Nov 06
0

Alexis Spaniol

By | Make a Dream Come True

Alexis Spaniol is a very sweet ten-year-old girl who loves animals, enjoys playing video games, and likes listening to music. Creative, inquisitive, intelligent, compassionate, and unique are all words her mom, Heather, uses to describe Alexis.

But Alexis has experienced hardship due to her disability. Alexis has Autism and has violent meltdowns, trouble focusing on specific topics, suffers from impulse control, and has difficulty forming relationships with other people.

Mom, Heather, describes the difficulty Alexis has, “When you see your child struggling every day, it is heartbreaking. It is so hard to see the shining, unique personality of your little girl being overtaken by anxiety, uncontrollable outbursts, and self-harming behaviors such as picking and negative self-talk.”

Hope in a Service Dog

 

Alexis’s family believes that the addition of a service dog that has been specifically bred and trained to meet Alexis's needs will serve as a valuable therapeutic tool for Alexis's intervention, at home and school. This added support will give her the independence for everyday tasks that people take for granted. Alexis has an overwhelming love for animals. Mom, Heather, elaborates, “Sometimes social/emotional communication taught by non-human counterparts can help us grow in our understanding of the world. This is just one piece of the very difficult puzzle we are trying to
piece together for her.” Alexis has been accepted by 4 Paws for Ability to receive a professionally trained Autism Assistance dog; 4 Paws specializes in training service dogs for children with disabilities, including autism. Her dog will be trained in behavior disruption, tethering, and tracking.

 

How the Community Can Help


It will cost 4 Paws between $40,000 – $60,000 to train Alexis's service dog and 4 Paws asks that each family raises $17,000 of that cost.  Insurance does not cover the cost of a service dog nor do local or state government programs provide any sort of financial assistance in obtaining a service dog for Alexis.

If you would like to help this young girl receive a life-saving service dog, there are three ways to help:

 

Attend a Poker Run on Saturday, September 26 at the Glacial Lakes Harley Davidson, 1000 19th Street SE, Watertown. Registration 10:30 – 11:45 AM. Kickstands up at noon. Cost $20 per hand; 2 winning hands will be paid. Route information will be provided at registration. Food will be provided at the end of the run with a free-will offering; 50/50 tickets, table auction, t-shirts, and more will also add to the fun. Plus, a 4 Paws for Ability service dog, Wishes, will be present. HickTown Mafia will be playing after the run.

 

To donate by credit card, go to: https://www.facebook.com/donate/226261262074874/ or https://4pawsforability.org/donate-now/

 

To donate by check, make payable to 4 Paws for Ability with Alexis Spaniol in the memo field and mail to 4 Paws for Ability, 207 Dayton Avenue, Xenia, OH 45385.

 

Thank you for your consideration.

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Oct 08
0

Avery Brothers

By | Make a Dream Come True

Avery is an amazing, smart, and playful 4-year-old who is filled with joy. He was diagnosed with Nonverbal Autism and major sensory food aversions when he was just over 2 years old. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. There is no cure for Autism, however, there are a number of interventions and tools which have proven effective in helping a person with Autism. One tool can be an Autism Service Dog, which we feel is perfect for Avery based on his love for dogs. After extensive research and consideration, we decided to start the process of getting him an Autism Service Dog through 4 Paws for Ability. 

4 Paws Autism Assistance Dogs can be trained in a variety of tasks to assist a child. These include behavior disruption to distract and disrupt repetitive behaviors or meltdowns, tethering to prevent and protect a child from wandering, and search and rescue tracking to locate a child who has wandered.

An Autism Assistance Dog would benefit Avery in many ways, such as:

  • Performing deep pressure by lying across his lap when he gets upset.

  • Snuggling or giving kisses when Avery is upset and crying.

  • Improve Avery’s sleep just by being present and snuggling.

  • Using search and rescue skills to follow Avery’s scent and lead us to him, should he ever wander off.

  • Prevent wandering while out in public by being tethered to Avery.

  • Friendship.

  • Becoming a social bridge leading to incentive to communicate.

  • Assisting with transitions.

  • Teaching responsibility.

