For the parents of autistic children an afternoon outing can be nearly impossible.

But that has all changed for one family.

A service dog is enriching the life of one little girl

Five-year-old Jolena Gonzales has a special bond with "Muffit," one that's changed her life.

"Her communication skills have tripled, in the three months since Muffit's been home with us," explained Jolena's mother, Rebecca Cook.

"Her personality is coming out, she's much more social."

Before Muffit, leaving the carousel at the Westfield Mall would have created a scene.

"Kicking, screaming, tensing up. Flattening herself out on the ground, what most people would call a tantrum, but take a tantrum and multiply it by ten," said Cook.

But a new program called "Leash On Life," uses volunteers from "Tender Loving Canines" to help families learn how to make service dogs like Muffit, a part of their lives.

"I've been involved with this family for a good six months. I've probably been to 20 doctors appointments, therapy sessions," said Karena Shultz, a trainer with "Tender Loving Canines."

The dogs help calm the children and allow the families a more normal lifestyle, after just a few weeks of training.

"We get very simple with the cues, so that they can maneuver the dog. If they go out in public, they can have the dog go lay down where they want it to, go under a bench or under a table like here if they want it to," said Shultz.

Caring for Muffit has given Jolena a sense of responsibility that has carried over to the rest of her life.

"The differences I see in my child, it has given her the opportunity to lead the life that she didn't have before. She can be normal and go places, and do things she couldn't do before," added Cook.

Muffit is a shining example of why dogs are man's best friend.