4 Paws for Ability Ohio State

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4 Paws for Ability Ohio State 4 Paws for Ability OSU's goal is to socialize the dogs to get them ready for anything they may come across once they are placed with their families.

4 Paws for Ability is a service dog organization founded by Karen Shirk and based out of Xenia, Ohio. Their mission is to place quality service dogs with children with disabilities and veterans who have lost the use of their limbs or hearing; help with animal rescue, and educate the public regarding use of service dogs in public places. 4 Paws has placed over a hundred service dogs with children and veterans around the United States! Some examples of service dogs 4 Paws provides includes autism assistance, seizure assistance, diabetes alert dogs, mobility assistance dogs and more. As a part of 4 Paws at Ohio State, students have the opportunity to be selected as either a handler or a puppy sitter. When a handler receives their dog, they have to be prepared to have the dog live with them and go everywhere with them! Handlers take the dog everywhere they go (i.e. class, grocery store, movies, etc.) and socialize them to prepare for their future as a service dog. Puppy sitters take the dogs to socialize when the handler is not available. We also participate in a variety of educational and fundraising events on Ohio State's campus!

Feeling soooo wacky this wednesday
10/14/2026

Feeling soooo wacky this wednesday

🐾 Training Tip Tuesday! is sharing a reminder to always have treats on hand! Bring different types of treats and choose ...
10/13/2026

🐾 Training Tip Tuesday!

is sharing a reminder to always have treats on hand! Bring different types of treats and choose what works best for each situation!

This pup is !Meet Buttercup, a golden lab from the Bug’s Bees litter.“Hiii everyone! Buttercup is a happy and playful ...
10/12/2026

This pup is !
Meet Buttercup, a golden lab from the Bug’s Bees litter.

“Hiii everyone! Buttercup is a happy and playful 3-month-old who is finishing up her decompression period and getting ready to meet everyone on campus! She loves napping, playing with her toys, people watching, and she’s very food motivated! She’s also co-handled by me and my roommate Jaymi! 💛🐾 She can’t wait to meet you all on campus soon!”
- Her primary, Riley Conway

Happy Member Monday! Hear from Jackie Gisondo on something she’s learned from being part of 4 Paws! 🐾
10/12/2026

Happy Member Monday!

Hear from Jackie Gisondo on something she’s learned from being part of 4 Paws! 🐾

This pup is !Meet Gibby, a golden newfie from the Once Upon a Blue Moon litter.“Hey everyone, Meet Gibbous (aka Gibby)...
10/09/2026

This pup is !
Meet Gibby, a golden newfie from the Once Upon a Blue Moon litter.

“Hey everyone, Meet Gibbous (aka Gibby). He is a 4 month old Golden Newfie from the Once Upon a Blue moon litter and we just finished up our decompression period and cant wait to start seeing everyone around campus!!!”
- His primary, Kerry Johnson

🤪
10/07/2026

🤪

This pup is !Meet Oakley, a lab from the Earth Elements litter.“Hi friends! Oak is a 5 month old full Lab from the Ear...
10/06/2026

This pup is !
Meet Oakley, a lab from the Earth Elements litter.

“Hi friends! Oak is a 5 month old full Lab from the Earth Elements litter! He loves napping, giving kisses and playing with his lamb. Oak is so excited for his SDiT journey and is looking forward to learning new things and meeting tons of friends along the way! If you see him out and about, come say hi!”
- His primary, Alex Garvey

🐾 Training Tip Tuesday!Opal Londraville is sharing a reminder that you’re learning alongside your pup! Be patient and ta...
10/06/2026

🐾 Training Tip Tuesday!

Opal Londraville is sharing a reminder that you’re learning alongside your pup! Be patient and take the time to find what works best for both of you. 💙

Happy Member Monday!Hear from merrick on what she would say to someone thinking about joining 4 Paws! 🐾
10/05/2026

Happy Member Monday!
Hear from merrick on what she would say to someone thinking about joining 4 Paws! 🐾

*Updated Fall Meeting Schedule!!Every Thursday at 7 PM 🍂🍁
10/02/2026

*Updated Fall Meeting Schedule!!
Every Thursday at 7 PM 🍂🍁

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Columbus, OH

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