It costs 4 Paws for Ability between $40,000 – $60,000 to train and properly place each service dog. Their funding model is partial payment for services, meaning they cover a portion of the cost and we as a family are responsible for a service fee of $17,000, so we are asking for your help in our efforts to raise the money needed for our son to become one of the many children benefiting from a service animal.

If you’d like to help, donations can be made here:

https://www.mightycause.com/story/Autismservicedogforavery

https://www.facebook.com/donate/397656788062673/398514814643537/

Or over the phone at 4 Paws by calling 937-374-0385 Monday through Friday 9AM to 4PM EST. If you prefer to donate by check please make them payable to 4 Paws for Ability and writing Avery’s full name (Avery Brothers) on the memo line and mailing it to:

4 Paws for Ability

In Honor of Avery Brothers

207 Dayton Ave.

Xenia, Ohio 45385

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Oct 06
0

Weston Wade

By | Make a Dream Come True
Hi everyone, and thank you for reading Weston’s story. Weston is a spunky and sweet little boy who enjoys lining up his trains and trucks, collecting mail, and being outdoors! He loves exploring nature and playing outside. Weston has a condition called 2p16.3 microdeletion. This condition makes him more susceptible to autism, schizophrenia, seizures, ADHD, and learning disabilities. Weston has been diagnosed with level three autism, which is in the more significant range. While being on the autism spectrum has given Weston some wonderful qualities, such as a fantastic memory, a typical day can be difficult and exhausting for Weston to endure. Currently, Weston is five years old and doesn’t use words to communicate effectively, which can be very frustrating. In return, Weston has meltdowns and shutdowns. He also experiences sensory difficulties and is extremely rigid. Weston tends to like sameness in every aspect of his routine. New environments can be scary and cause anxiety. Lastly, Weston tries wandering frequently. He has no awareness of danger, which can be scary in itself. Weston has been approved for an autism service dog, and we couldn’t be happier! Weston’s autism assistance dog will be trained specifically for him. A service dog will provide many benefits for Weston, including…  

  • Tethering and scent tracking to provide an extra layer of security for Weston. 

  • Improve his sleep at night by giving constant comfort.  

  • Provide behavioral interventions when Weston is exhibiting repetitive or self-injurious behaviors. 

  • Assist in easing transitions.

  • Providing comfort and deep pressure when he is overwhelmed.

  • Encourage communication!

  • Offer a chance to practice responsibility. 

  • Be a friend to sweet Weston.   

We are going through an organization called 4 Paws for Ability. The average costs to breed, train, and raise a service dog is $40,000-$60,000. Although this is the full price, the families are only required to pay $17,000. We are very blessed for this opportunity. We would be extremely thankful for any donations. Weston does not try to make friends but lights up in excitement around animals. Please help us get his best friend! For any donation to go towards Weston’s service dog fee, his full name (Weston Wade) must be either written on the memo line of a check or in the description box of a donation. Donations can be sent directly to 4 Paws.


*Mail checks to:
207 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio 45385
Put “Weston Wade” in the memo line.

* Credit card donations can be made by calling (937) 374-0385. Please call Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST if you would like to donate over the phone.

*Or you can donate on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/donate/253145006059672/253145019393004/


Oct 06
0

Tyler Dillon

By | Make a Dream Come True

Tyler was a fun loving, active and engaging middle child until Nov. 10, 2019 when he wasn’t feeling 100%. He was complaining of a headache, which was followed by vomiting and becoming lethargic.  After an MRI 3 days later, it was discovered that this was no ordinary headache and that Tyler had a brain bleed. Tyler’s condition is very rare and serious. It is called Arteriovenous Malformation(AVM). AVM is an abnormal connection between arteries and veins in the brain. Tyler’s AVM was located on his right frontal lobe, and he underwent an embolization followed by a craniotomy.  Shortly after, Tyler had a VP shunt placed for hydrocephalus(fluid in the brain). Tyler continues to attend occupational therapy and speech therapy, in order to deal with cognitive and fine motor issues. Tyler currently suffers from anxiety and depression post hospitalization, and refuses to leave the home. He no longer represents the fun loving and active little boy he use to be. He currently sees an OT, speech therapist, GI, Endocrinologist, psychiatrist, mental health therapist, and developmental pediatrician. He is at risk for seizures, return of AVM until the age of 30, and his VP shunt malfunctioning.

