New Hulu documentary looks at how service dogs can help children with autism

SYLMAR, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Anyone who's ever loved a dog knows what a blessing they can be. They are loyal companions that better your life in countless ways.

A new documentary now streaming on Hulu explores how dogs can provide an invaluable tool for children with autism.

"Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism" chronicles actor and comedian Rosie O'Donnell's very personal story about how a service dog transformed the life of her child Clay, who has autism.

It also highlights a local group that's changing lives and is based right here in Southern California.

Cheryl Herman is director of service dog programs at Guide Dogs of America Tender Loving Canines in Sylmar.

"We provide service dogs to veterans with, PTSD, TBI and mobility issues, children with autism, facility dogs where they go into hospitals and courthouses and guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired. We do not charge anything for our dogs. It's free of charge," said Herman. "We will fly you out here, train you on everything you need to know and then give follow-up support without charging you a dime."

"Finding that right match really is going to balance that individual's life versus impacting in a negative way. If I have a high-energy child, I put a low-energy dog in there. The hope is it might help that child kind of calm down, find their center and kind of ground them and relax them versus bringing out more energy. Same thing with veterans," said Manager of AdmissionsHanna Belyea.

"We provide that guide dog. We provide a veteran who hasn't been out since the wars or hasn't been out from whatever incident they have, that they can go out now; they can go out and enjoy that family with the autistic child. They can go out. So we provide hope," said President and Director of Guide Dogs of America Tony Blevins.

"In 2009, I lost my sight," said Outreach Development Teresa Blevins. "During those times, I was walking with the cane before I got my guide dog. It was very difficult. I can tell her to find the seat for me if I don't see or hear the car coming, but she does. She won't take me until it's clear."

"I think what makes this place so special at Guide Dogs of America Tender Loving Canines is just the community aspect of it," said Senior ManagerKatherine Juhl. "You have your network of volunteers that raise puppies, helping in the nursery and everyone there; their primary goal is to move towards our mission and help us put highly trained service dogs in the hands of those who need them."

You can stream "Unleashing Hope: The Power of Service Dogs for Children with Autism" on Hulu.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Hulu and this ABC station.