Will You Help Make A Dream Come True?

The disorders listed here don't begin to cover the emotions and issues threatening families of children with disabilities. The children shown below (and their families) seek your help in a project that will replace bleakness and despair with hope and vitality. Perhaps you can find a way to help make some dreams come true. We are a 501(c)(3) and all donations are tax deductible.

Josh Woosley :: David Nahodil :: Zachary Findall :: JC Bowen :: Becca Tally :: Michael Ewing
Owen & Annabelle LuscheiMatthew Shatterly :: Curtis Cottengim :: Skyler Kratz :: Ruben Spice :: Isaac Egan
Jude Bell :: Whit :: Alexander Tryon :: Dylan & Casey Hung :: Chris Wallrauch :: Zachary Rowe
Logan Bondarewicz :: Dawsyn Harke :: Cassandra Tillman :: Andrew Johnson :: Benjamin Shawa
Sierra Bland:: Robbie Aversa :: Kheira McClanahan :: Connor Kremser :: Hannah Godfrey
J T Stuart :: Henna Soto :: Carson Martin :: Jamaal Clipps :: Tali Radicke :: Caden Butler Modaff
Kory and Kade Kirkpatrick :: Emily Lowe :: Vinnie Rodriguez :: Angel Parsons :: Derek Mummert
Barbie Brockmeyer :: Johnna Mower :: Reagan Collura :: Daniel Dillard :: Jaden Cornelius :: Kameryn Parrett
Kathryn Ross-Schmid :: Alyssa Grace Lee :: William Burke :: Griffin Watson :: Tucker Davis
Tyler & Megan Longoria :: Graham Laughlin :: Sam Bernotaitis

Sam needs an Autism Service Dog to help him learn to cope

This is Sam. Sam is 12 and has autism. Because of Sam’s disability, he has frequent meltdowns due to his frustrations and inability to communicate effectively. The behaviorists say he is a very "complicated" case. As he grows larger and stronger, he becomes even more of a challenge. Sam's rages have broken lamps and furniture, and caused bodily damage to himself and others.

Sam has no real friends. A characteristic of autism is the lack of social skills. Couple that with his inability to communicate effectively and you can see why he has no friends. Nobody ever comes over to play or calls him for a playdate. He has never been invited to a birthday party.

Sam frequently wanders. He wears an ID bracelet and is registered with the local police department but there is no way to track him if he gets lost. He has wandered away several times and returned to his parents only by the grace of God. He must be constantly supervised, even in his own home, because he has sustained mysterious injuries in the past that he cannot explain.

Living with Sam is certainly a challenge for the entire family, especially his big sister, Rachel (age 17) and big brother, Seth (age 18). Family outings and events are planned around what Sam can tolerate and the house looks more like a therapy center than a home. For many years, the older kids didn't bring friends home because they were embarrassed by their brother's unpredictable behaviors. They love their brother but they don't always know how to interact with him. Mom and Dad can no longer go away overnight because there's nobody qualified to care for Sam for more than a couple of hours. Mom has adjusted her work schedule to be home when Sam's home whenever possible.

Sam's parents have spent a fortune getting Sam the medical care and therapy he needed, at the appropriate time for each treatment. With the biomedical intervention, ABA therapy, PT, OT, and speech therapy, Sam can now care for the family cats independently and has learned to be gentle with them. He is a whiz at the computer and is a leader in his resource classroom at school where he is well liked by his peers and teachers. He can form sentences with prompting and is interested in reading. He is finally to a point where he can help care for his own animal and as a pre-teen, is entering a very turbulent time with hormones and changes. An autism service dog is exactly what he needs at this stage of his life...a friend.

4 Paws for Ability trains autism service dogs who can interrupt a meltdown, soothe frustration, be a friend, and can act as a social bridge between Sam and other children. The dog is also trained at tracking and can be tethered to Sam in public to prevent him from becoming lost. If he does get lost, the dog can find him quickly.

Dogs who receive this highly specialized training are expensive. It costs $13,000 to raise and train a service dog like the one Sam will get. 4 Paws has a unique opportunity which allows families to raise the funding for one dog in order to qualify for a dog and make the placement process faster. Most agencies have a waiting list that is at least 5 years long.

You can make a donation today in HONOR OF SAM that will bring Sam closer to getting his service dog and you will be supporting a very necessary and worthwhile local organization.

Please put IN HONOR OF SAM BERNOTAITIS in the MEMO section of your donation check and make the check out to: 4 Paws For Ability. Mail to: 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH 45385. Your cancelled check is your receipt for tax purposes.

We greatly appreciate your support. Come visit our blog at http://4pawsforsam.webs.com/

High-functioning, verbal child needs Autism Service Dog!

Our "Graham Cracker" will be eight this April! He's beautiful, funny, caring, compassionate, smart, loving, sociable, full of energy and happens to have autism. Unfortunately, his autism also makes him feel anxious, irritable, worried, scared, annoyed, over-sensitive, hesitant, angry and alone.

We're very fortunate that our son is high functioning and verbal. He also shows much affection and empathy, traits usually not associated with autism.

Over the past seven and a half years, our family, like any family who has a child with special needs, has strived to provide our son with as many tools and opportunities as possible to help him cope with some of his challenges. Of course not all of our choices or methods have worked but we continue to try anything new and hope to learn from our mistakes.

Graham used to be terrified of dogs, no matter the breed or size! It was most likely the "bark" that proved to be too much for his sensitive ears. However, he still had a desire to approach dogs to pet and hug them. After much exposure and reassurance, Graham was able to overcome his fear of dogs, and their bark, and fall in love with them, all breeds and sizes! When out in public, at a friends house or at a family gathering, Graham always gravitates to the dogs, usually the bigger ones! While the other children are running around the yard or through the house noisily, we will find Graham trailing behind the family pet or even laying on the ground with it! The dogs never seem to mind too much. It's almost as if they can sense he is different from other kids!

Graham has been participating in a therapeutic horseback riding program for a year now. When he is riding "Leonard" he is calm, focused, proud, happy and relaxed. This behavior is also present when he is in the company of a dog. The bigger the dog, the happier he seems!

We live in a two-family home with my parents and share "Lucy," a Puggle. She is so over loved and spoiled but very deserving of it. At times, Graham may tend to hug her a little too hard or try and lie on her, not understanding that she is under 20 lbs. and he weighs 60 lbs! He also tries very hard to get her to lie with him or on him. If successful, he is one happy and relaxed boy. If not, he gets very upset. Luckily for us, and Lucy, she's very hearty, tolerant and forgiving of Graham and his brother. She absolutely loves them and can't get enough play time in. She's also a very good vacuum cleaner at meal times!

In a perfect world, we would love Graham to have a larger dog to love, hug, squeeze and lie on top of! But, if this were a perfect world, he wouldn't have a disability in the first place. So, instead, we'd like to do what we can to help him feel a little better inside of himself, and by the way, we love Graham just the way he is! His autism is what makes him who he is and we wouldn't change that for the world!

We hope that in giving Graham an "in-home companion dog" we would be able to alleviate some of the stress in all of our lives. Graham would be able to fulfill his many sensory needs just by having constant contact with his own dog. I'm sure that his younger brother and Lucy will also appreciate being squeezed less often! The dog would accompany him around the house making Graham less fearful going from room to room. Hopefully, Graham would stay in his own bed all night with the dog to keep him company and not be so afraid of the dark.

Most importantly, Graham would never feel alone.

The dog would be trained for behavior disruption allowing us to prevent melt-downs from happening before they occur. Anyone who has been here when Graham needs to take his medication knows how helpful this would be! Lots of the anxiety that Graham feels while doing tasks, that may seem simple for a typical child his age, like getting dressed, using the bathroom, brushing his teeth, getting ready for the bus, putting a shoe on, eating a meal, taking his daily medications and vitamins, having his nails cut, wearing a back pack, putting his own coat on, transitioning from the house to the car or bus, would subside with the dog there to help him cope.

If you would like to help by making a personal donation, please send your tax-deductible donation payable directly to 4 Paws For Ability, 235 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH 45385. Please write: In honor of Graham Laughlin on the memo portion of the check, or donate online at 4 Paws for Ability.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. Sincerely, Amanda & Eric Laughlin, parents to: Graham age 7-autism spectrum disorder and Myles age 4-the best little brother in the world.

Help Us Become Independent Teens

Hi! We're Tyler and Megan Longoria. We are in 8th grade and getting really excited about going to high school next year.

There will be lots of exciting changes when we start high school and some serious difficulties too; that's why we are applying to 4 Paws for Ability for help.

We were born prematurely and had lots of health problems when we were little that kept us in the hospital for months. As time went on we got stronger and were able to come home, but we both ended up with several disabilities that affect our lives every day. Both of us have Cerebral Palsy and we also have a form of Muscular Dystrophy called, Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA).

Although our mobility is limited we do fairly well using our wheel chairs to get around and we have always had the help of our sister Kylie and our mom, Karen, whenever we needed it. Now that we are getting older and our SMA is progressing, we are getting weaker as our muscle tone diminishes.

We need to be able to do more for ourselves.

Starting a new school in the fall will offer more challenges that we might not be able to meet without the benefits that come from having our own service dogs.

Some things a mobility service dog could do for us would be:

• Open doors
• Help us get dressed and undressed
• Carry some school supplies in a dog backpack
• Get our backpacks for us
• Pick up things we drop
• Get someone if we need help
• Bring the phone when it rings
• Pull our wheelchairs up inclines and ramps
• Help us make new friends

We have been accepted to receive service dogs from 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. Based in Xenia, Ohio. 4 Paws For Ability, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, provides service dogs to families and children that struggle with life's daily challenges and who would otherwise be turned away by many other agencies.

With your help, we can receive our service dogs within 9-12 months after our fundraising is complete, unlike other agencies that would put us on a 5-year waiting list. 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. asks us to work with them in the fundraising process to cover the expense of training both our dogs which costs over $10,000 each.

If you donate in honor of Tyler and Megan Longoria, you'll not only be supporting a wonderful organization, but your tax-deductible donation will help us qualify to receive the service dogs we need before high school starts. Make your checks payable to 4 Paws for Ability and please be sure to reference "In honor of Tyler and Megan Longoria" in the memo portion of the check mailed to:

Let's help Tucker Davis get an Autism Service Dog!

My name is Heather Davis. I have three wonderful sons - Taylor, Chandler, and Tucker. Taylor is a sophomore in high school. He enjoys playing music. He plays percussion in the band, snare on the Drumline and piano for the 5th grade choir. Chandler is a 5th grader and he enjoys singing in the 5th grade choir (especially since brother is the accompanist) and student council class president. Tucker is a 4th grader and likes to ride his skateboard and play on the computer.

What makes my family different besides my great kids?

Tucker has Autism as well as Bipolar Disorder, Tic Disorder, ADHD and Restless Leg Syndrome.

Tucker looks like any other 9 year old boy. He is a spunky and vivacious fourth grader at his local elementary school. He loves swimming, skateboarding, riding his bike, cartoons, hula-hooping and video games, but not school so much. Tucker has struggled with behavioral issues all his life, and his actions let many people know it. Tucker lives 'in his own little world.' However, sometimes this world gets interrupted, leading to meltdowns and explosive outbursts as he reaches sensory overload.

Because of Tucker's disabilities, we, as a family, face many obstacles. It is hard to go to my sons' concerts and sporting events. Tucker is easily over stimulated in those environments and is unable to self soothe. Which may lead to a meltdown or he may go into escape mode and run away without regard to personal safety.

Taylor and Chandler are afraid to have friends over, because they never know how Tucker will act, afraid of embarrassment when their brother has a meltdown or explosive episode.

We love to vacation, but this causes obstacles as well because of the break in routine. Sometimes Tucker does a Houdini act and I am unable to find him anywhere. I cannot count the number of times he wandered away this past summer when I was watching him like a hawk with his other two brothers keeping an eye out too. Embarrassing but true, it is impossible to keep hold of Tucker's hand 24/7.

The problem then becomes the stares and glares from others who don't know Tucker. Time after time I have heard about how he is bullied and made fun of at school or what a brat he is or that I am a bad parent and I don't know how to handle my child. Tucker has a handicap, but doesn't have a wheelchair, or crutches, or a service dog...

As Tucker's mother, I hope his certified service dog will not only be his constant companion, but will also provide a launch pad for social interaction. In cases of escalating behavior, the dog will be trained to come alongside him, offering Tucker the opportunity to self-soothe before behavior gets out-of-control.

The dog will be able to combat other autistic traits, like nudging him if he is doing repetitive motions or some of his tic traits, and even track him if he were to wander away.

We visited the 4 Paws facility in July and were so impressed with the volunteers, staff, the training the dogs receive, and especially the new puppies. Tucker is so excited about his new friend. He cannot wait to bring his "special dog" home so he can love and care for it.

If you would like to help our dreams come true, you can make a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability, 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, OH 45385; just make sure to write in Tucker Davis's name in the memo of the check. If you make an online donation, please say in honor of Tucker Davis. Thank you.

Finn Watson, busy escape artist, needs service dog

Griffin Dennis "Finn" Watson, of central Illinois, is an utter delight to his parents and family. He is sweet-tempered and loves to be bear-hugged and kissed. As the middle brother (between Jackson, 8 ½, and Samuel, 2 ½), his lot in life is already a difficult one, but somehow he manages to be cheerful about it. He also manages to stay out of his brothers’ fights, preferring to watch from the sidelines with a smile on his face.

His favorite thing to do is eat, and his favorite activity is to find ways to get something to eat. This could include stealing food off of other people’s plates, trying to break into the locked fridge, and even climbing up the dishwasher racks to get to the top of the refrigerator where cookies are stored. His grandma calls him "The Long Arm of the Law" because of his ability to reach places that he shouldn’t (see picture).

Finn has an autism spectrum disorder known as Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). He was diagnosed in September 2008.

While this was not a surprise, (he had been receiving Early Intervention services since he was ten months old) like so many families in this situation it was both a relief and a grief to Mom and Dad. But with a lot of support, his family has been able to see the blessings in having a "special needs" child, especially one like Finn.

He doesn't have very much purposeful speech (mostly echolalia, which means that he repeats random phrases from books and movies) but always manages to let his family know that he loves them. He can’t put on his own shoes, but he can give Mom a look with his big brown eyes that can melt her heart (even when she’s mad!)

Mom and Dad want a service dog for Finn through 4 Paws because they want him to be able to be more independent as he gets older. Right now, Finn has a tendency to escape if he sees the opportunity. Apparently playing in a stranger’s backyard in the rain with no shoes on holds a special allure for him, but not so much for Mom and Dad!

Service dogs are trained in tethering (having a child attached to them with a harness) and tracking, so that if Finn were to escape again, the dog would be able to find him faster than the police!

Finn also does a lot of "stimming" (engaging in self–stimulating behaviors) throughout the day. His stim of choice is hand flapping and wringing. While these behaviors are harmless, they are a distraction for him and others, and will become less socially appropriate the older he gets. A service dog is trained to stop the child from engaging in these behaviors (too bad they are not able to potty-train him too!)

Finally, Griffin’s mom and dad believe that an SD will allow him the opportunity for companionship that he does not find with his peers at this time, and could possibly be a gateway to friendship with other kids in the future.

Who doesn’t want that for their kids, special needs or not? Everyone needs a friend, four-legged or otherwise!

Your tax deductible donation for a service dog for Griffin would be so appreciated. Monetary donations can be made directly to Griffin Watson’s fund through 4 Paws for Ability, which is an Ohio-based non-profit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities.

Please indicate that your donation is specifically for Griffin Watson on the memo line of your check or on the PayPal note for online donations. Donations can also be mailed to: 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. For more information on 4 Paws for Ability, please visit www.4pawsforability.org.

William is his family's hero and he needs a service dog

According to Ed and Carol Burke, "If we were to pick living heroes, our answer would be our kids and in particular our son, William." William Burke has grown into a handsome young boy with an infectious personality and laugh. Every moment of every day he is an overcomer. William has Down syndrome. It’s a condition in which extra genetic material causes delays in the way a child develops both mentally and physically. It’s not indicative of the many strengths and talents that each individual possesses.

Although Down syndrome is a visible condition, William is often misunderstood and often places himself in harm’s way as he navigates through our complicated world.

