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Official 4 Paws For Ability Web Site www.4pawsforability.org

PINK GIRLZ, INC.

CARSON and SNEAKERS

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

CODY and BO

MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG

Tonight we went to Coreys baseball game, our entire family and Bo.  That has never been possible before.  Cody would never stay with us and it was so frustrating that if my mom couldn't watch Cody I wouldn't go to Corey's games (which I hated).  But tonight I spread out a blanket and Cody and Bo laid down on it and it was perfect.  They were so cute and Cody didn't even get up or try to run off, I think because he knew he couldn't go anywhere, but it was awesome.  I was kicking myself because I didn't have a camera.  I hope this is just the beginning because Bo really gave me a glimpse into some freedom for our family tonight! 

KENDALL and LOVEY

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

we absolutely love Lovey. Last night my husband who has always been skeptical about this said...."this dog is one in a billion, (not million, billion) I just love her". Kendall has surged forward in her vocabulary since we got Lovey. It is amazing. She hasn't had a burst like this in a looong time.

The thing I didn't expect that Peg/Leo/Halo reminded me of in their news clip was that these dogs really change families. Our family is because of Lovey. Kendall was my velcro-girl and now she is much more independent. I actually have time for my husband and son. We can go to another room and watch a movie, Kendall goes to bed with Lovey so we have an evening after Kendall heads to bed which is amazing. Life in general is Better Because of Lovey....Better Because of 4 Paws!

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Several years ago I attended a meeting on Service Dogs (SD) for children with Autism and other special needs.  It was hosted by the mother of a child who had received a SD from 4 Paws.  This agency, 4 Paws for Ability was not paying her or even asking her to do these presentations, she wanted to share with others what a Service Dog did for her children (she had two with autism).  I was so excited to see the important things a SD could do that I immediately looked into completing an application for my daughter and started the ball rolling toward getting a Certified Service Dog of our own.

Well, after 1.5 years, much paperwork, fundraising, and spending two weeks in Ohio this past summer in intensive training on  how to work with our SD we are now home in Wisconsin with Lovey.  Lovey is Kendall's Autism Assistance Dog.  Lovey is a constant companion and friend, she is by Kendall's side constantly.  Kendall had not slept in her own bed in years and the night we arrived home with Lovey I said...."time to go to your bed with Lovey".  It was nothing short of a miracle, she just headed off to bed and now two months after being home is still sleeping in her own room.  Lovey is trained to track Kendall so if she runs off either from our home or while out in public Lovey can track her scent.  It's amazing!  Lovey keeps Kendall safe in public.  We tether Kendall to Lovey and that way Kendall cannot run off to do her own thing thus keeping her safe from predators and other hazards.  Lovey is a devoted non-judgmental friend to Kendall keeping her from feeling so different and lonely.  We have noticed her language burst forth since getting our SD.  She has fewer meltdowns and when she does Lovey is trained to nuzzle her to distract and settle her. 

There are many other stories on how SD's help children and I encourage you to check out 4 Paws website at   www.4pawsforability.org    be sure to check out meet our Service Dog Teams. 

4 Paws for Ability is a very small organization that is committed to placing the right dog with the families to best suit their needs.  We know that Lovey has changed Kendall's life and our entire families life.  My husband who was skeptical even after bringing the dog home has stated that this dog has changed our live and he never would have believed it could have ever been this good.  We are thankful that an organization like 4 Paws For Ability exists and encourage anyone to make a tax deductible donation because it will be used wisely and will help a child(ren) fit into this world better. 

LEO and HALO

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

ALASKA

I don't know if I told you this yet or not, but he is sleeping in his own bed the entire night.  For the first time in four years.

Last night we were at my best friend's house. It is a ginormous monstrosity of a home, 8,000+ sq. feet. Well, we lost Leo. He was just nowhere and I was starting to get that panicky feeling. I finally grabbed Halo and said "TRACK!" and off she went and she took me directly to him two flights up. How much do I love this dog? Let me count the ways! Fundraisers, keep going. It's beyond worth it. Karen and Jeremy, there are not enough words on the planet to thank you for this.      Peg

Our family is absolutely overcome by how much Halo has changed our lives.  Sunday I saw Leo wandering off so I told his sister to spy on him and waited a while and did a real track with Halo.  She was deterred by one second by a fresh pile of baby moose poop in the yard and then was right on.  I didn't even have to use "leave it" with the moose poop, she knew she had a job to do.

