Words by Smiley Team
There are 61 million adults in the United States living with a disability. That equals around one in four people.
For these people, inclusion couldn't be more important. People with disabilities should be able to participate in activities and take on roles similar to their peers, but this requires more than just encouraging people, it also requires ensuring appropriate policies are in place in a community or organization.
That's where 4 Paws for Ability wants to fill the gap. It's a non-profit organization that places life-changing service dogs in the lives of people with disabilities all around the world.
[Also read: Foundation donates largest ever sum for disability inclusion]
The charity's service dogs are bred, raised, and trained to help their partners with specific duties and skills that help them cope with the effects of their impairments. They put up the most effort at work, love, and play.
As part of their mission to raise, train, and deploy more than 100 service dogs each year, 4 Paws for Ability employs more than 75 full-time employees.
Professional dog trainers, veterinarians, dog care, and a variety of other specializations are among the staff's skills, all of which are dedicated to assisting hundreds of volunteers in the socialization and training of the program's dogs.
Founder, Karen Shirk struggled to get a service dog from other agencies, so she founded 4 Paws for Ability in 1998 to assist others like her in gaining access to the life-changing love, assistance, and support provided by one of these animals.
Because of this dedication, more than 1,500 service dog teams have graduated from 4 Paws.
4 Paws provides services for those with hearing impairment, autism, those in need of mobility assistance, seizure and diabetic alerts, veteran assistance and so much more.
One program participant says of their work: “As a mom, I believe that a properly trained service dog will allow my son to have a bigger sense of independence, as well as allow him to be safe in everyday situations.”
A single service dog costs 4 Paws between $40,000 and $60,000 to raise, train, and place. To fund all of the accompanying expenses, such as food, veterinary care, equipment, supplies, and professional training, monetary and in-kind donations are required.
You can learn more about the ways to support 4 Paws by visiting their site. Donate to help them raise and train more service dogs for the community.
