News and Events
Newspaper, Web, & General Coverage
2010
- March 19, 2010 Dog gives sick boy strength By Kelly McGrath. Bedford Journal. "...when Nicholas was diagnosed in 2008 with Batten disease, a neurological degenerative disorder that causes vision loss, seizures and is considered terminal, his parents didn’t think the addition of a furry friend would be possible. That is, until they discovered 4 Paws for Ability. The Ohio-based nonprofit agency places service dogs with people who have disabilities..."
- January 10, 2010 Dog helps stabilize autistic boy's life, but Hillsboro school says not in the classroom By Wendy Owen, The Oregonian. Eric and Wendy Givens know Madison, a trained autism service dog, can calm their son; they've seen the German shepherd do so at malls, in parking lots, at restaurants. But the Hillsboro School District won't allow the dog in school, saying Scooter is doing well without the shepherd.
Air New Zealand provides free transportation for four service dogs destined for New Zealand
 January 24, 2010 Excerpted from CargoNews Issue 110 with permission of Air New Zealand Los Angeles LAX Cargo had the rare privilege to assist a most worthy cause, the transportation of 4 trained dogs for 4 Paws for Ability to Auckland on NZ01/24 Jan, 2010. Executive Director Karen Shirk started 4 Paws for Ability in the 1990’s because of the difficulty she experienced in obtaining a service dog for her own family. Many of the current agencies have waiting lists or age specific requirements which make obtaining a service dog all but impossible. With this experience in mind, Karen then started 4 Paws for Ability, "…and to keep as a founding principle the willingness to provide service dogs for any individual regardless of age or disability."
4 Paws for Ability, Inc, mission is to:
- Enrich the lives of people with disabilities by the training and placement of service dogs to provide individuals with companionship and [to] promote independent living;
- Educate the public to accept the use of service dogs in public places;
- Assist with animal rescue whenever possible by obtaining many of our animals from shelters and rescue groups.
Eric Bimber, Cargo Sales Manager, Southwest, worked closely with 4 Paws to provide the passage to New Zealand, (with great thanks to CEO Rob Fyfe for his personal approval) for these 4 beautiful, fully trained dogs to help children with disabilities. Also, great thanks from 4 Paws to Sandro Penzo, Rick Nelson and Sal Sanfilippo.
The cost for one of these dogs can normally range from USD$240-$14,000, based on the amount of training necessary. But—this cost is absorbed by the applicant, who uses fund raising activities to gather the necessary resources, with assistance from 4 Paws as necessary.
This shipment to New Zealand was actually the second one from 4 Paws, and was destined to 4 Paws for Ability New Zealand Charitable Trust. All 4 of these dogs went to children with Autism or Seizure disorders.
LAX Cargo received a heart-warming, hand-written letter of appreciation, and Karen described her experience with Cargo/LAX as "wonderful."
Looking forward to the next time we can be of assistance, Karen!
Here's a link to the PDF document with the article and a thank-you note from 4 Paws for Ability New Zealand Charitable Trust.
2009
- December 30, 2009 New Jersey Jewish News by Ron Kaplan. Young author seeks to raise awareness of Fetal Alcohol diseases with new book.
