Brandy and Val

Since Brandy and Val participate in pet therapy programs with autistic children, I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge       World Autism Awareness Day which already passed on April 2.  In the United States the entire month of April is designated as National Autism Month.   It is estimated that 35 million people worldwide are afflicted with some form or autism and it is hoped that by raising awareness of autism, the importance of early diagnosis and intervention will be encouraged and greater research funding will become available.  The jigsaw puzzle is the emblem for autism and major buildings in several cities worldwide will light up in blue in recognition of the month – including the Empire State Building in New York City, Willis Tower in Chicago, the CN Tower in Toronto, and Kingdom Tower in Saudi Arabia.  Airports, bridges, museums, concert halls, restaurants, and retail stores, are among more than 100 structures that will also participate, including Madison Square Garden in New York City and even NBA stores!

Most people don’t know (I certainly didn’t) that World Autism Awareness Day was formally adopted by the United Nations in 2007 and that April 2 is its’ designated day.  Autism is also only one of three diseases that have formal “days” specified by the United Nations.  The other two diseases, by the way, are diabetes and AIDS.   Autism Speaks and the Autism Society of America are the two primary U.S. based organizations responsible for disseminating education, information and news about autism, current treatments and where to get help.   It is estimated that 1 in 70 boys has autism, another fact that I did not know until recently.   In the classes I work in with Brandy, there is only 1 girl out of about 30 kids!  In addition, the NBA is teaming up with Autism Speaks this month promoting autism awareness in its NBA stores, in public service announcements and during its games.

To read more about how pet therapy assists in working with these children, please refer to our earlier blog posts: (Pet Therapy Breakthroughs, Pet Therapy Breakthroughs, contd.)  or our recent guest blog article on Imagination Soup.  Autism Speaks also has many informative videos about the subject, divided into categories:  http://www.autismspeaks.org/video/index.php

On December 9, I wrote about the growing need and number of food banks that are supplying food for pets as well as people.   Apparently, this need has reached critical levels and Petco is expanding its Petco Foundation to help build a national network of food banks.  That’s GREAT!   While I generally try not to link “big box stores” in favor of small, family run operations, the Foundation and its’ resources are so important to helping animals and families who have them that I encourage all to read more about what they do.  Use it as a resource for where to go if you need help or if you wish to help.  The Mayor’s Alliance in New York City is working with the Petco Foundation in its’ expansion efforts.  Food bins will be put in Petco stores for donations so, if you can, help lend a hand and donate some food.  If you have a local pet store that you like to support, urge them to help a food bank by donating some food.  I know that one of our favorite local stores, Bentley’s, in Arlington Heights, IL, is always working on some project,  helping shelters and donating food in the area, giving them an A+ in our book.  PAWS Chicago will also distribute Petco food and products through its spay and neuter clinic.     If you  know local stores in your area who also help out, please comment our Facebook page or here so we can start our own resource list!  Some other resources are noted back in our December 9 article, as well.