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Service Dog Stories

Check out these stories about 4 Paws Service Dogs!

Mattie & Joker

    “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… Read More »Mattie & Joker

    David & Avery

      “Avery has made a world of difference for David.” Now over a year later, Adriana and John are celebrating the impact a service dog made in their lives, and for their son, David. “Before getting Avery, David struggled with needing some sensory input, he has… Read More »David & Avery

      Shaelyn & Ivory

        “Saying that Ivory loved me even from the start Is an incredible understatement. The moment she entered the room to meet me, she didn’t pay attention to anyone else. Ivory came immediately to me, it was like she knew she was there for me. Since… Read More »Shaelyn & Ivory

        Chaise & Topaz

          In the midst of a shutdown, lives changing, and families becoming shut in, for Chaise what came out could have never been expected. “His world was now turned upside down and he had no other way to deal with that other than agression. We saw… Read More »Chaise & Topaz

          Josiah & Snorkel

            While over 120 families started their service dog journey in 2023, other families welcomed a four-legged friend with a 4 Paws predecessor. Josiah is ten years old and lives with a genetic mutation that causes conditions such as delayed speech, hypotonia, autonomic dysfunction, and visual… Read More »Josiah & Snorkel

            Drew & Vivi

              As her son Drew turned seven, Linda decided it was time to try a new approach to help him: a 4 Paws service dog.  “We decided to look into service dogs and applied to several places but we were by far the most impressed with… Read More »Drew & Vivi

              Jana & Graham

                Loneliness can look different for everyone. For most, loneliness means being alone, for Jana, loneliness meant never being able to be alone. “She started having myoclonic seizures and absent seizures at 14 and was diagnosed with epilepsy,” Jana’s mom, Tara said. “She lost all independence… Read More »Jana & Graham

                Jun, Andi & Philippos

                  Living with disabilities can make going out in public a daunting task, but for many of our families, the fear of “what-if” can make life at home scary too. Jessica and Justin faced those fears everyday with their daughters Jun and Andi knowing a meltdown,… Read More »Jun, Andi & Philippos

                  Ethan & Greta

                    Life is unpredictable. With errands to run, kids to watch, and an ever-moving world around us, we all face unpredictability. As new parents, Yvone and Ralph faced an unfamiliar side of unpredictability; a special needs child learning about the world himself. “Ethan was diagnosed with… Read More »Ethan & Greta

                    Megan & Nova

                      For many kids, wishing for a dog on special occasions like Christmas or birthdays is a common dream. Megan’s wish for a furry companion came true in a unique and heartwarming way when she met Nova (formerly known as “Samova”) thanks to the Make-a-Wish Foundation… Read More »Megan & Nova