December 20, 2009 Pitching In: Jackson family working to secure autism service dog for 5-year-old child. By Joanie Hauglie | Jackson Citizen Patriot Five-year-old Whit Warren of Jackson was diagnosed with autism three years ago. Whit's parents, Rebecca and Jim Warren, are aggressively pursuing one avenue that is proving promising for children with autism. December 17, 2009 Dayton Daily News. Service dog helps area autistic student, proposed bill would ease challenges. Marble helps Donnie Oda get through the day at Springboro Junior High School. Oda, 12, is among autistic Ohioans who would benefit from bills proposed in both branches of the Ohio Legislature expanding the definition of "mobility impaired person" and protecting them from legal challenges to the use of assistance dogs. November 22, 2009 The Jewish Georgian, Page 40, An 11-year-old girl writes the first of her family’s three books about her brother’s
struggle with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder and the service dog that helped them all. November 6, 2009 The Atlanta Journal-Constitution by Helena Oliviero Service dog a calming presence for entire family: Chancer trained to deal with child who has fetal alcohol syndrome... October 30, 2009 Hospital welcomes patient's service dog. St. Joseph Hospital West of Lake Saint Louis, Missouri ensured that Reece Gentilini awoke from surgery to find her Autism Service Dog on her hospital bed. Read "An Exceptional Surgery Experience for an Exceptional Patient" in its October 30, 2009 newsletter. October 26, 2009 Morasha Winokur did her first interview (live) last Friday at CNN studios in Atlanta. She was awesome. You can watch her 5 minute interview by clicking here. Her brother, Iyal, has a 4 Paws for Ability FASD service dog, Chancer. The video is posted on her blog: http://ypwr.blogs.cnn.com/2009/10/19/morasha-winokur/ October 17, 2009 Discover how autism service dog Jingle is trained and integrated into Riley's family. Blog. October 17, 2009 How a golden retriever named Galaxy became a dog star Only a year or so ago the Weinstocks of East Bentleigh, Australia, were thinking the unthinkable. Simon, nearly eight, their second son, might have to leave to live in care, for the sake of an already struggling family. October 13, 2009 Family Hopes For Four-Legged Help For Son
Jacob Clark Born Blind, Autistic, Epileptic. Six-year-old Jacob Clark was born with a rare condition that left him blind, autistic and epileptic. As a result, his seizures are so bad he often ends up in the hospital for weeks at a time when he has one. October 8, 2009 Seizure-Detecting Dog Removed From Boy's Side: Hospital Reviewing Service Animal Policy. A dog that can detect a boy's epileptic seizures was torn away from the boy's side for several hours after what the parents call an emotional experience at Kosair Children's Hospital. When Trey Taylor, 13, had brain surgery for his seizures last week, his service dog was by his side until a hospital employee shocked the parents with a request that brought them to tears and forced the hospital to take a second look at their service dog policy. October 7, 2009 Morasha Winokur publishes "My Invisible World," the story of her family and FASD service dog, Chancer. September 16, 2009 Angel walks to the rescue Late one night, Mathew Cook decided to fetch his dog, Potter. His plan had four flaws: 1. Potter, a Lab-Golden Retriever mix, sat 3.7 miles away in Madeira; 2. Mathew was spending the night in Madison Place with his older brother and sister-in-law; 3. Mathew is eight years old; 4. He has Down's syndrome.
July 15, 2009 Jackman, Bennett, McCartney -- Stars Lining Up For Jones Tribute/Lunden Keeping Positive Amid Seven Offspring And Several Careers. Creators.com article interviews Joan Lunden, who mentions one of the DirecTV heroes she interviewed, Karen Shirk, 4 Paws for Ability June 23, 2009 Xenia woman finalist for Energizer Hall of Fame. Karen Shirk, founder and director of 4 Paws for Ability is a finalist for the 2009 Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs in Xenia. Shirk, who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, founded the organization after having to find and train her own dog after her request for one was denied June 11, 2009 Dog can seize the day in family emergency, the Chicago Sun-Times story of Donut and Colin. Dogs always have been known as man's best friend, but when it comes to seizure-response dogs for those with epilepsy, these special canines become invaluable protectors... June 8, 2009 Canine Career Serves Tri-State Families in Need: She is small but mighty. Her 8-pound self helps to save lives with her keen senses. Her name is Piper. She is a little Papillon dog who works for Karen Shirk, founder of 4 Paws for Ability. With help from medications and service dogs, Shirk went into medically controlled remission, but she still can have exacerbations with her respiratory problems. That's where Piper comes in. June 3, 2009 WAIKATO, NEW ZEALAND Wanted: dogs to aid in autism battle May 26, 2009 Dayton Daily News, Dayton Ohio. Local woman semi-finalist for Energizer Bunny Hall of Fame...Details April 2009. DirectTV is running its second year of Hometown Heroes, and Shirk has been chosen as a nationwide hero for her work.
