If you are familiar with the concept of “the external brain”, imagine how you can apply this to a service dog. We create external supports for individuals with FASDs service dogs that help them make good choices, offer companionship and provide trust and guidance. One of Iyal’s external brains walks on 4 paws!
To add to this amazing experience we were delighted to have well-known FASD parent-advocate and published author, Jodee Kulp, join us for some of the training in Ohio. She has been breeding poodles at her facility Knarlwoods in Minneapolis. Jodee, a founding Board Member for MOFAS began a pilot training program in her area. She has trained "Limey" to work with a 21-year old young man with FASD named Ken. Unbeknownst to me until just a few weeks prior to leaving to get Chancer...I had not heard of anyone with a FASD using a service dog! Now, we not only returned with our new miracle for Iyal and our family...but Jodee and I had a chance to meet, (connect as only parents of children with FASD can) brainstorm and hopefully collaborate with our FASD efforts. To find out more about Jodee and her work visit www.betterendings.org.
Thank you for sharing in our adventure. There is so much more to tell you about the miracles these Service Dogs are bringing to families all over the world. If you have time and interest, visit the 4 Paws website at www.4pawsforability.org. You may also contact me at dkwinokur@gmail.com or see our website at www.thechancerchronicles.com . Perhaps in your or your child’s future there will also be a furry vehicle for healing like Chancer.