So why is he our hero? Because despite those challenges, he works so hard – very hard to overcome his low muscle tone, difficulty in communication skills, and his developmental delays. Because of his determination, we are able to embrace the positive things Down syndrome brings to our life while we continue to address the challenges. He has accomplished so much in his short life. He has already taught us invaluable lessons and has touched many hearts with his tenderness and the unconditional love he freely shares with everyone.

Despite the incredible gains he has made, we have made little progress in dealing with safety issues. William is still not aware that he should look before he runs out in the street or in a parking lot. William is the ultimate escape artist. He has learned to disarm our door alarms, climb over the fence to explore our neighbor’s swimming pool and check out anything he finds interesting. William is full of love for everyone and everything. He does not distinguish between "safe" people and strangers who may harm him. After reading an article in the newspaper about the difference a service dog made in the life of another boy who has Down syndrome, we knew in our hearts that we had found our answer.

That’s where 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. comes in. They have accepted William into their program and will be training a multipurpose assistance dog specifically for William's needs. As you can imagine the cost to raise and train these dogs is high, up to $26,000. 4 Paws has a unique approach to fundraising which helps their kids get dogs much faster, as much as 5 years sooner than with traditionally run organizations. 4 Paws partners with the family and also works with the family to raise a portion of the the cost of one service dog in their community.

We are committed to raising $13,000 for 4 Paws. By making a donation in William’s honor you will be helping them train dogs just like the one William will receive and getting us one step closer to William’s dog! By supporting 4 Paws for Ability, you will be giving William a constant, trusted companion that will be able to help William refocus, prevent meltdowns, and to keep him from darting into a busy street or going off exploring by himself. If William were to wander off, his dog would be able to help us find him and bring him back. You can help us with this miracle...this answer to William’s PEACE, our peace of mind and his safety.

William doesn’t like loud noises, like thunder, fireworks, the Movie Theater or large crowds. He goes on sensory overload. William’s service dog would be by his side letting him know that’s its okay and help him refocus when he melts down.

A service dog can also help break down social barriers for William. Many people don’t know who to approach or communicate with a child who has special needs, but they are willing to approach a dog. A service dog can reduce the isolation that William sometimes experiences. William will finally have a best friend.

Support comes in many different ways, so please follow your heart. We welcome your prayers and encouragement, your financial gifts, or your own ideas and creativity in planning/hosting a fundraiser. Anything you can do to help would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to help by making a personal donation, please send your tax-deductible donation payable directly to 4 Paws For Ability, 235 Dayton Ave., Xenia, OH 45385. Please write: In honor of William Burke on the memo portion of the check.

Click here to follow our blog. If you have any questions about 4 Paws, please visit http://www.4pawsforability.org. Thank You for joining us on our journey...Ed, Carol, Craig, William, and Ashley Burke

Help this little firecracker get a mobility service dog!

My name is Alyssa Grace Lee and I am 22 months old. I may look small, but I am a "FIRECRACKER!" I was born with a neuromuscular disorder that has left me with motor and speech delays. The doctors don't know exactly what my disorder is called, but they are working on it!!

I am not able to walk by myself, but I have shocked everyone at how well I can get around in my walker and my manual wheelchair. I LOVE wheeling after my two big brothers, going for walks in the neighborhood, and playing on the playground at school. I enjoy swimming, music, and playing with my friends.

One of my favorite things is DOGS!! I love to pet them and giggle uncontrollably when they give me kisses.

Even though I am pretty good at getting around in my wheelchair and walker, I am not able to get to my equipment by myself. Once I am in my wheelchair, I can't open doors or pick up things I have dropped.

My Mom said I will be getting an assistance/mobility dog. My new, furry companion would help me be even more independent. He will help me pick up items, open doors, and retrieve items I need. He will also help me get off the floor and will help me walk to my equipment without having to call Mom and Dad for help. Most importantly, my new service dog will stay with me and be my constant companion when I am unable to keep up with my friends.

My dream is to someday walk and run, jump and play with my friends. I am a strong-willed little girl and have proven myself to be a "fighter!" Until the day comes when I can be independent on my own, I need a little help that only a service/mobility dog can provide me.

If you could help make my dream come true, please help out by making a TAX-DEDUCTIBLE DONATION to 4 Paws for Ability in my name, Alyssa Grace Lee. For more information about me, see my website: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/alyssagracelee. For more information about 4 Paws, please visit http://www.4pawsforability.org. Every penny counts!!

To contact our family, please e-mail my mom, Susan, at slee@shelbyed.k12.al.us.

Thanks for reading about me and my dream!

Kathryn needs autism service dog to protect, calm, and love her

Kathryn Ross-Schmid is one of the 1:150 children in the United States diagnosed with autism. She was diagnosed right before she turned three years old. To the outside world, Kathryn looks like any other four-year-old child, loving and energetic with an infectious smile and gentle spirit. However, spend a few minutes with her and you will see that there are distinct differences. Kathryn is trapped in her own little bubble that few people are allowed in or would understand even if they were allowed in.

A smart child who knows all her ABC's, she can count to 20 and even recognize a few words by sight rather than picture. However, Kathryn is mostly non-verbal. With the help of her special school, she's getting better using words. They aren't always used appropriately and she spends most of her time repeating songs or stories in a manner that is not recognizable. She understands words, but when they are repeated back they seem to be jumbled.

Kathryn is learning to defeat locks and baby gates. Once she got through the front door locks and was found across the street in the park in the two minutes it took her mother to go to the restroom. She has learned to build steps over the baby gates to get past them, building them the same on both sides so she can just climb up and over with out falling on the other side.

Fear and any concept of danger are unknown to her. She doesn't come home on her own, or respond when her name is called, yet she's is very curious and independent and wants to do things on her own.

Kathryn is very sensitive to noises and has meltdowns if there is too much stimulation. She is more sensitive to pitch rather than volume. She loves music and is usually calmed by it. Crowds do not seem to bother her since she rarely notices other people unless they get into her "space."

Dogs, cats, and fish are very important to her. Socially, she's in her own world and is usually left alone by her peers, since she doesn't acknowledge them if they try to initiate play. They don't understand that she isn't being rude.

Having an autism service dog will help Kathryn be able to allow someone into her "bubble" that understands her world and doesn't judge her or force their world on her. She needs a dog who will just love her and be her best friend. She will be able to explore the outside world with her friend at her side to keep her safe without having to be glued to her parents for safety. If she gets too adventurous, the family will have that extra nose to sniff her out and help them find her.

Finally the family will be able to do things as a family without one always being left behind with Kathryn. They love her to pieces, but the phrase they most often use to describe family outings with her is like "trying to herd cats."

"4 Paws won my heart with everything they do and with the amount of integrity they do it with," says Kathryn's mother, Regina. "I am just in the beginning stages of this journey with 4 Paws for Ability, and have only had contact with a couple of people, but they are amazing." It will be necessary for the family to raise funds to train this special service dog. Anyone wanting to support Kathryn can make a tax-free donation to 4 Paws for Ability in the name of Kathryn Ross-Schmid.

Let's get a Seizure Service Dog for Kameryn Parrett

I'm Kameryn Parrett, and I was born with a condition know as hydrocephalus and Agenesis of the corpus callosum. Hydrocephalus is a term derived from the Greek words "hydro" meaning water, and "cephalus" meaning head, and this condition is sometimes known as "water on the brain." People with hydrocephalus have abnormal accumulation of cerebal spinal fluid(CSF) in the ventricles, or cavities, of the brain.

Agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC) is a birth defect in which the structure that connects the two hemispheres of the brain (the corpus callosum) is partially or completely absent. ACC can occur as an isolated condition or in combination with other cerebral abnormalities. Because of these conditions, I am usually in a wheelchair.

At the age of three I developed grand mal seizures. My first seizure happened on Halloween morning and then the day after Christmas I had a 75-minute-long seizure that resulted in a week-long stay in the hospital. Since then I have been on medicines to control seizures but I still have them. One of the things my 4 Paws for Ability service dog will be trained to do will be warn me and my family of an upcoming seizures. Right now, there is no warning, and Mom is constantly stressed. She doesn't want to miss a seizure. This means she doesn't sleep well at night.

People often mistake me for having autism due to the fact I cannot talk but use facial expressions and body language to convey my feelings. And sometimes I just have emotional outbursts. The thing is, sometimes in new places I become so overwhelmed that I get upset. I can't exactly explain things to Mom.

Sometimes I communicate using loud screams and yells. I am not trying to be disruptive but I have a hard time communicating. This is upsetting to everyone if we're in a restaurant or in church. If I had my own Service Dog, my dog could help calm me when I am upset. I can even teach my dog to play ball with me and pick up things that I can't reach.

There are many things that would change if I had a service dog. Like Independence. Even a little would help. And maybe I could improve a bit in communication and social skills. Plus having a Service Dog would be calming for me. It may be hard to understand, but I can relate better to animals than people because we don’t have to talk. Mom could sleep better, and that's a bonus!

A dog’s love is unconditional. I would love to have my own dog to sit on my lap or lay across my legs. I find the deep pressure comforting and relaxing. Also when I visit the park, the other children might like to come and visit and pet my dog so that I can enjoy socializing with other children, and hopefully, tell them about my dog someday.

I have my own blog at www.4paws4Kameryn.webs.com I need to raise lots of money for this dog to be trained for my specific needs. Please consider donating to 4 Paws for Ability in my name, Kameryn Parrett. It's tax free.

Jaden Cornelius needs Seizure Alert Service Dog

Jaden Cornelius is a bright, energetic, and friendly child who attends kindergarten, loves science fiction, and has a very high vocabulary. His mother, Beth, a rehabilitation counselor, is raising him within a supportive network of family and friends. When Jaden was three, he began having seizures. He was diagnosed with a form of Epilepsy, and is being treated at the Cleveland Clinic.

Most of his seizures happen when he is asleep. One side of his body will start to shake, his eyes will open, and there is a risk that he may stop breathing. This means that he cannot sleep alone, which will increasingly hinder his independence as he ages. It will also limit his participation in sleepovers, campouts, and similar social activities with peers. A seizure alert dog could not only allow Jaden to sleep safely in his own bed, without an adult, but could also accompany him on campouts and sleepovers. This would mean not only increased independence and the confidence that comes with it, but the ability to have fun with friends and not be left out!

While there are some activities that will still require adult supervision, with a seizure alert dog on the job, the adult can be a little farther away, yet still available in case of emergency. This will allow Jaden the ability to play with friends without the necessity of an adult always staying immediately by his side. He will be able to have enough space to share secrets and negotiate relationships without an adult constantly hovering over him in a way that affects his interactions with other kids his own age and the development of healthy peer relationships.

While Jaden continues to be the same loving, social child he has always been, the adults who know him best have seen a real change in his moods and his ability to control his temper since his diagnosis. This is because a side effect of his anti-seizure medication increases his aggression and makes him more easily frustrated. Jaden is being taught that although it is more difficult for him now, he is still in control of his own temper and responsible for his own actions.

However, a seizure alert dog could assist in this process, by helping him to recognize his own moods and calm himself down. Also, a seizure alert dog can be a good ice-breaker with other children, perhaps smoothing some relationships when Jaden's frustration leads to inappropriate behavior or quarrelsomeness.

Jaden is a child with so much potential and a seizure alert dog can help us make sure that he has everything he needs to grow into a well-adjusted, happy, and successful adult.

Your tax deductible donation can be made directly to Jaden Cornelius's fund through 4 Paws for Ability, an Ohio-based non-profit organization that trains service dogs for people with disabilities. Please indicate that your donation is specifically for Jaden Cornelius on the memo line of your check or on the PayPal note for online donations. Donations can be sent to: 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. For more information on 4 Paws for Ability, please visit 4 Paws for Ability online.

Thank you ahead of time for considering a donation for Jaden. You have our heartfelt gratitude!

Dravet's Syndrome calls for special service dog for Daniel

Daniel Dillard is ten years old. He has a highly rare form of epilepsy called Dravet’s Syndrome. According to the Epilepsy Foundation, only 1 in 20,000-40,000 children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with Dravet’s Syndrome. There is also no cure for Dravet’s. This means that Daniel will need a lifetime of care and he will always have seizures.

Daniel is has been having seizures since he was ten weeks old. Most of his seizures occur at night while he is sleeping, so we, his parents (Kim and Erick) have to monitor him every night. It is very important for them to know when he is having a seizure so that life-saving medication can be given in order to stop the seizure.

Daniel also has severe developmental delays and shows some signs of autism. His seizures are often unpredictable and therefore he must be monitored 24/7 days a week. Daniel tends to wander away and is unaware of environmental dangers such as traffic, bodies of water, and ill intentions of strangers.

4 Paws For Ability is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that specializes in training service dogs for children with disabilities. They have accepted Daniel into the program and will be training a seizure alert dog for him. This dog will be able to give us a warning when a seizure is about to start therefore allowing us to get Daniel to a safe position before it starts.

Most of his seizures occur at night, and are very long. His dog could sleep with him and let us know when he is having a seizure so that medication can be given to stop the seizure and potentially save his life. The dog will also be trained in tethering (keeping Daniel close in crowded or unsafe situations), tracking abilities so he can locate Daniel if he is lost, and also important, the dog will be a companion to Daniel during the scary times that all children with a chronic illness face.

We have committed to 4 Paws For Ability to fundraise the amount of $15,000 to train this special dog. Any help in reaching our goal would be truly appreciated. Any donation is helpful, it doesn’t matter how small or how large!

Every penny counts. Please make checks payable to 4 Paws For Ability and mail to: 4 Paws For Ability, Inc., 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. Please note that the donation is for "Daniel Dillard" on the memo line of your check. You may also go to 4 Paws For Ability to make an online donation in Daniel’s honor. ALL DONATIONS ARE TAX DEDUCTIBLE. For more info or updates please visit http://adogfordaniel.blogspot.com, email us at sunshinest@cox.net or call (850)516-5166. Also visit http://twitter.com/danielsdog.

We do see a light at the end of the tunnel that could help Reagan with her frustrations, all while keeping her safe . . . it involves getting her a service dog. There is an organization, 4 Paws for Ability, in Xenia, Ohio that actually trains service dogs for children with multiple disabilities and/or autism!

Reagan needs a dog of her very own with training in behavior disruption, tracking, and tethering. But, we need YOUR help. We are raising funds as a volunteer for 4 Paws in order to qualify to receive the dog. Can you find it in your heart to donate funds in Reagan’s honor to help keep Reagan safe?

Please be sure to mention "in honor of REAGAN COLLURA" in the subject line so she receives credit toward her miracle dog and the fundraising requirement. All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated! We thank you from the bottom of our hearts and admire you for changing the life of a child.

Sincerely,

The Collura Family: Dottie, Mike, Gabe and Reagan

Autism service dog will calm tempestuous Johnna

We are writing to you as parents who are putting their hopes and dreams for one of their children into your hands. Rob and I have been truly blessed with 3 amazing girls- Michaela (7), Johnna (6) and Shauna (4). Our girls are each so special in their own way. We thank God for them every day. One is a little more special however. Because of this we are asking you to help us, help Johnna.

Rob and I have two differently abled children. Michaela and Johnna are both Autistic. Since their diagnosis, both at age 2, we have watched our two beautiful girls face the challenges of Autism. Michaela has blossomed and done extremely well. Although she is not quite where kids her age are, she is getting there, and we are so proud of her.

Johnna, however, continues to struggle. Johnna is still in the grips of Autism. Her communication skills are that of a toddler at best. She is easily overwhelmed by her environment and has major tantrums because she cannot communicate what she is feeling. Her lack of language results in very aggressive, physical behaviors—especially towards school staff and her sisters.

We live in constant fear that Johnna will get out of the house or yard. Johnna has absolutely no safety or danger awareness. An oncoming car or a stranger means nothing to her. To be quite honest, we are fearful to take Johnna out because we don’t know what will happen. Will a change in routine set her off? Will she bolt when our backs are turned? Will she scream and have a meltdown because it’s too noisy or she has to wait? Will she bite, kick, scratch, pinch or head butt us because something or someone is bothering her and she can’t tell us? To be blunt, life with Autism can feel like being in a prison cell!

