“I was looking for something a little more exciting. Puppies and children… what could be better? I was hooked!” Pat Stover, better known as “Ms. Pat” had retired after three decades of teaching and thirty-six years as an antique shop owner and was looking to make the most of her time. “After reading ‘The Underdogs’ I was motivated to attend an introductory program which included a mother who generously shared how a 4 Paws Dog had helped her child. It sounded like a miracle to me.  How could a dog do so much?” Pat remembers. Starting her volunteer journey in the puppy house, her first da ..read more

“I’m not sure there’s many words that can explain the feeling of seeing a foster find their place, and watching Rexy meet and work alongside his boy was truly one of the most incredible feelings.” Kristina Bauer is a volunteer with 4 Paws for Ability as a member of 4 Paws at Ohio State, a campus-based group of 4 Paws fosters and volunteer trainers.  Currently, the group of nearly 150 student volunteers has 48 service dogs in training socializing on-campus with them day in and day out, all with one goal in mind; seeing their dog provide safety and love to a child or veteran one day. “It’s ..read more

April 22nd is Earth Day! This year, 4 Paws for Ability has teamed up again with our friends at Freshpet to turn sustainable actions into impactful donations. Throughout April Freshpet will donate $1 for each ​sustainable action tracked through the CO2Hero app. Click to Learn More… With 24/7, on-campus housing and care of our service dogs in training and newborn puppy litters, cleaning up is often a minute-by-minute task. Here are ways you can support 4 Paws and Freshpet by joining our effort to Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Reduce -Find alternative modes of transportation or carpool to work -Us ..read more

“We were at our wits end before we found 4 Paws.” Stephanie and David were looking for a solution for the overwhelming challenges that having a child with autism brings. “We researched different companies, and truly appreciated the individual attention to the family, and especially the child for whom the dog would be bred and trained,” Timmy’s mom Stephanie said. “The staff, from breeders to trainers and veterinarians, are top notch at 4 Paws.” Meanwhile, on December 5th, 2019, their solution came in the form of a newborn golden retriever. From her start at the Puppy House, with a stop in th ..read more

At 4 Paws for Ability, we’re committed to enriching the lives of people with disabilities. We train and place more than ten types of service dogs with children and veterans with disabilities. For children with seizure disorders like epilepsy, a dog trained in scent and behavioral seizure response can be a life-saving companion. These special pups are trained with unique skills that can significantly enhance safety and promote independence for individuals living with seizure disorders. Hannah was diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, at age 11. Yuki, her service dog trained a ..read more

“CJ started regressing right at 18 months. Before then he had colors, he had shapes, he was up running and walking and then screeched and he stopped talking, and he is an eloper. But when Gus started finding his boy, everything inside me bubbled over because I knew that we would be able to find them.” -CJ & Gus, 4 Paws Service Dog Team April is annually recognized as Autism Awareness Month which is kicked off with Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. 4 Paws for Ability is proud to enrich the lives of our families living with autism through our life-changing and uniquely skilled service dogs ..read more

“Once we moved to Xenia, I knew I needed to learn more about the organization and see if I could help.”  A year and a half later, Gretchen is thankful for finally stopping by our campus, after countless trips to her in-laws took her past our Xenia facility. “I can see the impact my time is providing,” she says. “Being able to watch the puppies develop and starting to see puppies become service dogs is amazing.” 4 Paws volunteers meet many incredible, life-changing dogs, but everyone has that special dog they’ll never forget. For Gretchen and service dog Lou, “just thinking about it is em ..read more

“We said our final goodbyes to Mindy this week.  Mindy was 12 years old and developed hemangiosarcoma in her spleen that spread rapidly to other organs and was untreatable. Her last few days she played with her toys, went for walks, cuddled with us and was spoiled with venison treats. The night before she passed she was in a good mood and made the rounds in the house, checking in on everyone and sharing her affection with each of us. She was the most incredible service dog and was quite literally attached to Evan at the hip for years as his four legged partner and confidant.  She wa ..read more

“Before Joker life was stressful. During the day brushing her teeth and hair were a struggle,” her mom, Kurstie remembers. “At night we wouldn’t sleep well because we were worried we’d miss a seizure or that we’d wake up and find her choking on her vomit.” Living with hydrocephalus, Mattie was always looking for security, and that meant more than a full-time job’s commitment. Her mom says “Mattie would call out for Daddy often and just wanted us to sit with her all day. It was difficult to get get things done.” It was time for a change, and the path to Joker began. “It was definitely a roller ..read more

Last Saturday, the Xenia Adult and Recreation Services Center echoed with joyous barks and playful energy as 4 Paws for Ability hosted its annual Service Dog Scrimmage. Sponsored by Level MB and MT Studio, this heartwarming event brought together dog lovers and supporters of the organization’s noble cause. A litter of twelve six-week-old goldendoodles stole the show as they romped and raced across the field, competing in four thrilling games to score touchdowns by reaching the end zone first. Each puppy represented hope and potential, embodying the mission of 4 Paws for Ability to enrich the ..read more