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By Jaki Waggamon

4 Paws for Ability is excited to announce that each month we will be honoring one employee as performing above and beyond the expectations of his/her job. The staff at 4 Paws are phenomenal and we are so excited to share them with you!

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4 Paws Staff StarsNew at 4 Paws, employee of the month!

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Deb Enright has been with 4 Paws for 8 years, after answering an ad in the newspaper. She joyfully works with 4 Paws’ smallest pups and says that watching them grow and be placed with their new families is the most rewarding part of her job - she loves to see the mischievous ones succeed. She speaks highly of 4 Paws, “They know that everyone can be helped. Just thinking like that changes lives.” When not at 4 Paws, Deb loves to be outdoors. She has a few sets of paws of her own at home; Rosco was well loved before recently departing to rainbow bridge. Roxanne, Chewy, and Rowdy, her All-American Mutts, keep her busy, so there are few moments without paws. In the end, Deb puts all the praise on her coworkers. She says, “There are plenty of other people who deserve to be recognized.” Which is exactly why Deb is so deserving!

January FebruaryChristina Howell came to Xenia recently for a new start and she found it at 4 Paws. Dog care is hard work, and Christina recently broke her arm. It was hardly noticed, as it didn’t slow her down a bit. She loves taking care of animals that she knows will take care of other people. She wants everyone to know that these dogs are receiving the best dog training and care around and that she’s impressed by the work happening around her every day. When not at 4 Paws, Christina likes to keep up with her six children, including one daughter in the military. Her 4 pawed friend, Bree the cat, keeps her company and she hopes to find time to start taking higher education courses soon. Christina is nothing but grateful for her opportunity at 4 Paws, and 4 Paws is so grateful for her hard work!

Congratulations Deb & Christina!

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Inside 4PawPrints | Jan-Feb 2015Front cover ........ 4 Paws Staff StarsPage 3 ................ Ben’s CornerPage 4 ................ 4 Paws 5K & 1-Mile Dog WalkPage 5-8 ............. January Class GraduatesPage 9 ................ The Adventures of Piper PapillonPage 10 .............. The FurballPage 11-13 ......... February Class GraduatesPage 14-15 ......... STAR Volunteer, Sharon LealiPage 16 ............... Construction UpdatePage 17-19 ......... Puppy ProgramPage 20 .............. 4 Paws|Success Stories to Melt the HeartPage 21-22 .......... Additional SupportersPage 23-28 ........ Your 4 PawsPage 29 ............ Round of Appaws

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I was invited to write this month’s Ben’s Corner on behalf of Karen. I’m excited to tell all of you the wonderful things that happened in the months of January and February at 4 Paws!

Tzell Travel Group FoundationAn enormous THANK YOU to the Tzell Travel Group Foundation who recently held its Annual Charity Drive and donated over $30,000 to 4 Paws! Tzell chose three agencies to help. In addition to 4 Paws, the other two well-known, respected agencies were St. Jude Children’s Hospital and The Gary Sinise Foundation. Leah Greenbaum, mom to Miriam and Service Dog, Uno (June 2014 class) visited Tzell offices in NYC on January 20. Our families are always willing to help when called upon to represent 4 Paws. Thank you, Leah, for

taking the time to do this! We are so fortunate to have such amazing families and corporations as part of our 4 Paws family.

PetSmartSpeaking of amazing corporations, I had the privilege of visiting the PetSmart corporate headquarters in Phoenix, Arizona, on January 26 along with Phoenix-area family Angela Cochran, son, Kaden, and service dog, Neo. I happened to already be in town visiting family and requested the meeting. They were gracious enough to allow me in! We met with two people in charge of corporate affairs: Steve Kaiser and Lindsay Del Chiaro. Steve handles local donations, and Lindsay handles national donations.

Steve invited me to tell our families fundraising that they can go into their local PetSmart store, ask for

the store manager, and tell him/her that they would like to apply for funding for 4 Paws to qualify for their child's service dog. The store manager will then go to his/her District Manager. Every District Manager is given a certain dollar amount per quarter to spend on charities. If the DM hasn't spent the money yet, the families might be able to get some from them. Isn’t that great?

