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Xenia woman finalist for Energizer Hall of Fame

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Karen Shirk, founder and director of 4 Paws for Ability is a finalist for the 2009 Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs in Xenia. Shirk, who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, founded the organization after having to find and train her own dog after her request for one was denied.

Staff photo by Teesha McClam Karen Shirk, founder and director of 4 Paws for Ability is a finalist for the 2009 Energizer Keep Going® Hall of Fame. 4 Paws for Ability is a non-profit organization that trains service dogs in Xenia. Shirk, who was diagnosed with Myasthenia Gravis, founded the organization after having to find and train her own dog after her request for one was denied.

By Christopher Magan, Staff Writer Updated 2:39 PM Tuesday, June 23, 2009

XENIA — Starting Friday residents can vote online to keep 4 Paws for Ability founder Karen Shirk going and going and going right into the Energizer Bunny’s Hall of Fame.

Shirk learned Tuesday, June 23, she is one of 10 nationwide finalists to be inducted into the hall because she best represents the spirit of the battery maker’s mascot.

Friends, coworkers and representatives from Energizer surprised her with the news outside the Xenia facility where she trains service dogs for disabled children.

“It was like one of those commercials when they give away a million dollars,” said Shirk. “I was amazed. They planned it behind my back.”

Energizer brought Shirk’s friend and collaborator Susan Page from Cleveland to Xenia for the announcement. Page nominated Shirk for the contest earlier this year and the 4 Paws founder was chosen from a pool of thousands of nominees.

People can vote for Shirk at the Energizer Web site at www.energizerkeepgoinghalloffame.com.

“It’s a real honor,” Shirk said. I can’t believe it. It was amazing.”

Voting runs until August and a winner will be announced in September, said Melissa Firestone, spokeswoman for the company’s publicity firm.

Shirk founded 4 Paws for Ability a decade ago and has trained about 450 dogs to make life easier for her disabled or ill clients. If she secures a spot in the hall of fame she would receive $10,000 in prize money, which Shirk said could be used to kick-start her organization’s first capital campaign to expand the Xenia training facility.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2342 or cmagan@DaytonDailyNews.com.

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I work at the hotel in Xenia, where the families that come to receive their dog, and training stay. I have personally seen the look on the families faces when they realize the independence, and courage these animals trained at 4 Paws brings. I am amazed at the things these pets, these new members of famlies can do. I personally commend her and her staff for their daily efforts and heart they continue to show, for the betterment of life. Everyone should vote for her!

Bryan
12:43 AM, 6/26/2009

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I wonder if she can jump start a spaceship?

flipper
4:01 PM, 6/23/2009

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