Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder Service Dogs, helping improve the lives of children like Zachary.

 

Twelve years ago, my husband and I adopted 2 boys who were born with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD), along with secondary disabilities. 

The boys’ birthmother drank while pregnant leaving the boys with permanent brain damage which has lead to learning disabilities, behavior problems, memory deficits, attention deficits, hyperactivity, and some mental retardation. This is “static encephalopathy”, meaning brain damage that doesn’t get any better and doesn’t get any worse.  There is no way to reverse the damage to the brain.


Our son, Zachary, 13 years old, has trouble with daily living skills, cognitive and social skills; abstract thinking; impulsivity; frustration levels; safety issues; and making correct choices.  Most frightening for us, his parents, is his lack of fear.  He seems to have no concept of personal safety: no awareness of the dangers of traffic, the ill intentions of strangers, or the hazards an acquaintance may present.  While he wants to be like every other 13 year old, and to interact socially with his peers, it is impossible.  His frustration at being unable to accomplish the simple tasks that most people take for granted adds to his behavior problems.  His inability to cope with daily life renders him incapable of participating in a regular classroom at school.

A Solution for Zachary and what we need help with……………

 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization located in Xenia, Ohio has the answer.  This organization trains Service Dogs for kids with FASD.  The dog will be trained specifically for Zachary based on his disabilities.  Besides being a loving and loyal companion to him, the dogs training will include how to respond to Zachary and calm him whenever he has a disruption in his behavior.

 Behavior Disruption – When Zachary has emotional outbursts the dog will be trained to interpret this as a signal to lay its nose or foot on him gently nudging him to stop, even if only for a few minutes.  For the dog it becomes a game and there comes the possibility that Zachary may decide to pet or play ball with the dog, or maybe even cuddle with him.  It is our hope that Zachary will one day be able to self regulate his actions and make better choices for himself  thus making it possible for him to interact appropriately with others.

 Tether –   While in public places, my husband and I must always be watching Zachary so he does not slip away.  With the help of the Service Dog, Zachary will wear a special harness that is attached to the dog and the dog in turn will be controlled by either my husband or me.  In this way, much of the anxiety of going to public places is removed and Zachary is given a greater freedom of movement and the feeling of independence.

 Cost - 4 Paws was the first agency to begin placing skilled FASD service dogs and continues to be the only organization in the United States placing FASD service dogs.  Because the training is geared to the individual needs of the child, the cost is great, $11,000 to be exact for Zachary’s dog.  Our obligation to 4 Paws is to help raise funds for the training provided for the dog.

 

“We have discovered a magic that exists between children and dogs, a magic that can become a life-saving miracle for a child paired with one of our ….Assistance Dogs”, states the 4Paws website www.4pawsforability.org.  You can help bring some magic to Zachary’s life by making a tax deductible donation to 4 Paws For Ability in Zachary’s name.  Any help in reaching our fundraising goal would truly be appreciated.  

Your donation is tax deductible.  4 Paws For Ability is a 501c3 organization.

Please make checks payable to 4 Paws for Ability.  Mark donations in honor of Zachary Rowe

253 Dayton Ave.  Xenia, Ohio  45385  Phone: (937) 374-0385

In return for raising $11,000 for 4 Paws for Ability, Inc. (a 501c3 agency helping take the ‘dis’ out of ‘dis’ability) they will place an FASD Service Dog with Zachary.  Please help us reach our goal & remember that every penny counts!  Thank you!

  FASD Service Dogs

 

Download/Print  Donation Form

or donate on-line at  http://www.4pawsforability.org/donation.html  (please make sure to write "in honor of Zachary Rowe" in the special instructions box on paypal which will appear on the last page of the process.)

Any questions please feel free to contact 4 Paws for Ability at the above address or us at lisarowe@rowetech.com

 

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