On March 22, 2007 The Daily Press Newspaper placed a special editorial about the work we are doing on their front page. It was about Chase Wienega, a 6 year old boy beset with Autism and Seizures. “Chase's first seizure happened when he was 3. Within a short amount of time, he was suffering from as many as 100 seizures a day. Doctors still haven't figured out what exactly is wrong with Chase, an Apple Valley boy whose case has become well-known in medical circles internationally.”
Chase’s father contacted USK9 for help. Realizing that the Wienega family has become financially indebted to the medical community (to the level of $2,000,000.00 dollars), we used the opportunity to contact the media in an effort to help the Wienega’s with important Press coverage. Through The DOGWISH Foundation we are endeavoring to raise the money to help pay for a trained Service Assistance K9 for Chase that will meet his needs. "We have a chain on the door," Heather (his mother) says, "but he's learned how to open the windows. He has no impulse control, so he'll run out into street without even looking." That's where a dog could come in handy - alerting others when Chase runs off, helping to locate him when he's missing and helping him find his way home.” Our trained Canine will be trained for Search & Rescue, Seizure Alert, & Communication Development.
USK9 GOES TO BAKERFIELD
In late February our staff attended and spoke at the Kern County Autism Societies Annual Conference, along with over a dozen other Autism involved experts. As a result 28 families signed up to meet with us about training a K9 for their Autistic and Seizure stricken children. So far we are training K9s for several of them through The DOGWISH Foundation.
KATHY KELCHNER COMES TO USK9
Kathy, a Board member of the National Autism Society, who has spent 35 years as a School Administrator, working with Autistic children, flew from Texas to Phelan California with her husband to spend time at USK9, and see first hand how we are training the dogs that have America talking. Two days after returning home Kathy reported her findings to the National Board in Washington D.C. She then sent a letter of thanks to us for the work we are doing, and the changes we are making through our K9 research and development. Kathy wants to support our program throughout Southern United States, with her staff, and in her special school programs.
USK9 VISITS THE COCHELLA VALLEY
From Banning through Indio there are over 300 families with children who have Autistic and Seizure related problems. A number or them were present for a Presentation/Demonstration given by USK9 this month, and are already responding with serious concerns and requests for help that USK9 is endeavoring to respond to through DOGWISH.
SPECIAL MOM SUPPORTS DOGWISH
In a valiant effort to support our non-profit corporation, DOGWISH, Kristen Del Castillo has committed herself to donate several Labrador retriever pups to USK9, which will be trained as DOGWISH K9s and placed with needed families. Her contribution, and warm loving spirit are invaluable to us, and we appreciate all her efforts. Her dogs Sophie & Zoie are also being trained as K9s her and her friend Candice’s Autistic children. Thanks Kristen!!
CONGRATULATIONS SUE & ROBERT BACKER!!
The Backer’s received their K9 “Rocko” and saw results with their 6 year old son Zachary in four days. They’ve been trying to get him to write and become verbal for three years, and it started to happen 4 days after “Rocko” arrived. Sue has held off additional training because Zack and “Rocko” are doing so well she doesn’t want anything to interrupt their incredible progress.
