ALIQUIPPA, Pa. (KDKA) — In Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, the bond between 10-year-old Harrison Brimner and his 3-year-old German Shepherd, Hank, is not just heartwarming but life-changing. Harrison, who is nonverbal autistic, found a companion and helper in Hank, his service dog.
Before Hank entered their lives three years ago, Harrison’s daily routine had to be meticulously planned to maintain stability for the nonverbal autistic child. The Brimner family, in collaboration with the local community, rallied to raise funds for a service dog, and when Hank arrived at just 8 weeks old, the positive impact on Harrison was undeniable.
Megan Brimner, Harrison’s mother, shared the challenges they faced before Hank’s arrival. The family had to adhere strictly to schedules, limiting spontaneity and making simple outings like dining or shopping nearly impossible. However, since Hank became part of their lives, Harrison’s behavior has notably improved.
“His patience level started getting higher and higher,” explained Megan. “The aggression, he would kick and pinch when he got mad and wasn’t being understood, and that started to drop off. And then we moved to being able to go to a store. We would go to Target and now he is doing the credit card machine and picking stuff for himself, which is something amazing.”
Hank’s contributions to Harrison’s development and well-being were recently recognized by the American Kennel Club, which honored the German Shepherd with the Humane Fund Award for Canine Excellence.
Megan Brimner emphasized the positive changes Hank brought to their lives, noting the dog’s humility despite the accolades. “He is always very level-headed. He didn’t let the fame go to his head. He’s humble.”
For Harrison, Hank is not just a pet; he’s a godsend. Megan expressed gratitude, saying, “He has completely changed Harrison’s life in little ways and big ways. It was the best decision we’ve ever made. I don’t think we would be where we are if we wouldn’t have gotten Hank.”
