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September 2023 Spotlight: Hope Animal Rescue

September 2023 Spotlight: Hope Animal Rescue

September 2023 Spotlight Hope Animal Rescue Hope Animal Rescue is an all-volunteer organization founded in 2013 by mother-daughter duo, Cathy and Ashley Threadingham. This all-breed dog rescue is committed to improving the lives of stray and abandoned pets by promoting the compassionate and humane treatment of all animals, regardless of breed, age, or species.  Working alongside shelter partners, Hope Animal Rescue’s mission is to help the dogs who need it most including dogs with medical and behavioral needs, senior dogs, and breeds that are often discriminated against. In addition, Hope Animal Rescue helps community members care for their dogs and keep them in their homes. In June 2023, Hope Animal Rescue welcomed 49 dogs into their rescue. Many of these intakes arrived with challenges.  1 emergency medical case 3 puppies born with cleft palates (one of those pups didn't make it) 24 bully breed dogs 1 pregnant mama 2 heartworm positive dogs Serving the “Triangle Area” of North Carolina (Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill), Hope Animal Rescue relies on foster families to house adoptable dogs and to teach the dogs in their care basic house manners, to help with house-training, and to transport adoptable dogs to events or vet visits. Hope Animal Rescue pays for all vetting and preventatives, and also provides crates, toys, and food when needed.  Hope Animal Rescue offers rehoming tips and a Pet Assistance Program to provide affordable spay and neuter services and/or referrals to help with veterinary assistance, pet food and supplies, or other resources. Their vision is to create a community where every dog has a home, and every person who wishes to provide a loving home may do so regardless of age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Hope Animal Rescue relies on a dedicated volunteer force to implement their mission, and it is no secret that rescue work is expensive. Your donations will help Hope Animal Rescue provide resources to give compassionate care to hundreds of animals who enter their rescue each year. Please consider joining 4Knines in supporting Hope Animal Rescue with a tax-deductible donation. Help 4Knines Give Back Want to see your favorite animal advocacy group featured in our monthly spotlight articles? Fill out the form at the button below and our team will reach out. As a pet-focused business, we feel that it's important to give back to the animal community. Learn about our Giving Back program ➜ Go to Spotlight Nomination Form

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August 2023 Charity Spotlight: Service Dogs of Distinction

August 2023 Charity Spotlight: Service Dogs of Distinction

August 2023 Charity Spotlight Service Dogs of Distinction Service Dogs of Distinction was founded in 2015 by two dog trainers who wanted to use their passion for service dogs to make a difference in the lives of veterans suffering from PTSD. Nearly 20% of all veterans suffer from PTSD, and there is an estimated shortage of over 200,000 service dogs. Service Dogs of Distinction recognized that some service dog providers were taking advantage by charging veterans enormous sums of money for inadequately trained dogs. In contrast, Service Dogs of Distinction provides all services at no cost to qualifying veterans.  Service Dogs of Distinction utilizes dogs from shelters and from individuals who are looking to rehome young dogs with the desired demeanor and characteristics. Their goal is to understand the unique needs of each veteran and to find and train a dog that will best meet his/her needs.  Dogs-in-training live with a professional trainer as a family member and part of an existing pack. The dogs are never isolated or disconnected from the social structure of the household. Before dogs are paired with a new client, the trainer spends a few months teaching the dogs important lessons about boundaries and socialization.  When dogs-in-training are introduced to new veteran clients, this is where the magic happens! The Service Dogs of Distinction team likes to say they “let the dog do the picking!” Once a pair is matched, they complete 12-15 months of weekly training together. In essence, the veteran is  trained to train the dog because this approach creates a solid service team that will continue to do well together, even after graduation.  During training, they will pass the Canine Good Citizen Test and the Public Access Test. The remainder of their training consists of exposure to many different public scenarios and honing the three specific behaviors the dog will need to mediate his veteran’s disability. Service Dogs of Distinction serves the areas of Arkansas, southern Missouri, and eastern Oklahoma. They are a hands-on organization that stays focused on their clients’ needs. In addition to serving veterans, Service Dogs of Distinction offers reasonably priced training services to civilians who need a well-trained dog or service animal. The cost of training a service dog is approximately $20,000. 4Knines is proud to shine a light on the work of Service Dogs of Distinction, and we hope you will consider joining us in supporting their work by making a tax deductible donation.  

