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Richmond mom of 3 works to fund superhero dog for boy with autism

Posted at 6:29 PM, Oct 07, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-10 02:00:14-04

RICHMOND, Va. -- At first glance, Captain America looks like a typical puppy, but, “Cap” as he’s been named by Easton Rowe, is being transformed into a five-year-old’s superhero.

Easton has autism, and at times it can be challenging for his mom, Jenna Eddy, a working single mom with two other children.

“He does stemming behaviors, which is hitting heads on walls, punching himself, biting arms, those kinds of things,” Eddy said.

Easton also can feel overwhelmed in public places and tries to run away sometimes.

Easton and his mom work to train Cap, and he goes to specialized classes also.

Easton and his mom work to train Cap, and he goes to specialized classes also.

That is where his guardian, the now four-month-old Cap, will play a starring role.

The German Shepherd is training to become a certified autism service dog for Easton.

“The main two things Cap will help us with are the running away and the behavior in public,” said Eddy.

Through his training, Cap will help calm Easton down by his touches, he’s even going through extensive search and rescue training if he ever needs to find Easton.

“A lot of the times it seems super surreal, especially when he was tiny, that something so little has such a big job,” said Eddy.

The effort to help raise money for the service dog is called "Easton's Avengers" as you can see on Jenna's shirt.

The effort to help raise money for the service dog is called "Easton's Avengers" as you can see on Jenna's shirt.

But the “job” of a superhero, doesn’t come easy or cheap.

Cap has $9,000 work of training to go before he’s certified.

That’s where Jenna’s employer Bombshell Salon enters the picture. The salon is teaming up with High Point Barbershop to host a fundraiser Sunday for Jenna and her family.

Every makeover, haircut, waxing, or tanning service there will put Cap one step closer to “fetching” his certification.

“It’s super important for us to give back to the community when we can in any way possible,” said David Foster, Co-Owner of High Point, “we’re super happy to be involved and help out.”

The fundraiser takes place at Bombshell salon.

The fundraiser takes place at Bombshell salon.

This fundraiser will help cut down the expense for Jenna so Cap can earn his superpowers and shield Easton from danger.

“He needs every bit of that training to be able to go to all these places in public with him,” said Eddy, “which just makes Easton and my life so much easier to have him there as a second set of eyes.”

The fundraiser is this Sunday, Oct. 9 from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. at Bombshell in Richmond’s Carytown, located at 10 S Crenshaw Avenue.

You are encouraged to call Jenna Eddy to book an appointment beforehand at 804-922-3087. Eddy said they will allow walk-ins, but advance notice is better for all.

Eddy said they will allow walk-ins, but advance notice is better for all.Some of the services provided will be haircuts, waxing, and spray tans.

Some of the services provided will be haircuts, waxing, and spray tans.

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