Lindsay told us she loves what 4 Paws does, but they currently don’t have funds to help us with our building project. She asked that I keep in touch by sending stories and pictures of recent graduating service dog teams so I’m having fun doing that each month. I love sharing stories of our kids and dogs!

Upcoming FundraiserOur third annual 5K/1-Mile Dog Walk is coming up on Saturday, April 25. Please join us in person at Shawnee Park at 9 AM or you can participate as a virtual 5K participant and get a t-shirt mailed to you! Proceeds go to our building!

Thank you for your time and attention in reading my guest column!

Ben’s CornerGuest Author Development Director Kelly Camm

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DONATE NOW!Donate to our Building Fund!

Kaden & Neo

The Greenbaums

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4 Paws5Kfor  Ability

&  1-­‐mile  dog  walk

Register at: http://bit.ly/4Paws5K Thanks to our event sponsors!

Saturday April 25,2015

Shawnee Park 591 S Park DriveXenia, OH

Registration: 8 AM

5K: 9 AM

Dog Walk: 9:15 AM

5K: $30•Children 12+ •Adults•Virtual Runners*t-shirt included*

Dog Walk: $15•Children 12+ •Adults•Virtual Walkers

FREE:•Children under 11 •4 Paws kids with

service dog *please register on the website, even though there is no cost*

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January 2015 Class

Heroes have 4 Paws

Because of 4 Paws for Ability....

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Some heroes protect our country, some have 4 paws. Together, they’re a match made in heaven. The kids of the January class really took to their veteran classmates!

...I’ve met a ton of new friends.

-Anthony MoroPablo

...my boyfriend has a completely new attitude about going out in public and talking with people he would have never talked to before Pablo. He has a totally different outlook on life and a new best friend to share it with!

-Lisa WishmannAnthony & Pablo

...I’m able to be more independent.

-Sean HatzerTennyson

...I can actually go to the store by myself and not worry! Tennyson really has given Sean a second chance in life.

-Melissa Davis-Hatzer Sean & Tennyson

...we can do things as a normal family again. I have peace of mind.

-Crystal HillAutumn & Raiden

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January 2015 Class

Heroes have 4 Paws

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Iris & Ellie Pablo & Anthony

Hazel & Khiera Ned & Maya

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January 2015 Class

Heroes have 4 Paws

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Tennyson & Sean Champ & Tucker

Zed & Matthew Raiden & Autumn

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January 2015 Class

Heroes have 4 Paws

Because of 4 Paws for Ability....

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...we can all sleep at night, not worry quite so much, and see our son calm and relaxed.

-Brandi Freeman DeversMatthew & Zed

...my daughter’s disease has a silver lining.

-Lydia GreenEllie & Iris

...my life is better.-Ellie Green

Iris

...I can close the bedroom and bathroom doors for a few minutes of privacy. My daughter is able to stay in a room alone because Ned is with her. Showers without pounding on the door is a joy!!!

-Rosemary ShulmanMaya & Ned

...we no longer have to wonder when the next seizure will strike. We know exactly when to watch for them!

-Amy McclanahanKhiera & Hazel

Roper & Richard Charlie (Ellory) & Ryleigh

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Good day everyone, Belle Ame here and I AM TAKING OVER! Miss Piper is wonderful and all, but she always gets to have so much fun while the minions do the dirty work (okay, well actually that’s fun too. Playing tricks on the training director, Jeremy, is a blast! You should see him chase after us when we try to steal the matches...it’s a hoot!). Anyways, I stomped right into Karen’s office and told her it was my turn to star in the column. I do solemnly swear that this take over did not involve tying up Miss Piper and hiding her in a closet, but it was close. First things first, I have a sad report from the minion clan. Mr. Yoda, dear, sweet, toothless Mr. Yoda has gone to the rainbow bridge. I did love that dear man so, even if I did take most of my puppy terrors out on him. What I wouldn’t give for one more day biting that man’s ears. It really was the best of my puppyhood. I know Miss Karen misses him dearly. He may have been discarded by his first family, but Miss Karen loved him fiercely for 7 whole years (whoa, that’s a lot, I’m only 7 months)! Wait for us at the

