When John was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1967, he had no idea how profoundly his life would evolve over the decades to come. “I was drafted into the U.S. Army in January 1967. My Basic Training was at Fort Knox, Ky; AIT… Read More »“My limitations are not visible, and I have been given a gift that changes my life daily.” | John & Porter’s Story
When Leah’s family first came to 4 Paws for Ability in 2011, they were hoping for a service dog who could help keep their little girl safe during seizures. “Leah was 5 years old when we got her first service dog from 4 Paws for… Read More »“It was the start of something that would change all of our lives.” | Leah, Yodel, & Pritchett’s Story
At 4 Paws for Ability, facility dogs are trained to bring comfort, confidence, and healing to their community. Unlike service dogs who work one-on-one with a partner, facility dogs serve alongside their handler in settings where their task-trained skills can change multiple lives each day.… Read More »“Students feel supported and unconditionally accepted.” | How 4 Paws Facility Dogs are Changing Lives
4 Paws for Ability is proud to place over 120 service dogs a year nationwide, but as dogs and other animals become more common in public places, there is often confusion about the different types of assistance dogs, including service dogs, therapy dogs, and emotional… Read More »Understanding the Difference Between Service Dogs & Therapy Dogs in 2025
As we continue to highlight the life-saving skills that 4 Paws service dogs possess, we’re excited to showcase our hearing ear dogs! For those who are deaf or hard of hearing, the world can feel uncertain, full of important sounds they cannot access. That’s where… Read More »“Nellie’s big, beautiful papillon ears will help detect when someone is calling my name” | How 4 Paws Hearing Ear Dogs are Changing Lives
4 Paws for Ability service dogs are specially trained to provide life-changing care for children with autism. Each dog is carefully prepared to meet the complex and unique needs of their partner, bringing comfort, safety, and independence into their lives. 4 Paws service dogs are… Read More »“No one could have imagined just how transformative his presence would be.” | How 4 Paws for Ability Service Dogs Change the Lives of Children with Autism
When Xenia native Doug Targett looks back on his life, the memories are heavy with sacrifice, service, and survival. “I graduated in June of 1968 and went into the service in September of ‘68,” Doug recalls. “I went into a special unit called the Army… Read More »“I don’t know where all the money came from, but the Barks made that possible.” | Brandon Bark’s Legacy Continues to Change Veterans’ Lives
Retired service dog Maggie has lived a life of love alongside JD and his family after graduating from 4 Paws for Ability in November 2011. Now, as we celebrate her 15th birthday, we are sending our love to her! JD’s mom, Bobbie, shared, “Happy 15th… Read More »“She’s been everywhere.” | JD & Maggie’s Story
After experiencing the life-changing magic that a 4 Paws for Ability service dog provides, Gretchen Taylor and Justin Combs were inspired to a deeper commitment: joining the 4 Paws for Ability Board of Directors. Both Justin and Gretchen are parents to children who have received… Read More »Combs and Taylor Bring Passion, Professionalism, and a Parent’s Perspective to the 4 Paws Board of Directors
For the past decade, Diego has been by Kiara’s side, saving lives, opening doors (literally and figuratively), and helping her family rediscover a sense of normalcy. Diego, named with the Ice Age litter, was trained by 4 Paws for Ability. He can detect seizures, open… Read More »“We all need help.” | Kiara & Diego’s Story
