4 Paws for JJ

                   "Dogs are miracles with paws."

                   "The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even                                       touched-they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller

Welcome to JJ's 4 Paws Fundraising page.  Our family has put so much thought, discussion, and love into making the decision to work towards getting a service dog for JJ.  We chose 4 Paws for Ability due to their dedication to families and dogs. They have a very thorough process that families must go through.  It costs 4 Paws between $40,000 - $60,000 to raise and train and a dog, and we are only responsible for a fraction of that cost-$17,000.  We feel very blessed to have made it to the fundraising step in this amazing organization.  

We have always admired JJ for never needing or wanting for many material things  in life.  He has only ever needed love, affection and attention from those he loves. It only seemed right that the gift of a service dog-HIS dog-would give him something so special that would meet his simple needs.   He has always made strong bonds with animals that he has spent a lot of time around.  They bring him peace and comfort-especially in situations where he might normally have been over-stimulated and anxious.  We also truly believe that a service dog will not only help him gain more independence, but will help facilitate social relationships.  A service dog will help him "create" new friendships with his peers, as most children his age love animals and are very curious in what these dogs can do for people.  

When JJ was born with Pierre Robin and Bainbridge Ropers Syndrome, we went through all the "normal" emotions that many special needs families experience.  There are times when we wonder why we were chosen to be his parents and if we can handle all of the things that have been thrown at us.  ( While that might be a bit too much honesty, we want those who read this page to understand not only where our journey is taking us, but where we have been.)  Not only has JJ turned out to be the greatest gift our family has ever received, but I TRULY believe that JJ has taught us more than we can ever hope to teach him.  He is everything pure and vulnerable that any person can hope or aspire to be.  And in a way, I believe that service dogs are much like JJ...they are pure and giving.  

We hope by reading this, that you will understand why we have made this our next goal for JJ.  We look forward to all of you enjoying this journey with us.  It will be exciting to see the relationship, help, and bond that our service dog will bring into JJ's life.

Thank you all for taking the time to read our story.  We appreciate all that you do in supporting our family and our initiative to giving our miracle boy more independence.