PAWS Forward: Miles for Independence

"One Dog Changed One Life and Showed Us What Was Possible"

Every Step Helps Someone Gain Independence

Imagine facing each day with challenges that most people never have to think about—anxiety or PTSD that can make leaving home overwhelming, a physical disability that limits your independence, or a medical condition that requires constant support.

Now imagine having a partner by your side who gives you the confidence, safety, and freedom to live life more fully.

That's what a service dog can do.

For our family, that partner is Benny.

Benny has shown us firsthand that a service dog is so much more than a companion. He provides confidence and independence in ways that are difficult to put into words. His impact inspired us to create the PAWS Foundation of the Lehigh Valley, a nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals with disabilities overcome one of the biggest barriers to obtaining a service dog...the cost.

A fully trained service dog can cost $20,000 to $50,000, placing this life-changing resource out of reach for many families.

That's where you come in.

Join the PAWS Forward Challenge

Throughout this month-long virtual walking challenge, participants will walk at their own pace while asking friends, family, and coworkers to sponsor their journey.

Every mile represents hope for someone waiting on their Benny!

Every donation helps move someone one step closer to the independence a service dog can provide.

Whether you walk 10 miles or 100 miles, every step you take makes a difference.

How It Works

🐾 Register for the challenge.

🐾 Set your personal fundraising goal.

🐾 Share your fundraising page with friends and family.

🐾 Walk throughout the month and track your progress.

🐾 Celebrate knowing you've helped change someone's life.

Where Your Donations Go

Funds raised through PAWS Forward: Miles for Independence support the mission of the PAWS Foundation by helping:

Provide grants toward obtaining a professionally trained service dog.
Assist with the training of service dogs.
Help to cover emergency veterinary care for active service dogs.
Remove financial barriers so more individuals can experience the independence a service dog provides.

Walk With Purpose

This isn't about being the fastest or walking the farthest.

It's about taking meaningful steps toward changing someone's future.

Together, one mile, one donor, and one service dog at a time, we can create more stories of independence.

Walk with us. Get sponsored. Change a life.