4 Paws

In a special edition of Scientific American published in fall of 2015, researchers reported findings of various studies about what a pet reveals about its owner. 4Paws was the inspiration of a dear friend and animal advocate, Chris Williams. His idea was to make the world a better place for animals and people by better understanding the emotional bond they share.

For every one of us that succeeds, it's because there's somebody there to show you the way out. The light doesn't always necessarily have to be in your family; for me it was teachers and school. Children are invited to read to 4Paws dogs and become part of our pack of readers. At Healdsburg, Windsor, Rincon Valley, and Rohnert Park Public libraries, students can earn free books by reading to our "listening" canines.

The brave children Fozzy visits are an inspiration to all of us for their appreciation of life and determination to survive. We are grateful to Koret Family House for the privilege of sharing their precious time. I bring Sammi early to work and I'll hear a home member talk to him for 15 minutes, of course it's all one-sided, while I sort or make calls.

Pets can communicate with people in a variety of ways, but do they really understand us? That's the question we will explore in classes on dog behavior, positive reinforcement training, and appropriate human interaction with pets. With better education, dogs can play a safe and meaningful role in children's lives as teachers, companions and trusted confidantes.

Not to hurt our humble brethren is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission-to be of service to them wherever they require it. Cancer, diabetes, food allergies and a host of other serious health problems are on the rise in our pets. They depend on us for their food-and they trust us to do our best by them.