Lilly is suffering from bilateral hip dysplasia. Veterinarian Suzanne Ellis of Veterinary Associates in Xenia said Lilly needs to have a triple pelvic osteotomy, a procedure to relieve pain, restore function and stabilize the hip joint that costs several thousand dollars.

The pup has gone through many changes, including being adopted from the Humane Association of Warren County, but was later returned to the shelter.

She sat in the shelter, waiting for another chance.

She finally got that chance, and was sent to the lower-level maximum security prison - which has a Rover Rehab Prison Program - to be trained by inmates to be a service dog.

The program teaches dogs how to be special dogs to provide assistance to children with disabilities.

It is run jointly by 4 Paws For Ability Inc. and the Warren Correctional Institute.

The Humane Association of Warren County provides the dogs and many of the supplies.

"After about a month in the program, inmates noticed that Lilly appeared to have pain when she sat, lay down and then stood up,'' said Karen Shirk, owner of 4 Paws For Ability Inc. "They reported it. X-rays revealed her ailment.''

Shirk said Lilly's options now are surgery or euthanasia to end the pain.

To donate: 4 Paws For Ability Inc., Lilly's Fund, 253 Dayton Ave, Xenia, OH 45385.

For more information, call (937) 374-0385.

Outstanding in French

For her exceptional grades in French and commitment to the French language and culture, Mollie Ward, a senior at Summit Country Day School, has received a 2004 American Association of Teachers of French Outstanding High School Senior in French Award.

Mollie, of Indian Hill, competed in the National French Contest. She is an officer of the French Club and has participated in National French Week activities.

The association promotes the study of French language and French-speaking literatures and cultures.

BEHIND THE BADGE: Corrections officer best

TURTLECREEK TOWNSHIP - Philip J. Walker was recently named Warren Correctional Institution correction officer of the year.

Walker, 27, has been at the prison for 31/2 years. He is assigned to the second shift and works in the recreation department.

Walker, along with other staff, is responsible for the supervision of hundreds of inmates during their recreational periods. His responsibilities include checking inmates for the possession of illegal items, as well as inmate accountability.

Walker has completed instructional skills training at the Corrections Training Academy and also serves as an on-the-job training coach for newly hired corrections officers.

He recently completed an eight-year enlistment in the Ohio National Guard as a cavalry scout with the 107th Cavalry Unit in Lebanon.

"I feel very privileged that my peers and co-workers believe that I am worthy of this honor," Walker said. "I take it seriously and will do my best to represent WCI well."

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