What is your background and how have your educational and work backgrounds led you to this position?
I have a degree in social work and have always been involved with dogs in one way or another. However what led me to this field was my own personal experience with disability and getting a service dog http://4pawsforability.org/the-4-paws-story/
When was your organization founded?
Our charity organization was founded in 1998.
How many employees and support staff does your organization have?
We currently employee 42 people and have over 300 volunteers.
Can you help me understand the specific responsibilities of your role?
As the founder and CEO I am responsible for keeping the organization running. I do my best to make sure everyone’s needs are met.
What motivates you?
The look on each child or veteran’s face when they meet their dogs and witnessing the connection.
What is your biggest achievement and contribution to the veteran or active duty military community?
It is our honor and privilege to make each and every service dog placement with any veteran but I would say this placement was most touching to me: http://www.cnn.com/2013/06/27/us/cnnheroes-shirk-recovery-dogs/index.html
What is your biggest challenge or what is the most difficult or frustrating part about your job?
Keeping up with the number of applicants. We want to maintain our commitment to place dogs without having a waiting list. It is hard to convince donors to donate money for tangible things like our building fund that will allow us to place even more dogs a year. Everyone wants to donate directly to placing a dog and do not realize we can’t place the dogs without money for the rest like operations and building needs.
What were some of the unexpected hurdles you’ve encountered?
We started out with a mission to use shelter dogs as service dogs but in the early years started to realize the ineffectiveness and major challenges finding enough dogs. It was a hard decision to switch to breeding our own dogs but one that has been to the betterment of the program.
What were some of the unexpected benefits?
How many people near and far who are touched by our program and reach out to us as you have to show your faith in what we do!
If you were President of the United States, what would you change?
Wow, that is a loaded question. I regards to service dog placement I would want to see regulations on who could train and place the dogs. So for example perhaps only registered nonprofits who’s sole job was to place service dogs could train and certify dogs. It is way too easy for people to fake their pet dogs as service dogs. I would put a stop to businesses “selling” certification on the internet as well. We do not allow people to “sell” medical care unless they are a true physician so only those nonprofit agencies who train the dogs would be able to provide certification.
Who is one person who has most influenced you and why?
My Grandfather He always saw the good in people and was always ready to help.
Are there any press releases or online mentions in any magazines, newspapers, or other online articles that you would like included in your article?
We are proud to be featured in the Press Release: Wonder Dog – The New York Times
Do you have a newsletter or other way you keep in touch with your customer base?
Yes, our 4PawPrints Newsletter allow our followers keep up to date with us.
Do you have any products, ideas or drives you are currently promoting?
Yes we are starting a capital campaign to fund the new building we break ground this year! http://4pawsforability.org/building-fund/
What would you like our veterans and active duty military to know about you?
We specialize in mobility impairment such as paralysis and loss of limbs, as well as hearing ear dogs. We want to help!
Does your organization have an online presence on other social web spaces such as Yelp, Facebook, MySpace, YouTube, etc.?
Yes, we have a facebook page.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I think you got it all.
Do you know a person or organization that has made a significant contribution to the service personnel of the U.S. Armed Forces? Click here to make a nomination for our Honor Role.
