Coronavirus: “4 Paws for Ability” forced to delay training classes due to COVID-19

Xenia — 4 Paws for Ability, an organization in Xenia that helps train service dogs for veterans and children with disabilities, was forced to delay its training classes because it cannot hold gatherings as a result of the orders put in place by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine as a result of the coronavirus.

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13 children and 1 veteran were scheduled to be united with their service dogs on March 30, 2020, but that class had to be postponed and others will be pushed back as well.

"We had to tell all the people who were scheduled, the families, to cancel their plane fares and their hotels. We don't know what our class schedule will look like and when this is going to end. We will reschedule", said C.E.O. and founder Karen Shirk.

Shirk also told News Center 7 that donations have slowed down because of COVID-19 making it more difficult for those people working to get a service dog.

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“The clients who are fundraising to get their dogs are having a harder time. 4 Paws For Ability also have a very low rate of donations that support our organizations”, said Shirk.

Each year 4 Paws for Ability places between 100 and 150 dogs with families across the world. Right now many of the organization's dogs are being fostered by staff or volunteers.

Shirk told News Center 7 a recent litter born at 4 Paws for Ability was dubbed the inspiration litter. The puppies were all named in honor of those leading Ohio’s battle against the coronavirus. Some of the dog’s names are Acton, DeWine, Responder, and Amy.

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