History. Paws Giving Independence (PGI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by three

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2 History Paws Giving Independence (PGI) is a non-profit organization founded in 2008 by three Bradley University undergraduate students, Michelle Kosner, Brandi Arnold and a third friend. After working with a service dog group in Chicago, Kosner and Arnold realized the Peoria, Ill., community would greatly benefit from such an organization. Being physical therapy and nursing majors they called on a friend majoring in business, to help with the organization s finances and business aspects. The purpose of PGI is to train service dogs to physically assist people with various disabilities. Dogs complete simple tasks for their owners such as picking up dropped items, turning on lights or opening doors. These tasks would be difficult or impossible for these individuals without assistance. PGI s ultimate goal is to provide support to encourage independence for the dogs owners. In addition, the dogs bridge the gap between the disabled and non-disabled communities. PGI took third place in Bradley University s Project Springboard competition in the fall of This competition gave the founders the tools and resources they needed to move the organization forward. A very generous donation from a family in the community further contributed to the PGI s advancement. Obtaining a Service Dog Similar organizations may charge between $10,000 and $15,000 for a service dog; however, PGI is different because it places its dogs free of charge. PGI s service dogs benefit individuals with spinal cord injury, muscular dystrophy, arthritis, developmental delays, cerebral palsy, balance problems, and more. To receive a service dog, potential owners must fill out an application to disclose medical needs, household information, employment/school information, and previous dog experience. Applicants must also agree to uphold all rules and

3 requirements set forth by the organization. Finally, an approved applicant will be matched with a dog that will fit his or her needs. PGI offers many different types of dogs: service dogs, partial sight dogs, hearing dogs, anxiety dogs, facility dogs and skilled companion dogs. Service dogs have been specially trained to assist a disabled person with certain daily tasks such as picking up an object from the floor. The service dog has access into all public settings. Skilled facilitated companion dogs are given to children who may suffer from anxiety or depression or someone with autism or Down s syndrome. The dogs give a sense of constant companionship and are able to accompany the child on trips to the doctor s office or hospital. Facility dogs work at nursing home, rehab facilities and more. They are able to give the residence a sense of enjoyment and assist with therapy. The trained dogs are given to their owners free of charge; PGI is run exclusively on public donations and endowments. Each dog has various expenses such as adoption fees, vaccinations, medications for heartworm, grooming, vests and patches, leashes, collars, insurance, and food. PGI is a 501(C)(3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible. Training Process Most dogs come to PGI as rescues from local shelters. PGI contacts the shelters to see if they have any dogs that would potentially make good service dogs. The rescued dogs are then put in a foster home for one year before they are placed. During this time, foster families are required to attend class once a week with their foster dog to teach the dog basic obedience commands it will need to later assist someone with a disability. New skills are learned in class and are to be reinforced and practiced in the foster home. Foster families must also commit to training dogs on how to behave in a home. Once the dog passes the public access test, the family will then be given permission to take the animal in restaurants, stores, movie theaters, and more to complete the final training process. By the end of the training process, dogs are able to open/close a door, turn on/off a light,

4 carry a backpack, pick up a dropped item, brace for transfers, retrieve a telephone, pull a wheelchair, assist with dressing/undressing, and ultimately provide independence and support. What is the role of a Service Dog? A dog that has been specially trained to assist a disabled person with certain daily tasks. Those tasks vary from person to person. The service dog has access into all public settings. What is a Facility Dog? Facility Dogs are expertly trained dogs who partner with a facilitator working in a health care, therapy, visitation or education setting. The dogs work in professional environments and can perform over 40 commands designed to motivate and inspire clients with special needs. What is the role of a Facilitator Assisted Companion Dogs? The dogs are given to children that may have Autism, Down Syndrome, or other developmental delays. The dogs give a sense of constant companionship and helps them transition smoothly into other settings. They can go wherever the trained facilitator takes the dog and the individual with the disability. These dogs are not certified to go to school.