bridge Mr. Yoda, your face will be a joy to see when we get there! Next I’d like to tell you about how Miss Karen might have a pap problem. I’ve been told that I had some siblings in my litter, but they were small and not meant to be on this side of Rainbow Bridge. So I had no idea that other papillon mommas might bring forth more than 1 or 2 more little pap pups. When Miss Karen announced that she was breeding Miss Razi, Miss Diva, and Miss Izzie at the same time, I didn’t make any fuss. I’m still cuter than all the pups born in 2014, so I thought these 3 to 6 new friends would be a fun little challenge. Miss Karen didn’t tell me that they might lead to twice as many puppies! That’s right, within 5 days MY house was filled with TWELVE more puppies! So in summary, if anyone knows of a cure for Miss Karen’s

papillon problem, please let me know. Money is no object. I must remain the cutest! Okay, now about Miss Piper’s travels. I promised her I would tell you all about where she went and where she’s going. In January, Miss Piper jetted off to Atlanta for the Paws for a Cause Invitational! Miss Piper got to fly on a plane (again) and eat in fancy restaurants (again) and sleep on a giant comfy hotel bed (don’t even get me started). I can’t be too upset because the event is awesome and Miss Piper is a great ambassador. This year’s event was a hit and raised well over $15,000 for 4 Paws (grand total to come). The event even has a Special Olympics competition! Be still my fluttering heart! I think Miss Piper’s going to have to stay in rainy old Ohio for the month of March, but never fear because in April she’ll be on the move. I’m excited for her (and a wee bit jealous). The National Epilepsy walk, put on by the Epilepsy Foundation, will be taking place in Washington, D.C. on April 11, during cherry blossom season! She’ll be meeting up with our friends from Eisai there! I know she’s going to have a blast and sleep in a big comfy bed. I haven’t ruled out sneaking into Miss Karen’s luggage. Alright, well I’d better finish this up before Karen and Piper change their minds! Bye friends, thanks for letting me steal the limelight this month! --Belle Ame, published author, adorable papillon

The Adventures of Piper PapillonMINION TAKEOVERBy Belle Ame

DONATE NOW!Donate to our Building Fund!

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The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine

!!!!!!Presents !!!!!!

The Eighth ANNUAL

FURBALL

Please join us for a 1920’s night of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres,

music, “gambling” & a charity raffle

All proceeds will benefit 4 Paws 4 Ability

FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 7:00 – 11:00 PM

At THE LOFT 580 North 4th Street

Tickets are $30 and can be purchased through osucvm2017@gmail.com by April 3rd

!

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February 2015 Class

Keep Calm & Love a Service Dog

Since we’ve been home with our new service dog...

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...Jake is happier and our family feels complete.

-Tara MatareseJacob & Calix

...Aaliyah has a best friend and he is amazing!

-Georgean Price HillyerAaliyah & Momo

...I can sleep again! Before Zeus, I feel like I always slept with one eye open.

-Jennifer Finnerty Petri

Kathleen & Zeus

...we’ve been acclimating to having a dog go everywhere with us. Trying to figure out how to carry everything, chase after kiddos, and manage a dog has been challenging! If only the kids were as obedient as the dog...

-Jess ColonellRiley & Ponyo

...I can sleep and so does Spencer. I can’t tell you how many times he used to get up from bed and lay awake at night. Spencer seems more confident sharing with his friends about Aussie’s training.

