4PawPrints | March/Apr | 2015

Transcription

Mar/Apr 2015
4PAWPRINTS
Ben’s
Corner
From the Desk of 4 Paws Executive Director Karen Shirk
ly Fami
times
Some
hoose
yo u c
.
them
times
Some
hose
they c
you.
Family
*a basic social unit consisting of parents and their children, considered as a group, whether dwelling
together or not;
*a social unit consisting of one or more adults together with the children they care for
*4 Paws recipients, volunteers, supporters, and staff.
1
Family is used in so many more ways today than it ever was. Even in the traditional use of the word, it is far more
inclusionary. Many groups consider themselves family. I have heard people refer to my “Facebook” family. Well, we believe in
the word family and all that it implies. Family should be fully accepting, people we feel safe with, a place we are always
included. For some, their real family does not even stand for these values. Here at 4 Paws we do not take lightly our
commitment to the 4 Paws Family.
4 Paws began with the purpose of training service dogs, and of course that remains our primary mission, but today
we stand for so much more. I can’t remember when exactly I started to realize we were more than just the dogs we train and
place, but that somewhere along the line we realized that the families coming to us began to see us as a refuge of sorts. I
believe it began when our class size went from 1-2 families to 3-4. The families found, some for the first time, a place where
their kids could be who they are and no one blinked an eye. They realized they never needed to apologize here for anything
that happened whether that be a child stripping their clothes and skipping around the room in their birthday suit or the one
throwing a major meltdown in the class because a chair was out of place the next day when they came into the room.
With the founding of social media the 4 Paws family exploded. At first there was a Yahoo group founded by Hunter
and Service Dog, Kicker’s Mom. Suddenly that acceptance, inclusion, and feeling of safety extended outside the 4 Paws walls.
4 Paws families in the hundreds joined the group and every topic from the first few weeks with your service dog to IEPs, to
types of meds were discussed. Every day my inbox was flooded with Yahoo group emails and I loved watching the bonds
develop and hear people begin to refer to us as their “4 Paws Family”.
Facebook brought an entirely new level to the involvement of our clients with one another on an ongoing basis. The
group today has over 700 members. With Facebook, volunteers and puppy raisers began to join the family. The families
getting the dogs could watch some of our dogs grow up. The puppy raisers got to know the families who brought their beloved
4PAWPRINTS Mar/Apr 2015
Inside 4PawPrints | Mar-Apr 2015
Front cover ........ Ben’s Corner
Page 3 ................ Ben’s Corner Continued
Page 4 ................ Travis: A Soldier's Story
Page 5 ................. March Class Graduates
Page 6-7 .............. The Adventures of Piper Papillon
Page 8-11 ........... April Class Graduates
Page 12-13 ......... STAR Volunteer, Eddie Young
Page 14-17 ......... Puppy Program
Page 18 ............... Construction Update
Page 19 .............. Additional Supporters
Page 20 ................ Are you my foster home?
Page 20 ................ Staff Stars
Page 21 ............... Young Supporters
Page 22-24 ........... Your 4 Paws
Page 25 ............... Check this out!
2
Page 26 ............ Round of Appaws
Ben’s Corner, Continued
temporary family member home with them. Volunteers who
Family. Seeing the impact of 4 Paws in their lives is the most
came to socialize the dogs at 4 Paws got a real look at the fruit of
rewarding part of every day. I look for those pictures that show
their labor of love.
the reach of our work. The kids reaching out to their service
Several years ago the first “class pages” began to pop
dogs, and the Veterans who are walking more confidently with a
up on Facebook. Suddenly the wait for the dog to be trained
4 Paws Service Dog beside them. The pictures are melded onto
became easier. The class families joined their group and got to
my heart and I can see them when the struggles of the day to
know one another. They shared stories of their kids and why
day operations of a large business close in. As I fight for the
they needed the dog and small inner families were formed.
funding needed to expand our work, it is these pictures and
Shirts were made, classes were named, and the wait went faster
interactions that spur me on even when there is little energy left
and with more ease than when they waited alone. When the
to make it through the day.
families came to get their dogs they already knew each other
When I founded 4 Paws in 1998, never in my wildest
and were so excited to finally meet in person. When class was
dreams did I see all that we have become today. It is with
over and that hard first year began, they had each other to
excitement and awe that I look towards the future and wonder
support them through it. They celebrate the victories of
with all we are now what exciting things lay ahead. What will I
placement and support each other through the struggles of
be reflecting on in 5 or 10 years? I can’t say for certain but I do
learning to live successfully with a canine member of their
know it will be amazing!
treatment team.
