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Local girl needs service dog to help her stay calm

Submitted by Howard Owens on September 22, 2012 - 11:14am

Submitted by Batavia resident Rachellyn Burek

I learned that my daughter, Zala Marie Cooper, had medical issues at around the age of 3. She has unusual difficulty dealing with change, and gets extremely upset. Her meltdowns can last from minutes to hours.

Zala is an animal lover. She would, and has tried to, take strays in off the street. She loves to draw. But because of her meltdowns, she has very few friends. Little things set her off. It could be a simple thing like a dinner change and she has a meltdown.

We heard about 4 Paws for Ability (a nonprofit agency) and their service dogs. We think obtaining a dog for Zala would be beneficial to her and us. It would be trained to distract and calm her when she has her meltdowns.

4 Paws has a unique approach to placement. They partner with their clients and by doing so can place dogs without a long waiting list. It will cost 4 Paws $22,000 to place a dog with Zala. We are committed to raising $13,000 in support of the 4 Paws mission and can reach our goal with your help.

If you can help us with a tax-deductible donation, please visit 4 Paws Donation Page (http://www.4PawsForAbility.org/donate-now) or mail a check with Zala’s name on the memo line to: 4 Paws for Ability In Honor of Zala Cooper 253 Dayton Ave. Xenia, Ohio 45385.

batavia

September 22, 2012 - 1:26pm

Lisa Falkowski

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Joined: Jun 23 2009

Is this the same little girl who was promised a dog quite some time again and the deal fell through? I thought she got another pup. I supposed the dog passed or didn't work out. Wow, what a cost. A shame it's not less expensive or covered under some grant or something.

September 23, 2012 - 9:15am

Raymond Richardson

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Joined: Aug 18 2012

Lisa you have to understand that these dogs go through specialized training, in addition to obedience training, add in the cost of vet care, required shots, license, food, it adds up in a hurry.

The dogs are also housed with their trainer, who is compensated for housing the dogs, as well as training the dogs to recognize the different medical issues, such as oncoming seizures, etc.

Currently, the Veteran's Administration has put a hold on covering the cost of service dogs for veterans, who suffer from PTSD, as the VA feels more research is needed to determine whether the cost is justified, as well as whether the service these dogs provide is beneficial or needed.

There was a time when service dogs were known only as guide dogs who assisted the blind. Probably within the past 20 years or so, dogs have taken on more specialized training to assist people with other medical or physical issues. As such, the expense for training the dogs for these specialized needs has increased considerably.

Here is the News10NBC link about the VA story I was referring to before:

http://www.whec.com/article/stories/S2767757.shtml?cat=0

September 23, 2012 - 12:33pm

Lisa Falkowski

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Joined: Jun 23 2009

Raymond - I do understand, but appreciate reading it. I do support these efforts. Animals provide therapy to so many - whether they are labeled service animals or not. It's such a great thing for people and the pets - therapy, support, usefulness for all.