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July 2023 Charity Spotlight: The Puppy Mama Rescue

July 2023 Charity Spotlight: The Puppy Mama Rescue

July 2023 Charity Spotlight The Puppy Mama Rescue The Puppy Mamma Rescue is an Arizona nonprofit organization that rescues and fosters pregnant dogs and puppies. They provide nurturing, compassion and care to puppies and their mammas until they find their fur-ever homes. Pregnant dogs typically come to The Puppy Mamma Rescue from county shelters. Some of these vulnerable dogs have never been in a home before and are terrified of everything; some have been abused and/or have serious health issues. Foster families care for the pregnant dogs, providing plenty of TLC in a safe environment where they feel safe, calm, and pampered until their puppies arrive. The Puppy Mamma Rescue also rescues at-risk puppy litters to ensure spay and neuter practices are followed to prevent future abandoned puppy litters. Mamma dogs and puppy litters do not leave The Puppy Mamma Rescue’s safekeeping until they are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped. The Puppy Mamma Rescue Facebook page features some great videos and stories about the puppies and mammas who are available for adoption. There are also some fabulous 5-star reviews from families who have adopted mammas and puppies from The Puppy Mamma. "It’s been 2 weeks with “Maggie” (Jelly was her original name) we absolutely love her. She is full of spunk but has such a sweet side. Still working in potty training but she does great with our hybrid crate training. So glad she joined our family. We call her our little sour patch pup!" "Darla is an absolutely adorable dog. I truly believe keeping them with the mama made a well adjusted puppy.  I highly recommend! They are outstanding!" "We saw Honey on the website & fell in love with her. Contacted the rescue & they were very informative. We set up a date & time & knew she was for us. We have had her 9 weeks & love her so much, her name is now Mia." As an all-volunteer organization, The Puppy Mamma Rescue relies solely on the kindness and generosity of animal lovers who open their hearts and their homes. We hope you will consider helping The Puppy Mamma Rescue continue to care for pregnant canines and orphaned puppies who desperately need help. There are lots of ways to help! 4Knines is happy to shine a light on animal advocacy groups each month in our 4Knines Monthly Spotlight articles. Since Day One, 4Knines has given back to the animal community with product donations and cash contributions, and we are proud to support the ongoing efforts of The Puppy Mamma Rescue. 

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June 2023 Charity Spotlight: The Big Mutt Network

June 2023 Charity Spotlight: The Big Mutt Network

June 2023 Charity Spotlight The Big Mutt Network The Big Mutt Rescue (TBMR) is a Giant Breed Rescue with a mission: to rescue and rehabilitate abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs, provide them with the love, care, and medical attention they need while working tirelessly to find them forever homes. Based in Arizona and operating nationwide, TBMR strives to be a voice for the voiceless and to educate the community on the importance of responsible pet ownership. By promoting adoption, spaying and neutering, and by providing ongoing support, they are committed to reducing the number of dogs in shelters. Stephanie Campbell, a passionate animal rescuer, founded The Big Mutt Network in 2019, driven by her strong connection to large and giant breed dogs. After rescuing an emaciated English Mastiff, she fell in love with the breed, which further inspired her to foster and later adopt a pair of Great Danes. Seeing the obstacles owners and shelters faced when finding homes for these giants, Stephanie wanted to do her part to make a difference. Consequently, The Big Mutt Network was born to help provide more resources and better opportunities for these big dogs. The Big Mutt Rescue is a dedicated, nonprofit group of animal lovers who believes every dog deserves a second chance at a happy life. Their adoptable mutts live in foster homes, not a shelter. Volunteers assess all adoptable mutts’ individual needs to ensure dogs are placed in the best possible foster home as they wait for their perfect forever home. Foster families (aka Big Mutt Champions) give dogs a second chance at life while awaiting adoption. In addition to providing safe foster homes for mutts in need, TBMR assists with in-home euthanasia services for dogs belonging to elderly and homebound people. The Nolan Beckman Memorial Fund was established to honor The Big Mutt Network’s director’s late son, and through this fund, they are able to help senior citizens provide beloved pets with a peaceful, in-home end-of-life experience. The Big Mutt Rescue also partners with Roswell Correctional Center via the Uncaged Paws prison program in which inmates learn to train dogs who were rescued from high-kill shelters. Using positive reinforcement methods that result in rehabilitation, this innovative program benefits both the dog and the inmate by helping prepare them for life outside of the prison system. The Buddy Fund is a TBMR program created with the belief that all animals should have access to proper medical care. The Big Mutt Rescue collaborates with veterinarians and food banks to help homeless individuals receive medical attention for their pets along with helpful educational resources.   The Big Mutt Network needs your help to continue providing care, comfort, and compassion to giant breed dogs. 4Knines is proud to support the work of The Big Mutt Network, and we hope you will consider helping this volunteer-driven nonprofit continue their mission by making a donation.

