Paws Giving Independence NFP

08/30/2026

Dallas Diaries:

Hi there🦮My name is Dallas. I am a 2 1/2 year old goldendoodle. I can’t believe it has almost been a year since graduating from PGI as a facility dog with my handler Molly. I have been busy this past year working at Way to Grow Pediatric Therapy! Not only do I put a smile on everyone’s face when they walk in, but I also assist with providing support, comfort, and love to all who enter! I help kids with transitions, sensory processing, ADL activities, and direction following. Phew…most days I am worn out and enjoy finding every comfy spot in the clinic! On my free time, I love playing, chasing squirrels, and going on walks with my family❤️Proud to be a PGI member❤️ Next up…my annual ADI test! Wish me luck🤞
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08/29/2026

Puppy Yoga! 🧘‍♀️🐾🦮

Join us on Saturday, September 12th at The Yoga Studio for a unique and heartwarming yoga experience featuring our adorable puppies-in-training, providing an opportunity for relaxation, fun, and community engagement!

Any level of yoga experience is encouraged to join.

🎟️ Tickets are $30 each
Reserve your spot now: https://givingindependence.org/product/puppy-yoga-fundraiser/

🗓️Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

⏰Time: 10 AM

📍Location: The Yoga Studio-
1106 E Bell Street
Bloomington, IL
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The Yoga Studio

08/27/2026

Graduation Alert! 🥳🎓💜

Congratulations to team Clover on graduating! We are so proud of the trainers on helping her reach this point. Thank you to everyone who contributed to her success! We cannot wait to see the great things this team will accomplish! Clover is now an official facility dog who will help work in a school setting! Yay team Clover! 🐾
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Edwards English Doodles

08/26/2026

If you are a local school who would like to have Feta or Kiwi come for a visit follow the link.

🐾 Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

We’re celebrating Kiwi & Feta today, and what better way than to remind you that these two are ready to hit the road! 🐶🐶

Kiwi & Feta are now scheduling visits to area schools. They love meeting students, spreading some smiles and showing everyone what our facility dogs are all about. 💙

Want Kiwi & Feta to visit your school? Email [email protected] or call 309.672.6900 to schedule a visit!

08/25/2026

Major: Then vs Now 🐾

It’s Transformation Tuesday with Major! Major is a 1.5 year old Labrador Retriever in our Helping Paws Program. He came into our program as just a little baby, and now he’s a big boy working on advanced skills for his future recipient! We love watching him grow and show his personality to everyone around him!! Isn’t he the most handsome boy?! 🐾🩵
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08/24/2026

Congratulations! 🥳🐾💜

Congrats to Locke & Doc on completing their puppy raising stage of training! These two are off to Helping Paws to continue training for their future of service/Facility work!

Thank you puppy raisers for your endless work and dedication!

Pictured: Locke & Doc
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08/23/2026

We are all very grateful for the work Bowie's team does for PGI and also working for legislation and helping to educate people about service dogs.

As a service dog, my first priority is always my handler. 🐕‍🦺

But part of my job also includes education. As a team, we help the public understand proper service dog etiquette, how to appropriately apply for a service dog, the responsibilities that come with having one, and the difference between a service dog and an emotional support animal.

We help educate people about where service dogs are legally allowed, including public places, businesses, transportation, and the workplace and what rights and responsibilities apply to both the handler and the establishment or employer. This was especially important at the Disabilities Resource & Job Placement Expo we attended Thursday.

Education matters. When people understand the laws and proper etiquette, it helps protect legitimate working teams like mine, prevents misunderstandings, and makes our communities more accessible for everyone. 🐾🐕‍🦺

Photo credit: Joe Lewnard/Daily Herald

08/22/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Qt1afDya6/?mibextid=wwXIfr

08/22/2026

Remember this fun fundraiser?!? Join us again

Join us on Saturday, September 12th at The Yoga Studio for a unique and heartwarming yoga experience featuring our adorable puppies-in-training, providing an opportunity for relaxation, fun, and community engagement!

Any level of yoga experience is encouraged to join.

🎟️ Tickets are $30 each
Reserve your spot now: https://givingindependence.org/product/puppy-yoga-fundraiser/

🗓️Date: Saturday, September 12, 2026

⏰Time: 10 AM

📍Location: The Yoga Studio-
1106 E Bell Street
Bloomington, IL
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The Yoga Studio

08/21/2026

Miss Paisley has started her second year at Schramm Educational Center. She spent some time this first week with students during their morning meeting. Here she is telling everyone to take turns.

Our facility dog handlers go through the same training with us as our service dog handlers. We know firsthand the time, dedication, and commitment it takes for each person to complete the training and earn the opportunity to be paired with a dog. 🐾❤️

We’re incredibly proud of every handler who puts in the hard work to reach this milestone. Their dedication is truly inspiring!