Some unsigned notes of appreciation from some youngsters:

"Dear Kim, I'd love to thank you for coming to talk about service dogs. I also am an avid reader and prolific writer. Someday, I hope to publish a book. Thank you once more for inspiring me to work towards my dreams."

"Dear Kim, Thank you for coming... I will never judge a person for how they look."

"Anky-thay, ou-yay. That means thank you in Pig Latin! I really enjoyed the program that you did at my school."

"Thank you for coming to our school. I learned a lot about service dogs. I hope you can come again!"

"Dear Kim, Thank you for coming and talking about service dogs and the purposes they serve. I really got a lot out of it!"

"Dear Kim, Thank you for coming to Woodedge. I like your dogs and I WILL follow my dreams!"

"Thanks for coming, Kim. I had fun, but I learned too!"

"Thanks for everything! You really inspired me. My mom works with my firend who's disabled...now I know how she feels. Thanks again!"

"I want to thank you again for the wonderful job you did. I enjoyed it immensly. I won't ever let go of my dreams!"

"I really enjoyed it (the program). I know a lot of what you told us because of my disabled brother. I hope to be a vet someday and have a horse of my own--you gave me the hope that I could succeed!"

And from the adults--

"Dear Kim, thank you so much for spending your time with our day camp to share your life lessons. You are truly an inspiration to everyone you speak to. You, your dogs, and your work will be in my prayers."

"An absolute 10!!! A true story told by the individual that experienced it. (The program) was inspiring, amazing, and spiritually moving. There's no room for improvement!"

"Great job, as usual! Thanks so much for coming!"

"Dear Kim, Thanks for coming and sharing yourself with the day campers. Everyone who heard you came away with something special--a thought a question, a prayer, a determination. You and Dewey and Dawson touched each one of us. We look forward to seeing you again. God bless you and the work that you do."

"I've been teaching for 32 years..this is the absolute BEST program I've ever seen come into the schools!"

"Whenever you give, you give from the heart just as the Lord has told us to do...You give without asking for any return, but the Lord above sees it and blesses you, too. Thank you again for a great program--everyone enjoyed it."

"Although I have seen these dogs accompanied by people in need of thier service, I was never aware of what it entailed to have such a wonderful companion. I am so impressed and understand much better how big of a gift this is, for everyone. Thank you for bringing true understanding to these fabulous animals and the people who train them. Let us never call these animals "just a dog" again. Blessings to you."

"Dear Kim: Thank you so much for attending our Family Fun day at Outdoor World. What a wonderful way to bond with an animal! The activity really enhanced what we as Girl Scouts try to teach the girls, to be a sister to every other Girl Scout and to help people at all times. Hopefully, you will be able to present for GSSJP in the future"

--Barbara McLaughlin GSSJP Program Specialist

"Dear Kim: I can't tell you how rewarding your visit was for us! Your presentations were excellent and Dewey was precious. The feedback from faculty and children have been so positive. Thank you so much for coming to see us and teaching us about the service dogs. You are quite an inspiration". Fondly, Carol Snook

From a fourth grader --"Dear Kim: Your program was fascinating! (It) was my favorite! I think that now I will help people who are disabled. I hope that you know that a lot of people loved your program. I learned a lot about (your dogs), your disabilities, and other service dogs. I believe now that my dream of being a great swimmer might come true now after your presentation. Thank you! --Your friend, Lauren ---------(last name withheld because of age). E.R.E. School

From a fourth grader--"Dear Kim: Your program was excellent! I think this program was the best one this year. I learned a lot about disabled people. I wish I could teach my dog to open a refrigerator! That was awesome! It was a great presentation! Thanks a lot! --Your friend, Brittany----(last name withheld because of age). E.R.E. school

From a fourth grader -- " Dear Kim: Thank you for coming to teach about service dogs! That was my favorite part of the Health Fair. I learned so much about disabled people and their service dogs. I'm wondering if you can come back to the next Health Fair? --Your friend, Jackie-----(last name withheld because of age). E.R.E. school

From a fourth grader- "Dear Kim: I appreciated your program and learned that I shouldn't let go of my dreams. I can't stop thinking about your interesting life. I was fascinated to hear your story. I think yours was the best program out of the whole Fair. I hope you come next year! ----Yours Truly, Charlotte ---(las name withheld because of age). E.R.E. School

"Dear Kim, thank you so much for the wonderful service dog presentation at Morgan School. The students LOVED it! We wish you a wonderful summer, and hope to have you again next year. Sincerely, Audry Vernon--Counselor, Morgan School"

"Dear Kimberly, Three or four years ago, you did two assemblies for usfor our annual school Health Fair. I am not exaggerating when I tell you that I am STILL getting requests to have you return, so I think that it's time to bring you back! Your program was one of the most memorable in the 10 years that I have been working on these Health Fairs. I am SO looking forward to seeing you again! If you ever need me for a reference, I'd be happy to give you a GREAT one. --Bonnie Weller, RN Eleanor Rush Intermediate School