Being forced to constantly ask for assistance of others can easily lead to a life of complete dependence. For the last 20 years, Mike Sapp and the staff at Paws with a Cause have worked to train dogs to do things like pick up pens, open heavy doors and respond to a knock on the door. When they train a dog to assist in the mundane tasks of daily living, they know they are creating a far more precious gift than a highly trained dog - they offer true independence to people with disabilities. Check out these cool books A Place for Grace was written by Jean Davies Okimoto, illustrated by Doug Keith, and published in 1996 by Sasquatch Books. Grace is a little dog with big dreams.
Grace provides a wonderful model for any child facing obstacles at school or at home.
It also helps children appreciate people with disabilities and gives readers the chance to learn the American Sign Language alphabet. The Story of Willa and Her Hearing Dog was written by Elizabeth Yates and published by Bob Jones University Press in 1992. It is the story of Willa, a young woman who applies for and receives a hearing dog. The dog, Honey, is trained to alert Willa to specific sounds. Read to find out how Honey becomes her constant companion and best helper.