Erin Saulsbury needs multipurpose service dog
Erin Saulsbury was born on July 23, 2003. Throughout the first year of her life, concern began to grow–developmental milestones were not being reached. As the months went by, physicians began to suggest looking deeper into her development. She is turning five now and there are still no answers. Even though there is no official label for Erin’s condition–its effects shadow her daily life.
Born with severe developmental delays, visual, neurologic, and orthopedic conditions-she has braved through numerous tests and procedures to find her diagnosis and eliminate some of the scariest possibilities. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are as regular as a trip to the grocery store.
Like most five-year-old girls, Erin loves taking walks, camping, and dancing with her big sister, Alexa-who she calls “Ah.” She refers to herself as “I-Ya.” Dogs are her favorite animal–she calls them “D!”
But Erin has obstacles different from most children entering kindergarten. She struggles to keep up in our busy world– full of stairs, curbs, and unfamiliar surroundings. Just getting through a doorway can be difficult. She tends to wander away and is unaware of environmental dangers such as traffic, bodies of water, or the ill intentions of a stranger. She is non-verbal and is unable to tell someone her name if she should ever get lost. Vision and balance issues affect her mobility, anxiety, and safety. She needs a strong companion at her side.
Erin’s multipurpose assistance dog will be trained specifically to her needs. Tasks will include behavior disruption, tether, tracking, balance, and pre-guide dog work.
You can help Erin by making a tax-deductible donation in her honor, to 4 Paws for Ability, 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, OH 45385; just make sure to write her name in the memo of the check. Every dollar donated in her honor, puts Erin closer to her very own “D!”
For additional information, contact Renee’ or Paul Saulsbury at # (907) 622-4311 or email
The Saulsbury Family. To contact 4 Paws directly call # (937) 374-0385 or visit their website at www.4pawsforability.org.
NOTE FROM JUDY: I’m webmaster for 4 Paws for Ability, and strongly endorse their choices for service dogs. I keep learning how family lives are changed, not just the life of the child. Please consider donating to 4 Paws.