At Company Distilling, we believe that community is built through acts of compassion, connection, and service to others. This April, we are honored to announce that Paws Giving Independence has been selected as a recipient of our Gather Around Giving Grant.

About Paws Giving Independence

Paws Giving Independence (PGI) trains service dogs to assist people with a variety of different disabilities while providing support to encourage independence. Based in Peoria, Illinois, PGI is committed to providing quality service dogs free of charge to adults and children, while educating the public about the benefits of service dogs and encouraging animal rescue by obtaining many of their animals from shelters and rescue groups. As a proud accredited member of Assistance Dogs International (ADI) – a worldwide coalition of nonprofit assistance dog organizations that sets rigorous, internationally recognized standards – PGI upholds the highest levels of humane and ethical dog training and placement.

Services Offered

  • Service Dogs: PGI’s Mobility Service Dogs are trained to perform specific tasks that help individuals whose disabilities limit their physical independence. Dogs are matched to assist with a wide range of needs, including mobility impairments such as wheelchair use, balance difficulties, and unstable walking; medical response for conditions like seizures, epilepsy, and diabetes; and visual or hearing impairments. PGI works closely with each applicant to ensure every pairing is the right fit.
  • Facilitator Assisted Service Dogs: For individuals with disabilities or developmental delays who need additional support, PGI’s Facilitator Assisted Service Dog program certifies a parent or caregiver to handle the dog alongside the individual in public settings. This program ensures that families have the tools, training, and confidence to integrate a service dog into daily life in a way that truly works for them.
  • Facility Dogs: PGI trains Facility Dogs to provide animal-assisted interventions in settings where people need comfort, encouragement, and connection most – including hospitals, nursing homes, pediatric and veteran outpatient rehabilitation centers, juvenile residential homes, and schools. Facility dogs live in the home of a staff member to ensure they receive the care and consistency they need to thrive.
  • University Partnership Programs: PGI extends its mission into higher education through two innovative partnerships. The Wags for Mags program at Bradley University and the Indy-pendence Service Dogs program at Illinois State University train and certify students to handle service dogs on their campuses. The dogs live on campus, attend classes, sporting events, and concerts – gaining invaluable real-world experience while students gain hands-on training that directly supports PGI’s placement mission.

Impact

As an all-volunteer organization, every dollar donated goes directly toward the costs of training and caring for their dogs in training. Their Helping Paws program adds another layer of community impact through a partnership with Logan Correctional Center, where incarcerated individuals serve as dog trainers – a program that transforms lives on both ends of the leash. Through the dedication of volunteers, university students, community partners, and correctional facility trainers, PGI continues to place life-changing service dogs with individuals and facilities across Illinois at no cost to the recipients.

How You Can Support Paws Giving Independence

Your support helps ensure that more individuals living with disabilities can access the independence and companionship that a trained service dog provides. Here’s how you can help:

  • Donate: As an all-volunteer organization, PGI relies on the generosity of their community to fund every aspect of their work – from veterinary care and food to training supplies and transportation. Every contribution, large or small, goes directly toward the dogs in training and the people waiting for them. Visit givingindependence.org to make a tax-deductible donation.
  • Volunteer: Volunteer opportunities include puppy raising, furlough training, transition training, dog sitting, fundraising support, and helping at public events. Volunteers are the backbone of PGI’s mission, and every hour of time given helps a future service dog get one step closer to their person. Visit the volunteer page to apply.
  • Sponsor a Dog: PGI’s Sponsor a Dog program is a meaningful way for individuals and businesses to invest directly in a dog’s training journey. Sponsors receive regular updates on their dog’s progress and milestones, making it a personal and rewarding way to be part of the mission from start to finish.
  • Attend Events: PGI hosts community fundraising events throughout the year, including Running with the Dogs and At Your Service. These events are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dogs, meet the people behind the mission, and have fun while making a difference.
  • Spread the Word: One of the most powerful things you can do is share PGI’s story. Follow them on Instagram @pgidogs and share their posts with your community. You never know who in your network might be waiting for a dog – or who might be ready to help make that happen.

Join Us in Making a Difference

At Company Distilling, our Gather Around Giving program empowers communities by supporting organizations like Paws Giving Independence. We invite you to join us in this mission. By supporting PGI, you contribute to a cause that opens doors for people living with disabilities, giving them the independence, dignity, and companionship that every person deserves.

Visit Paws Giving Independence’s website to learn more about how you can get involved. Together, we can help more people live life without boundaries.

Company Distilling’s Gather Around Giving program supports nonprofits that create positive change in their communities. To learn more about our initiatives and how you can participate, visit our Gather Around Giving page.