Let's make a BIG difference

As you know, thanks to my pal Clive's blog, I've learned a whole lot more about assistance dogs and autism. Clive is from Ireland and is sponsored by Irish Guide Dogs. On his blog, he explains how expensive it is to train autism assistance dogs (over $51,000!) yet guide and assistance dogs are provided free of charge. That's why Clive's Mum is very involved in fund-raising.

Here's a great photo of Clive and his little man.

 So I decided to find out more about autism assistance dogs here in the United States.  I discovered 4 Paws for Ability. They were the first agency to place trained autism service dogs and continue to be the largest organization in the United States and the only organization placing autism assistance dogs in other countries.

We've probably all seen Seeing Eye guide dogs (I'm ashamed to admit I once did my "Cujo" bark at a Seeing Eye dog -- I couldn't help myself, it was a scary black lab. But Mommy was mortified). But I wasn't sure what Clive and other autism assistance dogs do. 

So Mommy and I watched this video. ("I dare you to watch it dry eyed," says Mommy.) It explains why a dog like Clive can be so important to an autistic child as well as his or her family. We wanted to do something to help!

On the 4 Paws site, we found out that they have an ongoing need for crates (mostly Large and Extra Large Vari-Kennel type) as well as DOG TOYS!!! Kongs, tennis balls and Nylabones in particular. (No rawhide, please.) 

Now I'll be the first to admit it—I've got a lot of toys. More than one little doggie could play with in a lifetime. So I'm going to box up a bunch of tennis balls (yep! It's for a good cause!) and other hard toys that I don't play with and get Mommy to buy a couple new ones the next time she goes to Beasty Feast.  And we're going to send them to 4 Paws For Ability.

That's when I had a GREAT IDEA!!!

Since this is Autism Awareness Month, what if lots and lots of Dogs With Blogs all sent toys to 4 Paws for Ability? Wouldn't that be cool if they were just overwhelmed with love and appreciation from other dogs???

Here's the address:

4 Paws For Ability Training Center, 207 Dayton Ave. Xenia, Ohio 45385

Now, some thank you's are in order. First off to Clive for bestowing this cute award on me:

The two blogs I can't miss every morning have to be Aunties Martha and Bailey and the priceless wisdom of Joe Stains. 

I also have to thank all of you who nominated and voted for me for the Awesome Blog Award AND the Post of the Month for Beagadoon! It meant more to me than winning an Oscar. (It was even better than winning an Oscar Mayer!!!) Thank you so very much.

It's been quite a month. So now, let's make April really sensational for alot of hardworking, deserving Autism Assistance Dogs in training by showing them our support and sending them lots of fun toys to play with in their down time. Please check out the 4 Paws For Ability site -- maybe you can help sponsor a dog or foster a puppy until it's old enough to go into training. 

In advance of your goodwill and generosity, I thank you.

P.S. I just heard back from Karen at 4 Paws and all the dogs there are so excited about getting some new toys from you. THANK YOU! Please go visit Gracie and Piper - the Papillions who are the official mascots and marketing directors for 4 Paws at www.4pawsdogs.org. I am so proud of all of you!!!