![]() ![]() In 1998, Karen founded 4 Paws for Ability, a nonprofit organization that places dogs with emotionally and physically challenged children. As Ben helped her cope with her disease and brought her back to life, Karen was inspired to help other people who weren't eligible for service dogs-mostly children-find companionship and support with carefully trained dogs. After struggling with a rare neuromuscular disease at 24 but being unable to secure a service dog from a reputable agency, Shirk found companionship, hope, and support in Ben-the chocolate Labrador she adopted and had trained herself. ![]() No one agrees with this more than Karen Shirk. ![]() Our dogs are more than our best friends: they're our emotional and intellectual partners whose distinct personalities consistently surprise and delight us. Any dog owner will tell you: the connection they have with their pet is intimate, nuanced, and certainly more profound than science and culture generally acknowledge. Through moving stories and cutting edge science, Fay Greene offers us a profound examination of our connection and partnership with animals. Two-time National Book Award finalist Melissa Fay Greene tells the inspiring story of Karen Shirk-the founder of 4 Paws, a pioneering service-dog-training school in rural Ohio-and the joyful results of her efforts to connect lonely, challenged children and their families with loving service dogs. ![]()
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