5 Fact Sheet About PGI: Paws Giving Independence (PGI) was founded in 2008 by three Bradley University students. PGI rescues dogs from shelters and trains them in becoming service dogs to assist children and adults with disabilities. Volunteers and service dog recipients train the dogs during weekly classes to teach them how to assist their owners in daily tasks. The ultimate goal is to provide as much independence as possible for the recipients. Founders/ Directors: Michelle Yuen, Bradley University Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Brandi Arnold, Bradley University Bachelors in Nursing. Disability Assistance: Spinal cord injury muscular dystrophy arthritis developmental delays cerebral palsy And more! Task Assistance: Opening/closing a door turning on/off a light dressing/undressing carrying a backpack picking up dropped items bracing for transfers getting a telephone pulling a wheelchair providing independence and support Donations: Because PGI places its service dogs free of charge, PGI accepts donations to cover the cost of adoption, vet bills and everyday care. Donations are accepted online through PayPal or by mail. Additionally, individuals or organizations may sponsor a service dog for $100 per year. PGI is a 501 (C) (3) corporation, and all donations are tax deductible. Classes: Training classes take place every Tuesday night from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. in Peoria IL

6 About Paws Giving Independence Founded in 2008 by three Bradley University undergraduates, Paws Giving Independence (PGI) is a non-profit organization serving its community by training dogs to become service dogs. PGI rescues dogs from animal shelters, trains them and places them with children and adults who have various disabilities. The dogs are able to assist them with everyday tasks such as picking up dropped items, opening doors and pulling a wheelchair, as well as providing companionship. Paws Giving Independence s Mission The objective of PGI is to train service dogs to assist people with a variety of different disabilities while providing support to encourage independence. PGI educates the public to the benefits of Service Dogs and encourages animal rescue by obtaining many of our animals from shelters and rescue groups. Paws Giving Independence's Vision o To provide quality service dogs free of charge to adults and children o Provide exceptional canine health and overall well-being for our dogs o Create the highest quality match between dog and handler o Develop a long-term relationship with our alumni, other organizations and the community o To educate the public about service dogs through demonstrations Paws Giving Independence s Values o Ensure proper humane treatment toward people and animals o Remain open to innovation and change o Encourage the use of teamwork and good communication o Show accountability for our actions; o Promote honesty and integrity, o Work toward furthering the PGI s mission.

7 Contact Information Mailing Address Paws Giving Independence P.O. BOX 9572 Peoria, IL Phone: Brandi Arnold Michelle Yuen Donna Kosner Website Facebook: ges/paws-giving- Independence- NFP/ ?ref=ts Youtube: GivingIndependence

8 Michelle Yuen Director, co-founder of Paws Giving Independence NFP Michelle Yuen has her doctorate in Physical Therapy from Bradley University. While at Bradley University, Michelle participated in the Bradley Fellows program, club volleyball, Kappa Delta Sorority and volunteered her time with Easter Seals and Foster Pet Outreach. She works as a pediatric physical therapist at Easter Seals and founded their Animal Assisted Therapy program. In addition, she has been working in animal rescue for ten years. Her experience includes training dogs for therapy dog work, service dog work and for competition in advanced obedience and agility. She has been training dogs for more than nine years. Through her work in the Peoria community and training service dogs, Michelle realized the huge benefit a service dog can make in the life of another person. It is about providing independence to someone else. Together, Michelle and Brandi Arnold came up with Paws Giving Independence s motto of saving a life to change a life. They were able to combine their two passions of animal rescue and helping others to create Paws Giving Independence.

9 Brandi Arnold Director, co-founder of Paws Giving Independence NFP Brandi Arnold graduated with her Bachelors in Nursing from Bradley University. During her time at Bradley, Brandi has been involved in cheerleading, Habitat for Humanity, Kappa Delta Sorority, and Mortar Board Senior Honors Society. She has also been a member of Sokol, a national gymnastics group, since high school. Brandi currently works as a nurse in the emergency department at OSF Hospital. After two years of training service dogs in Chicago, Brandi and Michelle decided to fill Central Illinois need for a service dog organization. In 2008 Brandi and Michelle created Paws Giving Independence in Peoria, Ill., to provide service and companion dogs to those in need in the community.

10 Donna Kosner Director of Paws Giving Independence NFP Donna Kosner has her bachelor s degree in Early Childhood Education. She works as an early education resource teach in Peoria IL and founded our Sit Stay Heal program with the Peoria Children s Home. Donna works with the service dog applicants and assists them through the process In addition, she has been working in animal rescue for over ten years. She has fostered over 70 dogs for local rescue groups. Her experience includes foster care for local animal shelter, basic training of rescue dogs and public relations.