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May 2023 Charity Spotlight: Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue

May 2023 Charity Spotlight: Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue

May 2023 Charity Spotlight Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue Meet Matty. Rescued from a Minnesota impound one day before his scheduled euthanasia, Matty is the inspiration for Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue.  The mission of Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue (MHSAR) is to bring hope back to the discarded, abandoned, neglected, and abused dogs and cats, and to provide them with all they need in a loving foster family until they find their perfect forever home. To be their voice and right all wrongs. At this writing, Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue’s fosters are caring for a litter of pups who were orphaned at four weeks old after mom was bitten by a raccoon. Thanks to the efforts of MHSAR, Elsa, Batman, Huckleberry, Tarzan, Pippi, James Bond, and Mowgli are safe with fosters as they await their forever homes. Visit the Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue website to learn more about these cuties and many other dogs who are currently available for adoption. With no paid staff or permanent facility, Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue is a 100% foster-based rescue that relies solely on volunteers. Located in the Twin Cities metropolitan area of Minnesota, MHSAR rescues dogs and cats in need from local impounds, from reservations in North and South Dakota and from high-kill shelters as far away as Georgia and Texas.  Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue strives to learn all they can about each animal’s likes, dislikes, temperament, and activity level while in foster care enabling them to work closely with potential adopters to ensure a good fit. All animals receive veterinary care and are spayed/neutered, micro-chipped, and vaccinated prior to adoption. Prospective adopters are educated about the responsibilities and costs of bringing a new pet into their homes and lives.  Please consider joining 4Knines in supporting Matty's Heart & Soul Animal Rescue by making a donation or by shopping in their store. All donations and proceeds go directly into the vetting and supplies needed to care for the dogs/puppies and cats/kittens in the care of MHSAR fosters. On that note, foster families are always needed!

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August 2020 Charity Spotlight: Pets with Disabilities

August 2020 Charity Spotlight: Pets with Disabilities

AUGUST 2020 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT | PETS WITH DISABILITIES   At the end of very month, we donate a percentage of every sale to an animal advocacy group. This month, we chose to donate to Pets with Disabilities. AUGUST 2020 CHARITY SPOTLIGHT: PETS WITH DISABILITIES   At the end of very month, we donate a percentage of every sale to an animal advocacy group. This month, we chose to donate to Pets with Disabilities. When Mike and Joyce visited a local shelter to adopt a new family member, they met a vibrant young shepherd, and there was no doubt in their minds - Duke was the dog for them! Then one spring day, the playful young pup suffered a devastating injury when another dog jumped on Duke’s back, severing his spinal cord.   After an unsuccessful surgery, Mike and Joyce were told Duke would have no quality of life and were advised to euthanize, but they had made an unconditional commitment to Duke - through sickness and in health.    Duke spent 13 years in a wheelchair but was still an energetic, loving dog who slowly became a voice for other dogs in need. Mike and Joyce heard about another dog, Misty, who had spent over five years in a New York shelter. Unwanted by the hundreds of people who passed by her cage, Misty had problems with her hind legs and was in need of a wheelchair. Mike and Joyce traveled to New York and welcomed Misty into their hearts and lives.    Through these experiences, Mike and Joyce recognized a great need for a support system for disabled pets, and Pets with Disabilities was born! A labor of love that quickly took on a life of its own, this grassroots nonprofit has evolved into a thriving rescue, rehabilitation refuge, and adoption resource for disabled animals.       The Pets with Disabilities Rescue Facility is situated on three wooded acres behind Mike and Joyce’s home. Dogs are housed in a modern barn with climate-controlled 10x10 apartments, plenty of light, and access to the great outdoors - no dog runs here! Mike and Joyce believe in treating animals the way they would like to be treated, and they pride themselves on making sure every dog is safe, stress-free, and comfortable.    The mission of Pets with Disabilities is to promote adoption of dogs. Every animal that finds his way to the shelter has special needs that require humane sheltering and specialized veterinary services. They also offer invaluable support, resources, and education for families considering adopting a pet with a disability and families whose pet has unexpectedly become disabled. Serving as a bridge to a better life, Pets with Disabilities helps disabled dogs transition to a new life. Some will be carefully rehomed in with forever families. Some special dogs will spend their lives with Mike and Joyce at the rescue.   The animals served by Pets with Disabilities have remarkable spirits, and each dog is hoping for a special "Heart Connection" to support their care. Reading their stories will surely bring a smile to your face! Mike and Joyce invite you to be a part of the extraordinary effort to open hearts and change attitudes. We hope you will join 4Knines in supporting the important work of Pets with Disabilities.   

