17 March 2024
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — Ben Jobe, a 9-year-old from Andover, is selling his art to raise money for a therapy dog for his 7-year-old brother Cooper Jobe.
Ben has apraxia and autism. Lacy, Ben and Cooper’s mom, says he was non-verbal as a younger child and used art as a way to communicate.
“A couple months ago, when we decided we needed to get a service dog for Cooper for some of his needs, Ben decided he wanted to raise money through art,” said Lacy. “I think when he knew his own brother needed help, it was just a natural response that he was gonna try to sell some art.”
Lacy said Cooper has had a really rough last year.
“He has a lot of emotional needs and some mental health needs that have come up, as well as some other health needs,” said Lacy. “And the dog is going to be able to help him a lot, with some things I had no idea that dogs would be able to provide for him.”
On Sunday, Chicken N Pickle hosted “Ben’s Art for Paws,” where Ben was able to sell some of his art.
In selling art to raise funds for mental health, the Jobe family is hoping to spread awareness.
“I think that the mental health community is something that’s been overlooked for a long time, and I’m hoping to bring some attention to that and continue to do that, way more than just what Cooper’s needing,” said Lacy.
A service dog and its training costs $40,000-$60,000. The Jobe family has a gofundme where they are accepting donations.