Hometown Heroes second season begins Sunday, April 5, (9 a.m. ET/PT) only on DIRECTV’s The 101® Network. The series, hosted for a second year by Joan Lunden, is presented commercial-free and in HD. See the 4 Paws for Ability feature, Episode #7 - May 17, 2009. March 6, 2009. Piper featured as Woman of the Week. You might work 9 to 5 in a cubicle, but this professional pup works around the clock all over town. Learn more about one service dog who helps run a service dog placement organization. She is small but mighty. Her 8-pound self helps to save lives with her keen senses. Her name is Piper. She is a little Papillon dog who works for Karen Shirk, founder of 4 Paws for Ability. March 5, 2009 Springfield, Ohio, Wittenberg University: Students living in off-campus housing may participate in a new service project where they "socialize" a dog for future service to children with Autism. The dogs live with students and accompany them throughout their days, going to class, work, meetings, etc. January 31, 2009 Emporia, Kansas: Dog is "magic leash" for boy with autism. Life has gotten easier for Andrew Smith since he got a magic leash with Ava, a non-shedding, hypoallergenic Goldendoodle, at the end of it. Andrew, 6, had struggled with autism and its accompanying symptoms. His tendency to try to escape from stores and church and school worried his family, because he had a talent for slipping away quickly without being seen. Andrew’s disappearing act is a common symptom in autistic children, who may feel compelled to get away from crowds and other situations that overstimulate them. Ava, a service dog trained for autism, has changed that behavior...Article in Emporia Gazette by Bobbi Mlynar. 2008
December 21, 2008 Springfield, Ohio: Witt students socialize service dogs. Lauren Bryant promised herself she would not get attached to the golden retriever puppy placed in her care in September. But as the Wittenberg University senior planned to go home for Christmas vacation last week, the thought of returning N'Sync to 4 Paws for Ability brought tears to her eyes...Article in Springfield News-Sun by By Kelly Mori. October 2, 2008 A team of individuals that includes Scott Moody, a member of the Epilepsy Foundation Kentuckiana's Board of Directors, along with five men and one woman, including videographer, David Kiern, who will be filming their journey during the 18-day trip to Mt. Everest Base Camp starting October 4th.
At nearly 18,000 feet in altitude, Everest Base Camp is the staging area for climbers attempting to summit Mt. Everest, the world's largest peak. The team is practicing leadership principals, including servant leadership, that considers the needs of other individuals before self.
 The team has chosen to support the Epilepsy Foundation of Kentuckiana. David's goal is to incorporate the team's journey with the journey of Alex Harpole, an eight-year old who has a severe form of epilepsy called Dravet's Syndrome. He will be making three DVDs, one of the team's journey, one of Alex and his journey with epilepsy, and one integrating both journeys together to raise epilepsy awareness and funds.
Alex, his parents Carrie and Paul, and Deb McGrath of the Epilepsy Foundation Kentuckiana got to meet the team and thank them for their commitment to make a difference in the lives of others living with epilepsy, like Alex.
The team realizes Alex will never be able to climb a mountain, so they are climbing it for him and every other child and adult living with epilepsy. And here's a video of Alex and Lady.
  September 2008
Thought you'd like seeing these. We went to the state capitol to have a photo taken with the Governor (Sonny Perdue) who signed a proclamation for FASD Awareness Day.
Both Chancer and Iyal were wonderful!
September 26, 2008. Paws with a Cause Fundraiser to be held October 19. Downers Grove, Illinois. Therapy Dogs Helping Autistic & Disabled Children.
According to the latest US census, there are 52 million Americans, including children,
with disabilities.
Those who live with a myriad of physical and mental conditions can be
substantially limited in their major life activities. As tools, assistance dogs are made
available to help increase community acceptance and participation of people with
disabilities.
By facilitating increased participation of people with disabilities in all aspects of life, we strengthen society by assuring the diversity of its active members Click here to read flyer of entire event! 4 Paws 10th Anniversary Coming up Tuesday, October 14! Please help us celebrate the 10th Anniversary of 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. Tuesday, October 14, 2009 | 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. 20th Century Theatre, 3021 Madison Road | Cincinnati, OH 45209
Evening will include: Food and beverages, cash bar, silent auction,
raffle, music and more!