-Chantal RoseSpencer & Aussie

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February 2015 Class4P

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Momo & Aaliyah

Lynx & Delaney

Calix & Jacob

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February 2015 Class4P

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Keep Calm & Love a Service Dog

Darya & Jahayra Ponyo & Riley

Zeus & Kathleen Aussie & Spencer

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STARVOLUNTEER Sharon Leali would have a lot fewer paws in her life if her husband, Mike, hadn’t told her that she had to stop taking pictures of the cats...I’ll let her explain: “Growing up, I always had cats, and generally they were pretty good natured about me dressing them in baby clothes and giving them buggy rides. The fact that they ran when they saw me coming didn't faze me. I know cats, they sleep and I find them. No dogs were allowed in the household because of my brother's allergies. No matter how many dogs ‘followed’ me home, my father always found where they really belonged and returned them. He and the local vet had a close relationship due to me. My explanations fell on deaf ears...” However, Sharon’s husband grew up in a large family. One that always had a dog. To Sharon (and her 4 children’s) dismay, the indoor dog they tried wasn’t going to work in their home - Sharon couldn’t breath, and she assumed she was allergic too. She kept busy over the years with her children and her hobbies, sewing and photography. Dogs didn’t really become a topic again until her youngest child, Victoria, began studying at Wittenberg College and became a foster for the 4 Paws University program there. Sharon had a pretty big realization...“She would bring home these beautiful, well- trained dogs and I realized that I could breathe around them. They let me take their pictures, and pose them. We had a great time”! Victoria eventually adopted Delasi, a labradoodle from 4 Paws that wasn’t cut out to be a service dog. Sharon’s new grand-dog quickly became her subject, letting her take pictures and dress her just like her

childhood cats. It was wonderful! The only problem was Delasi went home with Victoria. Eventually Victoria recommended that Sharon adopt and her story was convincing, combining all of her mom’s hobbies... ‘You can take all the pictures you want and dress it up and even sew your own pieces for it’. Sharon still isn’t sure if she’ll ever get her pups into a buggy for a ride, but she is keeping that option open. As is with many 4 Paws volunteer stories, Sharon thought she knew what she was getting into. She was just looking to adopt a fabulous flunkie, just like Victoria had done. Yet, when she arrived at 4 Paws, there were no flunkies in waiting. 4 Paws trainer, Jennifer, saw the opportunity and didn’t miss a beat when she recommended Sharon consider becoming a foster home to a breeding dog. Sharon left Xenia with lots of information and lots to consider. Only Sharon can describe her decision making process: “The next time I went back to Xenia, I was armed with my application and my camera. My husband just shook his head, because he is more cautious. I brought back photos of some adorable dogs, and told him that we are almost approved. They needed to review pictures of our environment. The pictures of the house had to wait, because I needed to clean. People at 4 Paws shouldn't have to learn that I have fabric and yarn in every room of the house, right? Eventually, we had to choose from 5 different breeder dogs. We had to decide which one would be the best fit for us. I don't know why Mike was surprised when I came