I leave you with these thoughts from the 4 Paws Family on what
I have to admit that the first thing I do in the morning
it means to them:
is turn to Facebook to see what is up with the extended 4 Paws
It truly is a family. You meet all
Unconditional
these other families with such
love, acceptance,
beautiful
children, they become your
& support for our
brothers
and sisters. They got your
entire family. 4
back. The trainers, they care so much
Paws gave all of
No judgment, a group of
about what they do. Then Karen,who
Acceptance, friendship,
us hope and a
people who have my back,
started this all. She's like the
unconditional support. The very
better life. It
acceptance,
a
light
during
godfather,
lol. Her dream of wanting
best part of 4 paws is being
has been, and
our
dark
and
scary
moments,
to
help
children get service dogs
completely NORMAL for the 2 weeks
still is, life
an
organization
who
when
other
organizations
said no, has
of training. We don't have to
provided
my
daughter
with
a
changing
for
us
been
life
changing
for
my
children.
explain our kids to
life
saving
friend
and
Seriously,
it's
a
family
of love,
and
there
are
no
anyone.....because it just doesn't
without
it
we
would
have
acceptance,
hope,
encouragement,
and
words
big
enough
matter. They're accepted as they
made funeral arrangements
blessings. This family has forever
are with no judgments. You'll
to express how
for her.
changed our family.
never know how much that means
grateful we are!
Unconditional
love
for
No judging and a sense
until you're actually faced with
Our family has
it. Its an indescribable feeling. our special kids,
of community and
acceptance as a family
grown up with Understanding,
camaraderie
that is
Just that, HOPE for the
support and
just as we are, life
4 Paws by our
highly
valued
when
you
family!
compassion
changing dogs and life
side. I cannot
future!
have a child of
While we all
long friendships.
imagine our lives
special needs. We all
come from
People who understand the value of
without them!
need a place to feel
different
life in every condition. People who
safe and my 4 Paws
walks of
see past disabilities & view my child I have since the day I joined in 2006
family provides me
life. We
been on for all of it, the joys, the
as a whole, complete person. People
A
lifetime
with that.
have all
who will go far & wide to improve the struggles, the sorrows, those
family
with
no
been brought life of their child no matter what.
successes and the many many moments of
Acceptance
judgment and
together and Other people, like me, who are sick of love and miracles and rainbow bridges.
and
unconditional
As a parent with a child with needs
hearing " God doesn't give us more
have each
unconditional
nothing has helped me as much as this love because
than we can handle " because Yes, He
other's
love
they understand
group. Now aside from the group, we
Does!... But He also gives us His
backs no
received the best trained, most
grace & other ways to cope. This
matter what.
Strength in numbers and a
perfect Autism tracking service dog we
family is more supportive of Caleb &
We don't
our efforts to obtain Soarin than many could. The experience and the journey place to go for advice, brag
judge each
about our kids & their dogs
people that share the same blood as my has changed our lives. Alex just now
(without everyone thinking
other and
whispered, "Barley, are you ready for
son. You guys laugh with me about
you think your kid/dog is
will try our public poop accidents, while others
school?”
any better than anyone
best to help judge. You guys understand that
Priceless. The 4 Paws family makes sure
else's),
and comfort that we
each other
Soarin IS family NOT a pet. You all
that no matter what disability, all of
are
all
in the same boat
understand how magical the bond is
our kiddos feel accepted, supported,
as much as
even
if
we
are
paddling with
between Caleb & Soarin. It's a bond
and loved without judgment or any type
we can!
They help you through
the RUFF times!!!
3
Unconditional love and
NO JUDGMENT!!!
that I will forever be in awe of. I love & appreciate all of you more
than you'll ever know.
different oars. of criticism. The connections we have
made will last a lifetime and there is always a network of
good information. 4 Paws for Ability is like the Millionaire
Matchmaker for special needs kids and their service dogs.
Travis: A Soldier's Story
A Sold Out Event!
By Joyce Dunham
On Thursday, March 5, 2015 the Cincinnati
ReelAbilities Film Festival presented “Travis: A Soldier’s
Story” hosted by 4 Paws for Ability at the Cincinnati
Museum Center. The VA Mobile Health Screening Unit,
4 Paws ambassador dogs, and other agencies that provide
services and recreational opportunities for veterans were
present before the event. 4 Paws service dogs in training
Sapphire and Zappa definitely stole the pre-show
spotlight. Many other 4 Paws staff and supporters also
attended the event.
The film, “Travis: A Soldier’s Story”, is an inspiring documentary of United
States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne Division. Mills is one of
only five quadruple-amputees from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The
documentary shows a simulation of the IED explosion that injured Mills, the rescue
efforts performed by his platoon, and his recovery. Mills’ continues to share the internal
and external struggles wounded veterans face while expressing the difficulties of
rehabilitation processes.