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April 2023 Charity Spotlight: Rescue Rebels

April 2023 Charity Spotlight: Rescue Rebels

April 2023 Charity Spotlight Rescue Rebels Rescue the mistreated. Save the injured. Love the abandoned. Cash 4 Canines was founded in 2015 by Jennifer Martin Sorrentino with a goal of helping other rescues raise funds. In 2016, Jennifer and her team decided to become a full-fledged, full-time rescue itself, and Rescue Rebels was born. Rescue Rebels has an amazing team of volunteers committed to giving companion animals a "second chance" at life. The animals they rescue may have been dropped at shelters or surrendered by their owners. In some cases, the rescued animals have been abused and/or neglected.  Rescue Rebels’ TLC Transformation Project welcomes medically fragile companion animals, provides funds for the medical care unique to each animal’s needs, and then finds these animals foster homes or "fur" ever homes. 4Knines is honored to share Hannah’s “Tail” – just one of the many remarkable transformations made possible by Rescue Rebels. Hannah has become Rescue Rebels’ cover girl and validates why a little “TLC” makes a huge difference.  “In April 2022, Rescue Rebels took on their most extensive TLC Transformation Project rescue to date. Hannah was found by a Good Samaritan on the streets of Orlando, FL. She was in dire straits. Hannah was rushed to Orange County Animal Services, By all accounts, Hannah had given up on life. She was extremely lethargic - just lying in her kennel, not moving or reacting to any stimuli. Rescue Rebels quickly mobilized to find Hannah a foster home. A volunteer picked Hannah up from the shelter and transported her directly to a Rescue Rebels' veterinarian where she was found to be severely dehydrated and anemic, with untreated diabetes and pancreatitis. She also had an open wound to her neck area and was blind due to cataracts. After several days of extensive, in-house veterinary care, Hannah was stable enough to be discharged to her foster family, where her life dramatically changed for the better. Although Hannah was still in a medically fragile state, she knew she was in loving hands. In June 2022, Hannah underwent cataract removal surgery which helped restore her sight so she can see the great big, beautiful world she now lives in. Thanks to the tireless efforts of Rescue Rebels, Hannah is happy and is doing well.” 4Knines loves sharing the inspirational, transformational work of fabulous nonprofits, and we are proud to support the ongoing, lifesaving efforts of Rescue Rebels. Please consider donating to Rescue Rebels so they can continue to help give dogs like Hannah a second chance to live a healthy and happy life! Fosters are always needed as well, and remember… "Fostering isn't a commitment for life... it's a commitment to help save a life"

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March 2023 Charity Spotlight: AZ K9 Heroes

March 2023 Charity Spotlight: AZ K9 Heroes

March 2023 Charity Spotlight AZ K9 Heroes The mission of AZ K9 Heroes is to provide an exceptional quality of life for local K9 Officers and handlers past, present, and future. AZ K9 Heroes was founded by Barbara Bridges in 2016 after hearing about police dogs injured in the line of duty and learning about budgetary challenges facing local law enforcement. With an amazing team of regular and part-time volunteers, AZ K9 Heroes is committed to supporting law enforcement K9s and handlers in Southern Arizona.  By turning convictions into action, the AZ K9 Heroes team raises money for much-needed equipment and for other needs not covered by departmental budgets. These items include robotics, tugs, balls, harnesses, muzzles, cameras, bite suits and sleeves, cooling armor vests, first aid kits, canine oxygen masks, bulletproof vests, and other tactical gear. A main goal of AZ K9 Heroes is to cover medical expenses for retired K9s who receive no form of retirement benefits once they are no longer able to serve. AZ K9 Heroes believes this is the least they can do for retired K9 Officers who dedicated their lives to protect their handlers and their communities from crime. To this end, AZ K9 Heroes helps pay for pet insurance premiums to cover veterinary care for K9 Officers. At a cost of $1200 per year for each dog, much help is needed!  With a low overhead and generous community support, 100% of all donations made to AZ K9 Heroes benefit local K9 Officers and handlers. 4Knines is a strong advocate for giving back to organizations who are serving the animal and law enforcement communities, and we hope you will join us in supporting the work of AZ K9 Heroes. There are many ways to help including fundraising, volunteer opportunities, making a purchase from their online store, or making a donation.   “AzK9Heroes does a fantastic job in helping law enforcement agencies around our state provide necessary equipment and support for their K9 programs. Budget cuts are never easy when reconciling needs and AzK9Heroes makes up the difference when they can. They do tremendous good with little fanfare.” (Facebook review)

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Where Some See Limitations, RFI Brings Opportunities – May Charity Spotlight on Retrieving Freedom Inc.