Not only that, but since Halo came Leo sleeps all night.  He is getting so much more out of therapy because she goes with him and I'm not there for him to lean on.  We can go to church as a family now, and sit there the whole time.  Missing that used to make me so sad.  Halo gave it back to us.  Tonight Leo was in bed, and I thought he was asleep, but when I came out of my office he was curled up in Halo's wicker basket with her, and he was fast asleep.  She loves her boy.  I just wanted to thank you, for making our lives so much better, for putting the joy back into our days.  You really did.  My goal for Leo is just that he can be happier.  Halo does that, she makes him happier. 


 

http://www.adn.com/life/health/story/9413390p-9326049c.html

 

MAKENNA and EBONY

MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG

NICHOLAS and SOONER

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

SCOTT, KYLE, and SCOOBY TOO

MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG

ZACHARY and JAXON

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

Here a recent pictures of Zach and Jaxon. They are really doing well together. Everyday seems to be alittle bit better. Zach still likes to be the instigator when it comes to contact between himself and Jaxon. He actually laid down on Jaxon this past weekend and kept rubbing his face on his back, Jaxon was great he just laid there and let Zach lay on him as long as he wanted. We have taken Jaxon  quite a few places. We were able to go to a high school football game with Zach. He and Jaxon did great, the school officials were great and all welcomed Jaxon. Zach loved the game. We also have taken Zach out for ice cream and sat outside on Main Street of the town we live in. It was great we able to sit there without worry about Zach running in the road. Zach seems to really like when we go somewhere with Jaxon, he realizes that he can't get away and doesn't even try. He just seems so happy to get be more independent. The only problem we have is that Mason our younger child, 4 in August, seems to think that Jaxon is going to steal all of his toys.                                                   Thank you for everything! Holly Coffey

I just wanted to send you an update on Jaxon and Zach. Jaxon went to school 2 weeks ago for a field trip and the teacher and school loved him. They couldn't believe how different Zach was when Jaxon was with him. They were able to go on the field trip and not worry about Zach running away. His teacher could not believe how much calmer Zach was overall. That day after school Zach sat for his whole entire therapy session. 1st time that has ever happened, we all believe it was because of Jaxon. The next day the teacher and principle both told me that they were ready for Jaxon to start school. So last Monday Jaxon officially became a Kindergarden student. Jaxon has completed his 1st whole week and everyone loves him. The other kids all stop us on our way into school, they say hello to Zach and pet Jaxon.

From the school:  Zach has been much easier to calm down in transitioning from classroom to therapy since Jaxon has started school. Zach leans on Jaxon, I feel, to help him find that "safe place" in transitions. Zach now willingly walks to his classroom with Jaxon at his side. Zach no longer tries to run out of the door of his classroom. Jaxon listens very well to commands and sits at my feet during the entire therapy session. What a blessing Jaxon has been for Zach and his family. (Speech Therapist - school)

BRODEY and ZELDA

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

BRYANT and THEO

SEIZURE ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mXS4VU_xkBU

CONNOR and MIMI

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

DJ and NITRO

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

I've said this before so I'm sorry for repeating myself, but Nitro has brought peace into our house.  When we first brought Nitro home this summer, the number of meltdowns DJ had seemed to really decrease.  He wasn't screaming or yelling as much, especially when he felt someone had "done him wrong".  Instead he would talk to Nitro.  If DJ was starting to get out of hand, I would send him to his room with Nitro to cool down.  I remember one day in particular where he was really mad at me for not letting him do or have something and so was yelling at me and being uncooperative.  Well, I sent him to his room (muttering all the way! LOL) with Nitro and made him stay there until he calmed down.  I went up to check on him and the scene I came upon was a still angry boy muttering about his mom, a dog laying in front of him on his bed, and that same angry boy gently running his hand down the length of Nitro.  With as angry as he sounded, I would have expected him to be pounding poor Nitro, but he wasn't.  In fact, as angry as DJ still tends to get, I have never seen him take out any aggression on Nitro. 
 
Something else I have noticed about my son since bringing Nitro home is that he is happier and more outgoing.  He has more good days than bad.  He also seems to be initiating more conversations with people.  Unfortunately, it's not always appropriate talk, but we're working on it.
 
I love Nitro and what he has brought to our family.  He is my fourth child . He's a gem and I cannot thank 4 Paws enough for the work they do.

