Back to Surfin' for Paws-abilities

Pictures courtesy of
Diane Edmonds
 

PAW-ABUNGA FOR PATRICK (Service dog fund)
 

Click here to go to Paw-abunga for Patrick (physical therapy fund)

 

Thanks to my donors, Patrick's service dog, Kona has been paid for!

To see a complete list of donors, please visit my donor page.

In September 1995, when Patrick was fourteen months old, he and his mom were walking behind a parked car when the driver, who was arguing with his girlfriend, suddenly backed up, and ran over Patrick, pinning him under the car.  The driver was un-insured.  He suffered a C4-5 incomplete spinal cord injury, and was diagnosed as a quadriplegic.  He is now 15 years old, and in high school.  His goal is to become independent by the time he finishes high school, so he can go to college.  A service dog is an integral part of that plan!

Patrick received a service dog from Pawsitive Teams, a local organization that trains and places service dogs with individuals that have disabilities.  A very special dog named Kona was selected for Patrick who has been taught very specific tasks that will help Patrick, such as taking his shoes off at bedtime, something Patrick isn't able to do on his own.  In addition, Kona has been taught to retrieve items that Patrick drops, and many other tasks.

The actual out of pocket expenses for a highly trained service dog like Kona is thousands and thousands of dollars, but Pawsitive Teams charges $2,000 to their recipients.  I raised enough money with the help of my donors, and now Patrick can achieve the independence he dreams of.  I appreciate your support for helping to make this a paws-ability!

Patrick also enjoys surfing... something we have in common!  So, when Kona isn't busy working... he's hanging out with me to learn how to tandem surf with Patrick!  You can also find Patrick on the basketball court, rugby field, hockey rink, or ski slopes.

You can learn more about Patrick at Help Patrick Walk, or by visiting my other "Paw-abunga for Patrick" Page which has additional information about his injury, physical therapy, progress, surfing and more videos!  The pictures and videos below will also highlight the tasks Kona performs for Patrick, as well as the  partnership that has formed between them!

Kona picks up his leash, and will deliver it to Patrick's hand


 

Kona lies quietly during Patrick's Project Walk therapy session
 

A video introduction of Patrick

A video of Patrick and his service dog, Kona
(demos of what Kona does for Patrick)

Here's a video of Patrick surfing!
 

More surfing - The Today Show, Aug 7, 2009

 

Patrick at 15 years old - the Today Show, Aug 7, 2009
 (surfing, Project Walk, and his service dog)

Web design, all content, pictures and videos on this website are ©copyrighted and strictly prohibited to be used without
prior express written consent from Puppy Prodigies.  All rights reserved © 2009 Puppy Prodigies.