Where Some See Limitations, RFI Brings Opportunities – May Charity Spotlight on Retrieving Freedom Inc.

Where Some See Limitations, RFI Brings Opportunities. RFI (Retrieving Freedom, Inc.) is a non-profit corporation whose mission includes improving the quality of life for wounded veterans, disabled citizens, and children with autism through the placement of skillfully trained service, therapy, and companion dogs. RFI trains Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers to use their natural traits to become a perfect assistance dog.  RFI’s service dogs go through a twenty-four month training process tailored to meet the precise needs of the person with whom they will be placed.  RFI is not a “one dog for all” type of organization.  Nationally, the …  Continue reading →

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February 2023 Charity Spotlight: Soul Dog Rescue

February 2023 Charity Spotlight: Soul Dog Rescue

February 2023 Charity Spotlight Soul Dog Rescue Saving Lives in the Four Corners Region Since 2010, Soul Dog Rescue has worked to save animals from suffering and mistreatment due to the overpopulation and general lack of resources in the of the Four Corners tribal land regions of Colorado, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico. With a proactive approach, Soul Dog Rescue's goal is to eliminate unwanted litters of puppies and kittens being born at staggering numbers. Soul Dog Rescue emphasizes the importance of spaying, neutering, and vaccinating. With a firm belief no animal should be denied access to basic veterinary care, Soul Dog Rescue’s top priority is to provide free and donation-based services on the Ute Mountain, Navajo, and Hopi lands. Traveling to rural, remote communities on Native American reservations, where spaying and neutering typically only happens if affordable (free) and convenient, Soul Dog Rescue works with volunteer veterinarians to provide spaying and neutering services at no cost to the public. As with all nonprofits, Soul Dog Rescue relies on donations to defray the costs associated with medications, supplies, and operating costs for clinics. The mission of Soul Dog Rescue is to “perform collaborative, targeted work, primarily through spay/neuter, in underserved regions in order to create sustainable change and promote cultural shifts regarding the treatment of companion animals.” Soul Dog Rescue is a small, grassroots organization comprised of a handful of people working their tails off to move mountains for these animals. Their efforts are making a huge difference in the regions served. In 2018, Soul Dog Rescue purchased and opened the Soul Dog Rescue Adoption Center and Low-Cost Spay/Neuter Clinic in Fort Lupton, Colorado. The building required several thousand dollars of upgrades and improvements and is still a work in progress, but the center is fully functional and home to several hundred cats and dogs at a time. The clinic provides low-cost services to both the general public and other rescue organizations. 4Knines is passionate about supporting animal advocacy groups making a difference in the world. Along with our monthly spotlight articles, we also make monetary and product donations to nonprofits doing extraordinary work. We invite you to join us in contributing to the mission of Soul Dog Rescue by doing one of the following: Adopt: Welcome a new furry friend into your family. You are not only giving a pet a loving home, but you are giving them a second chance at a new life. Volunteer: Volunteers support every area of their work. You will make a tremendous difference in the lives of the animals in our care.  Foster: Open your heart and your home to a temporary addition. As an integral part of the organization, you will allow animals to flourish in a loving home. Donate: The need is constant. Please consider donating to support the efforts of Soul Dog Rescue to help the animals. Gifts from supporters like you are their primary source of revenue.