 

ERICK and JOJO DANCER

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mXS4VU_xkBU

MAGENA and JAGER

MOBILITY ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

http://youtube.com/watch?v=mXS4VU_xkBU

MARTIN and MYSTIC

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

ZACHARY and WILL

MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG

June 2007

DAKOTA and SHAMU

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

TREY and SASHA

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

DANIEL and GENESIS

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xev6Tv0KBiU

EMMA and BUBBL:ES

MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG

Just wanted everybody to know that after our last IEP in May(which Bubbles attended--the week after we brought him home from training--and REALLY surprised the school principal--which was great!dEmma has started a new school (she had 3 years in preschool), and takes Bubbles with her every day.  They are doing SO great together! 
 

 Besides the safety issues (she is tethered to him) and the friendship issues (they are SO incredibly cute together!), we have seen MAJOR improvements in her behavior, frustration levels, calmness and attention span.  I don't know how I would scientifically document those--but Bubbles is the only thing that has changed in her life! 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xev6Tv0KBiU

December 20, 2007

To Whom It May Concern;

My name is Amy Miller and I am writing this letter in regards to Bubbles, a service dog attending school with Emma, a child in my classroom. We are a special needs self-contained classroom with 10 students. Bubbles has an effect on most students in the room.

Bubbles rides to school in the school transportation van or school bus depending on what the district sends for that day. When he comes in he finds his mat and lies down after saying hi to most of the students. He stays on that mat until he is called on by me or one of the classroom assistants. He walks with the class when we leave the room. He has had a calming effect on other students in the room and helps to keep them walking with the class. Also, calling Bubbles helps Emma know we are leaving the room and eases the transition for her.

The rest of the school is very tolerant of Bubbles and we have noticed a shift in the students' responses to him. At the beginning of the school year, all students were very excited to see Bubbles and enjoyed calling out to him in the hallways. Now, when the see Bubbles they look for and say hi to Emma who is walking with him.

The presence of Bubbles in the room has required some minor adjustments but we have not had to make any shifts in our schedule to accommodate his attendance. We did have to learn his commands and his functions. The hardest change we have had to adjust to is our choice of words. I am used to encouraging my students by saying "Let's go! You can do it!" However, when I say that now, Bubbles gets up and ready to leave. I am still working on only saying "Let's go" when I want Bubbles to get up. We also had a student who did not like dogs. After getting close to that student once, Bubbles has since left him alone and the student can handle Bubbles being the room as long as he does not get close to him.

Overall, Bubbles' presence in the room is welcome even though there are some difficulties we are working through.

Sincerely,  Amy Miller    Special Needs Teacher

NICHOLAS and ONYX

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

MORGAN and SAMMY

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xev6Tv0KBiU

SAM and JOHN BOY

AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

Sam had his routine check up with the autism doc on Tuesday. She was amazed at how much calmer and more relaxed he was with the dog. I told her about going to DQ with John Boy vs. without him (when he visited Jeremy.) She said that kind of comparison is really proof of how well it's working for Sam. And she is cautious about any approach used (even the ones she recommends) being considered a success without some solid evidence. So that was a huge compliment.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QQhV1ZVbspY

CHARLIE and FAITH               AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007  

Hey everyone we just completed training today ... there is no way I can put in words how wonderful Jeremy and Karen are and what a life altering event this whole package is ... Our son is very socially anxious and was very upset waiting for the graduation but he hung in there and Jeremy is so sensitive and really knows our children and called Charlie first and he allowed his picture to be made and just smiled and when he was done he told Karen "I am so proud" .... this is the same child that yelled at a parent for looking at him the first day............I can see to type for the tears......

Faith is a tremendous help to Charlie. Her presence beside Charlie seems to give him an incredible amount of confidence in public. Pulling his shirt up over his face and running when someone speaks to him is a thing of the past. Elevators have always been difficult for Charlie and he would get agitated when someone would get on with us. Now with Faith,  he is able to remain calm even in a crowded elevator. Charlie and Faith went with me on rounds at the hospital last week. Normally, he would run into "his room" past the nurses station as the nurses would try to speak to him. This time he walked beside Faith without getting upset. As we left we walked back past the nurses station, one nurse said "Bye Charlie, I like your dog." He said, "Bye and thanks" - A first! As we left the area he told me, "Faith helps me with my social skills."    I have had to lay down with Charlie at night to get him to sleep and he would come and get me 4-5 times a night to get back to sleep. Now I tell Charlie to go to bed and he gets Faith and goes to bed by himself and sleeps all night.  Linda Lawrence MD   