Life is hard for Johnna and that makes it hard for us, but we think we have found something that will help her. That something is an Autism Service dog. Johnna LOVES dogs! She seeks them out, they comfort her, and she is calm and more communicative around them. Dogs bring Johnna joy. It’s amazing how they bring out the best in her. After watching Johnna with our dog and therapy dogs, we’ve decided to apply for an Autism Service dog for her! A service dog would help Johnna navigate our world, help her cope at school and at home. It would enable us to venture out as a family unit instead of one of us staying behind with Johnna.

Here’s where all of our family and friends come into Johnna’s picture and her future.

We have discovered a nonprofit, 501c3 organization that trains dogs for people with disabilities, including Autism. Its name is 4 Paws for Ability and is located in Xenia, Ohio. In order for a dog to be trained specifically for Johnna’s needs (tracking, tethering-anchoring and behavior disruption) we have been asked to become volunteers and raise money for 4 Paws. 4 Paws for Ability has set our fundraising goal at $13,000.

Because 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit group all donations are tax deductible. We realize that in today’s tough economic times asking you to give may be tough, but we know an Autism Service Dog will help Johnna become a part of the world around her. Any and all fundraising ideas are welcome too! For more information see our website, http://www.4paws4johnna.weebly.com.

Every donation received in Johnna Mower’s honor brings us that much closer to realizing our dream of a specially trained canine companion for her! Donations can be made in Johnna Mower’s name online at www.4pawsforability.org or send in honor of Johnna Mower to:

4 Paws For Ability 253 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, OH 45385

Autism affects every aspect of Johnna’s life and those around her. Each day presents new challenges and small victories. Rob and I know an Autism Service Dog will result in a major victory in Johnna’s fight against Autism, and our fight for Johnna.

Our Sincere Thanks, Shannon and Rob Mower

Barbie Brockmeyer needs fishing pal...and more

Hello, my name is Barbara Brockmeyer. I am diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy and have to have assistance with everyday activities like walking and standing. My main sources of mobility are my scooter and crutches.

A parent has to be by my side every time I go out. Making friends is difficult because people feel uncomfortable dealing with my disability.

I need a service dog. The dog is trained to assist me as well as to be my best friend. I need your help to make my dream come true please. 4 Paws For Ability is a non-profit organization in Xenia Ohio that trains service dogs for the disabled. I have to raise $13,000 to get a service dog.

Please donate to 4 Paws for Ability and say, "In honor of Barbie Brockmeyer." Thank you.

Lonely boy needs an autism service dog

Derek Mummert is six years old and he was diagnosed at the age of three with Autism. He is an amazing little boy with a lot of love in his heart and he is full of spirit. Derek is full of energy and is always on the go doing something. Whether it be rummaging in his toy box to find just the right toy to spin or jumping on his little trampoline, his energy is endless.

Derek has a love for the water, so every chance he gets he will take as many baths as you will let him. Because he does this just for the opportunity to feel the water, we got him involved in a few swimming programs so that he could do what it is he loves to do. He enjoys every bit of his time in the water, connecting with his trainers and the water.

Derek also enjoys his playtime at the park, going bowling, and going to the library to play in their tree house. He has a love for books, and especially enjoys The Little Critter Series by Mercer Mayor, and Curious George. Getting through one day is very trying for Derek, as he has challenges adapting to the many different backgrounds and noises he encounters at places such as the grocery store, school, in the car, in a crowd, on the street or even when too many people are gathered in one place.

Derek is an only child and he struggles to make friends because he is unaware of what is socially acceptable, and this interferes with his ability to make friends. He does a lot of arm flapping and loud noises and this tends to make other children shy away from him.

By school age, most children have many friends whom they play with, go places together and even have sleepovers, but Derek's interests are much different and he does not understand what friend making is, so he is usually found playing alone that can be very lonely for him.

Everyone needs a friend and because Derek does not have that ability yet, we have decided that a service dog would be the best thing for him, to serve as his companion and to help him open up to more people and help him with his many different challenges. Thanks to 4 Paws for Ability, Derek now has hope for a brighter happier future to have a friend.

FASD victim Zachary needs a service dog

Written by Lisa Rowe. Zachary is a 13-year-old boy living in Central Ohio. Zachary has had to overcome many obstacles in his young life, he has fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) along with secondary disabilities.

Zachary is the adopted son of Lisa and Jeffrey Rowe. Zachary's birth mother drank while pregnant.

In persons with FASD, the corpus collosum (processes information between right and left brain) may be damaged and may not function adequately. There may not be as many pathways between the two sides of the brain, and so information may pass slowly or ineffectively.

People with FASD have permanent brain damage, which can lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems, memory deficits, attention deficits, hyperactivity, or mental retardation. This is "static encepha-lopathy," meaning brain damage that doesn't get any better and doesn't get any worse.

There is no way to reverse the damage to the brain.

Because of this disability, Zachary has trouble with daily living skills, abstract thinking, cognitive skills, social skills, impulsivity, frustration levels, safety issues, and making the correct choices.

I have done extensive research into the potential benefits a service dog could provide Zachary. What sealed my decision was watching him not be able to interact socially with his peers due to his disruptive behaviors and inability to read social cues correctly and worse yet not understanding why "no one wanted to be his friend."

It broke my heart. Zachary wants to be like every other 13-year-old child: he wants to be able to interact socially with his peers, not feel frustrated and upset while trying to do simple tasks that most people do not have to think twice about doing.

It is Zachary's hope and ours that an FASD service dog will help him accomplish these simple goals and desires.

A Solution for Zachary and what we need help with

4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization located in Xenia, Ohio has the answer. This organization trains Service Dogs for kids with FASD. 4 Paws was the first agency to begin placing skilled FASD service dogs with children and continues to be the largest organization in the United States placing FASD service dogs. The dog will be trained specifically for Zachary based on his disabilities. Besides being a loving and loyal companion to him, the dogs training will include how to respond to Zachary and calm him whenever he has a disruption in his behavior.

Behavior Disruption: When Zachary has emotional outbursts the dog will be trained to interpret this as a signal to lay its nose or foot on him gently nudging him to stop, even if only for a few minutes.

For the dog, it becomes a game and there comes the possibility that Zachary may decide to pet or play ball with the dog, or maybe even cuddle with him. It is our hope that Zachary will one day be able to self regulate his actions and make better choices for himself thus making it possible for him to interact appropriately with others.

Tether: While in public places, my husband and I must always be watching Zachary so he does not slip away. With the help of the Service Dog, Zachary will wear a special harness that is attached to the dog and the dog in turn will be controlled by either my husband or me.

In this way, much of the anxiety of going to public places is removed. and Zachary is given a greater freedom of movement and the feeling of independence.

If you can help, please either go to the 4 Paws for Ability Website's Donation Page (please make sure to write "in honor of Zachary Rowe" in the special instructions box on PayPal which will appear on the last page of the process), or mail a check to 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. Please write "in honor of Zachary Rowe" in the memo line of your check. Your donation will be tax deductible and will be a blessing to Zachary's family. Thanks!

Angel battles cardiomyopathy, epilepsy, ADHD, and micromitchondrial disorder

Angel Parsons is a very kind and sweet hearted girl who will be seven on August 25th, 2009. Angel has epilepsy, which causes her to have several small seizures daily.

She also has cardiomyopathy, and a micromitchondrial disorder with no know syndrome. In the medical journals she is the only one who this disorder. She receives speech, occupational and physical therapy weekly.

Our sweet Angel also has ADHD, which makes it hard for her to focus. She gets confused and disoriented when coming out of seizures. She is our special gift from God and we want only the best care for her.

Angel’s inability to sense danger scares us. She is not able to cross the street by herself. Her lack of social skills makes it hard to communicate with her. We always have to be aware of where she is and what she is doing because she of this inability to sense danger.

We always have to be listening, seeing, knowing where and what she is doing. All our senses are open and being used to make sure Angel is well taken care of. Angel has a tendency to wander off without asking, which can be a very scary thing. With a Multipurpose Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability, Angel will be safer.

This will be a great companion for Angel as well as someone to give her comfort when she's going in and out of seizures. This service dog will not only assist family but friends, teachers, and community members when Angel is in need of help.

We have been hoping for a way to help us help her and now prayers have been answered.

Will you help make Angel's dream come true? Since 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit organization, your donation in Angel Parsons' name is tax deductible. Thank you for either giving online or by mailing a check or money order to the following:

4 Paws for Ability, Inc.
253 Dayton Avenue
Xenia, Ohio 45385

Thank you...Angel's family.

Pituitary Brain Tumor Slams Tiny Tot

Vinnie Rodriguez is just two years old. In those two years, he has been through a lot. Right before he turned one, he got very sick and was hospitalized with seizures. During his hospital stay, he underwent a series of tests. After the tests results came back, the doctors came in and asked us to have a seat.

They explained that Vinnie has a pituitary brain tumor. My family and I were devastated. No words can explain the feelings we had. Since that diagnosis, his seizures have been ongoing and have not yet been controlled by medication. Vinnie's seizures cause him to have speech and learning delays. He has behavioral therapy that work with him three to four times a week to help him in these areas. They also help him with his autistic behavior and unchangeable routines that tend to frustrate him and us.

It's so hard for us as parents to watch him go through so much and not be able to do anything about it. But, that's not quite accurate: we can do something about it. There is an organization called 4 Paws for Ability. They train seizure alert dogs to help children just like Vinnie.

This dog will be a constant companion and will be able to recognize the signs of an oncoming seizure, and comfort Vinnie during and after a seizure. This dog will also be able to accompany him to all his doctor appointments, hospital stays, and stores where there are crowds, etc. This will help our little boy feel at ease in any of the tense situations he's likely to experience.

We need to raise money to pay for the special training of this service dog, and we need your help. Because 4 Paws for Ability is a nonprofit agency, your donations in Vinnie's name are tax deductible. Thank you for either giving online sending your donation to:

4 Paws for Ability
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385

Assistance Dog Needed to Help Emily Manage Disabilities

Emily Lowe suffers from multiple disabilities ranging from autism, mental retardation, frontal lobe disorder, to sensory overload. And she often acts out by having temper tantrums and throwing herself to the floor.

She is a sad little girl who has trouble keeping in tune with the world around her. It took us some time to find out that her brain was misfiring every two minutes.

Emily is an active 10-year-old girl who adores animals. However, she does not talk to many people, and will not make eye contact with people. She has generalized anxiety disorder when upset or overwhelmed, she lacks social skills, becomes easily frustrated, has meltdowns, and tries to hurt herself by pulling her hair, slapping herself, biting, and tearing off her clothes.

Unaware of danger, she couldn't tell you whether something is hot or cold. She would not be able to cross a street by herself. And she would never be able to call 911. She seems at time to be living in her own little shell and needs a best friend.

She has a sister who is 13 and is sometime overwhelmed because of Emily's disabilities. That's true of Mom and Dad as well, but we all love and support her. We the family made a communication breakthrough when we truly realized that there is a normal girl inside this special mind who just can't get out in typical ways.

Now we are asking for help in getting Emily a best friend to go everywhere she goes. We hope to turn her frown upside down. There are so many ways a 4 Paws for Ability Assistance Dog will help Emily that it's difficult to know where to begin!

We are fundraising for that special dog. All donations you make are to be designated in honor of Emily Lowe and are to be made to 4 Paws for Ability. And since 4 Paws is a nonprofit agency, your donations are tax free.

Kirkpatrick kids need Seizure Alert Service Dog

Kory and Kade Kirkpatrick are brothers and beautiful little boys who are affected by Epilepsy every day of their lives. Kade began having seizures at six weeks of age. His Epilepsy is known as "Refractory Epilepsy." This means it is not controlled by medication.

Kade's Epilepsy has caused balance, speech, and cognitive problems. Kade's seizures are generalized, which means that each seizure affects the entire brain. During a generalized seizure Kade stops breathing.

During a Partial Complex seizure, Kade stares and has no cognitive awareness. On July 17, 2009 Kade was admitted to Cleveland Clinic for a brain surgery evaluation. We found that he is not a candidate for Epilepsy surgery. However, the Cleveland Clinic is in the process of finding out what has caused all four of our children to have a neurological problem. They have found a genetic component they believe may have caused the problems.

Kory was diagnosed with Epilepsy in June 2009. Kory has seizures at night and focal seizures during the day. This means that Kory may have an arm or leg shake, and he is completely aware of this happening but cannot stop it.

Kory's seizures are similar to night terrors. He screams and runs through the house, disturbing everyone's sleep patterns. This also results in waking Kade up and causing him to have seizures during the night.

The doctors believe that there is a genetic component that has caused all four of our children to have neurological conditions. We want our children to have the best possible life and have independence from Epilepsy.

In order to get some relief for our family and offer our children some independence, we have decided to seek the help of "4 Paws for Ability" a nonprofit organization that trains service dogs for children with Epilepsy. In order to obtain a Seizure Alert Dog we have partnered with 4 Paws to fund raise $15,000.

This wonderful dog will be extensively trained to alert us of seizures up to an hour before the actual seizure occurs, aid Kade with balance, and will comfort the kids after a seizure occurs. It will also be trained to retrieve items for the boys if the tremors in their hands are to strong for them to easily pick things up.

We are mailing this letter to all friends, family, and community members to try and seek help with our fundraising efforts. We are asking that you help us in one of several ways: donate funds, help fundraise, or simply keep us in your prayers.

All donations to 4 Paws for Abilityin honor of the Kirkpatrick children are tax deductible. Thank you for time and consideration.

Sincerely: Kary, Kimberly, Kaytlin, Kory, Kade, and Kelsey Kirkpatrick

Caden Butler Modaff seeks Furry Coping Mechanism

I'm Caden Butler Modaff, and I love trains and tractors. I have a mommy who says I have beautiful blue eyes. I have a daddy who thinks I am super smart and strong, and I have a sister Ryley who thinks I'm funny. I also have autism.

When I was about 15 months old, I started using all of the cool words that I knew but by the time I was 18 months old I could only say two words. I also started lining everything up in the house and stacking whatever I could. I got really upset when anyone would touch my lines or stacks and once I have what mommy calls "a meltdown," I can't calm myself back down.

I get frustrated very easily and don't like when my routine gets changed which is a problem because both my big sister Ryley and I have immune deficiencies that cause us a lot of trips to the doctor and hospital for blood work and surgeries. People outside of my house are really scary and I don't understand when they want to talk to me or touch me; I try to hide my face whenever I can.

Thank goodness I have a blankie and a pacifier that I can take places with me. If I can't hide, I sometimes try to run away, which scares my parents because they are worried that I will get hurt or lost. I have been in speech therapy and have a lot more words now but still use a lot of gestures and pictures to communicate with people.

I can only eat food in the form that I first meet it which means I still eat baby food and have trouble eating out unless they serve eggs which I love! I also can't sleep very well and most nights end up in my mommy and daddy's room; I have a lot of night terrors and can't go back to sleep very well on my own.

After lots of tests my doctors decided I have a form of autism called PDD-NOS and some Sensory Integration problems. When I don't know what to do now I look for my blankie and pacifier or my parents. My parents have to help me a lot which is sometimes hard on my sister because my parents don't want her to have to grow up too fast or miss out on activities because they are afraid I will get too scared or upset.

My mommy found out about a nonprofit organization, she calls it a 501c3, called 4 Paws for Ability. They are the first organization in the United States to train autism service dogs and what is really cool is that they understand that little kids like me can't wait until we are older so they will place dogs with people of any age.

We applied and are very grateful that we have been accepted into the program. In order for me to qualify to receive a dog, we need to raise $13,000 for 4 Paws for Ability. After we raise the money, my doggie angel will be chosen for me, and then we'll get to go to our own training which will be tough but a lot of fun and we just can't wait.

My dog will be trained just for me. He will be trained primarily in tracking to help my family find me if I get lost or wander off, tethering which is a cool anchor system that will help keep me from bolting in public, and behavior disruption so that I can learn to calm down on my own. Daddy says this isn't a cure, but it will give me another coping mechanism and that its going to really help our family. Mommy says its going to improve my quality of life and give me and my sister a chance to just be a kids.

