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Give to the Max Day 2026: A Future in Motion

A Future in Motion is Helping Paws’ 2026–2028 strategic initiative to strengthen every stage of our organization, meet the growing demand for Assistance Dogs, and increase the number of placements each year. This year, we’re focusing on our breeding and early puppy development program, creating stronger foundations for the Assistance Dogs of tomorrow.

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Make Your Monthly Gift Go Further

Become a sustaining donor and help double your impact! Thanks to a generous $10,000 matching gift, every new monthly donation of $25 or less per month will be matched. That means a gift of just $10 a month can provide $240 in total impact over a year when your monthly contributions and the matching gift are combined.

Your ongoing support helps give every puppy the best possible start, building the confidence, curiosity, and skills they’ll need to make a difference in someone’s life.

Your Gift Builds a Stronger Foundation

Preparing an Assistance Dog for a future of service begins long before formal training. From thoughtful breeding decisions to early enrichment and individualized development, every stage helps prepare puppies for the work ahead.

Your gift supports the programs and people that make this possible:

• Purpose-Driven Breeding: Through the Assistance Dogs International International Breeding Cooperative, we collaborate with other accredited assistance dog organizations to share genetics, knowledge, and best practices, strengthening future generations of Assistance Dogs.
• Puppies in Loving Homes: Dedicated volunteer Caretakers raise puppies in their homes during their first critical weeks, providing individualized care, early socialization, and a nurturing environment alongside their mother.
• Enrichment and Desensitization: Guided by research from the International Working Dog Association, puppies experience gentle touch, scent introductions, sensory activities, and positive exposure to new environments.
• Building the Foundation: With guidance from experienced volunteers and staff, puppies begin learning foundational cues, including loose-leash walking and eye contact, while developing focus, curiosity, and age-appropriate problem-solving skills.
• Growth and Exploration: Before beginning formal training, puppies explore, play, and discover the world in the Herman Puppy Enrichment Center, where thoughtfully designed experiences encourage adaptability, confidence, and resilience.
• Evaluating Each Puppy: Every puppy receives a comprehensive evaluation of temperament, confidence, motivation, environmental responses, and other traits important for service work. These insights help us recognize each puppy’s strengths and tailor an individualized training plan.

Each of these steps helps build the foundation for a future Assistance Dog and, ultimately, a life-changing partnership.

Celebrate Give to the Max Day With Santa!

Give to the Max Day is also a chance to celebrate the season with your four-legged family members! Helping Paws will once again transform into a winter wonderland, with photos with Santa for you and your dog. 🎅🐾

This event is open to the public, and dogs do not need to be affiliated with Helping Paws to participate. All dogs must be vaccinated and socially well-behaved.

Sign up for Santa photos: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0849AEAE2FA1FD0-66939991-photos(opens in a new tab)