December, 2008

Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Monday, December 29th, 2008

My brother, David Crook, and I went to Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium Monday, December 29, and had an incredible time. Glorious weather. Grand opening of the Aquarium. It is spectacular. And the restaurant will be something quite special.
Many of the flamingos had been moved to new digs, and it is a gorgeous setting. [...]

Judy’s quiet holiday season in Arizona

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

This holiday I gave my cameras a rest, and just took a few pictures. Spent a wonderful evening with brother and sister-in-law, David & Janet Crook, and another delightful evening with nephew and niece, Ed and Michelle Dias.
Here are just a few of the pictures…and I’m rested enough now to get my cameras out [...]

Girl with ADHD, Asperger’s, & OCD needs service dog

Sunday, December 28th, 2008

Jillian Wallace is a bright ten-year-old girl whose outlook on life is quite different from others. At age three, she was diagnosed with A.D.H.D, O.D.D, and Aspergers Syndrome (A.S.), making her functioning at a much younger age.
How do we explain this complex, gifted child to you? She loves to color, mainly in coloring books. But [...]

Meet Chris Rathje

Sunday, December 21st, 2008

Meet guest poster Chris Rathje. I love his spirit!
I have heard the phrase “whether you believe you can do something or not you are right” for several years now but I have realized it’s full power relative recently.
Our thoughts control our lives and thoughts are nothing more then words and images. Simple [...]

Glorious Arizona Sunset

Friday, December 19th, 2008

My brother, David Crook, took this photo this evening near his home in Peoria.

Nellie, my granddog, made KOMO weather news

Friday, December 19th, 2008

My adorable (and sort of huge) granddog, Nellie, made the Seattle station KOMO’s weather photos page.
The snow has been spectacular in Monroe, where my son and daughter-in-law live. Here are a couple more pictures: one with Ron and Nellie, and one of granddog Gracie cavorting through the snow as only a golden retriever can do!

Childrens’ epilepsy and autism show need for service dog

Wednesday, December 17th, 2008

We are raising money for a multipurpose assistance dog for Owen and Annabelle Luschei. Owen is five years old and has autism. Annabelle is three years old and has epilepsy.
For my son, the dog would provide safety, social and emotional needs. Right now Owen has a stuffed dog that he takes everywhere. [...]

Service dog fundraising completed!

Monday, December 15th, 2008

There are few things as exciting as being webmaster for 4 Paws for Ability, and having executive director Karen Shirk send me a list of names of those whose families have completed fundraising for them.
Here’s the latest list: Kade Farlow, Shannon O’Boyle, Gabriel Neives, Erin Saulsbury, Dale Wooley, Dallon Arvidson, Trapper Leeth, Cody Ross, [...]

Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD make service dog a necessity

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

Ryan Delaney. Meet Ryan, he is 11 years old and has diagnoses of Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, and ADHD. Ryan is a boy who captures your heart. He gives you a dimpled grin and a tilt of his head as he glances at you sideways and you are smitten. Ryan is [...]

Help Ehlena Fry defeat polymicrogyria and Cerebral Palsy!

Wednesday, December 10th, 2008

I am Ehlena Fry, a happy active 4.5-year old eager to do things for myself. I was born in Calcutta, India with a congenital disorder called Polymicrogyria. It is a big word for such a little lady, I know. Basically, it deals with my brain cell migration and ultimately causes me to have Cerebral Palsy. [...]