Sharon LealiBy Jaki Waggamon & Sharon Leali

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Sydney

Sharon, Nura, & The Anna’s Angels Litter

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STARVOLUNTEERSharon Leali

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home with the lovely and amazing Sydney, but he was”. Sharon doesn’t say for sure, but we think Sydney must have been the most photogenic. Her and Mike agree that Sydney is a blessing, full of love. Just what a momma dog should be. As alluded to before, Sydney isn’t the only set of paws in her house. One part of the breeder home agreement is that the dogs have to return to 4 Paws relatively often throughout their life for breeding. This can be about 3 weeks, while the magic happens, and again for another 8-10 weeks while they birth and raise their pups. Sharon says “I missed Sydney immensely during this time, but they let me visit and take pictures of her puppies. Well now, wasn't that fun! Still, it was lonely without Sydney at home so I thought if we had another breeder dog, we could have at least one dog home with us all the time”. So began her quest for a second breeding dog. This time, she let Mike choose, or really Mike took Sydney to 4 Paws and let Sydney choose her new friend. Mike & Sydney chose Nura. They are great buddies and Nura always seeks out Sydney to play, sleep, or just be close, but it’s pretty obvious the decision making process was different. Nura isn’t exactly not photogenic...it’s just that she’s a bit of a character when you put her in front a camera lens. It was all perfect until Sydney and Nura, the little rascals, decided to have puppies at almost the same time. The joke is definitely on Sharon! Now Sharon visits two mommas at 4 Paws and lovingly and time-consumingly photographs two sets of puppies and, not as intended, goes home alone. It is here, at the puppy house, that Sharon found a little more work to do. It’s hard not to notice her love of photography and puppies and photography of puppies. While her visits are always intended for Nura and Sydney, Sharon finds herself photographing other pups too. Of all the ways Sharon volunteers, this may be the most popular and coveted among our fans, most especially our upcoming class attendees! Sharon has enjoyed watching Sydney’s puppies grow and be matched with their new kiddos. She looks forward to Nura’s pups doing the same. “Constant amazement is the only way I can explain how I feel when I see their impact. I have pictures depicting when they are the tiniest bit of fluff...at graduation, I see the dogs’ devotion and I am humbled by the enormity of what they can do.” Since her rascals decided to be at 4 Paws being moms at the same time, Sharon also fostered another breeding dog, Nettie, to give her some company and to expose Nettie to a home life while she was still seeking her forever home. This means Sharon has a bonus litter of puppies to watch grow and become service dogs. And still, her work is not done. When Sharon isn’t doing something 4 Paws related (when exactly that is, we do not know), she works as a children’s librarian at the Jackson City Library. This too will now be 4 Paws time, as Sharon has added a service dog in training to her home, Merida. Merida will get to spend a little time with Sharon at work, and they both look forward to their new and exciting journey. Sharon sums up her experience in a statement that resonates with so many. “4 Paws for Ability is a place where love is felt the minute one steps into its realm. Be ready for anything...I can’t even try to explain, it just happens”.

Sharon, thank you! You are a star volunteer!

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Perhaps the most satisfying part of a construction project is when it starts looking done. No matter how much work is left, when it starts looking like a finished product, there is a sense of relief. The beginning was hard. There was mud, mud trenches, mud ponds, mud puddles, and mud pits. All of this was an important first step towards completing the building, as we really wanted utilities in the building, and of course the lines had to be laid. Yet, the progress was hard to see. Now there is no doubt. You know 4 Paws is getting a new building. A really, really big building at that! It’s impossible to ignore. There isn’t much else to say. Pictures speak loud than words. These scream “JUST HANG ON, THE END IS IN SIGHT”.

A huge thank you to all of the people that have been working on this project. It’s a hard time of year for construction. It’s cold, and it snows (and snows, and snows, and snows). It’s moving into rainy season, and that’s really not much better. Your work isn’t overlooked, it’s part of the 4 Paws dream. So thank you for braving the weather to keep our dream moving!

CONSTRUCTIONCan we move in yet?!By Jaki Waggamon

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DONATE NOW!Donate to our Building Fund!

Photo courtesy of HiFive Development

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4 Paws Puppy ProgramRinging in 2015 with puppies, and more on the way!

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New Year’s LitterRazi x Magic

Papillons1/8/2015

Dream Team LitterDiva x Luka

Papillons1/10/2015

Jewel LitterIzzie x Luka

Papillons1/12/2015

Cruise Ship LitterKinara x Eggster

Golden Retrievers1/21/2015

Spice LitterRinnah x CaeporGolden Retrievers

1/24/2015

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4 Paws Puppy ProgramRinging in 2015 with puppies, and more on the way!

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Fantasy LitterBippa x Caepor

Golden Labs1/24/2015

Dessert LitterSharik x Graffiti

Golden Labs2/4/2015

Pink & Blue LitterDomino x Graffiti

Golden Labs2/27/2015

Sneakers LitterJarka x EliamGolden Labs

2/27/2015

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4 Paws Puppy Program2015 Puppy Count

