PALS with Pawz/READING Pawz

Scott & his Service Dog Murray. Scotty has a mitochondrial disease.
PALS with Pawz trains Rescued and Donated Dogs as Autism, Mobility,
Therapy and Neurological Disorder Service Dog Teams for physically,
emotionally and psychologically disabled persons. Our goal is to Create a
Loving Relationship Between the Rescued or Donated Dog and their Disabled
Partner; resulting in the enhancement of their physical and emotional
freedoms, sense of security, independence and the enrichment of their quality
of life.
Children with disabilities present a unique challenge to parents. Autism presents
even more challenges than other more prevalent disabilities. A child with Autism
has trouble connecting with his or her environment. Communication impairments
and the formation of social relationships are the common ways that Autism
manifests itself.
Research indicates that a child with Autism displays behaviors towards their
dog, that they would rarely, if ever, display towards a human companion. In
addition, the child that is paired with a PALS with Pawz dog is known to seek out
their dog for companionship, comfort, and as a confidant in ways that they have
never shown to even their closest family members.
We have NO AGE REQUIREMENT for our Autism & Skilled Companion team
program. And we assist families in fundraising for their Service Dog, because we believe that the earlier you help a child with a disability, especially autism, the better chance you have of assisting them.

In August of 2004, while on my way to work, I was involved in a Hit and Run Car Accident. I ended up with spinal injuries that resulted in my being bed-ridden for months. After seeing many doctors, I was told that I would be at the least utilizing a cane or walker and eventually would need a wheelchair; I had lost the feeling in my left leg from the waist down. I spent the next few months a prisoner in my own home, only going out of the house to go to see yet another doctor, or for small family functions, and only with my husband. By this time, I felt helpless and isolated. Thankfully, I had a wonderful husband, daughter and family that stood by me and helped me through this time.

In November of 2005, Jeff and I decided that we needed to try something else. The doctor's only gave me a 30% chance of a surgery helping me, and a 70% chance of paralyzing me. But I would definitely be in a wheelchair within a few years. That's when we decided to start looking for a Service Dog. Since Jeff and I had both been involved in the training of all kinds of dogs for the last 10 years, we decided to go to the next level and learn to train a dog for me.

In June of 2006, we went to the Lancaster, California Animal Shelter and after viewing and testing about 15 dogs, we found D'Artagnan. He is a golden retriever/german shepherd mix. He was a mess, fox tails imbedded in his fur, matted, definitely needing a bath, his tail had been broken in two places, and he was set for Euthanasia in two days. Within 3 months, D'Artagnan earned his Canine Good Citizenship through AKC and three month's later passed his Service Dog Public Access testing with flying colors.

That is when PALS with Pawz was established. We are passionate about training rescued and donated dogs as Autism, Mobility, Therapy and the physically and mentally disabled as Service Dogs; to assist them in restoring some of their physical and emotional freedoms; therefore enabling them to lead more independent lives.

Our philosophy is that ANYONE whe needs a Service Dog, should HAVE a Service Dog. Because most Private Insurance and/or Medicare does not assist a person in obtaining a Service Dog; PALS with Pawz is trying to keep the cost to the consumer affordable. We believe that every Disabled Person that needs a Service Dog, should be able to have one. Therefore, we rely on contributions, fundraisers, and sponsors to help defer some of the costs. The cost to train a service dog is approximately $20,000. This expense represents 9 to 18 months training, housing, feeding, equipment, and health related costs. All of our Service/Assistance Dogs are trained in a home setting. They sleep, eat and live with their trainer.

PALS with Pawz Service Dogs Organization specializes in using positive reinforcement to train its dogs. Our programs consists of Service Dog Training, Autistic Team Training, Therapy Dog Training, READING Pawz, CLASSROOM Pawz Educational Classes, and we also hold private training classes. Pals with Pawz, Inc. is located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. You can reach them at 423-208-9038 or 888-394-PAWZ, www.PalswithPawz.org or Christine@PALSwithPawz.org.