North Star Foundation Puppy for Leila

Dear Family and Friends,

We write to ask for your support in a very important mission – to sponsor the placement of a service dog in the Patrick Family. Our daughter, Leila (4 years old), has autism and was just recently cleared for the placement of one of the service dogs bred and trained by the North Star Foundation. Her assigned puppy will be born later this spring; however, in order for the placement to occur, it is crucial that we raise the funds necessary ($5,000) in the coming weeks. The high cost of placement is due to the nature of the intensive and specific training each North Star dog receives, along with the considerable follow up services they provide.

North Star Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children with special needs through the use of well-bred and trained assistance dogs.  They have been incorporated for ten years and have made over 100 North Star placements in homes of children who face social, emotional and educational challenges around the country. Over half of the children they serve are on the autism spectrum. Their nonprofit work with children on the autism spectrum was profiled in Autism Spectrum Quarterly’s spring edition (www.asquarterly.com).  You can also learn more about North Star by visiting their website at www.NorthStarDogs.com and/or viewing a video at http://www.youtube.com/profile?user=northstarvids.

Please consider making a donation to support the placement of Leila’s service dog. Your donation to the North Star Foundation can be applied directly to her placement and must be received by May 31st . All donations to North Star are tax deductible (EIN # 06-1589586). Your check or money order should be made out to North Star Foundation and you should put Leila’s name in the memo line on the check so that they will apply your kind donation to support Leila’s placement. You can also make a PayPal donation via the donation link on their website at www.NorthStarDogs.com; there will be a screen to indicate your donation is meant to support Leila, but if you can’t find it simply send a separate email to Patty Dobbs Gross at northstarfoundation@charter.net to inform her of your donation. Please also let us know of your donation so that we can properly thank you for your support.

We are extremely excited about the immeasurable benefits Leila will receive with the placement of a North Star assistance dog in our family and we really appreciate your support to make this happen. We’ll certainly keep you informed of Leila and her puppy’s progress in the coming months! Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions: Chris and Jessica (925) 292-1352. Hope you and yours are doing well and hope to hear from you soon J

Thank you in advance for your support,

Chris, Jessica, Lucy, and Leila