This brave little boy has been through so much and works so hard every single day. He is making progress through various therapies, but there are still many environments that are extremely overwhelming for him. To help open up the world for Tyler as much as possible and have peace of mind, his parents are in the process of getting him a service dog. The tasks that his service dog will be trained to perform will be life-changing and could be lifesaving for Tyler.

Here are a few of the tasks Tyler’s dog will be specifically trained to do:

  • Calming  through Deep Pressure Therapy –  His dog will be trained to provide this deep pressure for Tyler when he’s feeling anxious or depressed, as well as serve as a distraction from Tyler’s frustrations through cuddles. He will have a friend whom to share unconditional love with.
  • Assistance with getting help during symptoms-  His dog will be trained to bark when commanded “Help” if Tyler experiences symptoms of returning AVM, VP Shunt malfunction, and seizures

Tyler’s service dog is coming from 4 Paws for Ability. It costs 4 Paws an average of $50,000 to raise and properly train a service dog to perform these life-changing tasks.  The Dillon family is raising $17,000 of the total cost. To help Tyler get his lifesaving service dog, credit card gifts can be made by going to: Support Tyler’s Journey to His Companion on Mightycause (https://www.mightycause.com/story/M0941g)or www.4pawsforability.org/donate-now

*On the 4 Paws website, please be sure to include Tyler Dillon in the description box on the second check-out page. Credit card donations can also be made over the phone at 4 Paws by calling 937-374-0385 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

To donate by check, please make checks out to 4 Paws for Ability and write on the check memo line – Tyler Dillon and mail to:

4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Tyler Dillon
207 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385.

Thank you for your consideration.

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Sep 25
0

Bria Chapman

By | Make a Dream Come True

Bria Kate is our sweet, spunky, and feisty 19 month old daughter. Bria has a rare genetic disorder called Syngap1-related disorder. Due to this, sweet Bria battles every day with hypotonia, seizures, global developmental delay, sensory processing disorder, and vision impairment. Syngap1-related disorder often presents with autism as well and while she is too young to be diagnosed at this time, it may be in her future. She is mostly nonverbal which makes communication extremely frustrating for her. We are trying to raise funds to provide sweet Bria with a service dog.


Bria absolutely loves animals. Her face absolutely lights up with joy whenever she is around them. This service dog would open up a whole new world for our girl. Bria’s hypotonia means her muscles are floppy and she tires very quickly. The dog would be trained in mobility to support her while walking, going up and down stairs, and pick up items she drops. Bria can get very frustrated and overwhelmed at times. This can lead to meltdowns which often include self-injurious behaviors like biting herself and head banging. The service dog would be trained to help calm or prevent meltdowns by distracting and comforting her among other things. Bria also experiences seizures which the dog would be trained to detect and alert us to. These are just a few of the things a service dog would do for Bria.


Bria is the strongest little warrior and this dog would bring her so much joy while helping her at the same time. Bria has been accepted into the 4 Paws 4 Ability service dog program. We are now working on raising the $17,000 needed to fund this service dog for her. It costs 4 Paws an average of $40,000- $50,000 to raise, train, and place each service dog. We are committed to raising $17,000 of that amount in order for Bria to have this life changing gift.

If you’d like to help, donations can be made directly to 4 Paws 4 Ability. Please be sure to write Bria’s full name (Bria Chapman) on the memo line.

 

Checks can be mailed to:

4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Bria Chapman
207 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385

 

If you’d like to donate online, you can do so here:

https://www.mightycause.com/story/C99a9f

or on facebook here:

https://www.facebook.com/donate/359472272084404/

You may also call to make a credit card donation over the phone at (937) 374-0385 – Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

Sep 16
0

Valor Keane

By | Make a Dream Come True

 

Valor Keane is described as “love, laughter, kindness and joy wrapped up in one handsome little two-and-a-half-year-old package” by his parents. He is sweet and always smiling. 

 

But sometimes it’s hard for Valor to share these gifts with the world around him. Valor has autism spectrum disorder with language impairment. He is currently non-verbal and has a sensory processing disorder as well. This means that he has gigantic hurdles to overcome in order to comfortably function in a world that is oftentimes not quite built for someone whose brain processes things the way his does. The frustrations that come with living with his disabilities cause Valor to experience meltdowns, engage in stimming, display repetitive and sometimes self-injurious behaviors, elope (run away) in public and unsafe environments, and isolate from others. 

