Comments on: Four-Footed Therapists

By: The Skies Aren’t So Friendly For Autism Assistance Dogs Either

The Skies Aren’t So Friendly For Autism Assistance Dogs Either — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:50:16 +0000

[...] been lots of reports of autistic children benefiting from therapy dogs and of the dogs even attending school as “four-footed aides.” But there’s also [...]

By: Was That a Woof?

Was That a Woof? — Sat, 12 Jul 2008 00:23:28 +0000

[...] years ago through a friend of a friend; since then, there have been frequent reports about “four-footed therapists.” An organization called 4 Paws for Ability has placed more than 200 service dogs with [...]

By: The ADA Restoration Act, Stadium Seating, and Animals in the Classroom

The ADA Restoration Act, Stadium Seating, and Animals in the Classroom — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 23:05:41 +0000

[...] the past year, there have been more and more reports about the benefits of therapy dogs for autistic children at home and at school. There’s also been at least one instance in which [...]

By: Julie Shaffer

Julie Shaffer — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 21:11:01 +0000

Kristina, I am a bit delayed in getting to view this video, but wanted to thank you anyway. What a touching story, it’s so wonderful that those involved found Chewy to be such an asset, that they would go through all the trouble to travel and provide the finances to keep him around.

By: Four-Footed (School) Aide

Four-Footed (School) Aide — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:12:23 +0000

[...] few weeks ago I posted about Trapper Leeth, whose parents have gotten approval to get him a therapy dog and now need to raise the funds. In [...]

By: Four-Footed (School) Aide

Four-Footed (School) Aide — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 02:12:22 +0000

[...] few weeks ago I posted about Trapper Leeth, whose parents have gotten approval to get him a therapy dog and now need to raise the funds. In [...]

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 16:44:05 +0000

@Julie and Judy,

Thank you!

Here’s a video about a service dog for an autistic child, dog named Chewy who is getting surgery –

By: Judy Vorfeld

Judy Vorfeld — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 00:56:51 +0000

I second Julie Shaffer’s remarks. I’m the new webmaster for 4 Paws for Ability, and I find a common theme in all the requests I’ve seen and uploaded. Assistance dogs play a vital part in each family’s life. These incredible creatures take on huge responsibilities, and little by little, the families can relax in this area or that. Increased joy and laughter become a regular part of each day.

It’s amazing when you analyze all the steps that pups must take as they grow into maturity. So many loving helping hands surround these special canines.

And what a surprising number of dedicated people are giving their time and money to ensuring that the needs of the disabled will be met.

What a thrill for me to watch the progress of these fundraising families…knowing that their entire lifestyle will be enhanced in a year or so. All the interviews I’ve seen speak to this.

By: Julie Shaffer

Julie Shaffer — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 21:32:58 +0000

Kristina, I just wanted to thank you for posting the articles about therapy dogs and linking to Trapper’s story. I know we all have our own stories and everyday struggles, but we also all have our own times of need. This is definitely one of those times for Trapper’s family. I know Trapper’s mother, Jami, has already received emails of support from some folks that read about them here. Resources are very limited out in remote Alaska, so these e-mails of support and encouragment mean more than you think they do! I hope that someday soon, we’ll be able to report back about Trapper’s dog and the peace it brings to this family. Thank you!

By: Lee (Shawn's other half)

Lee (Shawn's other half) — Thu, 21 Feb 2008 02:24:55 +0000

Stitch is not only an integral part of our family, but one of MJ’s best therapists. We cannot say how much Patty from North Star (www.northstardogs.com) understands dogs and autism. Stitch can be seen in the clip from Home Before Dark on North Star’s website.
We have also started Therapeutic Horseback riding with MJ and SJ and found that to be helpful too, but it is much more time limited (about 16 hours per year). I hope Trapper and his family get their dog soon.