Students help fulfill little girl’s wish for assistance dog
February 24, 2009 10:15:00 pm
by BILL GRAHAM - The Kansas City Star
Lexi Mooney got her wish last week, thanks to students at North Kansas City High School.
The 4-year-old Independence girl who has several severe disabilities welcomed Maggie Mae, her new support dog, into her life. Members of the school’s Distributive Education Clubs of America have raised $1,300 to pay for the dog’s training and care, said club sponsor Eddie James, and they’re still raising money toward the $2,000 goal.
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Lexi has cerebral palsy and is blind. Her family had asked for a specially trained support dog through the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the students pitched in with a dog show and other fund-raisers to donate Maggie Mae.
On Thursday, Maggie Mae officially entered the family’s care in a ceremony at the Children’s Center for the Visually Impaired in Kansas City, which she attends.
Classmates have been making dog biscuits this week for the family to feed Maggie Mae. But the family also will need money for veterinary and food costs.
“We’re still raising money,” James said. “We’ve got students still following and working on this.”
New Mark Middle School students also are now collecting money for the project, he said. And an anonymous donor has stepped forward to help.
The family requested a support dog because they noticed that one that came to the Children’s Center made Lexi stop crying when it was placed on her lap.
Lexi’s sense of touch is also very sensitive, but she will reach out to pet the dogs on her lap. Maggie Mae is trained to quietly sit on Lexi’s lap as a companion, and to do simple chores such as retrieve dropped toys.
To reach Bill Graham, call 816-234-5906 or send an e-mail to bgraham@kcstar.com.
