This two-year-old, loving and friendly black-haired Labrador Retriever has become a hero to thousands of her fans in Pittsburgh. When Fawn appears at charity events, or serves as the spokes-dog for Paws With A Cause, she is an important symbol for the thousands of humans who can now lead enriched lives due to their Assistance Dogs.
A national non-profit organization, PAWS has expanded into the Greater Pittsburgh area. The Laps For Learning PAWS Walk, taking place October 1 in Pittsburgh, will benefit the Four-Footed Education Program at PAWS. This program provides for representatives across the country to educate the public on the benefits and life-changing impact an assistance dog has on a person with a disability.
Sometimes life throws an unexpected curve. Many people are busy living their lives, when an accident or disability causes them to change their course. Activities they once took for granted now become difficult or impossible. Their world narrows as they can no longer perform necessary tasks. Here enters Paws With A Cause, which trains canines to become multi-talented assistance dogs. These dogs become invaluable companions for the physically challenged, hard of hearing, and those who have seizure disorders.
Experiencing a similar life change, Fawn was slated to become a working member of Paws With A Cause. But an unfortunate incident involving a cat (let the reader imagine) caused Fawn to be withdrawn from the assistance dog program. Instead, she then found her niche in life as a demonstration dog for PAWS. Today she maintains an active agenda of Rotary Club meetings, greeting the public, and serving as spokes-dog for the local PAWS chapter.
PAWS promotes awareness through education, and has placed more than 1,800 Assistance Dogs throughout the United States in its 25-year history. These dogs are placed with no direct cost to clients. A dog trained for hearing assistance may alert its owner to alarm clocks, babies crying, door bells and smoke alarms. Seizure-trained dogs can run to persons to get help, set off a life alert buzzer, and comfort the person experiencing a seizure. Dogs trained for work with physically challenged persons are able to pull a wheelchair, turn lights on and off, pick up items off the floor, even hand money to a sales clerk.
Presently, eight puppies are being trained at the Moon Township Fire Station. At some point they will then go into foster homes where their training will be completed. Eventually they will become an important partner in a challenged person’s life.
With her social personality, Fawn maintains a positive public image. She ably draws attention to the important work being done by Paws With A Cause. And her greatest reward is a friendly hug and belly rub from an ardent admirer!
Favorite Restaurant? Kip’s Ice Cream- I love the bone appetizer!
Who is the most interesting celebrity you ever met? When I was assigned to meet State Representative Mark Mustio. I am still waiting for an invitation to the White House. I am sure that call will be coming any day now!
Who is your hero and why? Boomer, the first Paws With A Cause assistance dog in Pennsylvania.
If a movie were made of your life, who would play your part? Gwyneth
Do you have any Pets?Two guinea pigs, and my little brother, Ringo Starr, a 7 pound Papillon trained hearing dog.
What one-word/words describe you best? Giving, loving, friendly, energetic, food-aholic , sock stealer.
What word/words would you like others to use to describe you? I want to be known as a fabulous speaker and demonstrator.
What was your first job? I have been on a career path for my present job my entire life. I started at 6 weeks old, learning proper behavior in all sorts of situations. At 16 months of age I entered college, having completed my prerequisites in Obedience and Socialization. In college I learned all of the job skills that I use today to help new clients and to educate and inform the public about PAWS.
What are your volunteer activities? I am a full-time volunteer, raising awareness and funds for PAWS With a Cause.
When you move, what will your home tell its next owner, about you? The fur I left behind will tell the “tail”.
What is your greatest indulgence?A Milk Bone Avalanche; actually any food or ice cream.
What or who is the greatest love of your life? FOOD; also Penny Layne, my owner and the Regional Liaison for the Greater Pittsburgh Area, and all children.
What is your most treasured possession? My Buster cube ; I knock it around to get a food treat. Also SOCKS, I love them!
What is your current state of mind? Confusion
What do you consider your greatest achievement? Turning the PAWS’ Awareness Campaign into a huge success.
What is the quality you most like in a man? A pocket full of treats.
What is the quality you most like in a woman? A pocket full of treats.
Favorite books / Writers? Check out my autobiography at http://keystonelanding.com/fawnbook/index.htm
What is the best advice you have ever received? "Leave it!" It's saved me from many pitfalls.
Which social event is your favorite? My new favorite event is the "Ice Cream Social" Kip’s Ice Cream makes great milk bone and ice cream treats for me ! Kip’s has pictures of dogs everywhere and even has dog named ice cream flavors. Now you have me drooling!!!
What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? ? Not enjoying my baths.
What is the trait you most deplore in others?,/? Doggy breath
