By Tina Brajic
CAYUGA—The sun was shining as brightly as a zesty lemon on National Lemonade Day on Saturday, June 14, 2025 as over 100 family, friends, and community members were on hand to support Laina Italiano’s lemonade stand fundraiser in support of Autism Dog Services (ADS). The successful event raised just over $2,600 for the charity through generous in-person and online donations.
CAYUGA—Laina Italiano and parents Jennifer and Jason were grateful for the support of her lemonade stand. —Haldimand Press photos by Tina Brajic. 
CAYUGA—Haldimand Paramedic Nicole Selby attended the fundraiser with Tanner, a canine medic, to support Laina. 
CAYUGA—Laina serves her cousin Jameson E. (7) a cool glass of lemonade.
Twelve-year old Laina has autism and was matched with Reva, a three-year old black Lab autism support dog, in March 2024. A previous dinner dance fundraiser was held in 2019 while the Italianos were on the waitlist for their first dog, Franklin, who unfortunately had to retire due to health issues. Laina’s mom, Jennifer Italiano, said, “This year, we wanted to find a more child-focused and hands-on way to give back, and ADS suggested lemonade stands as a fun initiative for families, volunteers, and puppy raisers in support of National Lemonade Day.”
Laina lives in Cayuga with her parents Jennifer and Jason, as well as siblings Landon and Liv, who were busy making lemonade for the stand. Marie Elfner, Laina’s grandmother, lives close by and is very involved in her daily support as well.
Reva has been attending classes with Laina since December 2024.
Jennifer shared, “Laina is supported by two dedicated educational assistants who were trained by ADS to work alongside both her and Reva. Her classroom teacher also received basic instruction to ensure a smooth transition. The school community – including students and staff – has been incredibly supportive and inclusive of both Laina and Reva.”
According to Jennifer, a typical day for Laina looks very similar to other children her age, but she requires extra structure, time, and visual aids to help her with her daily routines like getting ready for the school day.
“She uses tools like social stories to prepare for outings to the doctor, library, grocery store, or even for a haircut. Reva plays an active role in helping with morning and bedtime routines, including brushing teeth and hair, getting dressed, and sleeping alongside Laina at night.”
When in public with Laina, Reva wears her service jacket and is all business, staying in close proximity to provide her “constant comfort and a calming presence.”
When asked how life had changed since Reva joined the family, Jennifer explained that before “simple things – like riding in a car or running a quick errand – were overwhelming due to anxiety and behavioral outbursts. It limited our ability to spend quality time together outside of the home. Now, with Reva, Laina can handle car rides, public outings, and even overnight stays. She recently stayed in a hotel and attended a restaurant dinner, milestones that felt impossible just a short time ago. While daily life still comes with its challenges, our world has opened up in meaningful ways, and we are finally able to experience more of life as a family.”
She further added that there are noticeable changes in Laina as well, as she has become more confident and is open to exploring new things when Reva is there to support her. That increased confidence was evident as Laina and Reva worked together as a team to greet the many supporters throughout the day with the lemonade stand.
Adele Alfano, Fund Development Manager at Autism Dog Services, noted, “We are a registered charitable organization that has been around since 2007. We have placed more than 150 certified service dogs to children with autism in southwestern Ontario. They are not funded by the government, so (we) are reliant on fundraisers, the generosity of the public, donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships. Every dollar counts! We currently have 48 volunteer puppy raisers who are raising our future service dogs and we have 15 families on our waiting list at the moment to receive a service dog. “
Alfano added, “It takes two years for our dog training and the cost of training our puppies is $25,000. The service dogs are given at no cost to our waiting list families. If anyone has a great love for dogs and changing the lives of individuals with autism, we would welcome you to consider Autism Dog Services as a volunteer or your charity of choice.”
When asked about Reva, Laina said, “I just love Reva. She is a good girl.”
For more information visit autismdogservices.ca
