Day 5 of March

What a wonderful surprise I had when I was watching the news tonight.  The following story appearred and I couldn't have been more delighted, but certainly not surprised.  Jo-Lynn and Ken are amazing parents and they have these three wonderful children.  But one of those kids is very special to me.  I used to work with Jakob when he was only 3-4.  Normally I don't include pictures and names of the kids I work with, but I am sure because they have appeared on local television and there is a wonderful cause involved, this would be ok.  Take a read and if you are looking for a place to put your donation dollars, this is a great cause.   You can go to the global television website or Scotialbank Calgary Marathon website for details.  I have also attached a picture of Jakob and me and I guess it is about 8 years ago.  Where does the time go.

CALGARY- A local family is on a fundraising mission, in hopes of helping an organization that is changing their son’s life.


11-year-old Jakob Furdal has Down Syndrome, is non-verbal and at times withdrawn.

“He requires support from us on a daily basis to get through the day,” explains Jakob’s dad, Ken Furdal.

But his parents discovered there is one thing that completely changes him—dogs.

“It’s amazing, overwhelming when your son comes out of his shell and starts to engage and not be despondent,” Ken says. “To find something and take control, it empowers him. It’s a great, warm feeling.”

“Jakob becomes a different child,” adds his mother, Jo-Lynn Furdal. “With an animal he’s available, he smiles again.”
With that in mind, the family came across the organization Dogs With Wings, which is pairing Jakob with a furry partner. Volunteers help train the canines, which then serve as assistance dogs for Albertans living with disabilities.
“The greatest thing is the pride you feel after you’ve done it, when you give them up knowing you built the foundation that they’re gonna be a service dog,” says Raylene Middel, who helps raise the puppies.

It costs thousands of dollars to properly train the dogs, which are then given to families for only $1. The Furdals now want to pay their gift forward by fundraising, so another family can have the same opportunity.

“I want someone to have same opportunity as we have,” says Ken. “It’s a big step for us.”

He plans to run the full Scotiabank Calgary Marathon in May, to try and raise $40,000 for the cause. So far he’s gotten over $9,000 in pledges.

I can't wait to see Jakob's new friend.

Stacey