Post-recovery, Mills’ mission has been to inspire fellow wounded service
members. He has founded the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization,
formed to benefit and assist wounded and injured veterans and their families. The
foundation has recently purchased the Elizabeth Arden estate with plans to transform it
into the nation’s first fully accessible, smart home, retreat for wounded veterans and
their families, to help empower others to overcome their physical and emotional
challenges by pushing forward through the course of their recovery.
Following the showing, Travis was joined by Major Laurae Rettig, the critical
care doctor who provided medical care during his air care transport from Kandahar to
Bagram, Afghanistan, and other members of the University of Cincinnati/United
States Air Force Center for Sustainment of Trauma & Readiness Skills team (CSTARS). Mills and Rettig reunited for
the first time since the critical care flight
at the ReelAbilities Film Festival. SSG Mills expressed during the
question and answer session that he is grateful to all that assisted in
saving his life and simply, grateful to be alive. He looks different but he is
still the same loving father, husband, son, brother and friend. Mills has
redefined the meaning of being a Wounded Warrior. As he would say,
NEVER GIVE UP! NEVER QUIT!
The Cincinnati ReelAbilites Film Festival was sponsored by
LADD. Fifth Third Bank presented the screening of “Travis: A
Soldier’s Story”. With ticket sales and a special $500 bonus from The
Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr. /U.S. Bank Foundation, 4 Paws
received $2286.60 to benefit their service dog program for veterans.
http://www.travismills.org/foundation/
March 2015 Class
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
Goff & Aiden
Rooney (Blarney) &
Faith Ellen
Rana & Cody
Fagan & Finn
DeeDee & Noah
With our service
...go places without having to leave when
dog, we can... he gets over sensitized. Also, when he
does have the occasional melt down,
people don't stare like they used to. They
give me my space and keep quiet, which
allows me to address his needs.
-Jennifer Davis
Mom of Noah & DeeDee
...allow him to be able to do
more things independently
that was normally an issue
due to separation anxiety.
-Kristy Dutter Filbrun
Mom of Cody & Rana
The Adventures of Piper Papillon
I’m baaaaaack!
By Piper Papillion
Hello all, Piper here. I am sorry you had to put up with
the ramblings of that juvenile Papillion, Belle Ame last
newsletter! You know even God took a break because on
the seventh day he rested, so the Bible says. But here I
am back and ready to take you on a quick virtual trip
through my adventures. I know some of you live
vicariously through me, it’s okay, not everyone’s life can
be as exciting as mine.
So, the year has been
exciting to date. My first trip
of the year was to one of my
favorite places, Atlanta! In
Atlanta every year they have
the Paws For A Cause
Invitational! Our friends at
Ultimate Gym Sports started
this fantastic fundraiser and
work all year long to make it happen in a big way and
was it big this year? YOU BET! It was so much bigger
than last year. My favorite part of this great fundraiser is
the Special Olympics. We got to see a lot of our friends
from last year and got loads of pats and hugs from
them. I tell you, these girls are the happiest girls ever.
They love their gymnastics and do so very well. This
year some of them participated in the regular classes
also. Guess what? It was our friends, Brian and Sharon
from Ultimate Gym Sports that made that happen. Our
fundraiser was the first ever to allow the
kids from special needs classes to
participate in the regular classes. It was
fanflippingtastic. No pun on words
there but some of them were indeed
flipping.
When they had the awards for the
special needs classes they were above
special. You should hear those gals sing.
They had the best time at their awards
ceremony. They sang songs and
supported each other in their
individual wins. Anyone who has a bad
attitude in sports should watch these
gals. They do sports the way they
should be done. They have fun, win or
lose. Their parents, friends, and families
celebrate each and every performance regardless of the
score or placement! There
is no grumbling, no talk of
bad judging, and no sadness
when mistakes are made.
Everyone should spend time
with this group of girls.
They have a lot to teach the
sports world! One of the
vendors in the
event,UDisplay, made the
most amazing metal display
case and donated it for a
drawing to give to one
Special Olympian.
There were entries in this event from around the world.
In fact, I met a group of kids from Russia. Of course
the Boyz from Japan were back this year doing their
rhythmic routine and impressing everyone. Fun was had
by everyone who attended. We had our usual hang out
in the “doggie park”, where the kids stopped by to visit
us and hang out with 4 Paws. Jessa attended with us this
year and brought her dancing dog, Coda. They did a
few routines of dancing with dogs for the spectators. All
in all, this event was a huge success yet again! Of course
how could it not be?
