Looks like you haven’t added anything yet, browse our bestsellers below!
Continue Shopping
May 2024 Spotlight Service Dog Project People are always wowed by the size and power of Great Danes but often don’t realize the breed is well adapted to be trained as service dogs. If its owner starts to fall, a Great Dane can provide counterbalance and brace, which is more difficult for a smaller Labrador or a Golden Retriever. This makes the work of the local nonprofit Service Dog Project (SDP) crucial. Based in Ipswich, Massachusetts, their mission is to create a partnership that enhances a recipient’s quality of life as they attain greater independence. In creating the partnership between Great Dane and recipient, SDP is dedicated to the values of respect, integrity, inclusion, compassion, collaboration, equality, and courage. Service Dog Project has provided more than 200 certified Great Dane service dogs to veterans, first responders, and people who struggle with their balance and mobility. Great Danes are bred, raised, and trained on the SDP farm. During the first month, they are supervised 24/7 by SDP staff and volunteers. After the dogs are fully trained, they are paired with a recipient and trained to meet their specific needs. As balance dogs, they are trained to walk steadily in harness and match the handler's speed. They are also taught to stop and brace themselves in case the handler falls and needs assistance to stand up. For several years, Service Dog Project struggled to secure much-needed donations. Enter Boston University’s College of Communication students. Students enrolled in the Media Strategies and Management course partnered with Service Dog Project to provide pro bono marketing and public relations support. Valued 4Knines customer James Grasso is a COM professor at Boston University who formed the COM partnership. James specializes in mass communication, advertising, and public relations. His students took on account manager roles, aiming to understand what the Service Dog Project most needed, deciding between a social media overhaul, fundraising outreach, and an updated website. “The Service Dog Project mission is so unique, and the way they train the dogs is so unique since Great Danes aren’t usually trained as service dogs,” says Grasso. “For this class, the course is designed to demonstrate to students what it’s like working at a real-world PR agency.” Grasso hopes to continue this partnership with Service Dog Project saying, “They need funding to continue, and so it’s a win-win for everyone. They need donations and exposure, and to get the exposure, you need people who have the talents I had in my class.” Service Dog Project’s president, Lynn George, is forever grateful for the student partnership. “They spun our company around, helped us get more volunteers, and got our new website up and running,” says Lynn. “They reached out to different organizations for donations, put up flyers, donated their time. At our open house, we had so many people here. I couldn’t figure out how to get Google to find us, and now Google directs to our website. Something that would have taken me three days to do on the website took them 10 minutes. They are so smart.” 4Knines loves to showcase unique animal advocacy groups in our Monthly Spotlight articles. This month, we are proud to feature Service Dog Project and also congratulate the students who helped this fabulous nonprofit garner much-deserved attention and much-needed donations. We hope you will join 4Knines in supporting SDP’s worthy mission with your donations. If you would like to read more about the student partnership with Service Dog Project, please click here for the full article. Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Spotlight Nomination Form Learn How 4Knines Gives Back ➜
Learn more
April 2024 Spotlight Northwest Boxer Rescue: Giving Boxers a Second Chance In a world where many animals are abandoned or left homeless, Northwest Boxer Rescue (NWBR) stands as a beacon of hope for boxers in need. With a steadfast mission and a dedicated team of volunteers, NWBR is committed to providing shelter, medical care, and most importantly, loving forever homes for boxers across the Northwest region. Northwest Boxer Rescue firmly believes every boxer deserves a chance to live a happy and fulfilling life in a caring environment. Whether they have been abandoned, neglected, or simply need a new home, the doors at NWBR are open to these wonderful dogs, giving them the opportunities they deserve. Northwest Boxer Rescue rescue efforts are made possible through the collaboration of passionate volunteers who generously donate their time and expertise. Together, they rescue boxers year-round, offering temporary care and unwavering support until they find their perfect match. But their mission extends beyond just rescue and rehoming. Northwest Boxer Rescue is dedicated to educating the public about responsible pet ownership and the importance of spaying and neutering to help end animal overpopulation. NWBR strives to make a lasting impact on the welfare of boxers and other animals in the communities they serve. At NWBR, no dog is ever discriminated against based on health or age. Every boxer entering into their care is evaluated, vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and provided with any necessary medical treatment before being placed in carefully screened homes. NWBR’s commitment to the well-being of these animals is unwavering, ensuring they receive the love and care they deserve. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Northwest Boxer Rescue relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our lifesaving work. Every contribution, whether big or small, makes a difference in the lives of boxers in need. Join 4Knines in supporting Northwest Boxer Rescue’s mission to give boxers a second chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Together, we can make a difference, one boxer at a time. Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Spotlight Nomination Form Learn How 4Knines Gives Back ➜
Learn more
March 2024 Spotlight Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary (a.k.a. Always & Furever or A&F) is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit animal rescue network operating out of Spring Hill, Kansas. Its owner and founder, Jen, moved from Boston to Kansas with her two senior rescues. Her dream was to buy a farm and start a sanctuary for senior dogs, so to begin, she took out a $100,000 loan. Jen will tell you she knew nothing about running a rescue, but people and magic came along as the dream came to fruition and eventually turned into the massive movement the rescue is today. Always and Furever will celebrate its five-year anniversary this year. The rescue has saved more than 5,000 animals and has over 400,000 social media followers from around the world. The rescue operates three locations in the Kansas City area with plans to move the entire operation to its Homestead, a 40-acre tract of land the rescue owns in Spring Hill, Kansas. “With every fiber of my being, I see and feel Always & Furever being the name that changes rescues. Running a rescue should not be just paying a fee with the state, filing a form and taking donations while locking animals in stacked cages and waiting for someone else to love them and calling that saving lives and sadly so many rescues do just that,” Jen says. Always and Furever is “not your average shelter.” With the help of a dedicated staff, hundreds of volunteers and a governing board, the rescue’s goal is to make every day special for the animals in its care. Animals go on dog dates, hotel sleepovers and to short- and long-term fosters. Dogs at the rescue’s Little Red Barn can be found lounging on couches, playing outdoors and engaging in enrichment while they wait for their furever homes. The Always and Furever mission statement is at the heart of everything they do: Imagine a place where old dogs, sick dogs, abused dogs, abandoned dogs, and unwanted dogs all came together, to rest, live, play and snuggle. Where meals come morning and night, classical music is always playing and love overflows. The only choice they have to make is which couch or dog bed to lay on and which visitor to pick to smother with kisses. Just a place for dogs to be. To wait in the comforts of a home until they can find a family of their own who won’t throw them away when they are old or sick or even dying. To know they are loved for who they are, at this moment, and then to love us in return regardless of their past. To be the model of forgiveness and in return teach us to be better, kinder humans and to always know that even if in a small way we can always make a difference. This is our mission. This is our little red barn. A home for so many souls others discarded and we can’t imagine living without. 4Knines is proud to shine a light on the outstanding work of Always & Furever Midwest Animal Sanctuary. Please join us in supporting their mission. Every donation helps to provide a home for the unwanted, a sanctuary for the troubled, and a safe haven of peace. Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Spotlight Nomination Form Learn How 4Knines Gives Back ➜
Learn more
February 2024 Spotlight Tucson Cold Wet Noses Tucson Cold Wet Noses Fosters, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) dog rescue in Southern Arizona dedicated to rescuing vulnerable dogs from local Arizona shelters and finding them perfect homes through successful adoptions or long-term hospice foster homes. Founded in 2006 by a small group of like-minded friends, Tucson Cold Wet Noses initially operated like many other rescues by primarily rescuing youngish, healthy dogs that, with a little love and training and socialization, could be adopted by loving families. Over time, the all-volunteer rescue recognized an urgent need to rescue Tucson’s “unadoptable” dogs - dogs who are old, sick, or injured and in desperate need of a safe, loving place to land. With this knowledge, Tucson Cold Wet Noses shifted their focus and began rescuing senior, medically fragile, and hospice dogs from various shelters in southern Arizona who have placed dogs on medical or euthanasia lists. Once rescued, the dogs are housed with approved foster families in the Tucson area and live with them as if they were their own. At any given time, there are approximately 100 dogs in the care of Tucson Cold Wet Noses. Happily, some fostered dogs ultimately become healthy