TRUMANN — A Trumann boy with Asperger's syndrome will soon get to call an assistance dog his best friend after donations totaling $14,000 poured in to help his family buy the canine.
The Jonesboro Sun reported that a service dog costs about $22,000. Nonprofit 4 Paws for Ability offered to foot more than a third of the bill, which left 5-year-old Cooper Mason's family to raise the remaining sum.
Cooper's mother said they hit the $14,000 fundraising goal last week. One woman had written a check for $5,000. The Jonesboro Police Department, along with the Fraternal Order of Police, contributed close to $2,000.
Cooper will get his dog in August 2016. His mother said Cooper is excited but wishes he didn't have to wait 16 months to meet his new friend.