Another reason I love Atlanta is my friend Melissa Faye
Green lives there! We got to visit with her twice this
year. First we went to her house for
dinner and to hang out a bit. Her dogs
were okay but really, they need to
spend some time in prison! Then
Melissa came to dinner with us at the
hotel. It was so great to catch up with
her. She is working on finalizing the 4
Paws story. We first met Melissa when
she wrote an article on 4 Paws and a
special 4 Paws team for the NY Times
Magazine. The article was a huge
success and we got all kinds of media
contacting us wanting to write the
book and make a movie but we knew
there was no one else for this book but
Melissa. The book is in its final stages
and will release this year. Get ready for
a media storm after that! Lots of traveling for me. I
might need my very own newsletter!
DONATE NOW!
Donate to our Building Fund!
The Adventures of Piper Papillon, Continued
After Atlanta I went to another of my favorite places of all times, Alaska! We went
up to meet with the trainer in our Alaska branch of 4 Paws. Peg Bernert who is
busy making 4 Paws placements happen right in Alaska! We took her a couple of
new dogs to train, Iggy and Yeti. We also picked up Ms. Poppy who went all the
way to Alaska for a fruitless affair with a red man up there. Fruitless as in no
puppies, but she tried. Really, it makes no difference to me because we had 11
puppies this year already, all within 3 days’ time from 3 Moms. That is a Papillon
record breaker! Honestly she can travel to Alaska every time she comes into heat if
it means I get to go and stay in my favorite hotel, the Dimond Hotel! Of course
we get to see our friends, the Bernert Family and visit with Blazin and Ritz, the
current Alaska 4 Paws Papillons.
While we were in Alaska we got to meet the girl who will be Blazin’s partner. He is
graduating this year as a Diabetic Alert Dog (My Grandson, of course). She was
so cute! We invited her to meet some 4 Paws Papillons and then asked her if she
would like to have Blazin’ as her diabetic alert dog because he had been working
so hard to learn her scent when she is high and low. That cute Bella girl smiled ear
to ear! There is always magic in the first meetings of 4 Paws dogs and their new partners!
No real tales to tell from this adventure in Alaska. When it comes to Alaska that is
a good; the first time I visited Alaska, a bear dog attacked me and the second time
good old Peg lost me. This trip went by without a hitch! Karen was so relieved!
The last of my travels to date was to Washington, DC. I had to go you know as I
plan to run for President in 2016! All of Facebook is behind me and I know I can
do a great job. Have you seen the WHITE HOUSE! It really is boring old white.
First things I will paint it Pink and bedazzle it. We need an exciting house for
President Piper. Next I will work on the Capital building and Lincoln. We need to
paint a smile on that man’s face. Why in the world do they have all those statues
in DC and not a one of them is smiling? I know because the first day we went
ALL around DC and I saw plenty of grumpy, expressionless faces. The only really
happy thing I saw was the beautiful blooming cherry trees! Well that and all these
people with cameras on sticks taking “selfies” with these places behind them.
Okay I admit it I have a few selfies of me, but I need them for my campaign.
We went to the Epilepsy Foundation VIP reception Friday night and then out to eat with my friends, the Wilcox Family.
You should have seen the expression on my bestie, Flame, when she saw me enter the restaurant! Okay so she was really
more excited to see Karen. She sat down and spoke and Flame jumped up and showered her with kisses. It is a small
world she said when I come to DC and there you are. Joel and Flame had a busy
weekend signing comic books. Have you seen the comic book made my
Medikidz featuring Joel and Flame? If not you really must get a copy. They have
them at 4 Paws and for just one dollar they will mail it right to your door. The
book is about Joel and how his Seizure Alert Dog, Flame, helps him cope with
epilepsy.
The walk on Saturday was great. If you had any doubt how popular I am, and
my chances of winning the 2016 Presidential election you would have lost them
Saturday. We hung out with our friends at Eisai, telling people about Magnolia
Paws for Compassion (a partnership between Eisai, 4 Paws, and the Epilepsy
Foundation). When we went out and about people kept coming up and asking
Karen if I was indeed “THE” Piper Papillon? Of course, who else would I be?
Karen guesstimates 20 people asked her in just an hour’s time! Saturday night
we took over the seafood restaurant! There were at least 5 4 Paws Dogs in there
that night. We had a great dinner with our families who attended the walk. All in
all it was a fantastic weekend!
Stay tuned for the next issue of Piper’s Adventures!
DONATE NOW!
April 2015 Class
Kelcy & Aiden
Balto & Benjamin
We haven’t been home long,
but I already know...
...Gusty is going to change our lives.
He already has! We are able to have a
sense of security we never had before.
He's like having an extra set of eyes (or
in his case an extra nose!) on our son
at all times. The bond is growing daily
and I know Gust will be his best
friend.
-Joanne Wells
Jake & Gust
Gust & Jake
Oh, the places we’ll go....