 

This brave little boy works so hard every single day and is making amazing progress through various therapies, but there are still many environments that are extremely overwhelming and inaccessible for him. To help open up the world for Valor as much as possible, his parents are in the process of getting him a service dog. The tasks that his autism service dog will be trained to perform will be life-changing and could be lifesaving for Valor. 

 

Here are a few of the tasks Valor’s dog will be specifically trained to do:

  • Tethering – providing an anchor for Valor in public settings so that he doesn’t wander or elope (run away) into an unsafe situation.

  • Tracking – should the unthinkable happen and Valor manages to get away from his parents, his service dog will be trained to track Valor using his scent and help reunite him with his family safely. 

  • Behavior Disruption – his dog will be trained to recognize and interrupt stimming, repetitive and self-injurious behaviors or will alert his parents to Valor’s behaviors so that his family can properly intervene. 

  • Calming and Preventing Meltdowns through Deep Pressure Therapy – when Valor is overwhelmed, he currently has to wear a weighted compression vest to give his body the input needed to calm down. His dog will be trained to provide this deep pressure for Valor in these situations, as well as serve as a welcomed distraction from Valor’s frustrations through cuddles and licks. 

  • Assistance with Transitions – Valor relies heavily on predictability and routine. The dog will act as a source of consistency and comfort for Valor when daily transitions in his preferred routines are interrupted. 

  • Social Bridge and Communication – through partnering with a dog, Valor will have a best friend who offers unconditional love with no expectations. This relationship will help Valor learn and practice social skills that currently cause him distress and anxiety. The dog will be Valor’s “safe space” to work on engaging with others in meaningful ways. 

 

Valor’s autism service dog is coming from 4 Paws for Ability. It costs 4 Paws an average of $50,000 to raise and properly train a service dog to perform these life-changing tasks.  The Keane family is raising $17,000 of the total cost. To help Valor get his lifesaving service dog, credit card gifts can be made by going to: https://www.mightycause.com/story/Valors-Service-Dog or www.4pawsforability.org/donate-now.  On the 4 Paws website, please be sure to include Valor Keane in the description box on the second check-out page.  Credit card donations can also be made over the phone at 4 Paws by calling 937-374-0385 Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

 

To donate by check, please make checks out to 4 Paws for Ability and write on the check memo line – Valor Keane and mail to:

4 Paws for Ability

In Honor of Valor Keane

207 Dayton Ave.

Xenia, Ohio, 45385.

 

Thank you for your consideration. 

 

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Sep 09
0

Samuel Jenkins

By | Make a Dream Come True

 

We are trying to raise money for my son Samuel Jenkins to receive a Service Dog from 4 Paws for Ability. Those who know Sammy, know he loves animals and would know that he struggles quite often. Samuel was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder along with Hypotonia, Sensory Integration Disorder, Language Delay, and Impaired Social Interaction. He is currently considered non-verbal. He can be an extremely anxious kid. We try our best to keep him happy and comfortable, but it can be difficult at times, especially with the lack of communication. 

We are most challenged when Sam is out of the home. Seeing the way Sam is with animals, I just know a Service Dog is the right choice. A Service Dog for Sam would be a means for further comfort and security along with companionship for both him and our family, in and out of our home. Sam tends to have meltdowns and/or stim loudly whenever he is overly anxious or frustrated from not being able to understand us or vice-versa. The Service Dog would be trained to de-escalate these melt downs by providing comforting interactions. Another thing the Service Dog would be trained in is tethering and tracking. Something Sam tends to do, which is quite common in children with autism is wandering/eloping, so having a Service Dog with those skills would be very helpful in keeping him safe. Samuel was approved for the 4 Paws for Ability program and now we are tasked with raising $17,000 to receive a Service Dog from them. To raise, train, and place a Service Dog on average costs between $40,000-60,000. We are hoping to be able to raise $17,000 of that amount. All donations will be so greatly appreciated!