We have a website if you'd like more information or just want to see some more pictures, just ask my grandma if my sister and I are cute kids. You can find us at A Dog for Caden. If you would like to make a donation you can donate online at 4 Paws for Ability or you can mail your check or money order to 4 Paws For Ability, Inc., 253 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Just please make sure that you mark your donation In Honor of Caden Butler Modaff so that I receive credit towards my requirement. All donations are tax deductible; I don't know what taxes are but I hear daddy talk about them a lot so this must be important!

If you ask me if I want a service dog, I would probably say “"No," but I say "No" to everything, even if I really mean "Yes." Trust me, I can't wait to get my service dog, and maybe it will even help me say "Yes" when mommy asks me if I love her.

Welcome to Tali's World

Tali Radicke is a beautiful and unique fifteen-year-old girl born with Tuberous Sclerosis, who started having seizures at the age of one. Tali was born on June the 3rd in Seguin, Texas.

A healthy baby girl...or so they said. She was learning above her age. Shortly after the age of one she started to have seizures. The doctors didn't know why. Mom searched for a doctor to tell her why Tali was having seizures.

After many doctors, a lot of tests, and a lot of seizures, Mom did find one doctor to tell her that with the markings on her body and the MRI testing, Tali had Tuberous Sclerosis.

Continuing...Tali, now age two-and-a-half, has lost her ability to talk and drink out of a cup, along with other things at that age due to seizures. As the years have gone by we have had a lot of Speech and Occupational Therapy (OT).

Tali is now 15 years old. And has found out recently that she has three brain tumors. Doctors have tried all seizure medication. None work to stop them. The Ketigenic Diet, which did work, but had to be stopped because it became too dangerous.

The VNS was tried but had to come out due to the device becoming infected with MRSA. Which started a series of surgery's on Tali's neck to get the infection out.

Now she has paralyzed vocal cords.

Tali has to raise a total of $15,000.00 for a Multipurpose Assistance Dog. Trained in Seizure Alert, Behavior Disruption, Tracking, and Tethering.

A multipurpose dog could help Tali improve safety and security at home, in the public, and at school. This service dog will help improve behavior by lending support to Tali as she copes in highly stressful situations and with routine changes.

Also, a multipurpose service dog offers more freedom to her parents by allowing them to shop and do other things around the house with little worry about having a seizure without warning. What a way to ensure that and the child is much safer...and less stressed.

This dog will also help improve communication. The dog can act as a companion, offering unconditional love and friendship. Tali desperately needs this support.

All donations you are making are in the honor of Tali and are made to:

4 PAWS FOR ABILITY
253 DAYTON AVENUE
XENIA, OHIO 45385

If you could please include Tali Radicke's name on the memo line on the check or money order or on the website Donation page, so 4 Paws for Ability will know where the donation should go...Thank you from Tali's family.

Lonely, overwhelmed Jamaal needs an autism service dog

Upon first meeting Jamaal Clipps, you would never guess that there is anything different about him. He is a tall, slender twelve-year-old with big brown eyes and a beautiful smile. It is only when you begin to make conversation with him that you notice something different.

The monotone voice, the lack of eye contact, short answers, or maybe no answers, and walking away before the conversation is over are only a few behaviors that lead to questions such as "Does he understand what I’m saying?" from adults and "Why does he act like that?" from his peers.

Then come his cartoon character voices matched with facial expressions and Jamaal is having a conversation and laughing at things that entertain him. The problem is that this conversation is for an audience of one, leading to more isolation.

Jamaal is diagnosed with mild to moderate autism. He is easily frustrated, wanders away when stressed, will not try many new things, has trouble understanding the nuances of social situations and many times is seen as weird or strange by his peers because of his many behaviors.

Keeping someone with autism in tune with the world around them is a challenging 24 hour/7-day a week job. It requires constant involvement in therapy and activities aimed at helping the child become accustomed to a world that feels overwhelming and confusing. So overwhelming and confusing that the only place he feels safe is inside his head with his imaginary characters, or for Jamaal, characters from his favorite cartoons and movies.

The catch is that for people with autism, one never "really becomes accustomed" to the world around them. They tolerate it, and not always very well. But there is an agency that is dedicated to helping people with special needs integrate with much more ease into the world around them.

4 Paws for Ability, a non-profit agency located in Xenia, Ohio is dedicated in its mission to help children and adults with developmental disabilities to adjust to by training dogs to act as guides, companions, social buffers and initiators to the world around them.

4 Paws for Ability, under the leadership of executive director Karen Shirk, has accepted Jamaal into its program and will be training an Autism Assistance Dog to meet his specific needs including the following:

• Interrupting his tantrums when he is becoming frustrated
• Tracking him if he wanders away
• Tethering to keep him focused and paying attention to where he is going when we are in public

Additionally, having a service dog will provide a wonderful introduction between Jamaal and his peers. In exchange for the training of his service dog, we have agreed to help 4 Paws for Ability in their fundraising efforts.

Training a service dog requires a great deal of time, patience and can be costly. The training of the Autism Assistance dog to meet Jamaal’s specific needs will cost $13,000.

All donations made in Jamaal Clipps’ name will be credited to him and go directly to 4 Paws for Ability and the cost of training of these very special and vital dogs in expanding the abilities of the children and adults they are placed with.

All donations are greatly appreciated and are a tax deduction as 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. is a 501c3 organization. Please make checks payable to 4 Paws for Ability to be mailed to:

4 Paws for Ability, Inc.
253 Dayton Ave
Xenia, Ohio 45385.

Please note on your check that the donation is made in honor of Jamaal Clipps. For more information regarding this agency, you may directly contact 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. by the method most convenient for you.

1. 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, Ohio, 45385
2. Phone (937) 374-0385
3. http://www.4pawsforability.org
4. Email

Idiopathic Infantile Spasms torment Carson Martin

Carson Martin just turned one year old. He is an amazing precious child who has a personality that is almost too big for his little body! He has a smile that will melt your heart, and a contagious belly laugh. He looks pretty much like any other one year old, but he isn't. Carson is sick. He has Idiopathic Infantile Spasms (IS), a rare and dangerous form of epilepsy.

Carson had his first seizure at nine months old, since then he has had many more. Carson is on a twelve-week course of steroid injections that we give him at home. He takes medication that makes him clumsy and grumpy and irritable. He goes to the neurologist, to the lab to get his blood drawn, and home health care nurses come to our home twice a week.

The statistics for Infantile Spasms are scary. Seventy percent of kids who have IS have some form of developmental delay, ranging from mild learning disabilities to mental retardation. About half of the kids who have IS continue to have seizures throughout their lives. IS is characterized by seizures that come in clusters, and occur mostly as a child is waking up or falling asleep. Almost all of Carson's seizures have been at bedtime, naptime, or early in the morning. Sometimes he will wake up in the night and have seizures.

We were desperate to do something for Carson. A friend told me about a not- for-profit organization called 4 Paws for Ability that specializes in training service dogs for children with disabilities, including seizure alert dogs. These dogs can sleep in the bed with your baby and alert you if he's having a seizure. They can go to medical appointments and procedures and help keep your child calm. They offer companionship to kids who have seizures. These dogs improve the quality of life of sick kids, kids like Carson.

I filled out an application and we were accepted into the program at 4 Paws. I feel so blessed because 4 Paws believes in early intervention. They believe that a seizure alert dog can start helping Carson, who is about to have his first birthday. Now we have the challenge of raising $13,000.00 to qualify to receive this highly trained assistance dog.

Carson's dog will become his constant companion and will be able to recognize the signs of an oncoming seizure. Carson's dog, will alert us before/during a seizure, and provide him comfort during medical appointments and uncomfortable procedures.

This dog will give our family peace of mind. We will be able to sleep again without the fear that Carson will have a seizure in the middle of the night and we won't know. I want to change Carson's life. This isn't the kind of life he's supposed to have: it can't be. A life of needles, screaming, doctors appointments and seizures is not a life for anyone, let alone a one-year-old beautiful little boy.

I know Carson's dog cannot cure his illness, but if it makes any of this even a little easier for him, it's the right thing to do.

A 4 Paws dog would be a life-changing gift for our family, a gift that would bring us some peace, a gift that would improve Carson's quality of life. Carson needs your help to get this dog. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability, Inc. in honor of Carson. Make your check payable to 4 Paws for Ability, including " In Honor of Carson Martin" on the memo line and mail to 4 Paws For Ability, Inc. 253 Dayton Ave, Xenia, Ohio 45385.

No amount is too small, every little bit will help, and will be SO appreciated! You can also make a donation online by going to www.4pawsforability.org and clicking the make a donation link. Be sure to put "In Honor of Carson Martin" on your donation.

Dying, beaten, shaken baby defied all odds!

We are therapeutic foster parents in Northern Virginia. We take the harder-to-place children into our home. Many cannot integrate into the family setting. Some stay for a long time, some go quickly, and some never leave our home, becoming a permanent family member. These children have been abused, neglected, abandoned, and many of their parents have had their parental rights terminated, leaving these children orphans. Currently we have five children in our home and five grown children. A sibling group of three who have been with us for almost 14 years, a 15-year-old boy with autism and processing problems who is up for adoption, and Henna. This story is about Henna, 11, and her spirit to live and God's plan to use her to touch the hearts of all she meets.

Henna Soto was two years old when she was admitted to the hospital with a traumatic brain injury. She had been thrown against a concrete wall for crying too long. She had two depressed skull fractures, old blood on the brain from previous injuries, a lacerated liver, suspected sexual abuse, and shaken baby syndrome. All of her injuries were inflicted by the hand of her biological father.

Henna coded while on the way to the hospital via helicopter and was brought back to life only to go into surgery to relieve pressure on her brain. She was not expected to live throughout the night. Henna was in a coma for one month hanging on to life. Then the miracle happened! Henna woke up and was able to move all her limbs and speak, shocking all of the medical professionals.

Henna was placed with our foster care agency and we were called for an emergency placement to take her. When I arrived at the agency Henna was sitting, head shaved, with a feeding tube. She wore a frilly dress with black patent shoes. She couldn't walk. I swooped her up and off we went singing all of the songs my older children loved when they were little. Although Henna couldn't walk we felt she was displaying normal behavior for a two-year-old. She was so starved for stimulation that she went crazy with all of the toys, pets, and people who came to meet her. She had lived in a basement with little to do and few toys to play with.

Shortly after her arrival we noticed Henna would "check out" for a period of time and then come back to what she was doing. She had an EEG and we found out she was having seizures. Her seizures have no focal point so they fire from all over her brain. That makes it hard to determine where they originate so we can't use a medication that would treat that area. Instead, we use two medications that are broad spectrum seizure drugs that have helped but not totally eliminated Henna's seizures.

The first 2 years we had Henna she had fifty or more seizures a day. She had to wear a helmet and needed supervision 24/7. Finally as Henna grew and became older her seizures lessened. Along with her seizures Henna has severe brain damage, ADHD, developmental delays in all areas; speech, cognitive, and motor. She also has post traumatic stress disorder. Henna now has about 10 seizures a day and throughout the night causing her to fall, become disoriented, experience incontinence, and affecting her learning.

We see slow progress but don't know how much she will grow emotionally and cognitively. We have been told that surgery and diet are not options for Henna so we must work with medications. Our doctors have told us not to expect much but Henna has proven over and over again that miracles do happen.

Henna required so much attention and supervision in those early years that all the family members took turns watching her. Three of our children have attachment problems and while they were nurturing and taking care of Henna, her vulnerability and helplessness moved them in ways that opened up their hearts. Over the years God has used Henna to touch other people wherever she goes. She LOVES music and could sing a song before she could actually put a sentence together. She has just learned to write her name. Henna has a great sense of humor which keeps everyone laughing. She has a strong will and wants to do everything on her own.

Henna wanders off never thinking about the dangers in her environment. She is curious and friendly to all she meets. Her safety has become our number one concern as she gets older and ventures out into the world. We found the 4 Paws For Ability website and thought a service dog would give Henna companionship, more independence, and hopefully alert when she was having a seizure. She asks daily when her dog is coming and then watches for the mailman. If it could only be that simple!

This is such an important cause that will empower Henna and other children to experience life to the fullest. This dog, friend, will help Henna in many areas not to mention the peace of mind we will have knowing she has a companion who will look out for her, help keep her safe, and love her unconditionally. If God places it on your heart to help Henna, any donation will be greatly appreciated. Please makes checks out to 4 Paws For Ability and don't forget to write "In Honor of Henna Soto" on the memo line of the check. All donations are tax deductible and you will receive a receipt from 4 Paws for Ability. And here is a link to our special website for Henna. We welcome your visit.

Thank you for your kindness. Henna will be blessed and one step closer to her dream by your donation... Chris & Jan Soto

Up, Up, and Away! is JT's motto!

I'm J.T. Stuart - a smart guy with a sense of adventure and no fear of danger - all traits that get me into lots of trouble and require someone to watch me every minute of every day even if the area has been "J.T.-proofed." I love to get hold of scissors and alter my clothes. Petroleum jelly and zinc oxide ointment are fun too, especially if someone is trying to catch hold of me!

I like being around people so much that I never want to go to sleep. "Late to bed, early to rise and always keep my dad by my side" is my motto so if I wake up in the middle of the night to find myself alone in bed I just go into my parents' room and jump in between Mom and Dad!

I'm also a very independent kid who loves to get up and go - away - as fast as I can. I've managed to get away from my school aides and my parents on several occasions. I like to visit the local parks and make friends with strangers, particularly other dads and granddads.

My family would like your help to get me an autism service dog to keep me out of trouble and away from the neighborhood pond. You can do this by sending a tax-free donation in my honor to 4 Paws for Ability.

Thank you.

Nothing deters Hannah. Not laryngomalacia, mitochondrial disorder, autism, or epilepsy!

Hannah Godfrey is almost 4 years old with beautiful dark hair and deep blue eyes. She can light up a room with her smile and laughter. She is full of life and extremely resilient.

While she has had a difficult course from birth, it hasn't deterred her. She spent several days in the NICU having tests done to rule out any infection and was diagnosed with laryngomalacia (a condition which can interfere with breathing).

Hannah had some difficulty breathing and was sent home on oxygen and an apnea monitor. Over the course of time she had test after test and had several hospitalizations.

At nine months old she had a tube placed in her belly (G-tube) due to difficulty feeding and gaining weight. Ultimately following a muscle biopsy in 2008, she was diagnosed with a mitochondrial disorder, with no known cure.

She has also been placed on the autism spectrum. She is currently non-verbal and cannot walk independently. She began having seizures in 2008 and was diagnosed with epilepsy this year. Despite all this, she continues to make small gains and never gives up.

We work on getting her to eat orally every day as well as getting her stronger through several therapy modalities. Getting a service dog to help detect seizures (she usually runs into breathing problems with seizures and requires an EMS call) as well as helping her to become more involved with the outside world will be a tremendous gift.

This little girl has a huge amount of strength and potential inside her. When she was born, we thought we had so much to teach her about the world, when actually, she has taught us so much about enjoying the smallest gifts of everyday life.

We did not anticipate this type of path-as all parents of special needs children don't-however we are learning that living a different way of life may be challenging but it can also bring joy that you never knew existed.

Bringing a dog into our family is exciting and we can't wait to give Hannah a friend who can be with her always, but especially during the scary, tough times. God bless you for taking the time to read about our story and little girl and finding it in your heart to give, whatever you can. All donations to 4 Paws for Ability in Hannah Godfrey's name are tax deductible.

Help Give Connor Independence and Companionship

Four-year-old Connor Kremser of Westlake, Ohio, likes many of the same things as other children his age. He loves McDonald's French fries, playing in the pool, being tickled by his Mommy and Daddy, and climbing the jungle gym. But Connor is different from most four-year-olds. He suffers from an invisible disability. Connor is autistic.

Autism is a mysterious disorder. It affects each child differently. Connor has limited understanding and little functional speech. He is overwhelmed by sights, sounds, and the frustration of being trapped in a world of his own.

He often acts out, having temper tantrums, and sometimes throwing himself to the ground. Connor lacks social skills and an ability to connect emotionally with others, including his family.

Despite all of his challenges, Connor's family loves him very much. His father, Mark, says that Connor is his hero. Connor's older sister, Kyra, calls Connor "her special little buddy." And Connor's mother, Laura, is just crazy about him. A day doesn't go by that Connor doesn't make everyone in his family smile.