April 2015 Class
Radar & Carter
Cyclone & Harrison
Cinderella (Saffire) & Arabella
Chickory & Ella, Lucy, Joel, Timmy
April 2015 Class
Tekno & Jakob
Gale & Luke
Lumiya & Cara
We haven’t been home
long, but I already know...
...but I already know that Tekno is a
miracle. I knew that from the moment I
found 4 Paws. Before I fundraised the first
dollar I knew this was going to be a miracle
in our lives. I was right but then I was so
much more right then I ever even thought
of. In ways I never imagined and this is just
the start. The puppy raisers, the prisons, the
students, the trainers, the volunteers, the
families. 4 Paws is a miracle. One that has
to be experienced to truly understand. You
can not explain it....I have tried. One must
go through it to comprehend it. Tekno is a
gift of such incredible magnitude that if I
lived a thousand lifetimes I could never
even begin to repay. All I have is Thank
You....from the absolute bottom of my
soul....thank you.
-Misha Wofford
Jakob & Tekno
April 2015 Class
Taro & Ty
Sherman & Emma
Nyx & Adam
Flixster & Michael
STARVOLUNTEER
Eddie Young
Eddie’s family has
their first foster, Frodo
By Jaki Waggamon
Eddie Young isn’t your average volunteer. While
most people become involved with 4 Paws to get
closer to the puppies, Eddie’s main concern is getting
that new building open (the puppies are of course a
lovely benefit)! Eddie is part of 4 Paws’ Board of
Directors. Karen will be the first to tell you that one
does not go from a dream, a dog, and an apartment,
to a professional service dog training facility, placing
100+ service dogs per year alone. Executing that
type of vision requires help of all types, and the
board is a really important piece of the 4 Paws
puzzle. Eddie found 4 Paws through the United Way
BOLD program. The program helps teach potential
board members the elements of a good board and
helps to match them with nonprofit organizations.
Eddie’s employer, Sunny Delight, encourages
community engagement and 4 Paws work really
aligned with Eddie’s beliefs and values. You could
say, and the rest is history...or it will be once that
building is open!
Eddie describes the 4 Paws board as a working
board, one that provides oversight and assistance to
Karen, but also helps push through some of the high
level issues that come with managing a prospering
nonprofit, such as
personnel,
funding, and longterm strategic
planning.
Everyone brings
their own
expertise to the
board room table
and so far, Eddie
has been using his
to focus on the
building project.
The project
Who’s that guy and why won’t he stop
required a lot of
staring at me?!?
Frodo, the Young family’s first foster
work before any construction was even started, and
now Eddie is very focused on the timeline - as there
are lots of trainers, staff, pups, and one eager CEO
really wanting him to keep the project moving. This
includes lending a hand with any miscellaneous
problems that come up through out the project.
Recently, 4 Paws lost power and internet within two
days of each other. Those are the stressful days,
when the building project is a burden and this far
into the cramped, dusty project, even the little things
are hard to power through. As each new function
emerges in the new space it becomes easier. Any day
there will be office space to complete the necessary
administrative work, a veterinary suite for daily care
and basic surgical procedures, and dog kennels
galore. Those are the easy days, when the goal is
easy to see.
A $2 million building project is enough to keep
anyone busy full time, but it (and his day job) doesn’t
stop Eddie from further contributing. Kelly Camm,
Development Director, happily reports that Eddie
has been assisting in her department too. Asking
people for money isn’t easy. Eddie doesn’t really like
to do it any more than anyone else, but he believes so
strongly in the 4 Paws mission. He points out that
even when donations or services aren’t received,
speaking with potential donors helps to further the
STARVOLUNTEER
Eddie Young
“pack”. You never know when a person could
They thought it would
become a donor, so not-now-donors are still potential be a rewarding
future donors! When asked if his experiences
experience, and
fundraising for 4 Paws could offer any advice to
participating in the
families working hard on their own fundraising for a
process is a good way to
4 Paws dog, he said not really, “they’re facing
learn more about it.
challenges I’ve never faced.”. While true, Eddie
Both have held true.
underestimates his ability to inspire. Even though his Frodo is approaching
reasons, challenges, and success with fundraising are
“give back day”. The
different from our recipients, he understands the
Young’s have learned
power of reaching the goal. He
more about Raising a service dog is a family affair!
said, “Hope is a very powerful
the process. They have a better
Hope
is
a
very
thing and I believe that 4 Paws’
understanding of how you take a tiny
dogs provide as much hope as
powerful thing and I puppy that fits in the palm of your hand
they do service”. That they do
believe 4 Paws’ dogs and turn that into a 70+ lbs certified
Eddie, that they do.
service dog. They have seen the social
provide as much
Again, this is enough to
impact a dog can have on a community
hope as they do
completely fill a person’s day,
and they have introduced countless
service.