CHEVI and AUTUMN               AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

 GRACE and ELLIE TOO               MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

JACK and NOVA               AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

JASON and GROVER                AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

Yesterday I took Grover to visit my 8 year old's 3rd grade class.  Andrew has been wanting me to do this ever since I took Grover to visit Jason's school.  Grover is for Jason and we just got him in the Sept class.  Two classes attended (around 55 kids plus teacher) while I introduced Grover and told about 4 Paws and the different types of service dogs that are trained.  Grover is an autism assistance dog so I explained his purpose and had Andrew help demonstrate the tethering and Grover staying in place when Andrew tried to pull away.  The kids loved it but were most impressed by the few tricks that Grover was trained to do.  I started out with the play dead because I had been getting the feeling Grover didn't enjoy that one so much and wanted to get it over with.  Well during question and answer time one of the kids asked if he would play dead again so Grover did again.  After that all the kids got a turn to pet him.  They were very calm and polite and Grover laid there occasionally wagging his tale.  He behaved great and did everything well. Grover got a nice nap before Jason got home and all was well again.  After dinner we went for a walk with Jason tethered to Grover and when we got back to our yard I unhooked Jason so that Grover could take care of toileting.  Jason grabbed the leash and walked Grover up the driveway.  That was very exciting for me to see Jason initiate holding the leash.                                                     During training he wouldn't hold it. 

Jason and Grover are doing great with tethering. He frequently goes to the library and the librarians are amazed how calm Jason is in the library now. Before Grover I spent most of my time running after Jason while Andrew got his books. Now Jason is content to stay by Grover and pet or lay by him. Grover takes a little nap. Grover also attends church with us weekly and has been wonderful. Jason seems so proud when people come up and talk to him about Grover.

I am so amazed with Grover! I cannot believe what a help he is! I had never heard of a service dog being used this way, but what a job he does! When Jason is outside Grover prevents him from going towards the street. In the library Jason is happy just to be with Grover. Marlene doesn't need to chase after Jason or deal with his loud outbursts! Jason seems much calmer and secure with Grover around. I know that Grover was placed in their home for Jason, but he has brought such peace and happiness to the whole family. Thank you for this wonderful service you provide. Peggy Serena

JUSTICE and ZORO               AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

We made it back from training yesterday afternoon. We are still in chaos with unpacking and such but I just wanted to post a quick picture of Justice with Zoro. He has gone over a week now sleeping in his own bed (and sleeping throught the night!!) We were skeptical at first, thinking maybe it was his close proximity to us in the hotel but Zoro stayed with him all night in his own room and Justice didn't wake up until almost 7am. WHOO HOO!! Zoro has been doing well with behavior disruption too and we are working on their bond everyday.  I can't say enough about 4 Paws, Karen, Jeremy and all the staff at the training center. What a wonderful group of people!

Well, we got another glimpse of how great these dogs are for our kids last night. Justice got out of the tub and my husband wrapped him in a towel then Justice took off running. I give him credit, he was wrapped pretty tightly and managed to make it about 10 paces before he fell flat on his face. Literally, flat on his face since his arms were still wrapped in a towel. Needless to say, he split his chin open and off to the ER we went with Zoro in tow. Justice didn't fight the docs at all with Zoro by his side. As a matter of fact, by the time his chin was numb he was fast asleep and slept through all 5 stitches. Yeah. No screaming, no hitting, no fighting. The doc said he wished every kid he had to stitch up had a dog with them!

