7 -year-old Anthony and his 4-year-old service dog Stevie share an extraordinary friendship. Anthony has Cerebral Palsy and Stevie is a pit bull — together, the duo are shattering misconceptions about both the neurological disorder and the most-feared dog breed. This is the story of how they fought — and won — a legal battle to remain together.
Wherever Anthony is, Stevie is also there.
More than a pet, Stevie is trained to protect and assist Anthony when he is in danger.
Stevie goes with Anthony to the hospital, mall, park, and even school.
“I feel completely safe every time he is with the dog, because I know the dog will look for help,” says Antony’s mother, Monica Alboniga.
Stevie has saved Anthony’s life many times.
Whenever Anthony has a seizure, Stevie steps on a sensor mat that sounds the alarm and calls for help. Anthony has a lot of medical conditions because of his CP but Stevie is always there to make it better for him.
But one day, Anthony’s teachers said Stevie can’t come to school with him anymore.
The principal in Boward County, Florida deemed Stevie a threat to other students. The school administrators say that a dog has no place in school. But Stevie is not just an ordinary dog – he’s a life companion and a service provider to a child with limited capabilities.
Anthony and his mom did everything they could do to keep Stevie.
It was a long legal battle that dragged on for two years. But Anthony’s family was determined to make them both happy.
And it was a happy ending, after all.
It was a sunny day when U.S. District Judge Beth Bloom handed out her verdict: “public entities generally must permit individuals with disabilities to be accompanied by their service animals.”
Anthony, his mom Monica, and their lawyer Mattew Dietz wept with joy. Stevie wagged his tail.