and yet, there are more ways to
people to the work 4 Paws is doing. The
describe Eddie’s involvement
family sees their community differently
and commitment to 4 Paws and this time he involved than before; they notice buildings without elevators
his whole pack! Fostering Frodo has been a new and
and accessible ramps. The learning process was
welcome experience in the Young household. The
indeed rewarding.
pack leader, his wife Kristi, does most of the training
Eddie and his family have immersed themselves
with Frodo and takes him with her everywhere. His
in 4 Paws, and we couldn’t be more grateful. Eddie
three daughters absolutely love having Frodo at
tries to do as his parents taught him, to leave
home, but also love traveling to Xenia to play with
everything better than he found it. That is certainly
the smaller 4 Paws pups. The Young’s decided to
true, 4 Paws is better for having Eddie along for the
foster, in addition to everything else, for two reasons.
ride. Thank you Eddie, you are a Star Volunteer!
Everything is a distraction to a puppy. Frodo has been working hard on everything from soccer balls to the family cat!
4 Paws Puppy Program
If April showers bring May flowers, what do April puppies bring? (A very fully puppy house!)
Green Litter
Celeste x Gil
Golden Retrievers
3/14/2015
Techie 2 Litter
Flora x Eilam
Golden Labs
3/20/2015
TV Computer Litter
L’Jo x Bart
Labrador Retreivers
3/22/2015
Big Hero 6 Litter
Noel x Doodlebug
Goldendoodles
3/25/2015
Captain & Tennille Litter
Nura x Graffiti
Golden Labs
4/15/2015
Video Games Litter
Sydney x Gil
Golden Labs
4/21/2015
Animal Bands Litter
Odyssey x Gil
Golden Retrievers
4/21/2015
DONATE NOW!
Toy Litter
Prizma x Takeo
Golden Labs
4/26/2015
Thor Litter
Dot x Doodlebug
Goldendoodles
4/28/2015
Battlestar Galactica Litter
Moxie x Eilam
Golden Retrievers
4/30/2015
Ad Character Litter
Kalilah x Doodlebug
Goldendoodles
4/30/2015
2015 Puppy Count
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CONSTRUCTION
There is natural light, and it is warm and bright.
By Jaki Waggamon
The former VFW hall that 4 Paws has called home for
more than 10 years has certainly been trusty. It has
gotten the job done if you will; but 4 Paws has outgrown
its capacity. That fact is greatly emphasized now, with
staff, dogs, trainers, and Karen’s pack of papillons
stressed to the max while crews bang away on the, now
attached, new building. At this stage in the seemingly
never ending construction, certainly everyone has
questioned what was so wrong with the status quo...
Before my tour of the construction project’s current state,
I may not have been able to give everyone a very good
‘keep you’re head up, you’re almost there’ answer. Now I
can. Light. Natural, beautiful, warm, inviting, sunshiny
light. Among all of the amazing things that the new
building will offer, all of which were worth bucking the status quo,
there will be warm, natural, bright light. If you’ve visited the 4 Paws
of old, you may have noticed - the trusty old building has no
windows! The glass double doors at either end offer a little glimmer
of the sun, but that’s it. In the present state, all you’re seeing is
natural light, mixed in with a few lamps that the construction crew
are using to run electric and other important things through the
space. Surrounded by dust and noise and bustling construction
people, I had to fight the urge to sit down in the center of what will
become the main kennel space and just be in awe of what I
personally have watched 4 Paws become in my short 4 year
involvement. Think of what the first 4 Paws families
would think now - these world class accommodations just
can’t compare to the hotel conference rooms used in 1998!
On the tour I also got to see some of the other details
coming together. The staff bathroom is ready to be
walled in, the specialty veterinarian area is going to be
huge, and the puppy play pens are cute and little, just like
the puppies they will house! Best of all, I saw where
Karen will sit. Rightfully so, she gets two brand new
windows of her own. She says her paps will have their
own space in the new building. I’m thinking the next
fundraiser should be collecting bets to see how long before
the little, loving brood finagles their way back in...
18 Stay tuned - the new space should be almost complete by the next update!
DONATE NOW!
4 Paws for Ability - Additional Supporters
Girl Scouts Work
Hard for 4 Paws
Girl Scout Troop 4328 donated $500 in
cookie profits to 4 Paws! Thank you, girls,
and also a shout out to Angie Durbin who
recommended us! Angie has previously
donated to 4 Paws to help a young lady get
her service dog. We are so excited that
Angie thought of us again and we are
humbled by the generosity of Troop 4328.
Thank you Girl Scout Troop 4328!
CareSource Cares
CareSource has been
actively supporting
4 Paws for a few years
now. As a small company
with most staff working in
the Dayton area, they are
becoming well versed in
the world of service dogs!
