8 - The Michigan Daily - Weekend etc. - Thursday, Febuary 3, 1994

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Paws With A Cause, a national program founded
in Michigan, is devoted to helping
people with disabilities become more independent.
Funded by donations and the United Way of
Michigan, they serve people by specially training
service and hearing dogs. The dogs are placed in
foster puppy homes until they are 15-months; a
select few then make it to the training program
which lasts about six months.
Kim Frania, a University of Michigan student
studying to go to veterinary school, is a recent
beneficiary of the Paws program. She received
her yellow labrador, Fenway, about three months
ago; he is in the final stages of his training.
Trained by Laurie Paradise, a regional trainer for
Paws, Fenway, now 21-months-old, performs
incredible tasks including pulling Kim's wheelchair,
opening and closing doors, retrieving dropped
items, turning lights off and on, retrieving a por-
table telephone, reaching elevator buttons,
assisting with shopping, as well as several other
tasks.
Paws is responsible for the training and placement
of approximately 125 PAWS Teams per year. If
you would like to help with a tax-deductible
donation or become a foster puppy family contact
Paws at 1-800-253-PAWS.

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