Since his diagnosis, Connor has continued to make great progress. But it's not been easy. He has been blessed with wonderful and dedicated teachers and therapists who have helped Connor and his parents pull him more and more out of his own world and into ours. But he still has a long, long way to go....

There is no way to know what caused Connor's autism, or to predict his future. But Connor's family has found a ray of hope in their home state of Ohio. 4 Paws For Ability is a not-for-profit agency that helps train and place service dogs with disabled children like Connor.

An autism service dog would be trained to help Connor with meltdowns, disruptive behaviors, tracking to help find Connor if he wanders off, and give Connor independence. But most of all, Connor will have a loyal friend who will love him unconditionally.

Please help Connor's family by supporting this wonderful organization. Please make a tax deductible donation "in Honor of Connor Kremser" to 4 Paws For Ability.

To learn more, please visit www.paws4connor.webs.com and www.4pawsforability.org.

And here's the URL for Connor Kremser's video

Multiple disabilities mean Khiera needs a seizure service dog

Kheira McClanahan needs your help! Kheira is 8 yrs. old. She has multiple disabilities. Spina Bifida (which means her spinal cord didn't develop normally and when she was born she had a hole in her back exposing her spinal cord), Hydrocephalus (there is too much fluid on her brain and it doesn't drain correctly), and Epilepsy (a seizure disorder).

As you can imagine Kheira has dealt with SO many problems in her life already, and has many more to come. Her first 2 surgeries happened when she was only 19 hours old! They were to close the hole in her spine and to place a "vp shunt" into her skull to drain the water from her brain and keep it at a certain level. She has had 8 other surgeries, mostly on her hips, because they keep popping out of place. When she has hip surgeries she has to be in a cast that goes from her toes all the way up to her chest.

Kheira is small for her age and very delayed. She has NO problem making friends though, but the kids her age tend to run off to play leaving Kheira sitting in her wheelchair watching. The biggest challenge with Kheira's disability is the seizures. Although they are getting less severe to where she doesn't need to go to the hospital each time, they are becoming more frequent. The longest one she has ever had lasted an hour and 45 minutes. She has been life flighted to Akron Children's hospital 4 times for seizures. Now her seizures only last up to 3 minutes at the most but she has them EVERY day, as many as 9 in one single day.

With her having these seizures every day it makes it impossible for us to leave her unattended for even a few minutes. We never know when she's going to have one, so that means she is NEVER out of our sight. All these things together make her a very frustrated little girl. The simplest things like brushing her hair, giving medications, and changing her diaper turn into battles. She gets upset so quickly when she can't do something on her own. She hates being dependant on us for everything!

Here's where you come in! WE NEED HELP! We found this AMAZING organization called 4 Paws for Ability; they provide service dogs for any child with a disability. Many service dog organizations do not place dogs with children, so you can imagine our excitement to finally find one who did! We have committed to 4Paws to fundraise the amount of money it takes to train this special dog for Kheira. Some of the things the dog will do for her are:

• Retrieve items she can't reach.
• Open doors, turn on/off lights.
• Go with her to doctor visits.
• Go with her to hospital stays.
• Go with her to therapy sessions with her to help with anxiety.
• Calm her down when she's upset.
• Help with socialization.
• Alert us to her seizures, so she will finally be able to sleep and play in her own room. This is the most important aspect of all.

Any donation is helpful. It doesn't matter if it's $1 or the entire $14,000. Every penny counts. Please make checks payable to 4 Paws for Ability and note that the donation is "in honor of Kheira McClanahan" on the memo line of your check. Mail it to 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, Ohio 45385. Or go to www.4pawsforability.org to make an online donation in Kheira's honor. All donations are tax deductible.

Thank you so much for your help! The McClanahan Family

Escape artist never met a stranger & needs autism service dog

Robbie Aversa is one of the 1:150 children affected with Autism. He has had numerous tests over the years to help answer the question, "Why?" only for the tests to come back "NORMAL." However we know that Robbie is not "NORMAL" in the sense of his peers. His verbal communication is very limited and he has a difficult time communicating with the world around him.

It is very difficult for him to communicate his needs, wants, and desires. This is frustrating for Robbie and he will often have "melt-downs" as a result. Also when Robbie is in a situation or environment that is too overbearing, he will bite his hands, scream, stomp, and push since he has no other way to express his anxiety.

Other obstacles he encounters is needing assistance with almost all activities of daily living, such as dressing, toileting, bathing, etc. He has no concept of environmental dangers, such as traffic, as he often runs out into the street without looking; drowning, as he always seeks out water and wants to play in it; or the ill intentions of a stranger, he will go with anyone.

He is an "escape artist," and has on two occasions become lost in the neighborhood. On one occasion he was found a block away laying with the homeowners dog in the backyard. As you can imagine the ill feeling we had when he disappeared on those occasions.

We were fortunate that he was found quickly in both occasions safe and uninjured. As a result, very close tabs are kept on Robbie at all times and the stress level of mom and dad are extremely high when in public places and while it decreases at home, it is always present.

We want nothing more than to keep Robbie safe and help him be able to communicate with the world around him. An Autism Service Dog would give Robbie a constant, trusted companion that will be able to help him re-focus, to prevent melt-downs, to calm him in stressful situations, and to keep him from darting into a busy street.

Furthermore, if Robbie were to wander off, his dog will be able to help us find him and bring him back quickly and safely. Although $13,000 may seem costly, we believe it will be worth every penny for the unconditional love, companionship and safety the Dog will provide Robbie.

For more information you can visit www.RobbiesDog.webs.com

Gratefully,
Rob, Tonya, Chelsey (17), Kacie (13) and Robbie (12)
(The Aversa Family), Emporium, PA

Overwhelmed Sierra needs calming, loving, tracking service dog

Sierra Bland is 10 years old. In her 10 years she has endured more medical tests, procedures and hospitalizations than most people do in a lifetime. She can tell you in detail how to start an IV, replace her colostomy bag, or what needs to be done prior to surgery.

The most amazing thing about this little girl, however, is not her knowledge of medical details, or her unbelievable bravery, it is her joy.

Sierra has suffered from various medical conditions since birth. Although a cause for her conditions has never been determined, her symptoms have progressed over the years. She has been admitted to the hospital 12 times over the last 18 months and has had 2 recent surgeries due to a severe motility disorder.

Sierra suffers from post traumatic stress disorder as a result of her medical issues and is now sedated for many simple procedures.

Developmentally, she is globally delayed and has diagnoses that include severe ADHD, generalized anxiety disorder and PDD-NOS. When upset or overwhelmed, Sierra will have meltdowns, or pull out her nails or hair.

She is often unaware of common dangers due to her inattention. Sierra is sometimes discouraged by her differences, and social situations can become frustrating for her. Various medications have been tried but have been unsuccessful.

At the recommendation of Sierra’s doctors, she was considered for a service dog. A Service Dog will:

• Provide Sierra with the comfort and calm she needs when encountering a stressful situation. The dog can accompany her to the hospital, doctor appointments, even school.
• Interrupt unwanted behaviors and help stop meltdowns before they begin.
• Be trained to tether to Sierra so she can be safe in large public places when she is too inattentive to be safe.

These dogs have been proven to bring independence and confidence to the children that need it most.

The Ohio-based non-profit agency 4 Paws For Ability accepted Sierra’s application and her family is now partnering with them to raise the $11,000 it takes to train a dog in the skills that would best suit Sierra.

Would you consider helping 4 Paws to provide Sierra with her canine companion? For more information about this wonderful agency please visit 4pawsforability.org.

Heart defects and Asperger's fail to slow down rambunctious Benjamin!

Written by Benjamin's father. Benjamin Shawa is a special five-year-old who has high functioning autism, or sometimes known as Asperger's. Benjamin has had a rough go in his short life.

Benjamin was born with 3 major heart defects. When he was a week old he had open-heart surgery to correct two of his heart defects. Two years later he had to have another heart surgery to correct the third heart defect.

The next day after coming home from his second heart surgery his little sister came into the world and changed his life again.

Little did we understand or know that Benjamin had Asperger's. After some help from our friends who saw peculiar traits that Benjamin had, we were able to have him tested.

Benjamin is a very active little boy and sometimes just needs some help calming down. This is a hard task since he is our BIG little boy. He weighs about 60 lbs!

Let us explain the picture of the children in the dog crate. Last year we rescued a golden lab named Jack from the shelter in Tupelo, MS. He was an amazing dog and Benjamin and Emily adore him.

Our family needed to move in with some friends temporarily, and we gave Jack to a wonderful family that enjoys him as their own. The kids continuously call dogs Jack and even name their stuffed animals Jack! We are hoping that our 4 Paws dog may be a golden lab and they may be able to call him Jack. We know that may not come to fruition, but we can still pray specifically, right?

A service dog would be a great help for Benjamin in helping with his outbursts of energy and his rambunctious behavior. It is hard for my wife to handle him sometimes, and especially when we are in the public, it is hard to control him.

Benjamin also has what is called Sensory Processing Disorder. This is where his senses are heightened and he has a hard time with loud noises and bright lights. A service dog would also help him deal with these problems.

He also has a little problem of running!! The problem is he likes to run out of the car and into the parking lot when we go to the store. The dog would be great to help him slow down and be more aware of what is going on.

When we heard about 4 Paws we were so excited! We finally could get some help. It was such a relief to know that one day Benjamin would have a special friend to sleep with him and keep him company.

This organization is amazing! If you could help Benjamin get this special friend that could help him, please donate to "4 Paws for Ability"” and write "in honor of Benjamin Shawa" on the check.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers, love and support!

Chris haunted by sensory overload, sleepwalking, and poor social interaction

Written by Beverly Wallrauch. Chris Wallrauch is an incredible eight-year-old boy with Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Although he is very bright and loves to be silly, very few know it because he has such a hard time interacting with people. He has managed to capture the hearts of the few people who know him well, such as his teachers, occupational therapists and the staff at his school. He is curious, full of ideas and kind to a fault. He has a strong sense of right and wrong and truly cares about others. He also has a deep understanding of the beautiful and the important things in life. It's so deep that it's hard to explain. He has an amazing scope of knowledge!

But this isn't the Chris that most people see. Most people see a boy who won't make eye contact or respond to a hello or goodbye. If he does talk it may be lines from a movie, or a random phrase completely out of context. Of course the other kids don't know how to respond and may laugh at him and adults may comment or feel rebuffed. If children do say "Hi" or ask him to play, he usually won't answer or will mumble "No" out of fear. If there are more than two or three people nearby he will run and hide, refusing to come out.

If we are in a crowded or noisy place he may "head butt" me, pinch me, rock or make inappropriate noises. He may lash out and hit if he is extremely stressed. He sometimes hurts himself and frequently calls himself stupid. When he is in sensory overload he is oblivious to the dangers of crossing streets and runs out in front of cars. There have been several very close calls. He has run ahead in crowds and nearly gotten lost several times. He also has extreme auditory sensitivity.

The usual transitions in life are hard for our son: anything out of the routine, even taking a different way home, can set him off. At about four he began to have some serious anxiety issues and it became very hard to leave our home for any kind of family outing. Anyplace different, even just a restaurant would send him into a panic. Pretty much everything that other kids seem to love is a source of fear and anxiety for Chris. Birthday parties are nightmares. School functions are out of the question, and even going to church has become draining. Sometimes at home he doesn't even want me to go upstairs or downstairs without him. He gets anxious at bedtime if I can't sit with him until he falls asleep. Sometimes he sleepwalks and frequently gets up in the middle of the night, needing one of us to stay with him while he falls asleep.

School has been hard for him as well. Academically he does well if on medication and with an aide, but social gatherings or changes in routine are still very difficult. He did have to leave one school when the staff became worried that he would hurt himself since crashing into the concrete walls was Chris' way of coping with sensory overload. The staff at our rural public school have embraced him and his disability, helping him in any way they are able to, but socially Chris is still struggling, and as his peers interact with each other their social skills are building while his remain behind.

The gap is getting wider each day that he cannot participate with them and the differences are obvious. He rarely goes out for recess.

Then by accident (or divine intervention, I like to think) the idea of a service dog "found us." After Chris got up the nerve to attend and completed a short Saturday pet care class I thought it might help if he could volunteer somewhere to work with animals. Even though it was hard for him to participate, this class was one of the few social activities he could muster the courage to attend and we wanted to keep the momentum going. Then I saw an advertisement for help needed at a local service dog training facility. Before we went there, I sent an email telling them about Chris and what to expect when we got there. I didn't want them to immediately assume he was "bad" if he got over stimulated and out of control. I desperately wanted this to be a good experience for him. It was - and then some!

As a result of a mix up (they thought I was there to see about getting a dog) I was introduced to a volunteer who had a son with autism that was greatly helped by his service dog. She told me about all the ways that these dogs could help kids like Chris. I had no idea! While we talked Chris was introduced to a service dog in training, a 'smiling' dog named Tuck. Chris immediately felt more confident and came out of himself just enough to give the dog a few commands. Tuck's eagerness to please and quick response seemed to empower Chris.

Tuck was one of those dogs that simply oozed "joy"! After playing with the dog for awhile my son looked up at me smiling and whispered "I LOVE this place!" I thought I would cry right then and there. For those fleeting minutes Chris looked just like any other boy playing with a dog, caught up in the moment, oblivious to the noise and the people. No hiding, no head butting. The fact that he was able to express his current emotion was also no small thing. After we left an hour later my son wanted to know when we could go back! It was nothing short of amazing. I knew then that this was exactly what Chris needed and I couldn't wait to tell my husband about it!

Although we were unhappy to hear that this organization didn't provide autism service dogs, or service dogs to children under 10, it did start us on our journey. It wasn't long before I found 4 Paws for Ability and did some research. I asked Chris' doctor, psychiatrist, OT and teachers if they thought it would help and if they would provide references. It was a unanimous "Yes"!

We are now working with 4 Paws, a nonprofit, 501c3 organization whose mission is to place quality service dogs. To date they have placed over 400 service dogs with the majority being for autism assistance. We particularly liked the fact that many of these dogs come from shelters and rescue groups. As explained by 4 Paws, these dogs "create a consistency in the child's life as their dogs go everywhere that they go, even within places of public accommodation, and the educational system bringing along with them: consistency, stability, and calm reassurance that the feelings of anxiety or fear are not needed because the trusted buddy is by their side."

I know that once Chris gets his special dog that his horizons will broaden.

• He will talk to children that he may not have had to courage to interact with because he will have the security of his buddy as well as the perfect conversation starter!
• He will have a friend that can hold him back before he darts into traffic without the embarrassment of Mom hanging on to him.
• He will feel more comfortable in places that may have seemed too much because his dog will watch for increasing anxiety and respond with comforting pressure or nuzzles.
• He even will have to interact more at home when working with his dog.
• At family get-togethers he will have a furry friend to hang with while Mom and Dad talk to others, and this friend can help him interact.
• He will have a strong buddy to stay with him and help him feel safe at night.

We know that Chris has the ability to do a lot of good things when he grows up but it won't happen if he isn't able to get out and gain the basic social skills he needs. We also worry about high risk of depression and suicide in teenagers with Asperger's since they often become isolated or frequent victims of bullying. These are all things that having a service dog can help him with.

The best thing is that this dog will not only help Chris but many others in his world. It will help us be able to go out and do things as a family again. It will even bring joy to other children when they get a chance to know a really awesome kid, Asperger's and all. Maybe they will get to see the side of him that we see; the real Chris. And who knows, maybe more people will come to understand autism and Asperger's a little better too. All because of one special dog.

For more info about Chris and Asperger's Syndrome please visit: http://www.AserviceDog4Chris.org or http://www.4pawsforability.org.

If you would like to help Chris get his "helping paw," please donate to 4 Paws for Ability in his name: Chris Wallrauch. It will be appreciated more than words can say! Beverly, Ken and Chris Wallrauch

Becca the Beautiful: an Ultimate Survivor Needs Assistance

Written by Nancy Tally. Becca Tally's life can be summed up in the word traumatic. If Becca's life had been different I believe she would currently be standing right beside Elizabeth, her twin sister, in the ranks of the US Air Force.

But Becca's energy since infancy has been consumed in different kinds of life-threatening battles.