Among the ways
CareSource has helped they assisted with the fundraising
for 2 service dogs in the April
Class, Aiden and Kelcy (pictured)
and Harrison and Cyclone. Both
teams were able to visit the staff
during training. Your hard work
paid off, and these families are
very, very grateful!
Thank you CareSource!
Barking Bake Sale
for 4 Paws
May 2014 graduate Addie & Data
have a fun announcement! Their
mom, Samantha, and family friend
Pam have started their own small
business making gourmet pet treats
(much to Data’s joy!). In addition to
getting your furry friend (cats too!)
great treats, 10% of each sale will be
donated to 4 Paws! Check out their
website and Facebook page:
http://barkingbakesale.blogspot.com
http://www.facebook.com/
barkingbakesalegourmetdogtreats
Thank you Barking Bake Sale!
Photography Credits:
Thank you to the 4 Paws
volunteers, staff, and friends
whose photos are in this issue of
4PawPrints!
19
Are you my Foster Home?
4PAWPRINTS Aug/Sept/Oct 2014
By Jaki Waggamon
4 Paws Dogs That
The 4 Paws for Ability
Need Good Homes:
breeding program is
expanding! Everyday 4
Golden Lab:
Paws is working to ensure
-Bippa
that as long as there are
kiddos in need, they will
Poodle:
be able to produce pups
-Padre (Pictured)
with the right personality,
fluff, and spunk for the
Golden Retriever:
job. In order to ensure
-Takeo (Pictured)
-Talya
this is true, very special
-Katja
puppy parents are selected
-Nickolai
to enter the breeding
-Ghostbuster
program!
-Graffiti
These special moms
-Arwin
and dads are housed in
-Sahara
loving pet homes in the
We are always adding pups to our program. Available dogs and breeds may change!
community. At this time,
we are in need of more
complete. Families will cover
If you’re interested in giving a
foster homes to support the mission!
grooming,
treats,
and
toy
expenses.
home
to one of our breeding dogs,
4 Paws will pay for the food, medical
From the beginning, the dog is a
contact Karen Shirk, 4 Paws for
care, and a crate for each breeding
member
of
the
family,
and
not
part
of
Ability founder and executive
dog. Ownership remains with 4 Paws
the service dog program.
director, at 937.374.0385.
until the dog’s time as a breeder is
4 Paws Staff Stars
Erin Bittner, socialization manager, first became involved with 4 Paws as part of the
Wright State foster program. Since graduation she has been working with the
smallest paws, preparing them for their future. There is a major transformation from
newborn to being ready for a new family, either as a rock star service dog or
beloved family pet, and Erin loves seeing this take place. Outside of work, Erin
does therapy work with her pups Draconis and Kailani, both 4 Paws career
changing dogs. Her favorite place to be is Boise Blanc Island, MI, where it’s
beautiful, quiet, and she and the pups can relax. Still, working with pups is hard!
Erin says that she has really gained patience from her job,
but also the ability to genuinely appreciate the little things.
March
&
April
20
Lindsey Schwarber, training assistant, came to 4 Paws
after leaving her job at a local police department. She
quickly found that she loved the work and believes
graduation day is the most rewarding part of her job,
when families express the positive changes that are
already taking place in just two weeks. When she isn’t at
4 Paws, she likes to be outside; hobbies include riding
and showing horses, hiking with her pups, Jax and
Rowdy, and reading everything she can get her hands
on. She says she could write a book about what she’s
gained from 4 Paws so far, but it’s clear that she has a
deep appreciation of the work being done and the
capability of the dogs in training. Her drive comes from
seeing the journey families must take to find applicable
resources for thier children.
Congratulations Erin & Lindsey!
4 Paws for Ability - Young Supporters
Kendall’s Service Dog Support
Kendall Waltz is 14 years old, she lives in Las Vegas, Nevada, and she will
be taking 10th grade coursework this fall. Oh, and she loves 4 Paws for
Ability. Kendall plans to become a geneticist when she grows up, and her
research in genetic disorders, eventually led to an interest in epilepsy (she
knows it’s not necessarily genetic, but it was part of her research process!),
and on a blog called Epilepsy Warriors, she heard about a little boy named
Cole and his 4 Paws service dog, Slugger. It was then that she decided she
wanted to help. Kendall particularly loves that 4 Paws places dogs with
kids, especially those under 5 who have a very hard time finding other
organizations that will consider accepting someone so young. While a cat
lover, she’d love to raise a service dog some day. For now, she’s designing
accessibility themed LEGO sets and fundraising to support 4 Paws. At just
14, she’s a wonderful advocate and thoughtful about inclusion of all people
in a seemingly exclusionary world.
