I have had quite a few ask me about how I decided on
4 Paws for Ability for Levi's Service Dog. So, I will explain.
Though to some it seems like I am acting on a whim, that this is a quick decision, let me assure everyone that I had been researching and learning about different options for Service Dogs for over 6 months before I decided to act on it. I would never attempt a fundraising adventure of this magnitude on a whim. I had actually sat on the fundraising packet (after Levi was accepted) for a few weeks because I could not see how I would be able to reach his requirement. But, after a few really rough days with Levi, I knew it was time to get started even if it took awhile.
During my research of different agencies I came across:
Option 1 - They required a $13,500 fee, I would have to travel to Oregon by myself, train with the dog for a week, bring the dog back to Terre Haute, then a week or so later a trainer would come out and train for a week or so at our expense (we'd have to cover trainer's full expenses while out here).
Option 2 - gives their Service Dogs for free. However, they are not trained for public access for children under the age of 18. Levi could get what is called an in-home companion. But, if we need a dog to go into the community with Levi, this option will not work for us. Plus, they only place a certain number of dogs per year so Levi could be waiting many years and it still won't be trained for everything we need for Levi.
Option 3 - Closer to home was a plus. $1,300 fee was a plus. They do not have a very long track record for placing service dogs with children and they do not train for tracking. They have more experience with placing with adults than children.
Option 4 - Closer to home. Only $6,000 fee, but does not train autism service dogs.
Option 5 - 4 Paws for Ability. $13,000. Majority of work involves children with disabilities.
They have a 98% success rate in placements. They have an online support system of families who have already received their 4 Paws dogs and families who are going through the process. I am able to talk with other families for references, support, ideas and the stories they tell of how their service dog has helped their child. Also, Levi will be involved with as much of the 11 day training as he is able. But, if it is too much for him, he will be able to hang out with whomever goes with us at the hotel or someplace and will only be required to participate in the tracking part of the training. 4 Paws is set up inside and outside with children with all types of disabilities in mind. The trainers are available to answer questions and issues that arise after we come home. They know the dogs the best and should we have training struggles come up, it is nice knowing I will be able to still connect with them for as long as the dog is serving Levi.
Through all my uncertainty, 4 Paws is who I kept coming back to. This is the one I feel will benefit our family and Levi the most. It also helped that, after I applied, I received an email from 4 Paws saying they wanted to do a phone interview. In the email it told me their hours they were open and told me to call when it was a good time for me because they have found it works easier that way than them trying to call at a good time for the family. This really touched my heart. Not many places would say, you call when it is good for you. Most I have talked to give me a 2 hour span and expect me to answer when they call. That doesn't work in our family. If I'm at the boys' therapy or Dr appointments, phone calls are ignored until we are through.
So, while I know this looks like a huge undertaking for us, I know I have chosen the best path for our family. Most parents want what is best for their child. They want their child to be happy, healthy and independent. These hopes for Levi did not change with his diagnoses. Levi needs accommodations to help him reach his potential. A service dog is an additional accommodation that could help Levi reach a whole new level of independence.