enough to be adopted by a Tucson area family. Sadly, most of the dogs rescued by Tucson Cold Wet Noses enter into hospice care with foster parents who will lovingly care for them until it is time to cross the Rainbow Bridge. In addition to general age-related issues like vision problems, bad teeth, and arthritis, some foster dogs are lovingly treated for conditions like diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, Valley Fever, Cushing Disease, spinal injuries, cancer, and more. Because of the vulnerable dog population they serve, Tucson Cold Wet Noses incurs medical expenses much higher than many other rescues. Tucson Cold Wet Noses relies on generous donations to help keep all fostered dogs fed and vetted. Foster parents are always needed to love and care for more and more dogs, so if you live in the Tucson area, please consider completing a foster application. At 4Knines, we love to shine a light on the selfless work of non-profits like Tucson Cold Wet Noses, and we hope you will consider joining us in support of their ongoing mission. Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Help 4Knines Give Back Does your local animal advocacy group deserve recognition and support? We invite you to nominate them to be our next Spotlight. Fill out the form at the button below and our dedicated team will reach out. Let's join forces to make a positive impact! Spotlight Nomination Form Learn How 4Knines Gives Back ➜
Learn more
January 2024 Spotlight The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland (ARLGP) is first and foremost a life-saving organization. Their mission? To nurture the connection between people and pets to advance animal welfare and improve the quality of life in their community. The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland is located in Westbrook, Maine and serves 15 surrounding towns including Maine’s most populated city, Portland. This non-profit organization provides temporary care and shelter for roughly 4,000 stray, abandoned, confiscated, and relinquished animals every year. They place as many pets as possible into caring homes, create awareness and support for the humane treatment of all animals, and strive to end animal overpopulation through education and the promotion of spaying and neutering. The ARLGP also functions as an animal welfare community resource with a behavior and training department that serves the surrounding public through pet training, group classes, and behavior management. They also have a humane education team who teaches kindness and compassion to local youth ranging in age from 5 – 18 about pet care, animal body language, and conscientious pet guardianship. The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland clinic is staffed by a robust veterinary team, providing dedicated care, spay/neuter, microchipping, and vaccinations to shelter pets. They also work with community members and their pets through wellness and spay/neuter clinics to provide access to care. The ARLGP’s Executive Director Patsy Murphy likes to refer to the shelter as a “pet bed and breakfast” or a hotel that hosts a hospital and a school – and they really offer a little piece of each! The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland prides itself on its community of animal lovers whose support fuels their mission. While the ARLGP is often recognized on a national level for their work, their main priority is always to support Maine pets, people, and partner shelters. The generosity of their community helped fundraise to build their current shelter which opened in 2017 and bolstered their lifesaving safety net to pets throughout Maine and across the country. Best of all? The Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland worked to find loving homes for almost 4,000 pets in 2022. There are also plenty of volunteer opportunities available and foster families are always needed. Each month, 4Knines shines a light on the work of fabulous nonprofit animal advocacy groups with our Monthly Spotlight Articles. This month, 4Knines is proud to feature the work of Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. We hope you will join us in supporting their mission by making a 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
Learn more
December 2023 Spotlight Paws For Heroes PTSD. Anxiety. Depression. Loneliness. Despair. These are the conditions many military veterans suffer from. However, with the help of a good emotional support companion dog, these crippling symptoms can often be alleviated, and a veteran can again find joy and a purpose in life. Paws for Heroes is a non-profit operating in the Houston area that provides well-trained emotional support dogs to veterans. All services are provided at no charge to eligible veterans. The life-changing benefits of a good emotional support companion dog are nothing short of amazing. Scientific studies show companion dogs promote better health, more sociability, and a greater sense of well-being. Paws for Heroes’ clients have reported their companion dogs made a tremendous improvement in their lives. The positive changes have helped prevent some veterans from getting divorced or losing their families. Some veterans have even reported that their Paws for Heroes dog