Just wanted to give you a anupdate and let you know we are THRILLED with Zoro and Katie too. Justice is STILL sleeping in his own bed. We were able to attend a pumpkin festival this fall, all 5 of us for the first time in forever, and we all had a great time. Justice was so relaxed and not stressed at all. Zoro even got him to eat BBQ chicken. Justice was fussing about the sauce and I had it on my fingers so I gave a taste to Zoro and said- "see, Zoro thinks its pretty good" and Justice ate almost the whole thing after that. After the festival my 13 year old (who was a major skeptic when it came to a dog being able to help with Justice) said "Geez, Mom, that's the first time I can remember us ALL going somewhere together and actually having a cool time. We didn't all end up yelling at each other- I'm glad we got Zoro..." Katie takes turns sleeping with the 3yr old one night and the 13 year old the next. She has really calmed down since we got her home and out of the crate. She's lost weight, is excercising regularly and her limp is hardly even noticeable now. I work both dogs in obedience each day and Katie is coming along nicely. It is amazing how both dogs personalities just blend in with our family. Zoro is calm and cool, just what Justice needs and Katie is a bundle of energy- perfect for Ricky and Riley.   Also, I've had two teacher conferences at Justice's school since we brought Zoro home and his special ed teacher, speech pathologist and OT can't stop talking about the difference they've seen in Justice since he got Zoro. In fact, this is his last week in speech therapy! They are releasing him. Both his other teachers said they have noticed a real improvement in his social skills and adaptive skills too. They said they really noticed a difference shortly after we returned from Ohio. He still gets anxious in large groups they said but he is able to verbalize his anxiety better rather than acting out against the other kids. COOL!  All this and Zoro doesn't even attend school with him yet! He does however, carry around a picture of Zoro, and his teacher said that he has actually initiated conversations with people he doesn't know at school about Zoro.

 We are so pleased with both of them and thrilled to have them as members of our family. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity for our family.

JAKE and SIENNA                SEIZURE ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

We just wanted to thank you again for pairing Jake with such a wonderful dog. Sienna seems to be settling into her new home well.  She and Jake seem to be bonding more and more each day.
Paul and I were very moved by your story on You Tube.  We were very impressed by your dedication to the dogs and children.  We appreciate the opportunity to participate in this unique life changing experience.
 

JOEY and ODESSA               IN HOME COMPANION DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

SONYA and TATOR TOT                MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG               SEPTEMBER 2007

CHRISTOPHER and WALDO
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
OKLAHOMA    2007

EOIN and MAGGIE
MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG
MASSACHUSETTS    2007

MATTHEW and AJAX
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
GEORGIA   2007

HEATHERANN and DANCER
MULTIPUPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG
OREGON    2007
 
Dancer is filling in for Heatherann's lifetime service dog. Heatherann is having surgery soon and will not be able to walk for months afterwards. Because she is in need of a tracking dog, Dancer is filling in until she is healthy enough to help her family train in the use of tracking dogs so they can keep up the dog's skills.

BRANDON and GIZMO
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
ILLINOIS      2007
Brandon is my grandson who is a lovely little 5 year old boy and full of lots of energy. Brandon has anxiety issues that lead to meltdowns. Gizmo helps him by nuzzling him and getting in his face to get his mind off his meltdowns. Gizmo sleeps in Brandon's room which helps him feel secure. Before Gizmo came to live with Brandon he would go to bed angry and get up in the morning angry. Since Gizmo sleeps in his room he goes to bed happy and gets up happy. Gizmo has been a miracle for Brandon's anxiety issues and behavioral issues as well as well as his best friend. Gizmo is extremely well behaved in public. He is at their side all the time and rarely has to be corrected. He knows exactly what is expected of him. Gizmo's behavior is exceptional!  Grandparent

KELSEY and GUS
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
TEXAS     2007

CAITLYN and SULLY
MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG
MICHIGAN    2007
 
Sully has been an excellent addition to our family. Caitlyn sleeps in her own bed for the first time in years. If you ask Sully, "Where is Caitlyn?" he will look through the house until he finds her. We can't imagine life without him. He has done wonders for Caitlyn. He has given her the best friend in the world, someone to tell her secrets to.

NICHOLAS and CHARLIE TOO
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
MISSOURI    2007

AIDEN and CODY
SEIZURE ASSISTANCE DOG
NEW MEXICO     2007
 

Cody and Aiden share an unbreakable bond. He is able to identify when a seizure is going to happen and will have a calming effect on Aiden during his episode. Cody is well mannered in public and follows directions and commands as given. Cody is much more than a service dog. He is a member of the Giron family and Aiden's friend.  (friend of the family)

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Cody is a great support to Aiden before, during, and after a seizure. Before a seizure Cody's behavior is often anxious, he'll pace around Aiden or nearby adults. During a seizure Cody smells Aiden's head and then will lie next to him. Cody continues to lay with Aiden until he stops seizing and while Aiden sleeps post seizure. 4 Paws has done a wonderful job placing Cody with our family and we could not be happier. Thank You!  Aiden's Mom