Papillon

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Boys Girls

Golden Retriever

Golden Lab

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4PAWS|SUCCESSFirst Service Dog, Chase:Our journey with 4 Paws for Ability began quite awhile ago.  It was the summer before Owen entered Readiness Kindergarten in 2003.  We made the journey to Ohio for our training.  At the time there were four dogs being placed.  Chase was an energetic black lab who was as feisty as Owen was at that age.  They were a perfect match right from the get go.  They bonded over the summer and went to school together right away in the fall.  Chase helped Owen in many ways: pulled him down the hallways, opened doors, retrieved dropped items, was a fun distraction during physical therapy and doctor appointments, but the main thing Chase did for Owen was provide an "icebreaker" for others.  It was just becoming apparent that Owen was not in a stroller but a wheelchair.  We would be in public and people would notice the chair and quickly look away trying not to make Owen uncomfortable.  With Chase by his side those quick "look aways" became a quick smile and a hello and question about his dog.  Karen recalls Owen telling her back then that the reason he wanted a service dog was so he could win a race at school.  Owen had his school picture taken with Chase every year, and they appeared in the yearbook together.  Chase became sick in November of 2013 (cancer) and passed in January of 2014. 

Second Service Dog, Cooper:September 2014--As a 10th grader, almost 16 years old, we found ourselves making another journey to Xenia, this time to meet Cooper, an exceptionally sweet Golden Lab.  The years between our trips to Ohio have been medically rough for Owen - 43 surgeries and lots of hospital stays.  He lost the function on the right side of his face and a lot of the movement in his eyes, on top of the paralysis of his legs.  He is a much more sensitive young man than the almost five year old 4 Paws saw last, but they could not have found a better match.  Owen passed the public access test and is certified to handle Cooper in public.  Owen does all his feeding, treating, commands, and affection. Cooper and Owen bonded very quickly and are inseparable. Cooper provides many of the same tasks: pulling, retrieving dropped items, etc., he does cool tricks like fist bump (Owen taught him that right away), and Cooper knows what an iPod is--he grabs it and gives it to Owen as soon as Owen says iPod.  BUT to a mom of a kid who has had a very tough life so far and has very limited mobility, Cooper has provided a sense of ownership and responsibility for Owen that gives immediate response to him.  Further, Owen and Cooper were going down a hall at school one day and an autistic child was having difficulty.  Cooper immediately went to the child and put his face on her lap.  She calmed immediately.  Now whenever the child begins to get agitated, her aide and her go looking for Owen and Cooper, regardless if they find them or not, the child calms.  Owen and Cooper to the rescue! So instead of someone having to help Owen all the time, Owen gets to help someone out instead.  Very, very cool.  

Owen recently had another bad health stretch, and Cooper had his first string of hospital stays.  Cooper was perfectly behaved and a complete hit with all the staff, including the neurosurgeon.  Several days prior going in to the doctor the first time Owen told me, "Mom, something is wrong with Cooper’s food, he's not eating very well."  Cooper quit eating all together, the sicker Owen got, until the evening after surgery.  He jumped up on Owen's bed, snuggled up, and ate that night.  A week later, here we go again Cooper didn't want to eat and guess what, we headed back into surgery.  Third time’s the charm right? Another week later same thing and another surgery.  I am happy to report as of this writing, Cooper is eating well, and Owen is feeling much better ;).  All joking aside though the neurosurgeon came in after the last surgery and said, "I ordered a scan for the morning but what is the dog scan saying?"  

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5 Stories to melt the heartBy Kelli & Owen Johnson

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4 Paws for Ability - Additional SupportersThe Kenline Family’s Awesome

Take on Christmas Gifts

4 Paws for Ability received a sweet note from Julie Kenline and her family recently. Instead of exchanging Christmas gifts this year, they collected money for 4 Paws! Their $340 donation will also be matched ($240) by Lexis Nexis. Julie says “Cheers to all at 4 Paws and we wish you many years of success in helping children and their parents gain freedom and independence to go out and live!”

Thank you Julie and Family!

Ruth White Still a Star

The very first edition of 4 PawPrints was the Aug/Sept 2012 edition, and in it we featured Ruth White as the Star Volunteer. If you haven’t seen it, take a look here: http://bit.ly/4PawPrintsSep12. What you’ll find is that Ruth always has her hands full when she comes to 4 Paws. Years later, it is no different. Ruth’s church selected 4 Paws as their cause for February, and spent the month collecting supplies, such as towels and cleaning supplies, and monetary donations.