saved them from self-harm. Paws for Heroes was started in 2013 by three women in Texas after they realized there was no Houston area organization helping veterans find a well-trained companion dog. The non-profit is operated by volunteers with a mission to bring comfort and companionship to our veterans by rescuing shelter dogs that have been carefully evaluated, selected and professionally trained for the purpose of providing emotional support and companionship. Dogs with the personality and temperament to be emotional support companions are selected and adopted by Paws for Heroes from local shelters and rescue groups. To qualify for the Paws for Heroes program, a dog must be friendly with all people and animals, self-confident and human-focused. The dogs cannot have negative or aggressive traits such as resource-guarding, thunderstorm anxiety, or a strong prey drive. The dog’s training begins by living with a foster family for a month, where it learns “house manners.” After that, the dog spends at least another month at a board-and-train facility, where it receives positive-reinforcement basic training until reaching the Good Canine Citizen equivalent. After training is completed, Paws for Heroes presents the dog to the veteran along with a crate, crate-liner, bed, leash, collar, bowls, toys and a starter kit of healthful food and preventive medication. At this point, veterans and their Paws for Heroes dogs start their new life together. Paws for Heroes maintains permanent contact with the veteran, and if there is a circumstance in which the veteran can no longer care for the dog, Paws for Heroes will find another home for the dog. The expenses incurred for veterinarians, trainers, and other miscellaneous costs average around $10,000 for each veteran-and-dog match. Paws for Heroes is honored to provide these services because they love dogs and have profound respect for veterans. To hear some of the stories from veterans served by Paws for Heroes’ volunteers, visit the Battle Buddies page on the website or visit the Paws for Heroes YouTube page. 4Knines is proud to shine a light on the work of Paws for Heroes, and we hope you will consider joining us to support their mission. Donating is easy via the Paws for Heroes website, and they are always in need of reliable volunteers. 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
Learn more
November 2023 Spotlight Chained Dogs MKE In the heart of Milwaukee, a dedicated group of individuals is working tirelessly to make a difference in the lives of some of the city's most vulnerable residents – dogs living on chains. Chained Dogs MKE, a nonprofit animal rescue and community outreach organization, has made it their mission to rescue these animals from a life of isolation and neglect while offering a helping hand to their owners. Imagine a life where your only world is a small radius defined by a heavy chain. For countless dogs in Milwaukee, this is their harsh reality. Chained Dogs MKE recognized this problem and decided to take action. They specialize in rescuing dogs that are forced to endure a 24/7 existence on the end of a chain, often in all types of weather conditions. These dogs are deprived of the love, attention, and care they deserve. Chained Dogs MKE aims to change that. Rescue is at the heart of their mission. The dedicated team at Chained Dogs MKE, armed with compassion and determination, rescues these dogs from their chains. They provide medical care, nourishing food, and a safe and loving environment. Most importantly, they provide these dogs with a second chance at life. But Chained Dogs MKE's mission doesn't stop at rescue. They understand that to truly make a lasting impact, they must address the root causes of this issue. This is where their community outreach efforts come into play. They offer judgment-free support to local pet owners who may be struggling to provide the proper care and attention their dogs need. This includes providing food, treats, training, toys, and even education on responsible pet ownership. One of the standout aspects of Chained Dogs MKE is their commitment to serving the community as a whole. They recognize that many dog owners may be facing financial hardship or lack access to resources, making it challenging to care for their pets. By offering essential supplies and educational resources, they aim to break down barriers and create a more compassionate community for both humans and animals. Another unique aspect of Chained Dogs MKE is their approach to empathy and understanding. They firmly believe in offering support without judgment. This creates a safe space for pet owners to seek assistance without fear of criticism, allowing them to provide better lives for their dogs. Chained Dogs MKE's impact reaches far beyond the dogs they rescue. They are actively working to change the culture surrounding pet ownership in Milwaukee. By promoting responsible ownership, they hope to reduce the number of dogs who end up chained and neglected. In a city where winters can be harsh and summers unforgiving, Chained Dogs MKE is a beacon of hope. They remind us that change is possible, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. Through their rescue efforts and community outreach, they are not only saving dogs but also transforming lives and fostering a more compassionate and understanding community. If you're looking to support an organization that is truly making a difference in the lives of both dogs and their owners, Chained Dogs MKE is an inspiring example. Whether through volunteering, donations, or spreading the word, we hope you will join 4Knines in helping Chained Dogs MKE achieve of their mission to break chains and change lives, one dog at a time. 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
