In loving memory of Adel Tommy's Autism Assistance Dog Guide

It’s with great sadness that we share that Adel passed away peacefully on December 14, 2021. Adel was Tommy’s beautiful and loving Autism Assistance Dog Guide, who supported Tommy from her placement with him in January 2011, until she retired in September 2019 when Tommy received Tyrone as a successor dog. Tommy chose to keep Adel with us in her retirement, a decision which meant Adel stayed close and living in our home, even as Tyrone gradually became Tommy's new best friend ready for new adventures. The transition was smooth and made things easier for everyone, and Adel continued to be part of our family even in her retirement.

Adel was born May 29, 2009 and Tommy was always so excited to know that she was born on the release date of the Disney movie "Up"! She turned 12 years old in May 2021, and unfortunately was diagnosed with spleen cancer in June 2021. Her last months with us were wonderful and peaceful, she was not in pain and her vet helped us to best support her in her last months, and last days. There are no words to say how loved she was, and how huge a difference she made in Tommy’s life. We know that she has touched the hearts of everyone she met, both in person and online in Tommy's joyous videos!

Adel, you made life so wonderful for everyone, with your calm, sweet, loving, accepting, and brave, strong presence, you showed grace, dignity, forgiveness, genuine patience, and love for everyone, but mostly for Tommy. We thank you for being the beautiful support and constant and enduring best friend you were, every day. You changed Tommy's life and made it possible for him to find acceptance and comfort every step of the way. You supported his journey as he ventured out into the world as an adult participating in the running community! You were there waiting for him at every race finish line, to give him comfort when the race was hard, and to celebrate with him when the race was awesome. You were his best friend when he was sad or tired, and when he danced and jumped for joy. You were at his side on his most magical adventures at Disney, and gave him confidence and pride as you walked at his side, always. You even braved meeting Cruella! How lucky that you were always so well disguised by being covered in soot, so she never knew you were really a Dalmatian, hiding from her!!! Tommy kept your secret, and loved how your shining, gleaming, black labrador disguise kept you safe all those years!

Most people will never fully know just how much Tommy's incredible successes, travel, and joy were all because you were always there. You also showed him that there are always going to be others on his journey, like Tyrone now, who will support him too. You gave him the gift of knowing that he is never alone, and always loved. And then, in your last few days, you gave him the chance rise up to support you, as a grown man almost 30 years old, to step up and be your support, at your side caring for you for many days, and in the end, being there for you to say goodbye, along with Tyrone, who also loved Adel so much. We can never thank you enough, our dearest Adelly Belly. We love you so much and will miss you every day.

We send special thanks to Lions Foundation Dog Guides for the gift of Adel, and of Tyrone to be her successor as a new amazing support to Tommy. Thank you Sarah, Chris, for training and placing Adel with Tommy back in January 2011. And to Adel's puppy raiser, for the gift you gave to Tommy. We will always be grateful to everyone who made it possible for Adel to be Tommy's Autism Assistance Dog Guide.

This slide show is a loving tribute in Adel's memory. Thanks for watching, and for always supporting Tommy, Adel, autism, and his new dog Tyrone. Your support means so much.

Happy New Year! Hugs. Stay safe. oxoxox

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