Brady has been receiving Early Intervention Services (Speech, OT, PT, including Pool Therapy) since he was 19 months old. He was diagnosed with Autism at 21 months of age, and has just transitioned to a special school for children with Autism.

The daily struggles that Brady faces are sometimes overwhelming to his Dad and me, so we can only imagine how Brady feels. Brady is non- verbal and can become very frustrated at times due to his inability to communicate. He is learning to sign and use the PECS system to communicate.

Brady has made huge progress since he began Early Intervention: he can identify every letter, shape, color, number, and most recently is able to write his name! We are so proud of his accomplishments, but we still have the overwhelming desire to have him be like other little boys his age. We believe that Brady will someday be able to speak and tell us he loves us. We can’t wait for that day to hear him call out, “Mom!” or “Dad!”

Having an Autism Service Dog will give Brady a true friend that he will develop a special bond with…a bond like nothing else. We will have a more reassurance that our little boy is happy and safe! Thank you for helping Brady’s dream come true. Mommy and Daddy’s dream too!!!

Sincerely, Lori and Tom Hirsch: Colonie, NY

Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.

Curtis has been diagnosed with PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder), severe A.D.H.D (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), Anxiety Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder, as well as social issues.

He has a limited but growing vocabulary, which limits his ability to be social. He has an especially hard time in social situations and doesn’t make friends like his typical peers. New places, people, sounds, and smells can be overwhelming for him.

Children with Autism tend to wander and are very unaware of potential danger. Curtis has no fear of traffic, water, or the ill intentions of strangers. Even though he will not talk to a stranger or go up to one, he will not walk away. If Curtis became lost, he would not answer to his name being called, nor will he come running toward us.

Children with Autism also have behavioral issues, which Curtis also has. He has many meltdowns (tantrums) that can be started for reasons of not liking something to someone talking to him. We do not go out in public much because of his meltdowns. It doesn’t matter if he is at home or at school: his meltdowns will happen anywhere and they last anywhere from a few minutes to a couple of hours.

Curtis needs a strong companion with him at all times, one who is trained to provide assistance, protection, and unconditional friendship. Autistic children and adults tend to connect better with animals then with people.

Curtis was accepted for a service dog through 4 Paws for Ability. This is a wonderful thing, since 4 Paws will train the dog specifically for him. Please help us raise the money needed for Curtis to receive his dog. With every donation made, Curtis is that much closer to receiving the security and independence that he deserves. Every cent counts.

If you would like more information please email Curtis (Sr) and Robin, or contact 4 Paws for Ability directly.

Thank you for your time and for all who donate…
Curtis (Sr), Robin and Curtis (Jr.) Cottengim from Canby, Oregon

Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.

Many of the flamingos had been moved to new digs, and it is a gorgeous setting. Here’s a shot. I’ll have a slide show later. This photo has been redigitized by me. Sometimes I can’t resist adding a magic touch to my photos.

Flamingos at Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium

Here are just a few of the pictures…and I’m rested enough now to get my cameras out and take on the world. Well, at least take on Wildlife World Zoo. Tomorrow.

Hope you’re having a pleasant holiday time! Sorry I couldn’t get both cats in the picture of my living room. L’il Bear was perched opposite Shadow, but he hopped down when I went to grab my camera!

How do we explain this complex, gifted child to you? She loves to color, mainly in coloring books. But she also enjoys drawing and making cards. And she’s kind of like a walking encyclopedia. For example, she loves animals, and can name many species and facts about them after reading about them once.

One of Jillian’s favorite activities is going to the Columbus Zoo. She just loves looking at all the animals. In fact, she desperately wants an animal for herself: a dog. A 4 Paws for Ability Service dog, a friend, that will be by her side all the time and snuggle down with her at night.

Jillian is a warm-hearted child who sees no one as a stranger and will run up and hug anyone who will let her. It is fun to watch her ask the mail carriers their names, and if there is a substitute, then watch out!

She has a wonderful sister, Jacklyn, who is almost 15.

So why the need for the service dog? A friend is good. Snuggling at night is good. But the main issue is safety. She constantly runs off from home.

Sometimes her mom will lock the house down and take a bath, only to discover that Jillian unlocked the door, left it open, and ran away.

Fear is a part of her mother’s life, because this bubbling little treasure doesn’t understand “running away.” A service dog will stop that from happening and provide a totally different focus.

One other thing, if you ever need to know what a TV show or commercial says, Jillian is your savior, since she memorizes catch phrases them and says them over and over.

Please contribute to the fundraising for Jillian. All donations are made to 4 Paws for Ability, and are tax free. Either send a check or pay online. Make sure to mention that the funds are for Jillian Wallace.

Note: I highly endorse 4 Paws for Ability as a source for extremely well-trained service dogs. The organization is sound and its goals exceptional. Judy Vorfeld.

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 phrases can propel us to success. In my pre-blog days I was sitting in front of a word processor paralyzed with uncertainty. I just kept writing I can do this, I can do this, until the inspiration hit me to write two and a half pages on various topics.

Did you notice at the top of my blog I wrote I am a writer. At the time I wrote it I had never published anything but less then a month later I am being published internationally in the spring.

We all have flaws and quirks but happiness and success are God given rights if we put in the work and take care of our fellow man! Cancel the negative thoughts and own your flaws as vessels of humility.

Hi. I am Chris Rathje I am ridiculously happy most of the time, I’m klutzy, a poor driver and my hair is falling out but I have a right to my dreams and you do too!

I am going to write, travel the world, and represent my country in the Paralympics in 2012 and 2016. The path might be hazy, but it is there. God has planted these dreams in my heart since the 3rd grade. Who I am argue? I have always held out hope no matter how fleeting, but now my words match my deepest beliefs.

You have the power to say what you want. Now go get it!

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!

Ron Simpson and Nellie December 18, 2008 in Monroe, Washington

Gracie gallops through the snow in Monroe, Washington December 18, 2008