Through the help of family, friends, and the community at large, a Wareham couple has raised $10,000 to get a trained service dog for their three-year-old son, Shane, who suffers from autism.

"We have been so lucky that our community has been so forthcoming with donations and support," said Michele Traver, Shane's mother.

After determining that a service dog would be beneficial for Shane, Michele, her husband, Kevin, and their family had just three weeks to raise $5,000 to secure a dog from the North Star Foundation (www.NorthStarDogs.com), which breeds and trains service dogs.

The family raised the donation sooner than expected thanks to help from the community, so it worked to raise additional funds that will pay for certifying the dog for full public access, which means that Shane will eventually be able to take the dog wherever he goes.

A fundraising event held at the Narrows Crossing Restaurant last week brought in $1,000, and helped the family to meet the big $10,000 goal.

Michele said the family was touched by and grateful for the support from the community.

Any extra money donated in Shane's name will be given to a family who is struggling to raise the money to obtain a North Star dog for their four-year-old who is suffering from autism.

If you would like to donate, checks can be made out to "North Star Foundation" and mailed to Patty Dobbs Gross, North Star Foundation, 20 Deerfield Lane, Storrs, CT 06268. (Please put "Shane Traver" on the memo line; the money will be given to the family in-need.)