Learn more
October 2023 Spotlight K-911 Paws Foundation K9 units serve a valuable purpose within local communities. Police need K9 units for many reasons, but perhaps the most important is to help protect the lives of fellow officers. The physical presence of an intimidating dog is likely to make a potential perpetrator think twice about running or committing another crime. K9 units are also used to search for narcotics, explosives, a hiding suspect, or even a lost child. K-911 Paws Foundation is an Arizona non-profit that exists to ensure K9 units get everything they need to protect and serve. Well-trained K9 will sacrifice themselves for their communities, handlers, and job while asking for nothing but unconditional love. K-911 Paws Foundation educates the public about the struggle for funding within K9 units and also provides financial assistance to K9 units for training costs, for training/safety equipment and medical needs, and to acquire new K9s. Shelly Marano, founder of K-911 Paws Foundation, is a former Sergeant with the Arizona Department of Corrections. She is also the widow of Fallen Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer, Chris Marano. Shelly's passion and love for K9s led her to a K9 handler position with a private organization and partnered her with K-911 Paws's Ambassador, K9 Millie (now retired). K-911 Paws Foundation is an Arizona non-profit that exists to ensure K9 units get everything they need to protect and serve. Well-trained K9 will sacrifice themselves for their communities, handlers, and job while asking for nothing but unconditional love. K-911 Paws Foundation educates the public about the struggle for funding within K9 units and also provides financial assistance to K9 units for training costs, for training/safety equipment and medical needs, and to acquire new K9s. Shelly Marano, founder of K-911 Paws Foundation, is a former Sergeant with the Arizona Department of Corrections. She is also the widow of Fallen Arizona Department of Public Safety Officer, Chris Marano. Shelly's passion and love for K9s led her to a K9 handler position with a private organization and partnered her with K-911 Paws's Ambassador, K9 Millie (now retired). From Shelly: “When my husband was killed in the line of duty, I realized just how much support families of injured or killed officers get. But the more research I did, the more I realized K9’s aren’t supported. Most departments do not have a specific budget for their K9 units. The money used for medical needs, training equipment, advanced training classes, etc. is usually raised by the K9 unit itself. They do little events, fundraisers and apply for grants to keep their unit operational. That’s where K-911 Paws Foundation can help! Any department can apply for assistance through our website and we will help as much as we can. But we can’t do it without the help of our communities! We conduct K9 events with help from the local K9 units to do demos. We sell merchandise and accept donations on location as well as online through our website and social media outlets. We also get involved with a lot of local events as a vendor to educate the public and sell merchandise. As a non-profit, all proceeds from our sales goes directly to K9 units in need and is 100% tax deductible.” Shelly founded K-911 Paws Foundation with the hope of helping K9 units all over the country. The K-911 Paws Foundation’s Board of Directors is strategically composed of survivors of fallen officers, civilians, and currently serving law enforcement officers with a shared vision of supporting law enforcement and K9 units by helping in ways others had not considered. Together, with the support of the community, these dreams are becoming a reality. Since K-911 Paws Foundation was founded, they have provided assistance to over twenty K9 units nationwide, helping in any way possible, even when funds are limited. Locally, they have provided assistance to multiple area agencies by providing medical kits for K9s, decoy suits for training scenarios, ballistic vests, and assisting with dental work. Please join 4Knines in supporting K-911 Paws Foundation to ensure Shelly and her team are able to continue making a difference in the Law Enforcement K9 community. You can become a sponsor, shop for some K-911 swag (shirts, jewelry, hats, water bottles, and/or an adorable plush K9) or make 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
Learn more
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
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
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.
Learn more
Exclusive deal on all orders
Within 30 days of purchase with Redo
Contact us or Phone 888-602-2509
Visa, Master, ApplePay, & more
