A Miracle for Kate from a Four-Legged Friend!
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We achieved our fundraising goal in August, 2007 and training of Kate's Autism Assistance Service Dog began in the fall. We will be bringing home Kate's new friend "Ruby" in March!
Thank you to everyone who supported our cause!
Thanks to our platinum sponsors:
How will an Autism Assistance Dog help?
The Autism Assistance Dog has been trained to help ensure Kate’s safety. The dog will help prevent Kate from running into the street or wandering away from us, at home or in the community. The dog will also be trained in Search and Rescue, so that if Kate were to wander away, the dog will help us quickly find her. Another key benefit is that the child that is partnered with a 4 Paws dog often seeks their dog out for companionship, comfort, and confiding in ways never shown to family members. Self-stimming behaviors are often decreased because the dog is trained to redirect stimming behaviors by gently nudging them to stop the repetitive behavior. As Kate meets her dog partner and develops a bond, a miraculous loving friendship is developed. With each day passing, this bond grows stronger, bringing along with it, a chance that Kate may transfer her new social relationship to the humans in her environment as well. All money raised will be donated to 4Paws For Ability to enable the extensive training of Kate's Dog. Kate will be paired with a service dog specifically trained to meet her unique needs. To learn more about these amazing dogs and see other families they have helped, go to 4 Paws for Ability website.
"Ruby" is a Standard Poodle born April 11, 2006. Ruby was rescued by Trenton Animal Friends. She greets everyday with a little tail wag of her "little" tail and a big grin! She’s intelligent, full of energy, eager to please and very affectionate.
Here's what Karen founder of 4paws shared with us about Ruby:
"She is a petite girl and so cute. She was a pathetic mess when I went to pick her up. She ate and ate and ate and filled out nicely. We had to shave her to get rid of the mats but she is grown back out and so pretty. She’s intelligent, full of energy, eager to please, very affectionate and highly trainable! She is sooooooo sweet and loving. You will just love her."
Kate is a 5 1/2 year old little girl who has Autism. She lives in Cranberry Twp. with her mom, dad, and big sister Lindsay. She is non-verbal and has severe delays in her fine motor skills. Kate has difficulties with transitions and changes in her routine. She will close her eyes and cover her ears as a self-stimulatory way of regulating. She does not socialize or interact with her sister or other children around her. She is often trapped in her own little world and doesn't allow others in. Safety is a big issue as Kate will not come when her name is called and does not understand safety boundaries inside her home or outside. She must be watched very closely to keep her safe. We want to help her engage in the world that we all live in by helping her get an Autism Assistance Dog.
