4 PAWS FOR ABILITY INC Reviews
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August 2, 2013
4 paws for ability changed our lives. they gave my daughter a best friend. we can now go shopping or for walks something my 6 year old Shyanna could never do due to her autism.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
April 15, 2013
My daughter received a service dog from 4 Paws last summer and we are beyond thrilled! The dog is incredible and a perfect match for our family. The staff at 4 Paws is available to answer questions and help solve problems (there have been very few because our training was so thorough). 4 Paws is an amazing organization and has made such a difference in our family's life, as well as so many others they have served. I highly recommend 4 Paws to any family that could benefit from a service dog- they (and the dogs they train) are FANTASTIC!
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 28, 2013
We are currently in the process of completing our service dog training with 4 Paws and I have to say I am completely amazed by this team. My son’s service dog name is Sherbert and Jonathan and her are amazing together not only is she always aware of him but she alerts to him on point. Our first alert was 8 hours ahead of time but it was not just another service dog alerted with her. My son seems amazing other for his telltale sign of the wheelchair but for the most part, he has his own set of issues and now with Sherbert in our lives I am starting to see a lot of the major things calm down. Meltdowns no longer last 3 hours we are down to about 40 minutes as well as well, as I know seizures are coming before they are there which his doctors say he medically does not have. Sherbert proves her worth within the two weeks of training. I recommend 4 Paws to anyone who wants to provide their special needs child a better quality of life as well as gain somewhat of a normal life for your family.
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How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 28, 2013
We received my son's service dog, Omri, in Feb 2012. He has high functioning autism. Our Service Dog has been an absolute LIFE SAVER! He has enabled us to be a "normal" family. We don't have to worry about my son bolting or running off during my other son's soccer games or practices. The meltdowns have ALMOST stopped since getting Omri. Omri seems to just know when something's not right wiht Matthew & will instinctively move to protect him or comfort him. He has also detected pneumonia, something he was NOT trained to do, in my other son. Omri is definitely a God-send & I recommend 4 Paws to anyone!
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 21, 2013
Where do I begin? Did a major amount of research before choosing 4 Paws for Ability. I did many searches on the internet, talked to present clients that received dogs and spoke candidly with Karen Shirk in regards to any concerns or questions I had. I was happy, but when we attended class, we got so much more than I expected. We continue to get support from the trainers and I know I made the right choice. My child was turned down my Canine Companions for Independence and now, looking back I'm so happy that they did. The dog we received from 4 Paws for Ability was trained specially for my son. I would recommend this organization over and over again.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
March 21, 2013
My daughter received her first service dog from 4 Paws in 2006. He has been working for her for the past 6 years. He is an amazing addition and help to our daughter who has a significant trauma history causing bioneurological problems. Her dog is specifically task-trained to meet her individual needs. As her dog approaches retirement, we are beginning the process of getting ready for her second dog. We recently made a trip to 4 paws and spoke to their trainers about our next dog.
Our daughter is nonverbal and uses sign language. Her next dog will likely be trained to interact with her using signs. The folks at 4 Paws bend over backwards to meet the needs of their clients. Whenever we need to call or ask questions, 4 Paws is very quick to get back to us with the answers.
We so appreciate the work they do and the outreach they provide to all their clients with disabilities.
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2013
December 2, 2011
We recieved an autism assistance dog from this organization in 2010 for my 11 year old son with high functioning autism. It has been an incredible experience. Our dog has been trained to calm him, accompany him where ever we go and to track him if he runs away. In the year that we have had her she has done all of those things and more. 4 Paws has worked with us every step of the way and offers their support whenever we need it. Not only do they do an incredible service by training the dogs and handlers, but they do it with such caring and understanding. We are so blessed to have an organization like 4 Paws for Ability close by. We continue to volunteer for them in small ways as well - there are so many families in need.
Photos
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
They have not only provided a service dog that has improved the quality of our family life and eased my son's anxiety, but they have also inspired us to volunteer as a dog 'foster family'. It truly is a 'win - win' situation!
November 14, 2011
Our son received his Autism Service Dog in March '08 .Fred Tracks and tethers (his most important jobs for our high risk son) ,and does behavior interruption and calming pressure.He's a snuggler ,too.
I would be unable to walk through parking lots or parking garages with our child if Fred was not tethered to him.
He's been to the children's hospital for surgical procedures and waits with our son in holding before and in recovery after.
We can walk calmly through stores and hallways of buildings,now.
One of our funniest trips was to our local Aquarium .An eagle was a visitor in the lobby and never took her eyes off of Fred.
Despite our attempts at safety measures ,our son has wandered off our property before and doesn't answer,so having Fred is literally a lifesaver because he can track our child as soon as we realize he is missing.
I've been back to 4 Paws twice since we received Fred to help two other families with their child while they train . I'd happily do it again.
Photos
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Having a well trained service dog that I can be proud of in public. Becoming friends with other parents who also have children with various special needs ,who have received a service dog from 4Paws for Ability. I've also become close to some adults who have received mobility service dogs.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
find a way to fund additional buildings and state of the art kennels and equipment that would benefit so many more families .
More feedback...
How would you describe the help you got from this organization?
Life-changing
How likely are you to recommend this organization to a friend?
Definitely
How do you feel you were treated by this organization?
Very Well
How did you find this group?
A classmate of my son's had an Autism Service Dog from 4Paws and shared the info with me.
What, if any, change in your life has this group encouraged?
This group encouraged me to never accept limits in our life .Anything is possible now.
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
2011
October 25, 2010
We received an autism-assistance service dog named Vista for my son Jamaal, 13 years old, in September of this year. Vista is trained in tracking, behavior disruption and is a constant companion for Jamaal. Training is an intensive 10 days of learning about your service dog, how to care for her, how to handle her in public places and what to expect when you get home with your new family member. The patience, support and encouragement of the 4 Paws staff is incredible. Fundraising is not always easy, it can be frustrating, training is exhausting and what happens in your real world experience can be overwhelming at times, but what makes it worth it is the incredible bond created by your service dog and your child.
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
the relationship between my son and his service dog as well as having the service dog as a part of our family. She's been instrumental in allowing him to interact more often and spontaneously with others.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
help them to get a larger facility as the work they do requires as much space as possible and they are growing out of the space they are currently in.
October 24, 2010
Our deafblind daughter received her service dog over 2 years ago. The dog is a multipurpose service dog who assists with ambulation, scent recognition, object retrieval, and behavioral interruption. They have been through multiple surgeries (the dog was a big assistance in learning how to walk following hip surgeries) and her dog has been there to help with the recovery. They ride the bus to school together and in general are a great team. The dog is amazingly well trained and our daughter is now providing commands with sign language!
The Great!
I've personally experienced the results of this organization in...
Enhancing the lives of individuals with different abilities.
Ways to make it better...
If I had to make changes to this organization, I would...
Enhance it's ability to assist additional individuals.
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