If you’d like to help our Sammy, donations in support of him can be made directly to 4 Paws for Ability – be sure to write Samuel’s full name on the memo line.  Mail checks to:

4 Paws for Ability
In Honor of Samuel Jenkins
207 Dayton Ave.
Xenia, Ohio, 45385

If you wish to make an online donation, one can do so on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/donate/2851391061763325/ or on the 4 Paws website  www.4pawsforability.org/donate-now .  Include Samuel’s full name in the instructions field on the 4 Paws website.  You may also call to make a credit card donation over the phone at (937) 374-0385 – Monday through Friday 9 AM to 4 PM EST.

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Sep 08
0

Oliver Connelly

By | Make a Dream Come True

Oliver Connelly will celebrate his 5th birthday on October 27. At the age of 2 he was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, a Sensory Processing Disorder, and Hyperlexia.

Oliver has spent the last 3 years of his life in therapy and in and out of doctor offices because of his GI issues. 

Oliver's autism and GI issues affect him in multiple ways such as his speech, diet, schedule, learning ability, sleep, and just everyday life. As we face all these new challenges with Oliver, we started looking into programs that could help him along his journey, and were led to 4 Paws For Ability.

We believe a service dog would be very beneficial in helping Oliver in many aspects of his life. Oliver has a tendency to wander away, a behavior common with Autism.  These dogs are trained in tracking and tethering, keeping Oliver safe. Another benefit of a service dog, specifically for Oliver, would be their help in calming and preventing meltdowns as well as assisting in ceasing repetitive behaviors. Oliver is known to self-harm when he is having a meltdown, and these dogs learn how to redirect these behaviors.

There are many other possible benefits that can be derived from having an Autism Assistance Dog including friendship, improving Oliver's sleep, and becoming a social bridge leading to an incentive to communicate, therefore improving his delay in speech and communication. A service dog can also teach responsibility as well as assisting with transitions. 

We have reached the 3rd stage along our journey: Fundraising for the service fee. It cost 4 Paws for Ability around $40,000-$60,000 to raise and properly train a service dog for each person. Their funding model is partial payment for services, meaning we are responsible for a service fee of $17,000. 

We feel that an autism assistance dog would help Oliver tremendously in navigating his day to day life and are asking for your partnership in effort to raise the money needed for our son to become one of the many children benefiting from a service animal. 

To donate directly visit https://www.facebook.com/donate/302583711181393/?fundraiser_source=external_url

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Aug 26
0

Magic Reimagined Virtual Gala

By | New News!
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As 4 Paws turns 22, and the world presents new challenges, our gala is Magic Reimagined with the support of friends and family like you.
4 Paws has laid the foundation, but growth and improvement are limitless. Magic Reimagined is a spirit, a mission, an operating plan. It’s a commitment and a promise to continue growing for each client who needs our help, for each puppy in our program, and for each staff member and volunteer who commits their time to ensuring we place the most amazing service dogs. May we never be too old to use our imagination to propel our dreams into reality!
We are hoping to see our long-distance virtual options be just as successful as our past onsite events, but we know this will take a lot of help from our friends, family, and supporters! Here are all the ways you can help:
-Buy a Virtual Gala Ticket and join us on October 10 on our livestream!  https://4pawsforabilitystore.org/collections/gala
-Make a donation to our gala in support of 4 Paws for Ability
-Purchase a 4 Paws Gala t-shirt
https://www.customink.com/fundraising/4-paws-magic
-Join our silent auction page on Facebook and bid on items during the event:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/4PawsFundraising

Special thanks to our event sponsors, who support 4 Paws near, far, and 2020 social distancing style!

  • Eisai – Presenting Sponsor
  • James Investment Research – Top Dog Sponsor
  • Heidelberg Distributing
  • Jean Ali Family

Finally, sincere thanks to The Mandalay Banquet Center & Catering for the continued support of 4 Paws for Ability and for allowing us to move our in person event to a future date, when we will all hopefully be able to gather together again!

Aug 26
0

Help from Home Update

By | New News!
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As you know, this pandemic is not over – but we are right alongside our business and nonprofit friends in Ohio, implementing safe reopening procedures and constantly monitoring our processes to make sure that everyone who visits and volunteers at 4 Paws is safe.

We’re moving our Help from Home Activities off our homepage but we want to make sure everyone has access to them always – these free activities will always be available for download!
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