11 Minimal requirements to be considered for a PGI dog: The potential recipient/family must successfully complete three home passes in which the dog is exposed to other family animals and family members. All dogs must be kept in the family's house All other animals in the house must be spayed or neutered All animals in home must be kept up-to-date on shots by a vet The potential recipient/family must complete 25 hours of volunteer work. This may include coming to training classes, PR events, demonstrations, fundraisers and going on outings. What we require for our PGI alumni dogs: Applications: All animals must fulfill training requirements and provide annual reports. Service dog must be kept a proper weight and up-to-date on shots. Shot records must be turned in yearly. Any major medical concerns that come up with the animal must be addressed as soon as possible and reported to PGI. When it is time for the dog to retire the family must keep the dog in their home as a house pet. If something happens to the handler where he/she is unable to use the service dog, the animal will be returned to the program and given to someone else in need. * Failure to follow these rule results in the dog being turned back over to the program.* Applications can be found online:

12 Application Process for a PGI Service Dog STEP 1: Complete the online application request form. STEP 2: Once we receive your completed application request, we will review it and may contact you. You may receive a letter additional information needed for your application. PGI will run a veterinary check on all other animals in home and call personal references listed on the application. Annual update forms are sent to applicants. These forms must be completed and returned in order for PGI to keep your application on file. STEP 3: Once the application materials are received and reviewed, if appropriate, PGI will contact the applicant to schedule a telephone interview. STEP 4: After completing the telephone interview, if appropriate, an in person home visit will be completed by a PGI staff member. STEP 5: After the home visit your information will be presented to the Board of Directors and a decision will be made on if you are able to move forward in the application process. STEP 6: If an applicant is accepted to move forward in the application process, they will be added to the waiting list to begin coming to class and collecting their required 25 training hours in Peoria IL. STEP 7: The applicant will be contact to attend training classes to get 25 hours, complete an animal care workshop and complete at least 3 successful home passes with a potential service dog match. STEP 8: Service dog placement in receipts home

13 Common Facts, Questions and Answers about PGI 1. Who qualifies to be considered for a service dog? Anyone with a documented disability may qualify for a service dog. Many of our dogs are for wheelchair or mobility issues, brace dogs can be used for someone with Parkinson's or MS. We also train dogs to respond after a seizure happens, for individuals with partial sight loss, and hearing dogs. Documentation from a physician may be required before starting the process to ensure only people with disabilities receive our dogs. The dog must aide with a disability. 2. Who qualifies to be considered for a Facilitator Assisted Companion Dog? These dogs may go to individuals with, but not limited to, autism, Down's Syndrome or those with developmental delays. The dog accompanies the child with a certified facilitator. These dogs may go where the facilitator and child go, but are not certified for school. It may help with transitions from one location to another. The dog must help with a disability, it is not a family pet. 3. What are the requirements to become a foster home? A foster family will commit to approximately a year of training of their dog or puppy. They must come to weekly classes and will work with the person who eventually receives their dogs. You must fill out an application and a home visit will be scheduled along with a vet check to be sure all other animals in your house are fixed and up to date on medical treatment. 4. I would like to volunteer, but can't foster a dog, what else can I do? We can always use additional volunteers in training class. We rely heavily on Bradley volunteers and when students go home for the summer we could use more volunteers during the summer months. We also can use volunteers to help with public relations events and to help with mailings. Families are welcome to volunteer. 5. Is there an age limit on who receives a dog? No, but a child must be old enough to be able to handle a dog or work with a dog and a facilitator. We suggest someone 9 years old or above, but each child will be evaluated to determine if they are ready for a dog. There is also not a limit on how old someone may be. Anyone who can benefit from our dogs is welcome to apply. 6. What happens to dogs that do not make it to service dog? Occasionally, we have dog fail to become a service or companion dog, this is usually due to health problems, or not being consistent in public. We will let you know the reason the dog did not pass the program. You can go on a waiting list for one of those dogs. We do a home visit and vet check before placing the dog in another home. All other animals in the home must be spayed or neutered and up to date on medical care.

14 Help Make a Difference and Donate Today! We are a 501 (C) (3) corporation and all donations are tax deductible Paws Giving Independence is run completely on public donations. We are unique because our service dogs are placed free of charge. That is why we need your help to keep our program running. Our dogs are all rescued from shelters but we need your support to pay for the vet bills and everyday care. Any size donation is appreciated Donate NOW Through PayPal! IY9Z.html Donate by Mail with our donation form: You can sponsor a dog for $100 a year: We will send you a picture of the dog we rescued with your donation. We will then send you updates as your dog goes through training and eventually gets placed as a service dog. By Mail: Please make checks payable to Paws Giving Independence. Send your donations and donation form to: Paws Giving Independence, PO BOX 9572, Peoria, IL We are always in need of the following items: A training facility to house and train our dogs Old cell phones or TV remote controls Dog leashes, Dog Collars and Large Dog crates/ kennels Thank You for your support.