Pet 4 Paws service dogs and hear firsthand how children and adults
with disabilities have changed as a result of getting a service dog. Meet CNN Hero, Karen Shirk, Founder of 4 Paws.
All proceeds benefit 4 Paws for Ability, Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, in its
efforts to keep up with the rising number of applications due to national media coverage
this year on Good Morning America, The Morning Show with Mike & Juliette and CNN.
Please help us celebrate the 10th Anniversary of 4 Paws for Ability, Inc.
$20.00 adult | $10.00 child or just donate if you can't join us. Pay online by October 7th. To read further details about the 10th Anniversary, click here. August 14, 2008 RedOrbit.com, A Dog of a Deal From Qantas. A mix-up that has left three Waikato families facing large bills for the transportation of specially trained dogs from the US has shown Qantas treats its customers with about as much respect as the pooches it was flying.
After two years of fundraising for the autism assistance dogs to help their children with behavioural issues, the families face more heartache in the form of an unexpected $33,000 bill for flying the dogs from Los Angeles.
August 11, 2008 Waikato Times, New Zealand, Cash aid kicks off for Autism Assistance dogs' costs, Donations have already begun rolling in for the three Waikato families left with a $33,000 bill after Qantas blocked their Autism Assistance dogs from being taken aboard a plane at Los Angeles Airport. But the airline itself has not fronted up. Blog by Forsythe Qantas: Service Dogs Not Allowed August 9, 2008 New Zealand Herald. $33K bill after dogs banned from flight. Three Waikato families are facing a bill of $33,000 after three dogs being brought to New Zealand to help autistic patients were banned from a Qantas flight in Los Angeles. August 9, 2008 Channel 3 News, New Zealand, Article and Video about Airline drama for dearly beloved dogs Dogs that help people with autism have arrived in New Zealand for the first time but not without an unexpected drama with their flight. The dogs were blocked from boarding a Qantas flight in Los Angeles - a mixup that will cost their owners more than $34,000. August 9, 2008 Waikato Times, New Zealand, Flight is worse than their bark By Natalie Akoorie. Three Waikato families have been stung with a $33,000 bill after the Autism Assistance dogs they spent two years fundraising for were blocked from boarding a Qantas flight at Los Angeles Airport. August 9, 2008 Waikato Times, New Zealand, New friends to stand by us by Peter Drury. Life and learning will never be the same for Sloan Ewens, 6, and Sara Pairaudeau, 9, thanks to their new Autism Assistance dogs Woogie and Maddy. Waikato Times chief photographer Peter Drury followed the Hamilton children from the moment they received the dogs from the 4 Paws For Ability centre in Ohio, America. July 22, 2008 Shirk named one of CNN's Heroes of 2008. July 18, 2008 TOPEKA, KANSAS Help for Topeka 4-year old Could Come with Four Paws by Melissa Brunner, WIBW.com. If it weren't for the helmet he wears, you wouldn't think JJ Krentz was different from any other four-year old. His mom, Tiffanie, describes him as rambunctious and high energy, always laughing with a big, bright smile. But JJ also has Dravet Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that causes seizures and cognitive delays. Tiffanie and Kevin don't know when the next seizure might hit....Tiffanie says people can fall from a seizure and suffer a brain injury, or they may suffer one in their sleep "and they don't wake up the next morning." JJ's family is trying to raise $11,000 so they can purchase a dog specially trained to alert them when a seizure is coming on July 16, 2008 CNN taps Karen Shirk as Hero. "It's the magic of dogs. That's how Karen Shirk explains the ability of service dogs to help children suffering from autism. "I'm sure there's some sort of scientific explanation," she says. "But I call it magic." Shirk is featured online, including a story and several videos, and her coverage will get a brief intro July 17 on The Larry King Live Show on CNN. July 11, 2008 BUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEY Man's best friend may help kids with autism by Julie O'Connor of the New Jersey Star Ledger. Will Polak is the rare 7-year-old who hates toy stores. After about 15 minutes in the shopping cart, his parents say the low