Thank you to Ruth and her entire church family!

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Photography Credits:Thank you to the 4 Paws volunteers, staff, and friends whose photos are in this issue of 4PawPrints!

Starbucks Fuels Meet Your Dog Day!

In 2014, Margaret Fischer met a 4 Paws dog in Starbucks on Brown Street in Dayton. As manager, she decided that she wanted to help. Ever since, her Starbucks has donated coffee for the first day of class. Even moms and dads say they have trouble sleeping before ‘meet me day’, like kids on Christmas Eve. So this donation is especially needed and particularly cherished by our new families!

Thank you Margaret!

4 Paws Mom Makes Giving Back Her Business

Kim Merritt met her daughter Anna’s service dog, Lakota, in January of 2014. She recently contacted 4 Paws to let them know that she’s donating 20% of every direct delivery Avon order that she sells (already more than $150). She told us “Lakota has been such a blessing for Anna, and I’m committed to help other families who need a service dog!” You can shop Kim’s Avon store here: www.youravon.com/kimberlymerritt

Thank you Kim!

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4 Paws for Ability - Additional SupportersChristmas Giving

Christmas giving makes the heart grow, and 4 Paws saw no shortage in love this Christmas! Alexis Wurth and her boyfriend, Neil Gerding sent us a very Merry Christmas, along with a $100 donation. Instead of exchanging gifts, the couple decided to make a Christmas donation. After finding 4 Paws, they fell in love with the work and service provided to children and veterans who need service dogs. We are so grateful they found us!

Thank you Alexis & Neil!

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Spirit of Community Youth Award Given to 4 Paws Volunteer

Emma Moore, 10, of Tipp City was recently named a Distinguished Finalist in the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards honoring youth for outstanding volunteer service. Emma organized a penny war at L.T. Ball Intermediate School and raised $800 for 4 Paws for Ability. Emma was inspired by a friend who uses a service dog. She hopes to coordinate another fundraising project soon.

Thank you Emma!

High and Tight and Out of the Mud

As you know 4 Paws is full of mud right now. Construction is taking its toll on each pup, and while some of them aren’t sad one bit about getting to frolic in the mud, it is particularly hard to keep the doodles and poodles clean and mat free. Since their hair is unlike that of a golden or lab, it can grow forever, requiring more attention for grooming and needing cut more often. This is a huge expense when 4 Paws needs to outsource it. That’s why we are super thankful for Molly Arneson! Molly is a professional groomer who volunteers A LOT of time to 4 Paws. A military wife and mom of 2 kids, we are grateful that she finds time to foster a puppy as well as spend many hours at 4 Paws giving additional (much needed) baths and hair cuts. There is no doubt about it, when a pup has seen Molly, they leave crisp, clean, and looking sharp!

Thank you Molly!

Your 4

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Send us your 4Paws Pix! Media4Paws@gmail.com

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It doesn’t matter if you LOVED or HATED

the snow...we want to know where the

sunshine lives& if we can visit!

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Your 4

Paws

SNOWED

IN

4PAW

PRINTS

Jan

/Feb

201

5

4PAWPRINTS4 Paws For Ability253 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!

Did you know that in 2016

4 Paws will place their

1,000th dog?

That dog is a puppy in

training right now!

Thanks to all our donors! (Over $5,000, January-February 2015)Round of Appaws!• Anonymous - $14,000• Anonymous - $14,000• Richardson Foundation - $12,000• Steve Meng - $5,000• The Minneapolis Foundation - $5,000• Terri & Andrew Herenstein Fund - $7,000

c/o Jewish Communal Fund• Epilepsy Foundation of Western Ohio - $13,000• Ricky & Bonnie Winkles - $5,000• Friends of Nathan Foundation - $5,339.03

4PAW

PRINTS

Jan

/Feb

201

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