The battle of being premature; battles against proteus spinal meningitis, encephalitis, hydrocephalus, seizure disorder, pertussis, misdiagnosis due to human arrogance and indifference, invasive procedures, medication side effects, asthma, allergies, and public school administrators with "hidden agendas." Later battles consisted of years of no services and no placement then an ischemic stroke destroyed the right side of her brain.

Early childhood was tortuous consisting of intervention classes, therapy and doctor appointments punctuated by regular twelve-hour visits in the E.R. for multi hour-long seizures, leaving us both drained for days afterward. Adolescence saw the seizures worsen; five years of experiencing a 2.5 hour grand mal seizure every twenty eight days. Daily petit mals numbered in the hundreds. Unfortunately for us those days were well before Karen started 4 Paws, before seizure alert dogs were understood.

Now twenty six, Becca has watched everyone she knew: sibs, friends, neighbors grow up and move on with their lives. The most heart-wrenching times for me are when she verbalizes her awareness of what she does not have. The times when Becca would cry at the door after her sister left, saying, "I want to be Beth, I want to be Beth."

This is a young woman who has long needed a companion, a treasure, whose stay would not be as brief as all the other wonderful people who have passed through her life.

Becca has always been resistant to transitioning from one activity to another. If we do not set the right hook before trying to get her to do something else, she frequently becomes combative. Not a problem if we are both home as she is easily distractible. But if only one person is here, problems arise because when she is focused on getting you, she is not open to the distractions you present.

We need that treasured companion. A small behavior mod intervention from a 4 Paws dog will remove the potential of the caregiver being physically harmed by calming Becca and alleviating unnecessary stress from Becca's life.

Becca's dog will be trained to track. Becca can move very quickly on flat ground. On one side of our home there is a town house complex full of nooks and crannies to walk into and plenty of car traffic. Across the street is a forest preserve complete with lakes. I cannot tell you the panic I feel on those occasions when she escapes and is out of view before I get out the door. Which way do I go first? Which way did she go?

A mall escape is even scarier. She's only four foot ten inches, and if you blink or look at a display for fifteen seconds she can disappear amidst the racks. Her dog would also be used to tether her to me so I could actually stop and look at an item without her vanishing. She could actually come with me instead of being left behind at home where she feels excluded once again. I have stopped taking her out with me because she has disappeared for forty-five minutes at a clip in the mall. My heart can't take that anymore.

Our lives are based on trust. Becca trusts us to meet her needs and to protect her, and her service dog will trust her to meet their needs (room to grow in responsibility) and as we trust God to meet ours.

It is time for Becca to have a best friend and the improved life a service dog can provide. It is past time to have help identifying devastating nighttime seizures. It is time to be alerted to the quiet devastating seizures, to be able to obtain middle of the night medical intervention as needed.

Becca has triumphed. My little warrior has fought her battles undeterred by severe wounds and insurmountable obstacles. She has emerged victorious. These photos have all been taken since her stroke. As you can see she delights to be on the go despite her troublesome left side.

If you are interested in learning more about Becca's battles, go to her website. We will also share the fun parts of Becca's life. The camps she loves, the programs she enjoys, her delight of music and the groups she belongs to.

If you wish to help her now, send your tax deductible check to 4 Paws for Ability with her name, Rebecca Tally, in the memo line. And if you want to email her, the address is becca@beccasdream.org

Isaac Egan battles anxiety

Written by Melodie Robinson. When my son, Isaac Egan, was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome (a form of high-functioning autism) and Attention Deficit Disorder a year ago, the daily struggles we faced with him finally began to make sense.

Isaac deals with paralyzing anxiety and an inability to adjust to change.

Last year, when most children were excited about transitioning from school into summer, he was so overwhelmed, he couldn't eat for three weeks.

He also has a tendency to become obsessed with a subject, and will rattle off every fact he's memorized even as his audience is scowling or walking away.

Part of Asperger's Syndrome is the inability to read social clues. He has no idea why other children don't want to play with him. Adding to this problem, he will rock gently or make noises when he's in a situation he isn't prepared for.

When his sensory system becomes overloaded, by loud noises or unfamiliar touch, he will scream and sob uncontrollably.

Unfortunately these behaviors only further the rejection by his peers, and make him vulnerable to bullying. Thankfully, these are the symptoms that are addressed by Autism Service Dogs.

Having a loving and loyal companion will improve Isaac's quality of life immensely; and maybe having a side-kick will help him gain back some of the confidence he's lost. The dog will be able to help disrupt self-stimming behaviors like making loud noises or rocking, by putting a paw or a laying furry head on him.

I pray that the calming effect of the dog will help Isaac sleep, and the persistent dark circles under his eyes will finally disappear. We are so excited at the thought of watching Isaac learn and grow with his new best friend.

If you would like to help Isaac reach his fundraising goal please make a donation in his honor. Thanks!

Andrew Johnson is a non-verbal six-year-old with autism. He was born with a left sided arachnoid cyst. He attends our local public elementary school. With the assistance of a device called Dynavox, he is able to spend one quarter of his school day in a typical kindergarten classroom.

He is very smart, however he doesn't have a sense of fear. Andrew doesn't know to wait for a car coming, or not to run off. He is an "escape artist." Even though we have multiple locks on our home doors, he still manages to get out.

A service dog will provide added safety for Andrew. It will also provide a companionship that he lacks with other children. With a service dog, we will be able to go out in public as a family.

As parents we would love to be able to give him a bit more independence as a typical six-year-old would have, without jeopardizing his safety.

Cassandra Tillman (or Cassie to her family) is a beautiful three-month-old girl. Unknown as to exactly what occurred, Cassie went into distress and suffered trauma at birth. Cassie spent the first two weeks of her life on a ventilator, and the next four as well in Children's Hospital in Little Rock. Upon leaving the hospital, it was known that she suffered from Seizure Disorder and Temperature Instability. She was home only two weeks before one of these conditions sent her back to Children's for an additional week. Shortly thereafter she was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as well.

Cassie is a fighter, already proving hospital staff wrong in her progress. Doctors worried that she would not be able to breathe without the ventilator, but she did. Doctors said that she may not be able to learn to coordinate her movements and learn to eat, but she did. While Cassie has overcome so much, she still has a long road ahead.

Cassie is unable to regulate her body temperature as effectively as most people do. Her regular body temperature is only in the 96’s. When she is not feeling well it begins to drop, and she has to be warmed back up. She has been hospitalized for dropping to 93 degrees. Just as she drops, getting upset and having a tantrum as most babies do, can cause Cassie to run a temperature, and if not monitored can become dangerously high. There is nothing that can be done to help this condition, only careful monitoring by the family.

Cassie’s seizures are also tricky. She does not exhibit any outward signs, and her seizures can only be seen by medical monitoring such as an EEG. Cassie has to take a daily medication to ensure that they are controlled. Cassie’s Cerebral Palsy is what may limit or slow her development the most. Cerebral Palsy is a condition that affects her muscles. It can cause increased tightness, looseness, spasms, or tremors. This will be Cassie’s biggest battle. She also takes medication daily for this.

Cassie’s service dog will be able to assist her in many areas but especially with the Cerebral Palsy. The dog will be able to assist in opening doors, retrieving dropped items and a variety of other things to help her when a parent can’t jump at just that moment or just to give her that added independence as she gets older. Her dog will also be able to attend her therapies and help out. She can stretch and work her hands by petting him, or exercise her arms by reaching for him, her legs by trying to follow him when she is able. And one of the most important things to me as her mother is the behavior modification, he can help soothe her.

Over the next few years of hospital stays, therapies, being stuck at home due to a bad temperature day or a variety of other things, Cassie will begin to get frustrated. As much as I don’t want to think that I as her mother won’t be able to help, there will be times when she will be angry or frustrated with me for pushing her. She may be scared or lonely. Her dog can accompany her to doctor appointments, hospital stays, anything. He will be able to be her friend to help calm and soothe her, when maybe I can’t.

And at some point the may be able to help her make some more friends. Cassie’s medical conditions make her different which may cause children to avoid her; a furry companion would change that instantly, perhaps helping her to blossom socially in a way that would otherwise not be possible.

It may seem silly to be worrying about all of this now while she is only three months old, but the process of getting a service dog is not a quick one. First you must apply and be accepted, then fundraise the money, then wait while a dog is found and trained, then go through training yourself, and finally your dog comes home. In order for Cassie to have her dog when she needs him, we must start now.

Finally, but by no means least importantly, the dog will do what any other dog might do — love and be loved, loyally and unconditionally. Many agencies have long waiting lists with a wait of up to five years, but 4 Paws reduces that waiting time, by having the parents work with them to fundraise the up to $13,000 needed to cover the cost of providing a trained dog.

In regard to your tax-free donation, be sure to note on the memo line of your check or in the special instructions box for credit cards, "In Honor of Cassandra Tillman."

Contact: Caliese Collier
Tel: 479-747-0953
Email: caliese2005@yahoo.com

Seizure Alert Assistance Dogs Offer Independence, Safety

Written by Marvel McAmmond

Didsbury, Alberta, Canada – May 5, 2009  Seven-year-old Dawsyn Harke of Didsbury, Alberta has a rare form of Epilepsy called Dravet’s Syndrome. The seizures Dawsyn endures, often many per day, have caused a variety of developmental delays that make her life challenging. Dawsyn has very little awareness of personal safety. She has no concept of the danger of traffic, deep water, or the ill intentions of a stranger. She also has a fascination with water and a tendency to be an "escape artist," and generally does not respond to her parent’s calls. Combine these traits and you have a recipe for disaster!

Dawsyn has been given the opportunity to receive a Seizure Alert Assistance dog from 4 Paws for Ability. This seizure assistance dog will be Dawsyn’s companion and will be specifically trained to alert her parents when she has a seizure. Currently, Dawsyn’s parents have to provide constant supervision. Having an Assistance Dog will greatly enhance Dawsyn’s independence by allowing her to play in her yard or her bedroom without being shadowed by an adult. The dog will also sleep with Dawsyn and alert her parents of night-time seizures which will enable Dawsyn to return to her own bedroom instead of sleeping with her parents.

An important facet of the dog’s training will be the ability to track. If Dawsyn were to find an opportunity to wander off out of her parents’ sight, the dog will quickly follow her trail and lead her parents to her, even if she has been missing for quite a while.

The dog will also be trained to comfort Dawsyn, help her calm herself when she is frustrated and discourage her from dangerous activities. It will also act as a "social magnet," making it easier for other children to approach Dawsyn and make friends. Dawsyn’s developmental delays and premature behaviors tend to cause other children to avoid her rather than seeking her out; a furry companion would change that instantly, perhaps helping her to blossom socially in ways that would otherwise not be possible.

Finally, but by no means least importantly, the dog will do what any other dog might do — love and be loved, loyally and unconditionally.

4 Paws for Ability is one of only a handful of organizations that will even place a dog with such a young child. Many agencies will not place service dogs with children or in homes where there are other pets; 4 Paws has no eligibility requirements beyond a physician’s statement that the person requesting a service dog has a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.

Many trainers have long waiting lists with a wait of up to five years, but 4 Paws reduces that waiting time by having the parents work with them to fundraise the up to $13,000 US needed to cover the cost of the extensive training. Their website states: "We felt that there were many, very capable people with disabilities and their friends and families, who would rather spend time helping us fundraise so they could then get a dog, than to sit on a 2-5 year waiting list for a ‘free’ one."

4 Paws for Ability is a recognized leader in training assistance dogs, and pioneered training assistance dogs with tracking ability. 4 Paws trains a variety of assistance dogs, including (but not limited to) seizure assistance, mobility assistance, hearing ear, and autism assistance dogs. As of January 30, 2009, over 400 teams have graduated from 4 Paws.

As with most of 4 Paws’ animals, Dawsyn’s dog will probably be rescued from a shelter. Approximately 50 percent of their dogs come from shelters. Some of them have been saved only days before they were scheduled to be put down, and have gone on to transform the lives of the children with whom they have been placed. 4 Paws uses any dog that can pass the medical, physical, obedience and training requirements, regardless of breed. This creates a mutually beneficial relationship — 4 Paws will be bringing freedom and independence to a dog in need, and the dog in turn will bring freedom and independence to Dawsyn.

The 4 Paws website states: "We have discovered a magic that exists between children and dogs, a magic that can become a life-saving miracle for a child paired with one of our assistance dogs."

To find out more about Dawsyn’s journey, visit www.doodlebugdawsyn.blogspot.com

For more information on 4 Paws for Ability, go to 4 Paws for Ability

Contact: Marvel McAmmond
Email: marvelmc@telus.net
Webpage: www.doodlebugdawsyn.blogspot.com

Logan Bondarewicz

It has been quite the roller coaster ride for the Bondarewicz family. Logan was born in October 2002 and has been misdiagnosed from the most basic to the more complex situations.

Logan has been seeing some kind of doctor or therapist on a weekly basis his entire life. At 10 months of age Logan became very ill. This was extremely scary due to Logan basically in a "sleep coma" for 5 days. We took him to the doctor every day and finally they referred us to Children's Hospital where they told us he had viral meningitis which was very serious.

Fortunately, Logan recovered pretty well from this illness but this was the beginning of his ear problems. Since the age of 10 months, Logan has received 7 sets of ear tubes due to infections.

From an early age, Logan showed signs of delay. We were told his delays were from the viral meningitis and he would eventually catch up to his peers. We were so hopeful in the doctors telling us Logan would be fine because we certainly did not want anything serious to be wrong with Logan.

As time went on, Logan's speech, developmental delay, and behavioral issues became much more apparent. Logan's occupational therapist suggested we have genetic testing performed. After waiting six months to get in for the testing and another two months for the results we found out that Logan has a rare genetic disorder called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). Obviously, it was tragic getting the news.

Smith-Magenis Syndrome results in developmental delay and serious behavioral issues. It is a challenge every day having a child with Smith-Magenis Syndrome. Logan has been through so much for a young child.

Despite Logan having all his struggles he is such an amazing little boy with great compassion and a wonderful sense of humor. He has a deep love for animals, especially dogs, which bring him so much happiness and peace. This is why we are working on raising money for 4 Paws For Ability in order to qualify to receive a multi-purpose service dog.

In addition to Logan's delays and behavioral problems, he has sensory integration. 4 Paws For Ability will train the dog to lie on Logan's lap to provide deep pressure to help calm his system down, which is just one of the many things the dog will be trained to do. Most importantly, Logan will have a companion who will love him for him.

4 Paws For Ability is an amazing non-profit organization training dogs to help people with disabilities. I am so thankful for this organization.
When donating to 4 Paws in honor of Logan Bondarewicz you will help grant a wish come true for our family. Please make checks out to 4 Paws For Ability and be sure to write "in honor of Logan Bondarewicz" on the memo portion of the check. This is a great cause and your donation is tax deductible!

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts! The Bondarewicz Family

Russellville Family Seeks Four-Legged Solution

No offense to cat lovers out there, but this Russellville Family needs some help that only a furry canine can fulfill, and they need YOUR help also!

Jason and Dea Shatterly of Russellville, are raising funds for 4 Paws for Ability in honor of their son Matthew to qualify to receive an Autism Assistance Service Dog. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization specializing in training and placement of service dogs for disabled children.

Ten-year-old Matthew Shatterly has faced many challenges in his life. He has developmental delays and High-Functioning Autism. Children with Autism tend to wander away, and they are unaware of environmental dangers such as traffic, bodies of water, or the ill-intentions of a stranger.

Matthew needs a strong companion at his side EVERY DAY who is trained to provide the special assistance he needs. In addition to providing constant companionship and unwavering friendship, these 4-legged wonders are specially trained in tethering and tracking (i.e., search and rescue).

Matthew lacks the social skills other children his age come by naturally. A service dog can help with this.

Based in Xenia, OH, 4 Paws for Ability strives to provide service dogs to families and children who struggle with life's daily challenges and who would otherwise be turned away by many other agencies. 4 Paws trains a variety of assistance dogs, included but not limited to: seizure assistance, mobility assistance, hearing ear dogs, and autism assistance dogs. Some of the dogs even serve a little time in the Rover Prison Rehab Program as a stepping stone to becoming a certified service dog.

"We have discovered a magic that exists between children and dogs, a magic that can become a life-saving miracle for a child paired with one of our Autism Assistance Dogs," states the 4 Paws website, www.4pawsforability.org.

