4 Paws for Frankie

Frankie is a happy, silly, busy 3 year old who loves Lizzo, Baby Shark, Mickey Mouse, eating rice and beans, splashing in mud puddles, and big dogs. He is smart, curious, and adventurous and has overcome so much in his short little life. 

Frankie had a rough start. He was born 6 week premature and had been exposed to several substances while in utero. He also a variance to one of his genes which his geneticist is exploring further. As a baby he struggled with bottle feeding, respiratory illnesses, and meeting milestones. Frankie began early intervention at one month old and continues with physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and feeding therapy.

As Frankie got older he was diagnosed with hypotonia (low muscle tone). Frankie struggles with balance, coordination, motor planning, fatigue, and muscle weakness. 

Another challenge for Frankie is sensory processing. He becomes over stimulated with things like quick transitions, noisy environments, and bright lights. Sensory overload will cause meltdowns, frustrations, tears, anxiety, and self harm. 

Frankie has no safety awareness and will run or wander while outside and in public. 

Frankie has been approved for a service dog through 4 Paws For Ability and we are beyond thrilled. Frankie's service dog will be trained to:

-Provide balance assistance while Frankie is walking and climbing stairs.

-Provide behavior disruption and comfort by lying across his lap when he is overwhelmed or in sensory overload.

-Prevent running and wandering by being tethered to Frankie while out and about.

-Scent tracking should Frankie ever sneak out or wander off.

-Assist in transitions.

-Be a social bridge between Frankie and his peers.

-Help Frankie participate successfully in community and family events by providing one on one support.

-Provide comfort and support during tests, procedures, doctor appointments, hospital stays, and therapies.

How can you help? 

It costs 4 Paws For Ability $40-60,000 to raise, train, and place each service dog. Our family has to raise $17,000 to be placed in the next available training class to receive Frankie's service dog. We have raised $6,000 through our facebook fundraiser, leaving $11,000 to go. No amount is too small and every penny is greatly appreciated!

Checks can be mailed to: 

4 Paws For Ability 

253 Dayton Avenue

Xenia, Ohio 45385

(Please put Frankie Matzenbacher in the memo line.)

We believe a service dog would be life-changing for Frankie and we are beyond thrilled for this opportunity. Our family is so grateful for our community's support. It takes a village! Thank you for being our village. We cannot wait to see Frankie and his service dog in action.