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Mom and Zach |
A child goes to the park with his parents. Perhaps he makes funny noises. Perhaps he walks in circles. Perhaps she cannot talk. Perhaps she uses a wheelchair. The other children go out of their way to avoid them.
A child goes to the park with his parents and a new furry friend. Perhaps he makes strange noises. Perhaps he walks in circles. Perhaps she cannot talk. Perhaps she uses a wheelchair. The other children run to greet them … another doggie miracle!
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Of the 52 million people with disabilities in the US, only 1% use service dogs. The demand for these dogs far exceeds the supply and securing one is often a frustrating process. Most service dog providers have multiple year waiting lists and restrictive eligibility criteria. Training a service dog is costly, averaging 10,000 - 12,000 dollars per dog. It is especially difficult to secure service dogs for children.
At 4 Paws For Ability, Inc. we are breaking through the boundaries.
We have a fundraising requirement of the recipient. We form a working relationship with them and have them raise money for 4 Paws. In this manner, the waiting list is only as long as it takes the person to complete their fundraising requirement. 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.
We will certify a parent - child team so that young children unable to handle a dog on their own can still benefit from the loving friendship that is magically created when children and dogs become a team. Certification is given in the parents name. The dog can then accompany the child to a variety of therapy and medical appointments providing a constant in their ever changing world. 4 Paws is a 501c3 agency. |
