Local woman semi-finalist for Energizer Bunny Hall of Fame

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.

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By Christopher Magan, Staff Writer Updated 8:19 PM Tuesday, May 26, 2009

XENIA — A decade into fulfilling her calling to provide service dogs to disabled children, Karen Shirk has received her share of accolades from thankful patrons and fellow advocates.

Now she may soon add another — Shirk is one of 100 nationwide semi-finalists for a spot in the Energizer Bunny Keep Going Hall of Fame.

Shirk’s name was submitted to Energizer by Susan Page a friend who is involved with 4 Paws for Ability, which Shirk founded in Xenia 10 years ago.

The hall is a way to recognize people who best exemplify the battery company’s mascot that “Keeps going and going,” against all odds. To say Shirk meets that criteria is an understatement.

After being diagnosed with the neuromuscular disease Myasthenia Gravis, Shirk tried to get an assistance dog, but was turned down because her prognosis was grim, she said. Instead of giving up, Shirk trained her own assistance dog, Ben, who went on to save her life in a medical emergency.

With her disease now in remission, Shirk has placed about 400 service dogs with disabled and ill clients in the past 10 years through 4 Paws. Most of the recipients are children.

“Children were the largest group getting turned down when we started,” Shirk said.

Shirk’s work has been honored with awards and spotlighted by segments on CNN and most recently on a channel operated by cable satellite provider Direct TV.

“It always amazes me,” she said about the attention. “I feel really blessed people think so highly of what I’ve done.”

Ten finalists for the Energizer hall of fame will selected in June and then put online for a vote. The winner receives a $10,000 cash prize and another $5,000 donated to his or her favorite charity.

The prize money would be a boost for 4 Paws, which is launching its first fundraising campaign to expand its facility.

“We want to triple the size of the building so we can help more people,” Shirk said.

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

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