15 Paws Giving Independence News Stories and Newspaper articles - Service Dogs in Action! o Independence html - Paws Giving Independence Service Dog training Demo: Giving-Independence-Demo html - Former Bradley students team up to provide service dogs: o - Program Gives Dogs and Disabled a Second Chance at Life: o - Saving a Life to Change a Life: o You Tube Videos: - Demo Video: o - Training Class: o - Family Testimonial: o

16 Testimonial by Carla Hardesty: Mother of Naomi Hardesty Life changes when your child s doctor tells you your daughter won t walk or use her right hand and will always need assistance for daily tasks. You begin a journey to find ways to allow your child to live as independently and normal as possible. You learn there are barriers you hadn t anticipated and become passionate to find solutions to remove as many obstacles as possible. Paws Giving Independence has given our family hope for our daughter, Naomi, and her future independence. Since Naomi can t use her right hand, a simple task like removing her coat becomes possible with the help of Sasha her service dog. Holding a door open to let her wheelchair pass through is also a task that Sasha is training to do for Naomi. Picking up dropped items like a cell phone, remote control, wallet or keys is probably our most used task for Sasha. This assistance empowers Naomi because she isn t always calling upon other people or interrupting others activities to come to her rescue. Above all, Sasha has bridged a social gap between Naomi and non-disabled people in the community and in social settings. Everywhere Naomi goes with Sasha, people are drawn to make conversation. I didn t realize how substantial the social barrier was for our daughter until recently when she started bragging about how popular she feels when Sasha is with her. Paws Giving Independence has made an extraordinary difference in our lives. The staff has been supportive of Naomi s needs, including working with our local school district to make it possible for Sasha to assist Naomi at school in the near future. Thanks to Paws Giving Independence, this non-profit organization is producing great profit to our community.

17 Molly and Boston (wheelchair assistance dog) Even though I have considered myself to be highly independent throughout the years I have had to humble myself and admit that there are areas that I do need assistance with now, and Boston has helped that blow to my ego, not only am I receiving a beautiful dog I am getting the service I need, without having to ask anyone else, that is worth everything to me. With my Deepest Gratitude.

18 David and Max (balance and partial sight dog) I wish to thank you for the dedication that you have put into Max is very much appreciated. The hard work you have done shows in Max in everything he does. Most sighted people don t realize the simple pleasure of going out and having a cup of coffee. With Max I will be able to do this. With your dedication in training Max this became possible. Now with Max I can go to work, shopping and of course go out for coffee. Max is a welcomed addition to our family. Without Max these things would not be possible. Sincerely, David

19 Toby and Elias (Companion Dog) About a year ago my husband and I decided that Elias needed something special in his life. We noticed he was beginning to struggle as he realized that he was different than other boys his age. Our other children were flourishing at school and in extracurricular activities. They easily made friends and were creating their own identity. We could see that Elias wanted this too, but seemed to be unable to connect with the world in the same way as his siblings. We struggled to find interests for Elias in which he could use his strengths. We decided to focus on his caring nature and love for anything helpless. He simply adored animals and in particular dogs. We knew that having a dog would not only be a joy for our family, but a key relationship for Elias in which he could find success. Once we learned of Paws Giving Independence and the companion dog program, we knew we had found a way for Elias to use his strengths and create his own identity. This process has been all that we had hoped for and more. He loves going to dog training class and working with Toby. He takes great pride and ownership in caring for Toby. We love watching him interact with the world through Toby. We knew it would take a special dog to work with Elias. He is difficult to understand and can be impulsive. Toby is so patient with Elias and he seems to have bonded well with him. Thank you for giving up so much of your time and yourself to make all of this possible for Elias. With our sincere gratitude, The Bramlet Family and Elias.

20 Anthony and Laney (partial sight dog) You have given Anthony the opportunity to be more independent and feel safe when another person is not around. I no longer have to hide behind bushes when Anthony takes a walk I can feel at ease because he is with Laney. Laney isn't just Anthony s service dog she is now a part of our family. So once again I cannot thank both of you enough. PGI has really made a wonderful difference in our lives. Thank You, The Stone Family

21 Jenny and Lilly (brace/balance dog) Lilly is very well behaved at work and we are working well together. It is amazing how helpful she is at work with the outside steps to enter the building and the two flights of stairs to the office. I have noticed at times with her I have not used the hand rail which leads me to believe I feel confident with her helping me. She is a great dog!