his caring for her. Every day he walks her on the short lead, feeds her and grooms her. They love playing ball together and splashing about with water in the backyard. Aaron doesn't have a lot of speech due to his epilepsy, however, his relationship with Krystal enables him to use one word phrases and gestures, and while she leads him to safety and protects him with her love, he, in turn, has gained continual confidence and independence by leading her in their daily interaction, exercise, care and play.Our life is so incredibly enriched by Krystal, she is part of our family and as much as she supports Aaron, she has been a wonderful ongoing sense of support and strength for myself too. Instead of just one pair of eyes watching over Aaron, we now have two sets of eyes, and she moves a lot faster than I do. We love Krystal more than words can say and we are forever grateful for the wonderful work and support the amazing Guide Dogs NSW/ACT provide. This has only become possible for us by the generous donations and volunteers in the community who make this service and blessing possible. Thank you to everyone who has made this possible; your contribution whether it be with puppy raising, sponsoring, donating, fundraising, or training and caring these beautiful dogs - you make a real difference to so many lives - ours most definitely." - Kim.Aaron loved getting his hand tickled as he gave Krystal some treats. But it wasn't long before Aaron got quite tired and a cuddle with Krystal was just what he needed.Even playing on the swings, Krystal is always nearby keeping watch.As much as Aaron loves playing at the park and taking Krystal for a walk, it can be quite tiring for him. Krystal is always nearby so Aaron can reach over and give her a reassuring pat. If you'd like to donate directly to the wonderful work of The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, you can do that here>>> DONATE And if you'd like to participate in The Smitten Project and get photos of your child with their pet, with proceeds being donated to The Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, contact me.