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January 2023 Charity Spotlight: Irondog K9 International

January 2023 Charity Spotlight: Irondog K9 International

January 2023 Charity Spotlight Irondog K9 International STRIVING TO EQUIP, PROTECT, AND TRAIN LAW ENFORCEMENT K9 TEAMS Crime is ever-changing. Law enforcement K9 teams must also change with the times to effectively protect our communities. Unfortunately, the financial budgets of K9 departments are often extremely limited. As a result, handlers and their K9s may lack advanced training and exposure to potential threats, lack the proper equipment needed to best perform their duties, and, even worse, lack funding for premier veterinarian care in the event of sustained injuries. Because of this, K9 lives are sometimes lost. Irondog K9 International was established by Charlie Nash in 2015 to provide education, to supply much needed equipment, and to subsidize work-related veterinarian bills. Since its inception, Irondog K9 International has enabled advanced training to numerous law enforcement K9 teams around the U.S. In addition, they have supplied handling and training gear, issued human grade canine first aid kits, and funded medical bills for injured K9s serving and protecting your neighborhoods. Irondog K9 International is currently helping raise funds for K9 Huk, who was seriously injured in July 2022 while helping to apprehend suspects involved in a vehicle pursuit with police. Irondog K9 International has funded nearly $18,000 for his medical care, and additional care is still needed, including at least one additional surgery and rehab. K9 Huk had previously assisted in the capture of a criminal suspected in the shooting death of a Nassau County Deputy in 2021. In October 2022, K9 Huk was awarded a Medal of Honor for his Heroic Act of Courage. At the ceremony, K9 Huk was in great spirits - a testimony to the amazing love and care he is receiving. Law enforcement K9s' lives are at risk every day as they search for drugs, money and explosives, locate missing people, find crime scene evidence, apprehend suspects, and protect their handlers. Take a look at the Irondog K9 International website to meet K9 Chance and K9 Weblo - heroes who were also injured in the line of duty - and to learn more about what this organization does to provide for countless K9 teams and bring them safely home to their families.   Irondog K9 International never wants to say "no" when it comes to giving them the best care possible. 4Knines wants to support their efforts by making a donation and by featuring their work in this month’s Charity Spotlight. With your tax-deductible donation or with a purchase from the Irondog K9 International shop, you will help to equip K9 officers across the country.

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December 2022 Charity Spotlight: Summit Assistance Dogs

December 2022 Charity Spotlight: Summit Assistance Dogs

December 2022 Charity Spotlight Summit Assistance Dogs Summit Assistance Dogs was founded in 2000 by Sue Meinzinger to help meet the overwhelming demand for skilled service dogs. A graduate of the Assistance Dog Institute in Santa Rosa, CA, Sue worked with a Golden Retriever named Eddy. When a minor health issue prevented Eddy from completing the service dog program, Sue adopted her, and together they founded Summit Assistance Dogs. Eddy served as Summit’s chief ambassador and demonstration dog until the fall of 2013, when she crossed the Rainbow Bridge. The mission of Summit Assistance Dogs is to create life-changing partnerships by providing highly-skilled mobility service dogs for people living with disabilities in the Pacific Northwest. More than 55 million Americans live with various disabilities, but the national average wait time to receive a service dog is two to five years. Sue and her team are committed to reducing wait times for their applicants. The Summit Assistance Dogs team believes all people and animals deserve to reach their highest potential, and this is often best achieved in partnership with one another. They envision a day when every qualified applicant will be able to receive a life-changing service dog within one year of applying. By assisting with tasks such as retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning switches on and off, well-trained assistance dogs help their partners live with greater independence and confidence. These beloved companions also help diminish depression, anxiety, and loneliness. These testimonials demonstrate the difference Summit Assistance Dogs is making in the lives of people living with disabilities. Taysen and Jackson (From Taysen's Mom) As a mom, it was great to see how Jackson has been as an ice breaker for Taysen, especially when Taysen was younger. Sometimes children were afraid of him since he used a wheelchair, and they wouldn’t approach him. When Jackson was with us, everyone wanted to say hello to him and pet him, which led to conversations with Taysen. This allowed people to see that Taysen was a typical kid, who just used a wheelchair. Eric and Titus Titus is so friendly and warm that his presence breaks down barriers, opening the door to much appreciated normalcy in a life overshadowed by awkwardness and disability. I am so incredibly grateful to have Titus and can’t imagine living without him. He is quite literally the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I have the great people at Summit to thank for that! Karen and Narnia Narnia has shown me that trust is what allows us to give ourselves freely to each other. She’s eager to take on tasks too hard or risky for me, as she accompanies me everywhere. Though neither of us is perfect, together we make each other whole. Narnia has also given me a new purpose.  4Knines strives to make a difference in the dog (and human) world by supporting excellent nonprofits like Summit Assistance Dogs with monetary and product donations. We also shine a light on the work of various animal advocacy groups with our monthly spotlight articles. We hope you will consider supporting the work of Summit Assistance Dogs as well. There are lots of ways to help!

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