ceilings, other children or toy selection can overwhelm him to the point of a meltdown. And when their son screams, hits himself or flails around, other shoppers don't understand Will is autistic and having a bad day. To help him cope, his parents are seeking help -- from an $11,000 service dog. June 28, 2008 MAYVILLE, MICHIGAN Autism: The ‘roller coaster’ ride by Courtney Rabideau, Tuscola County Advertiser. "Braeden Ball is giggling as his mother, Cyndi, tickles him on a routine Tuesday morning. After playing with foam letters covered in applesauce, Braeden runs around the pool with excitement, anticipating the time when he can finally get in. Like any other six-year-old boy, Braeden also loves wrestling with his older brother, Dylan, and spending time in front of the television. But, unlike most six-year-old boys, Braeden has autism, a developmental disorder that has placed his family on what his father, John, describes as a 'constant roller coaster.'" June 22, 2008 CINCINNATI, OHIO. Organization links disabled with therapy dogs "It's Basil's turn now," she says and, guiding Matthew's hand, tosses the red and blue ball to the floor. Basil, a 10-month-old golden retriever, chases the ball and returns it to her. Now, it's Matthew's turn to play," says Powell, who helps her son toss the ball again. The boy laughs as Basil hurries to retrieve the ball, and the game starts all over. Matthew, 7, is severely autistic. He also has cerebral palsy and other medical problems. He uses a feeding tube and often needs a wheelchair. June 13, 2008 NORWALK, OHIO. Teen in need gets new dog, by Aaron Krause: Since June 1, James Griggs has been asking his mother several times a day when he'd receive the e-mail introducing him to his new dog. James, 17, and his parents were just told it's a black Labrador retriever named Takoda, who is almost 1. At James' insistence, his name will be changed to Runner....the canine whose name will soon change will do much more for James than provide companionship. The Norwalk teenager is afflicted with autism, epilepsy, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder. June 11, 2008 BUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEYBUDD LAKE, NEW JERSEY No offense to cat lovers out there, but this Budd Lake family has a need only a furry canine can fulfill, and they need your help. Bill and Roberta Polak are raising funds on behalf of 4 Paws For Ability, a non-profit organization specializing in training and placement of service dogs for disabled children. The Polaks are committed to raising $11,000, the cost of training an autism service dog for their 7-year-old son, Will. Flanders, New Jersey News. June 5, 2008 Man's Best Friend Becomes Autistic Children's Best Friend by Betsey Bruce, KTVI-My Fox St Louis. Man's best friend is now doubling as parents' best friend when the family has a child with autism. Service dogs trained for specific children become companions and nannies watching over their charges. The dogs know to keep the disabled child in a safe area, away from cars. Should the autistic child wander away many of the dogs are trained in search and rescue techniques and can find them quickly. June 4, 2008 Service dog denied to school. In May, CBS 3 Springfield news showed a story about a seven year old Chicopee boy who, after much fundraising, finally received a service dog to help him with his disabilities. But his mother is fighting another battle, to get the service dog allowed into school. But the one place Kita can't be with Adam, is at school. Sue Byczko began asking Chicopee school officials last fall about bringing his service dog into school, but she was denied. "No one has given me any documentation to prove that having the dog with Adam during the school day would in anyway have a positive impact on either his health safety, or access to the educational program," said Richard Rege, the Superintendent of Chicopee Public Schools. Article and accompanying video from CBS3, Springfield. June 3, 2008 Service dogs join the fight against autism by Karen Meyer. Service dogs have done wonders for people with physical, hearing and visual impairments. Now they are helping children with autism. Although, service dogs for families dealing with autism is relatively a new therapeutic tool, it is making a difference for a preschooler who attends Benson Primary School in Itasca. Five-year-old Zachary Woosley and Gemini, a two-year-old chocolate lab, have been together over year. ABC 7, Chicago. May 27, 2008 Bill 767 aka "Jake's Law" into Maryland state law. To view the details of the law, click here. The law extends the rights and privileges currently afforded to blind and deaf individuals to ALL individuals with disabilities as well as to the parents of a minor child with a disability. And here's more coverage on this issue:
Seizure alert dogs, owners will now get equal access. May 23, 2008 Mans best friend is changing the life of a 7 year-old Chicopee boy. Kita isn't your average dog. Though she catches balls and loves treats, she also has a nose for sensing when Adam Byczko needs help. "She was trained in scent discrimination," explained Sue Byczko, Adam's mother. Adam is diagnosed with Fragile X Syndrome. He has limited speech, autistic tendencies, and two years ago, began having seizures. Article and accompanying video from CBS3, Springfield. May 13, 2008 Click here to go directly to the Autism Dog article: Note: This article is only accessible through the above link for 7 days from the date of this e-mail. After that it can be found in Ivanhoe's archive using the "Search Reports" box on the left side of every page of http://www.ivanhoe.com. May 11, 2008 Helping paws by Linda Ann Chomin. Pam Williams was joking when she first mentioned getting a dog to pull son Daniel off the fence when he tries escaping the back yard. She knew about the different tasks Leader Dogs perform to keep blind and visually impaired people safe so why not autistic children. Williams went to the Web and found 4 Paws for Ability in Ohio. The nonprofit agency trains service animals to meet the special needs of people with disabilities. May 2008 A boy and his dog: Service animal can accompany boy with autism almost anywhere, except school. Sunday, May 11, 2008, by Rebecca Droke. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Jiffy, an 18-month-old black Labrador retriever mix, is a professionally trained skilled autism service dog who accompanies 8-year-old Bradley Dallatore almost everywhere, including visits to his dentist and doctor. Jiffy also regularly goes to church, restaurants and shops with the Canton boy and his family. But Jiffy has been barred from the Trinity West Elementary School, where Bradley is a first-grader in a special education class for children with autism. April 2008 Seizure Detecting Canine. WHITE COUNTY -- Amy Weasel's now 4-year-old son Bryant is one of only about 600 people in the U.S. diagnosed with a seizure disorder called Dravet. "He had his first seizure when he was 3-months-old, and from that time he's gotten worse," said Weasel. Article and accompanying video from WSIL TV. April 2008: Decision won't be made in a 'Jiffy', by Dawn Keller, Observer-Reporter.
Trinity Area School Board members allowed a family with a service dog to attend their meeting Thursday but said that doesn't automatically mean the dog can come to school.
April 2008: Special Dog - Autistic son needs your help, by Diana LaMattina, Cayuga County News...Alec Rowley jumps up from playing a Sesame Street video game and flaps a cloth tape measure in front of his face while skipping around his Seneca Falls living room. His parents, Bob and Kari Rowley, watch as their 5-year-old son "stims" - a slang term for a self-stimulatory behavior that provides sensory stimulation for people with autism. April 2008: Autistic Boy Banned From Taking Dog To Trinity School. WXPI.com says 7-year-old Bradley Dallatore has autism and “Jiffy,” his service dog, helps calm his frustrations and anxieties. Dallatore’s parents have filed a complaint after they said the Trinity School District banned Bradley from bringing Jiffy to school. April 2008. Parents of autistic son with service dog file complaint. The parents who aren't permitted to bring a service dog to school for their 7-year-old autistic son have filed a complaint against Trinity School District with the U.S. Department of Justice. By Dawn Keller, Observer-Reporter. April 2008. Anchorage Alaska, KTTU Channel 2: Red Cross recognizes 'Real Heroes'.Though they think of themselves as ordinary Alaskans, the Red Cross prefers to call them heroes. The Red Cross of Alaska held its annual Real Heroes breakfast Tuesday, honoring 17 people and one pet for saving or bettering the lives of others. When shots rang out at the Dimond Center...
And here is the Channel 2 video.
