4Paws Honors Golden Retrievers and Their Future Service Roles

Lauren Sciaudone | Contributing Writer

Photo Courtesy of 4paws_Renoir Instagram

As the golden retriever strutted across the stage at his graduation ceremony, the members of 4Paws felt an immense sense of pride in their hard work and dedication. The atmosphere was electric with excitement, celebrating not only the achievements of Turks and his handler but also the collective efforts of the community that made it all possible.

With a close-knit team of 30 dog sitters and 14 dog handlers, 4Paws offers a collaborative environment. Each member contributes their unique skills and passion, creating a family-like bond that enhances the training experience for the pups and their human companions.

One of the highlights of their club is the infamous “Puppy Petting” event, which draws in various groups, shining a spotlight on the mission of 4Paws. Attendees have the chance to interact with an energetic litter of puppies from 4Paws headquarters in Xenia. They will learn about the organization’s commitment to service and the transformative impact these dogs have in the lives of their future companions.

4Paws is dedicated to inclusivity, welcoming anyone to join and attend their meetings. This open-door policy encourages community involvement and fosters a sense of belonging. However, becoming a dog sitter or handler requires a significant commitment to in-person and online training. These sessions are designed to equip members with the knowledge and skills necessary to fulfill these important roles effectively.

Lindsey Pearson, a dedicated sitter at 4Paws, has devoted her time and energy to the club throughout her years in school. As a first-year dog handler, she was paired with Renoir, a 6-month-old golden retriever. She navigates each day filled with routine commands and training exercises, ensuring Renny is well-prepared for his future role.

“I’ll have him for about a year and around a year and a half he will have his advanced training evaluation. I am doing a lot of socialization for him, including bringing him to class and taking him to the grocery store. I do basic commands including sit or down, nothing too specific yet,” Pearson said.

After a long-awaited evaluation, each pup advances to specialized training, where they are assigned a specific task tailored to their strengths—whether it’s mobility assistance, seizure alert, or diabetic alert.

“All the dogs are different; they see what they’re best at when they are in advanced training,” Pearson said with Renny sitting close. “They are usually paired with a kid but can also be paired with a veteran.”

Once their training is complete, these remarkable dogs embark on their final preparations for graduation. This moment marks not just the culmination of rigorous training but the beginning of a profound partnership that will change lives forever.