Danielle Davis | CONTRIBUTING WRITER leading the pack. Volunteers are critical to the agency’s success as they are the ones who foster and train the dogs over a 16-month period. “Their investment of time and financial support is key to our success and ability to keep costs low for our clients,” Starks said. For 20 years, volunteer and donor support has been the catalyst for Power Paws programming. Clients pay a $10,000 fee for the initial three-week training with an immediate six months of “aftercare.” What makes Power Paws so unique is that ongoing training for the life of the dog is included at no additional cost. Since the actual cost to train each dog is approximately $30,000, the agency must fundraise for the difference. In 2018, Power Paws decided to retool its volunteer process, which drives its mission. Under the Arizona Governor’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism, an entity that works with nonprofits to examine their volunteer program infrastructure, Power Paws evaluated the process, developed a strategy and changed its volunteer program entirely. The generosity of dedicated staff, individual donors and three major gifts totaling $130,000 helped move the agency forward. Thunderbirds Charities supported the volunteer program infrastructure, Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust funded a dedicated volunteer coordinator position and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona supported the canine training program. But there’s always more that can be done. COVID-19 greatly affected Power Paws’ revenue streams. The needs are more significant than ever, and the impact on clients is immeasurable — just ask Sami’s mom. “The extra cushion of safety Sami has with him is one more ‘nose’ to watch the crashing sugars,” Katja said. “Oh yes, it IS worth it.” To find out more about this Arizona nonprofit or to donate, visit azpowerpaws.org . Power Paws service dogs help people with a disability increase independence and improve their quality of life. MAR/APR 2021 | 40 | FRONTDOORS MEDIA

PHOENIX ANIMAL CARE COALITION PACC911 brings together more than 100 animal welfare organizations throughout Arizona to create a potent animal rescue community that works together under a unified umbrella. We provide education, adopt-a-thons, medical grants for rescued animals and have a pet-food pantry for low-income families. 3841 E. Thunderbird Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 (602) 992-4779 pacc911.org POWER PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS Providing highly skilled assistance dogs to people with disabilities; education and continuing support for working assistance-dog teams; and serving as a community resource for people with disabilities. 8250 E. Rose Lane, Ste. B, Scottsdale, AZ 85250 (480) 970-1322 azpowerpaws.org TWO PUPS WELLNESS FUND Financial aid from the heart for the care and health needs of the four-footed friends who give us their hearts. 4130 N. Marshall Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85251 (480) 490-7136 twopups.org RESOURCE DIRECTORY Furry Friends Photo by Jeremy Bishop on Unsplash Photo by Jay Wennington on Unsplash FRONTDOORS MEDIA | 41 | MAR/APR 2021