Living with AFib can bring daily uncertainty, but Army veteran John refused to let it define him. When he needed support, he turned to 4 Paws for Ability and found a lifeline in Porter. Together, they’ve built a partnership rooted in confidence, stability, and heart.… Read More »John & Porter Raise Awareness for American Heart Month
XENIA, OHIO, February 17, 2026 – We are thrilled to announce that we are officially accredited through Assistance Dogs International (ADI), becoming one of only five accredited organizations in Ohio. With more than 2,000 service dogs placed since 1998, this announcement represents the life-changing work… Read More »4 Paws for Ability Earns Accreditation with Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
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 get a good 8 hours of sleep a night” | Doug & Alfie’s Story
“As Cambrie’s epilepsy has progressed, we needed to keep an eye on her. Her seizures tended to happen around sleep time, which was affecting both of us. We weren’t sleeping. As parents, we were looking for something that gave us peace & reassurance. We are… Read More »“Something that gave us peace & reassurance.” | Norris & Cambrie’s Story
In 2025, 4 Paws for Ability expanded its innovative prison training program—bringing the life-changing work of service dog training into the Northpoint Training Center correctional facility. Incarcerated individuals are now partnering with our dogs-in-training, building skills, structure, and compassion while preparing each pup for a… Read More »“They did it because they wanted to.” | How the 4 Paws Prison Program is Shaping Futures
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 2026
“This might look like a typical family holiday picture, but that could not be farther from accurate. Brandon is a Houdini of sorts when it comes to finding opportunistic moments to explore outside . Usually his attempts at freedom are made in the under 60… Read More »“By far, the best decision our family has ever made.” | Elliot, Brandon, & Blake’s Story
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