April 2008.Woodstock: Canine caretakers in class? Northwest Herald article by Jenn Wiant. Like other 6-year-olds, Maggie Oefelein sometimes gets distracted and wanders away from her parents. And when something upsets her, she screams. But as an autistic child, Maggie does not respond when her parents call her, and her meltdowns can be more frequent and severe than those of another child, said her father, John. April 2008. Parents claim Trinity illegally blocking service dog from school By Dawn Keller, Observer-Reporter. Trinity Area School District officials will not allow the mother of an autistic boy to enter his school building if she brings his service dog. Click to read more... April 2008. Family Of Autistic Boy Battle School Over Service Animal: NORTH FRANKLIN TOWNSHIP, Pa. -- A Washington County community kicked in $13,000 to buy a specially trained dog for a little boy battling autism, but his school won't let the dog inside the building. Click here for the full article... April 2008. Boy’s best friend: Marietta Times, by Connie Cartmell. "The newcomer" says this article about a child's new Autism Assistance Dog, "joins Beth Ann and Toby Eddy, their children, Craven, 5, and Coe, 4, and a cranky Chihuahua determined to see the interloper out the back door, over the hill, and gone forever. The new guy’s name is Smokie and he’s staying. Read more... - April 2008. Service Dogs May Help Autistic Children: Many Parents Who Spoke to ABC News Raved About Their Experience With the Dog Therapy
By Bob Woodruff. Jennifer Plunk, mother of autistic child Matthew Plunk, finally began research that led her to 4 Paws for Ability, "...one of several organizations that trains and places dogs to work specifically with autistic children, helping them to become calmer, more social, and more comfortable in the world."
- April 2008. Service Dogs Aid Some Autistic Children: ABC News highlights nine U.S. children who own service dogs.
- April 2008. ABC News Video: Canine Companions for Autistic Kids: Specially trained dogs help autistic children connect with their environment.
- March 2008. Dog helps 10-year-old function. According to The Ironton Tribune, "Trevor Hall is 10 years old, but unlike many other children his age, his autism has led to a somewhat sheltered life. Visiting public places and just going to school used to cause complete meltdowns, Trevor’s mother, Angel, said." Read the entire article here...
- March 2008. Article on Dale Wooley and 4 Paws for Abiliy. "Dale Wooley is just like any other 7-year-old boy," says the White Mountain Independent. "He loves to ride his bike, play video games and not a day goes by without him talking about his favorite thing - transformers." Read the entire article here...
- March 2008. Having Faith in Fur and 4 Paws for My Son with FASD "Since receiving our son’s diagnosis of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome, we have been humbled in ways we could never have expected." Read more... "FASD is like the undertow...it lies in relative silence beneath the surface of the individual gathering its energy and force. Marked by co-existing disorders and peculiar characteristics, the ebb and flow of these behaviors are not exactly invisible, but can remain hidden. Some symptoms can be as gentle as a tide or swell like a tidal wave, engulfing the individual and often the caregivers or family."
- Kentucky House of Representatives honors Alex Harpole and Service Dog, Lady, on March 5, 2008. Special recognition was given to Alex and Lady because Alex was selected by the National Epilepsy Foundation to represent Kentucky in a face-to-face meeting with lawmakers in Washington D.C., to discuss desperately needed help for children with disabilities. Alex, who has an extremely rare form of epilepsy called Dravet's Syndrome, and his mother, Carrie, will share their first-hand knowledge of what support is lacking and what is needed. Click here to see Lady's certificate, and click here to see Alex's certificate. And click here to see a video about Alex and Lady.
- 8-year-old finds new friend in specially trained German Shepherd Heroes come in all ages, races, shapes, sizes - and species, says KYPOST.com on March 1,2008: "Meet one who is only 18 months old, weighs 65 pounds, has tan and black fur, four legs and shining eyes the color of dark chocolate. Her name, Lady, fits her perfectly because she is everything it implies: gentle, responsible, helpful and loyal."
- Football 4 Paws: Fundraiser at North Forsyth benefits autism dog organization
- Dogs help children with autism be independent: The Urbana Daily Citizen
- Canine caregivers help autistic kids: Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Highly trained dogs offer new life to autistic children:Atlanta Journal-Constitution
- Editorial: When man's best friend became a boy's new hope: Fond du Lac Reporter
- Four-legged friend: Hurricane family brings autism-assistance service dog home: The Charleston (WV) Gazette
- Local family hopes special dog can assist autistic son: Salem Times-Commoner
- Volvo for Life Award
- Autism Epidemic: The Gainesville Sun with photo of Leo and Halo
- Anchorage Daily News: Rescuing a life. Lovable pooch brings smiles to child's face, comfort to his family
- Four-legged friend comforts autistic boy: KTTU 2 News
- Paws with a Cause: Interview with Karen Shirk by Cincinnati.com
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