A 14-year-old boy with autism is so passionate about dogs and baking, he害羞草研究所檚 now using his skills to fundraise and help support a guide dog.

Ryder Newhouse, who lives in Harrison, has been making cookies for his unofficial therapy dog, Tommy, and other pooches for two years. But it was just recently that he had the idea to sell the cookies and donate to charity.

Before Christmas last year, Ryder was welcomed into Fergie害羞草研究所檚 Doggie Delight Pet Bakery in Chilliwack as part of Agassiz Secondary School害羞草研究所檚 害羞草研究所楾ake Our Kids to Work Day害羞草研究所� where he made cookies for dogs on his newspaper route for Christmas.

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Soon after that experience, he decided he wanted to make and sell dog cookies with part proceeds going to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs 害羞草研究所� specifically to help with the training costs for a five-month-old puppy named Juniper.

Since January, Ryder has been baking up a storm both at home and at Fergie害羞草研究所檚 making 害羞草研究所楾ommy害羞草研究所檚 Choice害羞草研究所� dog treats named after his furry companion.

Even though Tommy is not an official therapy dog, she acts just like one sticking by Ryder害羞草研究所檚 side all the time and bringing him comfort. Ryder wants to help other kids have therapy dogs 害羞草研究所渂ecause some kids can害羞草研究所檛 see and the dogs help them,害羞草研究所� he said.

Ryder has been promoting the cookie sales at dog parks by handing out his business cards and he wants to get his product into farmers害羞草研究所� markets, said mom Nicole Newhouse.

害羞草研究所淚 like to see him being able to learn how to run a business because he has that entrepreneurial spirit naturally,害羞草研究所� she said.

There are two different flavours of Tommy害羞草研究所檚 Choice cookies 害羞草研究所� apple cinnamon and pumpkin peanut butter 害羞草研究所� and they are $9 per package with 50 per cent of proceeds going towards Juniper害羞草研究所檚 training.

The young yellow Labrador lives on Vancouver Island where she害羞草研究所檚 currently being trained. According to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs, it takes two years and upwards of $35,000 to produce one certified dog that is provided free-of-charge to the recipient.

Ryder said he feels 害羞草研究所渞eally good害羞草研究所� and proud that he害羞草研究所檚 helping towards the costs, and when asked what the best part is about making the cookies, he answered immediately.

害羞草研究所淩aising money for Juniper,害羞草研究所� Ryder said.

So far, he害羞草研究所檚 already donated $73 to BC and Alberta Guide Dogs.

Kim Goodall with BC and Alberta Guide Dogs said what Ryder is doing is generous and thoughtful and she害羞草研究所檚 looking forward to meeting him and Tommy in person to thank them.

害羞草研究所淩yder害羞草研究所檚 decision to support Juniper and dogs like her through his efforts will enable others to benefit from the program, which is kindness in action,害羞草研究所� she said. 害羞草研究所淩yder害羞草研究所檚 actions are inspiring, and we are honoured to be the recipient.害羞草研究所�

Connie MacDonald, co-owner of Fergie害羞草研究所檚 Doggie Delight Pet Bakery, agrees that what Ryder is doing is wonderful.

害羞草研究所淎mazing, absolutely amazing. It brings tears to my eyes,害羞草研究所� she said.

Tommy害羞草研究所檚 Choice dog treats can be purchased at Fergie害羞草研究所檚 (9372 Mill St.). For more, call 604-791-9299 or email fergiespetbakery@gmail.com.