You can help bring some magic to Matthew's life by making a tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability. Please indicate on your check's memo line that it is "in honor of Matthew Shatterly."

For additional information, please contact Jason or Dea Shatterly at (479) 280-0452 or e mail them at hoggirl@gmail.com.

To contact 4 Paws directly, call, (937) 374-0385 or visit their website at www.4pawsforability.org.

Hi. My name is Zachary Findall. I am a warm-hearted typical active 6-year-old boy who enjoys swimming, drawing, and playing trains with my two little brothers. The difference between my peers and myself is that I am extremely sensitive to loud sounds, sights, and touch.

If I'm out in public when one of these meltdowns occurs, I feel the need to run away, which scares my family. Sometimes I lash out when I'm frustrated and unable to find the words to express my feelings. Most of the time I have trouble sleeping alone and need to feel the safety and comfort of my mom or dad.

I am extremely curious which is why we have extra locks on the doors so that I can't wander off and explore alone. I realize I am different in many ways but my mom reminds me that it's okay because everyone's different. My parents are so proud of me and the progress that I have made; I just need some extra help. An autism service dog will give us that help adding support, security, and unconditional friendship, which will help me on so many levels.

4 Paws for Ability have approved my application to receive an autism service dog. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit (501c3) organization taking the 'dis' out of disability by providing trained service dogs with people in need. My service dog will be trained in behavior modification, tethering, and tracking which will help me feel calm and connected, while helping my family feel more secure.

My Daddy is in the Navy and out to sea a lot so having a companion to keep me safe helps him to sleep better when away from us. 4 Paws for Ability will train a service dog to fit my needs and the needs of my family. My dog will also help to expand my social and emotional skills while giving me responsibility and independence.

With your help, I can receive a service dog within 9-12 months after our fundraising is complete, unlike other agencies that would put us on a 5-year waiting list. 4 Paws for Ability asks us to work with them in the fundraising process as a volunteer to fundraise the cost of training one dog.

If you donate in honor of Zachary Findall you'll not only be supporting a wonderful organization but your tax-deductible donation will help us qualify to receive a service dog for Zachary. Make your checks payable to 4 Paws for Ability and please be sure to reference "In honor of Zachary Findall" in the memo portion of the check or in the special instructions box online at www.4pawsforability.org. My family and I are so grateful for your support.

Written by Cheryl Hung on behalf of Dylan and Casey Hung. For the longest time, we couldn't have kids (two miscarriages) five years of infertility treatment, acupuncture, and then six months later found out we were expecting!

Dylan was born nine days early at 6 lbs. 9 oz. Ultimate pride and joy! For 45 minutes he was stuck (the umbilical cord was wrapped around his neck twice). Every time Mom pushed, his heart rate dropped, and eventually he had to be sucked out with a vacuum. Also, at a month old he developed an inguinal hernia and had to have surgery.

Dylan was generally a happy baby. He met all his milestones: sitting by four months, rolling over, crawling by seven months, and walking a couple days after his first birthday. By two, he was saying one-word phrases, could go through his A-Z book, tell you all the colors and names of the pictures, and say most of the alphabet.

For a while, he seemed prone to ear infections but had reactions to the antibiotics. We were able to narrow it down to one that worked with no side effects! When he turned three, we struggled to get him into a preschool (he was not potty trained), and we began to get concerned as little by little he seemed to be regressing.

By now we had to bring him to sit with us otherwise he could sit in the corner of the room and just play by himself with his video boxes which he would line up or push around like cars or a train. I had a gut feeling despite being constantly told things like, "He's just delayed, he'll catch up." Something was not quite right.

By three-and-a-half, Dylan started losing more and more of the already limited vocabulary he had, and on top of that we thought he was having a hearing problem: we'd call him over and over and he would not respond. He finally had a hearing test, and the results came back fine.

Then there became less and less eye contact; many times it was like he was looking right past/thru you. At a loss, we were told that he was a boy, that boys are usually slower, and he'd improve once he got into school. So, we just tried to shift and focus on getting him ready for kindergarten.

During this time, to our surprise, we found out we were expecting another baby. It was a happy surprise but also scary. Here we were, lost as to what was going on with Dylan, and now he was going to have a sibling.

At this time too, he slowed down his eating. But he still needed to use a certain kind of sippy bottle or he would literally not drink. In addition, he'd bolt, often running into the street or parking lot. We've had SO many frightful moments losing him. And, a few times he got lost at our local mall where security had to be called upon. I had to buy a stroller with a stand on/ sit on plate just so I could make sure he'd be close by. At four years old we tried to get him registered for kindergarten, but were told if he was not able to follow directions and go to the bathroom himself we should probably hold him back.

I was disappointed, and now with a new baby, taking Dylan to private preschool was not only costing money but it was becoming difficult to take him to school. I had to leave the baby in the car as I had to drag Dylan out of the car kicking and screaming to the gate, and when I got to the door, sometimes it took the staff 15-20 minutes to get him from me.

By now, exhausted with no extended family and two young ones to care for; everyday after I dropped Dylan off my heart ached more and more. Often, I would cry myself to sleep feeling like I was a horrible mom!

Sudden anxieties, in particular his extreme uneasiness to change, and just the daily routine of bathing had become so challenging. Meltdowns were constant. Frustrated and at wit's end with no answers from his doctor; I wrote to the school district explaining all our concerns including that Dylan shouldn't have to be held back just because he couldn't go to the bathroom and follow directions.

A couple of days later, the director of the district called to set up an appointment for a specialist to go to Dylan's preschool to evaluate him. Dylan had reached a peak and we found out that he was autistic, which we confirmed with a neurologist in 2007 at Stanford. It was a shock, and we went through the blame game, guilt etc. But, to this day we are ever so grateful to the school district for jumping in when they did and finally giving us an answer to our justified concerns!

Dylan has been in the SDC class in his school district for five years now. He has come a LONG way from where he was and the teachers have each nurtured his growth. But, as a fifth grader he is still far below the average and his comprehension is a tough challenge this year, with word problems in general. He has few friends, and can still get fixated on something he likes and be very repetitive. Other kids shy away and Dylan isn't too aware of socializing.

Now, Casey was a healthy baby at 8 lbs. 10.5 oz! He was always a happy baby, smiling, making eye contact. As we'd become a little more aware since Dylan's diagnosis, of course we watched with caution and he grew quickly and met all the milestones as well.

By two years, Casey was still not talking much (just jargon). We were fortunate, though, as Dylan's teachers and therapist were also keeping an eye on Casey's development, and when he turned three, their concern prompted approval for Casey to get into speech therapy.

The first year Casey had severe separation anxiety so they weren't able to do much. As soon as school got going again though Casey was immediately signed up 2x a week. Started off slow but by the third month he seemed happy and making progress and even got buddy up with another boy to widen socializing.

We thought Casey was just echoing Dylan at first. Then, after about the fifth month the therapist mentioned more repetitive jargon and behavior, and I mentioned at home sudden tantrums began to pop up more frequently. The red flag came up full throttle after I'd mentioned Casey having a meltdown while he would bang his head on the floor. And, of course hand flapping when extremely excited. So, he was re-evaluated and tested and in Jan. 2007 Casey was diagnosed with borderline autism. He has been one very lucky boy, and because of Dylan's teacher and staff he was able to get that window of opportunity that Dylan missed. He was put into a preschool socializing class 2x a week with speech therapy 2x and put into the SDC summer preschool class. This earlier intervention has made such a huge difference that Casey is blossoming so much more!

After our dog Tiffany passed away when Dylan was two, we knew one day we would like to have another dog. With both boys diagnosed with Autism it seemed a great thought to have a dog. Yet, just barely getting the boys potty trained and trying to fulfill and manage their needs (doctor and especially dental appointments where Dylan has to be sedated) are already a challenge.

Dylan had no memory of our dog, and after an unfortunate incident with friends' three BIG dogs he started to develop a sort of phobia of all dogs. But, we occasionally talked about it, and we continued making occasional attempts to keep exposing Dylan especially. He's skittish with our friends' dog but loves to play fetch with him every week after his piano lesson.

I'd heard about service dogs for autistic children and that's where our journey eventually led us to 4 Paws for Ability. Having no idea about service dogs; I looked into a handful of websites and after an infomercial on TV started emailing and looking into 4 Paws and a few other providers. The discouraging aspects to the other providers unfortunately was the very LONG waiting lists but most importantly, the dog could only be trained for one child. So, after another TV special aired I contacted Karen via email expressing my concerns.

After a year of delay and putting it off the final push came when Dylan (now 10) got lost at the great mall. He walked out of Dave & Busters and ended up halfway across the mall in the food court sitting in a coin operated car! I contacted Karen again about getting a service dog to be trained for both our sons and she told me we could!

And, we are now approved for placement for a 4 Paws autism service dog that is going to be trained specifically to meet Dylan and Casey's needs.

Alexander Tryon is a loving and kind four-and-a-half-year-old diagnosed with Autism at the age of three. He has a very large vocabulary, but does not always use it properly. He requires a lot of sensory input to keep his body under control.

Alexander has an independent spirit and a curious nature, which can put him in harms way. He will walk away with any person he meets, so doors must always be locked and his bedroom window has a security gate in it.

He is an only child, adopted at birth. His family has seen him interact with other dogs and knows that for him to get an Autism Service dog would benefit him greatly.

Alexander has been accepted to receive an autism service dog from 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. 4 Paws will train a dog specifically for Alexander's needs. Here's how it would work for him:

• In potentially dangerous situations, Alexander will be tethered to the autism service dog to prevent him from running away.
• The autism service dog will assist Alexander with sensory input.
• The autism service dog will interrupt undesired behavior.
• The autism service dog will be a comforting and calming companion.
• The dog will also be trained for search and rescue to track and find Alexander if he should wander off. Which is quite probable.

You can help make Alexander's family's dream come true by making a tax-deductible donation to:
4 Paws for Ability, Inc.
253 Dayton Avenue
Xenia, Ohio 45385

Every parent has hopes and dreams for their children. As they watch them grow, these dreams change and grow. Our dreams for our four year old son Whit are simple. We want him to be able to walk through a store without worrying about if and when he will run off. We want to be able to get him out of the car and not worry that he will run into traffic. We want him to not scream and hurt himself when he's upset. When we take him to the park, we want the other kids to WANT to play with him, and not exclude him because he makes weird noises, or because he doesn't understand their games.

Two years ago Whit was diagnosed with Autism and Global developmental delays. Autism is a neurological disorder that affects 1 out of every 156 children in the U.S. How it manifests in each child varies. Whit does not understand danger. He cannot be trusted to stay near us while in public. He must either be in a stroller, shopping cart, or be held tightly by the hand. He is old enough now that he dislikes all of these options and avoids them whenever and however he can. Whit often runs away when we get him out of the car, sometimes going straight into the street. Other times he runs away without any clear direction.

Unlike other kids, he will not always come back when his name is called. Instead, he may run away faster. Whit does not recognize strangers as potential danger. Simple day-to-day acts that we take for granted like brushing our teeth or wearing clothes are often too much for Whit to handle. When Whit is overwhelmed he screams. If we can't fix whatever is bothering him fast enough he escalates to hurting himself, hitting his head or biting his hands in frustration.

We recently applied and were approved for an Autism Assistance dog for Whit. 4 Paws for Ability is a 501c3 non-profit that works to place highly trained service dogs in the hands of disabled children and adults. An Autism Assistance dog is trained in Behavior Disruption. When Whit is engaged in repetitive or self injurious behaviors the dog intervenes by nudging him or comforting him by snuggling. The dog is trained to have Whit tethered to him when out in public. This serves the dual purposes of keeping Whit safe and giving him the independence he so desperately wants and needs. Autism Assistance Dogs are trained in tracking (search and rescue skills) which could be the difference between minutes vs. hours of looking for Whit should he run away or hide from us.

Other organizations that offer Autism assistance dogs have 3-5 year waiting lists, but 4 Paws for Ability has found a way to speed up the process. Parents commit to raising the $13,000 needed to train a service dog rather than waiting for the organization to raise the funds for them. By taking on this responsibility, we avoid a long waiting list and get Whit the help he needs now. Whenever possible 4 Paws for Ability trains dogs found at rescue groups and shelters, providing a second chance for a dog who otherwise might never have a home.

We can't raise $13,000 alone; we need the help of our community. Please consider making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in honor of our son Whit Warren.

For more information on Whit, click here, and to see a video of his story, click here.

Help Wanted: Must Be Friendly, Intelligent, Well Trained, Have Four Legs, and Furry!

Eleven-year-old Ruben Spice has faced more challenges in his young life than most face in a lifetime. He was born with congenital heart defects that required his hospitalization multiple times since he was two weeks old (including open heart surgery at three months and heart catheters at two years and again at four years).

Ruben was diagnosed with Ventricular Septal Defect (VSD), a defect in the ventricular septum - the wall dividing the left and right ventricles of the heart. He was also diagnosed with Patent Ductess Arteriosis (PDA). In a persistent PDA, such as Ruben's, there is an irregular transmission of blood between the two most important arteries in close proximity to the heart.

He was also diagnosed with delayed growth of the skeletal and muscular systems resulting in a slower growth rate, poor/weak fine and gross motor skills, scoliosis, speech delays (even though he has an extensive vocabulary), and torticollis.

When Ruben was 3 years old, he was taken to another specialist due to severe developmental delays. His family was told he would be nonverbal and so mentally delayed that he would never be able to attend school. They were devastated.

Out of sheer determination by Ruben, along with his family, friends, and caregivers, Ruben was able to prove the doctors wrong. Everyone who knows Ruben also knows that he is very bright and full of life, he just had to find a way to overcome.

By the time Ruben was four, he was speaking and comprehending above his age level. He showed great interest and a high level of understanding in all things mechanical. At the time, we didn't know it, but Ruben was showing classic signs of Asperger's Syndrome (AS). AS is known by many as High Functioning Autism. Although he was able to come out of his shell and is thought to be "normal" by those who only see him on a limited basis, Ruben struggles every day with the symptoms of AS.

Children with Autism tend to wander and are unaware of environmental dangers such as traffic, deep water, or the ill intentions of a stranger. When withdrawn within himself, he will not be aware of his environment or respond when called.

Ruben has a very hard time connecting with his peers. His personality may seem dry and rigid, causing some children his age to consider him "weird" and be put off. Stimming and repetitive activities are also symptoms of Autism that tend to draw attention. Stimming is usually characterized by an inability to remain still and include actions such as; swinging the arms, hand flapping, pacing, rocking, facial or muscular ticks (reminiscent of Tourette Syndrome), vocal noises, etc.

Ruben's stimming is very noticeable and affects the way others view him. Such social awkwardness, along with hypersensitivity to sensory stimulation, make the day-to-day actions most people take for granted an exercise in dedication and constant work for Ruben. Today Ruben is in a mainstream 6th grade classroom. He has accomplished so much over a short period of time, and dispelled the grim prognosis given to him, including a suggestion to institutionalize him. He is completely aware that he is different from his peers, however that does not stop him.

Recently, Ruben's mother was informed by an online friend about service animals specially trained for children with Autism. Upon further research, it became obvious 4 Paws For Ability was just the answer to their prayers. The dog currently being trained for Ruben is an Autism service dog. He/she will be trained in behavior disruption (to control stimming and help with social awkwardness), tether (they will be tethered together via a special harness), and tracking.

The cost to properly train an amazing dog like this is $13,000. Although most organizations offer "free" service dogs, Ruben would be put on a waiting list years long while they raised the funds to cover the costs of training. 4 Paws For Ability understands the urgency parents have to get assistance to their children. Because of this, they have made it possible for the parents to participate in the fundraising, eliminating the long and often frustrating waiting list for a "free" service animal.

You can help bring magic to Ruben's life by making your tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability on Ruben's name. You can mail checks directly to 4 Paws at:
4 Paws For Ability, 253 Dayton Ave, Xenia, Ohio 45385. Please make sure to note "In Honor of Ruben Spice" in the memo portion of your check.

This will be the first service dog of its kind to be placed in Southeast Alabama. Thank you, Wiregrass, for making this a wonderful community to live, work, and play in.