KARTER and OLLIE
MULTIPURPOSE ASSISTANCE DOG
WISCONSIN    2007

ERIC and OZWALD
AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG
WISCONSIN    2007

ZACHARY, JOSHUA, and GEMINI                AUTISM ASSISTANCE DOG

2007

COLIN and DONUT           Multipurpose Assistance Dog            November 2007

Well, it finally happened. Colin had a seizure today. He was fresh out of the shower when it hit him. WE called Donut to him right away, told him to check and speak. I kept having Donut smell Colin thru out the entire seizure and speak. Donut is VERY treat motivated and since I didn't have on on me at the moment, he didn't want to speak a whole lot. Carson brought me some, though and i treated him BIG!When the seizure was over, we got Colin clothed a bit (diaper, socks and shirt) and had Donut in a down right next to him. Well, Colin used the little strength he had to roll over and grab a hold of Donut. He put his head down and slept. Colin sensed that Donut was there and wanted him. Absolute kleenex moment....and a Kodak one as well. Yes, we got pics and will try to post one later. (The camera just went to the pinewood derby with Carson.)

Tethering is going well. Colin will accept the tether attached to his belt on his jeans. Bummer for Colin as he hates to wear jeans, but he will just hafta deal with it! SO glad i bought that nice fishing vest and harness that he won't wear.....ugh. Luckily we saved receipt for vest and were able to return! The harness though, if anyone would like to try the Dandee Harness in black, size large, let me know. I can ship it to ya! I need to order a small for Cailean, though as we are going to start with tethering for her as well. She also suffers with Dravet Syndrome and needs endurance as well as some help with stability. At 4, she still spends her time in a stroller when we are out and about...time to change that!!

Tracking. well, it has been VERY cold here and not conducive to having the 3 kids outside for very long (or me for that fact!). Donut did AWESOME on Christmas day for 3 tracks. His next 2 times out were a bit hard. It was on those 70 degree days in Chicago land in January (never happens!!), we went to a new park. Well everyone apparently had that same idea to be out and walking said park! We finally got to Colin, but Donut had to go thru a prickle patch (yep, i have prickles in places i didn't even know i had!) The last time we went out, Colin kept yelling "Donut come find me, Donut! Come find me!!" so Donut really didn't hafta work all that hard to find Colin!! In fact, he cheated the WHOLE time!! Hopefully, we can get out one day this week after school....the local newspaper is doing a story on Colin and Donut, and want to see a track.

School. Donut has completed his first week of 4th grade all day. he is doing wonderful. The teachers are already reporting that Colin is a different kid when Donut is there and when he isn't. I am working on putting together a file of everything the school has done to post in the files section to help everyone else. I DO believe, since Donut was the oldest dog in our class, he was more well suited to starting school with Colin as early as he did. Donut also has one of the MOST agreeable personalities I have ever seen. He will listen to anyone giving the commands (and the treats). He will still try to go to me and stop listening to whomever his handler is at school, so I try to stay away. I must say, though, I am a tad lonely at home without him!

ALEX and ROSIE          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

ANTHONY and POPEYE SHADOW          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

JACK and KEEPER          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

MATTHEW, LAUREN and BROCK          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

I just wanted to thank you again for the wonderful addition to our family, Brock.  He's more than I could have ever dreamed of.  We started our weekly schedule yesterday with dr's appointments, therapies and dance.  He was sooo awesome and Matthew and Lauren were incredibly behaved.  Sunday we had to do a marathon shopping day at walmart and it was just so nice to know that Lauren and Matthew were with me the whole time...and when Matthew had a meltdown he nuzzled him without being told.   He follows the kids around (even Matthew who irritates him more than he'd like with his ungentle touches which he is getting better with).  What an awesome experience with all of you!! Thanks Again.           Sharon

CORY and KODIAK          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

NATALIE and JASMINE          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

SETH, NOAH, and SARGE          Autism Assistance Dog          November 2007

CHRIS and KARMA                                 In Home Companion Dog                                   CHASE and TASHA

                               

WE ARE NOW IN HOME COMPANION DOGS

WAYLON                                                                                                                             OREO                                                                                                     APATCHE                                                                                       ODESSA

                

                                                                                           RED MOLLY                                                                              LUCY                                                                                                         SOCKS                                                                                                         SPIRIT

                   

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                  BRIE with her partner KOBY