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Monday 9am - 8pm Tuesday 9am - 8pm Wednesday 9am - 8pm Thursday 9am - 8pm Friday 9am - 8pm Saturday 9am - 8pm Sunday 9am - 5pm

Paws Giving Independence NFP

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United States
Peoria, IL
Paws Giving Independence NFP

Saving a life to change a life. Our purpose is to train service/facility dogs and place them free of charge. Visit our website for more info!

Paws Giving Independence is run completely on public donations. We are unique because our service dogs are placed free of charge and we currently have no paid staff. That is why we need your help to keep our program running. Many of our dogs are all rescued from shelters but we need your support to pay for the vet bills and everyday care.

06/20/2026

WEEKEND TIME!!!

Oskar here wishing everyone a great and restful weekend🐾❤️
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06/19/2026

Skill Check Featuring Henry! 🐕‍🦺❤️

In this video Henry is demonstrating several skills. The first skill is alerting. When his handlers hands shake in the video you can see Henry go and alert by pressing a button in order to signal for help. The second skill Henry is completing is “Lift Leg”. The dog will take its nose and nudge it under its handler legs and elevate them on their back at a 90 degree angle. This can help an individual for several reasons and one being to help with blood flow. The third skill Henry does is “Pressure”. This is when a dog lays down across on there handlers body and puts there body weight onto them. This is a very important skill for a multitude of reasons! One being that it can help regulate the nervous system and help people reach a calm state. The last skill Henry is seen doing is “Brace”! This skill helps individuals with support and mobility as they are able to use the dog as a support system to safely get up in a kneeling and/or standing position! Way to go Henry on achieving these amazing skills and thank you to his trainer for working and demonstrating! Amazing job Henry! 🥳🐾
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06/16/2026

Summer Fun with Our Service Puppies in Training! 🐾☀️

Whether they're soaking up the sunshine or enjoying a cool breeze, our service puppies in training are making the most of the summer season! From practicing different commands to exploring new environments, every outing is an opportunity to build confidence, learn, and grow.

We're proud of these pups and grateful for the trainers, volunteers, and furlough families who make their journey possible. Here's to a summer filled with learning, adventure, and plenty of tail wags❤️🐾

Pictured dogs: Otter, Locke, Doc, Oskar
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06/15/2026

Meet the Dog Monday! 🐾

Cash is a 1-year-old Golden Retriever who joined PGI when he was just 8 months old. Since then, he's been working hard learning the skills he needs to become a future service dog. Now in his second level of training, Cash is taking on more advanced skills and doing an awesome job!

One of Cash's favorite things to do is the command “Pressure”! When he's not training, he loves hanging out and playing with his dog friends!

Cash is currently looking for a sponsor for his second year of training! Sponsoring a dog helps support their journey from rescue to service dog and makes a life-changing impact for both the dog and their future recipient. Interested in supporting Cash? Apply now! https://givingindependence.org/sponsor-a-dog/
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06/13/2026

NEW PUPPY!!!

Meet Raider🐾❤️

Meet our newest and cutest addition Raider!! We would like to thank Pet Pack Rescue Initiative for once again trusting us with the care and training of these wonderful pups!

Raider is currently settling into his puppy raisers house and is excited to start some of his basic obedience training in preparation for his future of being a service dog❤️🐾
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06/12/2026

Volunteer Shoutout! 💐

Over the years, Sarah has devoted countless hours to helping train future service dogs with patience, compassion, and so much heart. Her commitment to our mission has helped create life-changing partnerships and greater independence for the individuals we serve.

Sarah’s impact goes far beyond training sessions. She brings kindness, encouragement, and positivity to everyone around her, and we are so grateful for everything she continues to do for PGI and our dogs.

“Looking back on my years with PGI, I’m grateful for everything this organization has brought into my life. Being part of a team dedicated to training and placing service dogs has been incredibly meaningful, and it’s something I’ve always taken a lot of pride in. Seeing the difference these dogs make for people reminds me why it matters. Over the years, I’ve learned so much, built lasting friendships, and had the privilege of being surrounded by people who truly care about the mission. I’m proud to be part of something that has such a real and lasting impact.”

Thank you, Sarah, for 7 amazing years of dedication and for helping save a life to change a life!
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06/11/2026

Graduation Alert ‼️

Congratulations to Team Sherman on their recent graduation and passing their ADI final placement certification test!

Sherman will be a successor service dog 🥰🐾

What is a successor service dog?

A successor service dog is a trained service dog prepared to take over the duties and responsibilities of a retiring service dog. This is a hard process for anyone going through meeting and working with a new dog.

These dogs undergo specialized training to fulfill the specific needs and tasks required by their handler. Successor service dogs ensure continuity in providing assistance and support to individuals with disabilities or medical conditions, allowing them to maintain their independence and quality of life.

The training process for successor service dogs typically involves transitioning them into their new role while considering the unique requirements of the handler and their specific circumstances.

We couldn’t be prouder of Team Sherman!
We would like to thank Sherman’s sponsors through his training St. John's UCC, Minier and Subaru of America, Inc. / Uftring Automall
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06/10/2026

Congratulations 🎉 🐾

Congrats to Henry and his recipient on passing their level 1 test! This will allow them to work in public places together as a team!

We are excited to watch Team Henry continue to grow! Great work! 💜🐕‍🦺
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06/08/2026

CONGRATULATIONS & THANK YOU 🥳

PGI wants to congratulate longtime volunteer and Wags for Mags faculty advisor, Dr. Stacie Bertram, on her recent retirement! Stacie has dedicated more than 35 years to Bradley University and named Wags for Mags in memory of her daughter, Maggie, who passed away in a car accident in March 2012. Stacie has had a lasting impact on PGI and Wags for Mags, and we are incredibly thankful for her!

We hope you have a fun and relaxing retirement, Stacie! Thank you for all that you do!
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06/06/2026

Thank you❤️🐾

Thank you Barb's Precious Rescue and Dr. Monica for welcoming our PGI puppy, Otter and his puppy raiser to your client for his puppy vaccines!!

If you are looking for a cute 4 legged kitty companion, check out Barb's Precious Rescue for available kitties 🐈‍⬛ ❤️
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Address

PO Box 9572
Peoria, IL
61612

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 8pm
Tuesday	9am - 8pm
Wednesday	9am - 8pm
Thursday	9am - 8pm
Friday	9am - 8pm
Saturday	9am - 8pm
Sunday	9am - 5pm

Telephone

+13098392754

Website

http://givingindependence.org/

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