We will be organizing several fund raisers to help us reach our goal. No one wishing to help will be turned away. There is no job too big or too small. Thank you so much for helping out a child in your community and helping to raise awareness of Autism and how children can overcome.

Skyler Kratz is a healthy and active six-year-old boy. Skyler lives in Wisconsin with his mom, fatherly role model, two-year-old sister and newborn brother. He was diagnosed with autism on Dec. 27, 2007. We have always known he was autistic: it just took three years for doctors to agree.

Skyler has trouble crossing the street on his own, he has big temper tantrums when he is frustrated, and will throw things or hit others. He has been found in the apartment building screaming, burying himself in the rocks in the planters, and acting like he didn’t know where he was. Skyler loves matchbox cars, Legos, and movies.

He plays alone but would love to play with others. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to act around other kids and ends up hitting them.

An Autism Assistance Dog would be a strong companion for Skyler, trained to provide the special assistance he needs. The assistance dog would accompany Skyler everywhere, acting as a safety feature.

Based in Xenia, Ohio,4 Paws For Ability is a non-profit organization that provides service dogs to families and individuals. 4 Paws trains a variety of assistance dogs, including but not limited to seizure assistance, mobility assistance, hearing ear dogs, FASD dogs, and autism assistance dogs. 4 Paws was the first agency to place skilled autism assistance dogs and continues to be the largest organization that provides this type of assistance in the United States. 4 Paws is the only organization that places autism assistance dogs with search and rescue skills.

Here are some of the ways Skyler's life will change when he has an Autism Assistance dog:

• Attached to the dog by a special harness, Skyler would be unable to run into traffic or get lost.
• The dog would be trained to comfort Skyler and interrupt his repetitive autistic behaviors, like hand-flapping.
• The dog would act as a social magnet, making it easier for other children to approach Skyler and make friends.
• Autism assistance dogs are also trained in "search and rescue." The dog would be able to track Skyler if he leaves unexpectedly.

We would love to have you help us by contributing toward the training of a service dog for Skyler. You can send a check to this address (please be sure to reference Skyler Kratz on the check or donation link):

4 Paws For Ability, Inc.
253 Dayton Ave
Xenia, Ohio 45385

All donations are tax deductible. If you want to contribute online, this can easily be done by clicking the donation link.

Curtis Cottengim looks like a typical six-year-old boy with his big warm smile and bright eyes. But Curtis does not experience the world like most children his age, because Curtis is Autistic. Curtis has faced more challenges in his short life than many others will ever experience. Children with Autism have many special needs.

Curtis has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), severe A.D.H.D (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Anxiety Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as social issues.

He has a limited but growing vocabulary, which limits his ability to be social. He has an especially hard time in social situations and doesn't make friends like his typical peers. New places, people, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming for him.

Children with Autism tend to wander and are very unaware of potential danger. Curtis has no fear of traffic, water, or the ill intentions of strangers. Even though he will not talk to a stranger or go up to one, he will not walk away. If Curtis became lost, he would not answer to his name being called, nor will he come running toward us.

Children with Autism also have behavioral issues, which Curtis also has. He has many meltdowns (tantrums) that can be started for reasons of not liking something to someone talking to him. We do not go out in public much because of his meltdowns. It doesn't matter if he is at home or at school: his meltdowns will happen anywhere and they last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Curtis needs a strong companion with him at all times, one who is trained to provide assistance, protection, and unconditional friendship. Autistic children and adults tend to connect better with animals then with people.

Curtis was accepted for a service dog through 4 Paws for Ability. This is a wonderful thing, since 4 Paws will train the dog specifically for him. Please help us raise the money needed for Curtis to receive his dog. With every donation made, Curtis is that much closer to receiving the security and independence that he deserves. Every cent counts.

If you would like more information please email Curtis (Sr) and Robin, or contact 4 Paws for Ability directly.

Thank you for your time and for all who donate... Curtis (Sr), Robin and Curtis (Jr.) Cottengim from Canby, Oregon

We are raising money for a multipurpose assistance dog for Owen and Annabelle Luschei. Owen is five years old and has autism. Annabelle is three years old and has epilepsy.

For my son, the dog would provide safety, social and emotional needs. Right now Owen has a stuffed dog that he takes everywhere. He has been asking me for a dog for years. His therapists use his stuffed dog as a motivational tool.

A real dog would be a dream come true for him. When I ask him why he wants a dog he answers 'to love.' He is a very sweet little boy who loves animals.

Owen is a very happy little boy and has a lot of enthusiasm. He wants friends very badly, and it can be difficult with his language delay. He also has a lot of anxiety and sensory issues. He tries very hard and never gives up, but there is much he is not able to do which can be very frustrating.

A dog will help motivate him and help calm him. It would also help him interact socially with other people.

Annabelle is creative and full of energy. She has suffered from seizures for the past two years. It is scary for everyone when she has a seizure. We have had many ER visits. I have trouble sleeping because I am afraid she will have a seizure at night and choke.

Three times I have heard her choking or just happened to check on her while she was having a seizure while on her back. When she has a seizure and is on her back her airway is blocked. After a seizure she falls into a deep sleep.

I'm constantly afraid that I will wake up one morning and find Annabelle died because I didn't hear her when she had a seizure at night. To have a dog that could alert me to her seizure would allow me to actually sleep at night without the guilt and fear. An assistance dog could save her life.

We all love dogs and the the assistant dog would be a huge source of comfort. I can't fully express the joy a multipurpose assistant dog would bring to our entire family. You can help us by making a tax-deductible donation to 4 Paws for Ability in honor of Owen and Annabelle Luschei. For more information about Owen and Annabelle you can contact Angie Luschei.

And here's a special website we put up to keep track of your generous donations.

Thank You for reading about our family and helping us make our family's dream come true. Angie Luschei.

Michael Ewing is a highly energetic six-year-old boy. At first glance, you would think he is a typical, average child. He loves to climb, to run, and to jump.

Unfortunately, Michael does not know when these activities are safe for him to do and when they are not safe. You see, Michael has Autism.

Autism is a neurological disorder that affects his perception of the world around him and his response to others and the environment in which he lives. Michael loves to run from his parents, he thinks it is funny, a game; but this love of running has nearly gotten Michael run over several times.

Michael has also escaped from his home and back yard on several occasions and once in the mall. This is a terrifying experience for his parents and also for his siblings. Michael is also non verbal. He typically will not respond when his name is called and cannot tell you his name or where he lives.

His family wants to get him a service dog to assist him in his daily life and social interactions. Michael has been accepted to receive a Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability.

This dog will be trained to accompany him everywhere, to track him if he gets lost, and will be tethered to him to prevent him from running away. The dog will be trained to comfort Michael and help him calm himself when he is frustrated. It would also act as a “social magnet” making it easier for other children to approach Michael and make friends.

Michael’s parents (Adam and Jamie Ewing) and his sisters (Angela, 8 and Jana, 18 months) are asking for your help to raise the funds necessary to train Michael’s dog.

If you can help, please either go to the 4 Paws for Ability website and click on "donate," or mail a check to 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave., Xenia, Ohio 45385. Please write “in honor of Michael Ewing” in the memo line of your check. Your donation will be tax deductible and will be a blessing to Michael’s family. Thanks!

Everyone has had heroes in their lives, those amazing people in the world who've made a difference in your life or the lives of others. Jude Bell is one such hero. He's a wonderful five-year-old boy who has completely changed the lives of all who meet him and get to know him. He has a great sense of humor and loves to make people laugh. He's loving and kind. He is a handsome boy who may look like any other child you meet.

However he struggles with something that most of those children don't. Jude has struggled with behavioral issues all of his life, and this is often obvious to people around him. He has an independent spirit and a curious nature, which often puts him in harm's way.

From a very young age, he's been an excellent escape artist. However he has little sense or understanding of environmental dangers, such as drowning, traffic, or the ill intentions of a stranger. Most children would respond or run towards a familiar voice in such a situation. Jude would likely not run towards them, and may in fact run the other way.

Jude was born with Autism. It is a neurological disorder that is more and more heard of yet still widely misunderstood. Autism affects the areas of the brain controlling language, social interaction, and creative and abstract thinking.

He actually has a very large vocabulary, but does not always use it properly. Since he often needs the proper prompts and cues to express himself, it can be difficult for him to communicate his needs or wants. He also relies on familiarity and scripting in attempt to converse with others.

In addition, his brain has difficulty processing the sensory information that he perceives. Many times sights, sounds, smells, and touch can overwhelm him. This usually leads to outbursts and a desire to flee the situation.

Other times, he has trouble focusing because he can't fight the desire to seek out sensory input. This leads to sensory seeking activities that alienate him from those around him. Every moment of every day Jude fights against his natural tendencies to be afraid, anxious, or overwhelmed. He strives to communicate and be understood. His greatest challenge though, may be in trying to make friends.

Jude's family accepts all of these differences as part of who he is. This acceptance doesn't lessen the stress they constantly feel, especially in situations that can be potentially dangerous for him, like any public place.

It doesn't make it any easier to ignore the dirty looks, and disapproving glances from people who don't know Jude. Individuals that simply see a child who is screaming, crying, running away, or being dangerous. It's easy for them to assume that he's just a brat or that he has bad parents, because despite his having a handicap there's no outward evidence of it. His family's acceptance though, leads to one thing, a single goal for his life - his happiness.

This is where you can help.

Jude has been accepted to receive a service dog from 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. Based in Xenia, Ohio, 4 Paws For Ability, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, strives to provide service dogs to families and children that struggle with life's daily challenges and who would otherwise be turned away by many other agencies.

4 Paws trains a variety of assistance dogs, including but not limited to seizure assistance, mobility assistance, hearing ear and autism assistance dogs. Some of the dogs even serve a little time in the Rover Prison Rehab Program as a stepping-stone to becoming certified service dogs.

Jude has qualified for an Autism Assistance dog. As Jude's family raises money for 4 Paws for Ability, they earn a point for every dollar. When they reach their pledged goal of 13,000 points, 4 Paws for Ability will begin training a dog specifically for Jude's needs.

In potentially dangerous situations, Jude will be tethered to the dog to prevent him from running away. The dog will assist Jude with therapy, provide sensory input, interrupt undesired behaviors, and be a comforting and calming companion. It would also act as a "social magnet," making it easier for other children to approach Jude.

The dog will also be trained as in search and rescue, to track and find him if and when he would run away. It would also be a huge source of relief for Jude's family, empowering them to lead a fuller, happier life.

"We have discovered a magic that exists between children and dogs, a magic that can become a life-saving miracle for a child paired with one of our Autism Assistance Dogs," states the 4 Paws website. You can help make their dreams come true by making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability, 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, OH 45385; just make sure to write in Jude Bell's name in the memo of the check.

David Nahodil  I'd like you to meet a happy, active four-year-old, my son, David Nahodil. He has a certain vibe that seems to make everyone who meets him fall in love. He has such animated body language because he struggles to find words. Born July 4, 2004, he started out life with serious digestive issues that often escalate. David was recently diagnosed with PDD (pervasive developmental disorders). Thus we struggle with the challenges of his digestive system, and as he grows older, we also struggle with his running away. To us: it's escaping. To him: it's all in a day's activity.

After giving birth to my third son, David, I knew something was not right. My little guy was treated and released for dehydration a few times and admitted for testing twice. The only thing found was an emptying delay. He was diagnosed with reflux and put on medication. At three months, he was put on Nasal Gastric tube feedings.

Nights were endless with belly pain resulting in screams of anguish. The doctors tried their best, but nothing worked. After I became critically ill and landed in the hospital, a woman told me about nursing services I might use to help with David. That service sent a wonderful nurse and she spent 10 hours a night helping me for about two years.

David had his G-tube placed January 2005. We still were hoping that he would grow out of this, but we didn't know what "this" was. Time passed. David suffered with many ear infections, colds, congestion, and pneumonia. He had long, uncomfortable nights. We felt so helpless.

David never ate baby food, besides what we would smear in his mouth in an effort to provide some nutrition. We wanted him to eat so badly, and it was hard to see him scream and cry when we would try. When he was three, he started to accept French fries perhaps twice a month in small amounts and then Ritz crackers and Cheetos…and eventually the cheese off pizza. Right now he eats either no food in a day or, at the most, a quarter of a cup of the foods I mentioned. He can't talk very well, so we don't know the reasons for all of this.

We spent six weeks at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the outpatient feeding program while living at the Ronald McDonald House, but we had little success. We are happy with the tools we were given, though.

David was put in the hospital because he developed Gastroparesis. They had to put a nasal gastric decompression tube in to release the pressure in his stomach. We were relieved that David responded to other treatment measures and surgery was not necessary.

At that point, we wanted to go home and we blamed food for David's agony. We did, however, return to the hospital's feeding program, and completed it. The best part about the program is that they got David to sit quietly in front of food. They also got him to take bits of Trix yogurt!

David is on his feeding pump every three or four hours for an hour, four times a day. He is doing well, and looks good, and we pray that some day he will thrive on his own. David will be going to Kennedy Kreiger Hospital in late 2008 for a two-month inpatient program.

Now on to why we applied to 4 Paws for Ability for an autism service dog trained in search and rescue. He runs away. We've lost him on several occasions. It's hard to believe how fast he is. I always have to be a step ahead of him because just when I think he will stay, he's gone. David has no idea about strangers and he treats every place like its home. He just learned how to open the front door of the house and no matter what kind of blocks we put up, he figures a way to get around them. He won't hold our hands. Either he's gone or makes a spontaneous decision to chase a butterfly into the road or mix in with a nearby group of kids.

David sleeps in our bed and refuses to sleep without us, and our hope is that he will feel secure enough to sleep in his own bed with his service dog. David loves dogs, but has no clue that he could actually bring one home to keep and to wake up to in the morning. Having a service dog will change David's life; he will be happier and safer, and may be more able to socialize. We will breathe easier knowing he has a best friend that will be there for him and vice versa.

Some of David's behaviors are just starting, and we hope that we can teach him safety along the way. He has learned some things, but we have a long road ahead. We need your help to raise the funds for David's dog. All money is tax deductible and goes to 4 Paws for Ability in David's name. If you can help, please either go to the 4 Paws for Ability website and click on "donate," or mail a check to:

4 Paws for Ability
David Nahodil Fund
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385

A Little Boy's Hope for a 4-Pawed Friend

Hi, my name is John Bowen, but my family calls me JC. I am three years old. Mommy says I am different because I live in my own little world and sometimes I can't break out of it. I don't answer my mommy and can't make friends sometimes because in my world it's just me.

I have Autism. I'm not really sure what that is, but I get really scared when I am alone or in the middle of the night. When I get really upset or scared, I become dis-orient-ed and can hurt myself. Sometimes for no good reason, I will just go for a walk or a run. It's fun. My mommy doesn't like it too much though.

I really like the water, but I can't swim at all. I'm taking classes, but sometimes my teacher sounds like Charlie Brown's teacher and I don't understand her. The lifeguard at the YMCA looks funny when she jumps in after me. I keep her on her toes. I like people too, and no one would ever hurt me. Cars are cool, and fast, and I like to run after them. Mommy doesn't like that either.

My mommy says a friend from 4 Paws could really help make me feel safe and keep me safe. My friend could go places with me, and help keep me from being scared at night, and even help mommy find me if I wander away. I just lost a pet dog a few months ago, she use to keep me safe, so I can't wait to get a new friend… Will you help me get a new friend? Thank you for reading about me… bye!

Hi, I'm Josh Woosley and I have Aspergers Disorder. Mom tells me this means I think differently than other people. I guess she's right because I have a hard time in school. There are so many noises, and smells and people and lights. Blech. My mom and dad are hoping to get me a new friend who can go to school with me. My new friend can help me by being with me all the time, I can lean against my new friend so I don't have to lean against my teacher as much, plus my new friend can help me make other friends (I have a hard time making friends, you see).

My new friend can also help me at home by sleeping with me. I hate to sleep by myself, I get scared (but don't tell anyone, ok?). My friends at 4-paws have said they will try to find a special Autism Assistance Dog for me to take to school with me and be my new friend. If you would like to help me get my new friend that would be GREAT!! You can send money to 4-paws for ability and put my name on it and it will count towards me getting my new friend. Thanks so much for reading about me.

Love, Josh.

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