Helped host a "Dinner in the Dark" tonight. Once all the food was served, the lights were turned out and everyone was literally eating in the dark. The idea was to raise awareness for the struggles people with disabilities face each day. All the proceeds went to "Paws With a Cause", a service dog training center in our area. They train about 200 dogs a year and distribute them nationally. It costs them about $30,000 to train a dog, but there is never a fee or charge for the recipient of the dog. It sounds very similar to what Kristin has been working on.
There were three people that came to speak and they brought two dogs. One was a four month old puppy and the other was an adult dog that was retired from active service, but able to do demos for groups like ours. They also played a video that showed the training process from the vantage point of the dog. It really made you stop and think. It wasn't just about the ways the dog assisted, but how the dogs were able to make such a dramatic transformation in a person; allowing them to live a much fuller and independent life. It did make me "paws" and reflect on how people can be facing such struggles and still live life to the fullest. God bless you Kristin and all others who are working to help make the world a better place for others.