-Follow Kendall on Facebook to learn more: https://www.facebook.com/KendallServiceDogSupport
-Purchase a Bravelet to benefit 4 Paws for Ability: https://www.bravelets.com/bravepage/service-dogs-support
-Vote for LEGO to produce Kendall’s inclusive set: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/100453
Thank you Kendall!
Student Virtual Marathon Supports 4 Paws
Twenty- two students from the Huber Heights SOAR program organized and participated in a virtual marathon
as a class project earlier this year, much to the benefit of the 4 Paws for Veterans program! Students in grades 3-5
had the opportunity to participate and the 22 student participants completed the required 26.2 miles in one
month and then gave presentations on 4 Paws for Ability, the need for veteran service dogs, and how they
completed their marathon. Kelly Camm with Momo and Dotsuwa Rice with Nanuk both visited the students
early in their project, and as one would imagine, they were warmly welcomed.
The virtual marathon was well advertised, including on local news stations, and more than 225 participants raised
$6,222 for the 4 Paws for Veterans Program. On May 1, the SOAR students were able to present vet tech,
Brittany with a check for the total, plus $142 that was donated during their year end performance.
Thank you Huber Heights SOAR Students!
21
g
isin
a
r
und
F
Cud
dling
Your
4
Paws
have
been
busy
......
Send us your 4 Paws Pix! Media4Paws@gmail.com
Grow
ing
Your
4
Paws
ing
y
t
r
Pa
have
been
busy
......
and much, much, more!
Your
4
Paws
have
been
busy
......
4 Paws for Ability - Check This Out!
Feight
Addie’s Law
In April, 4 Paws partnered with Feight, a new tshirt
cause marketing company for their very first
campaign. The two week campaign was super
successful, selling out multiple styles. The campaign
earned $801 and everyone, including SAM, a
4 Paws breeder mom, is looking very stylish as a
result.
When Samantha Gill discovered that New Jersey
law specifically states that service dogs were to be
permitted in school buildings and on school
grounds, but not specifically on school buses, she set
out to make everything very clear. Federal law
would require access to school transportation and
she wanted it written in state law, just like the rest.
Addie’s law was sponsored by Assemblyman Vincent
Mazzeo, D-Atlantic who wanted to ensure students
with disabilities have the same opportunities as their
peers. Gov. Chris Christie signed the bill into law in
March. Congrats to Addie and her service dog
Data on their law and life changing
accomplishment!
Thank you
Feight!
Congratulations Gill Family!
Hope Bricks for 4 Paws Memory Garden
As part of the building project, Hope Bricks will be placed outside in the 4 Paws Memory Garden. The Memory
Garden will house permanent memories of our family, friends, children, service dogs, career-changing dogs, pets
and others that our 4 Paws supporters wish to remember.
Bricks will be available in two options:
1) A $200 brick - allow three lines of text with 14 characters per line (spaces and punctuation are part of the
count).
2) A $500 brick - allow six lines of text with 14 characters per line (spaces and punctuation are part of the
count).
You can purchase a Hope Brick to keep a lasting memory of:
- Your child and his/her service dog
- Your favorite foster dog(s) and your name
- Your adopted dog from 4 Paws and your name
- Your pet dog and your name
- Your children, family, mom, dad, or other family members
- Your training classes, with the class name and date
- In honor of any special event, person, or memory
4 Paws Hope Brick Donation Page:
https://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/therosemennepetfund/hopebrick
Coming Next Edition: Results and Photos from the 3rd Annual 5K and 1-Mile Dog Walk!!!
Thanks to all our donors! (Over $5,000, March-April 2015)
Round of Appaws!
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
MEA Charitable Foundation - $10,000
Michael & Joyce Mallon - $6,060
Mad River Local Schools - $9,463.88
Scott Urban - $12,000
Susan K Gericke - $7,000
Steve Wambold - $10,000
Eisai - $12,000
Matthew & Rebecca Boyle - $5,000
Commercial Properties - $5,000
Community Wrench - $5,000
The Virginia Conlouge Foundation - $20,000
F.O.P. Lodge #170 - $5,000
Illinois Elks Children’s Care Corp - $8,526
Tzell Travel Foundation - $31,056
c/o Tzell Travel
Did you know
that you
can name a
puppy run at
our new
facility?
Find out
more here:
bit.ly/
4PawsBuilding
4PAWPRINTS
4 Paws For Ability
253 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, OH 45385
DO YOU HAVE A STORY OR PHOTOS TO SHARE WITH 4PAWPRINTS?
SEND THEM TO JAKI WAGGAMON AT MEDIA4PAWS@GMAIL.COM!

4PawPrints | March/Apr | 2015

Transcription

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