If you’ve spent any time around the Savannah dog scene, you probably already know Elisa Gibson—the passionate and talented dog trainer behind Happy Hounds. But what you may not know is that Elisa’s heart for canines doesn’t stop at teaching sit, stay, and heel. In 2022, she took her devotion a paw step further by launching Walk Forward, a nonprofit that’s making big strides in our community through the power of service dogs.

From Training Leashes to Life-Changing Missions

“I’ve been working with dogs professionally for years,” Elisa shares. “As a trainer, I’d get tons of questions about service dogs—how to train them, what the process looks like, and most often… how much it costs.”

Spoiler alert: it’s a lot. Service dog training can run 1–2 years and rack up costs that are just not feasible for many people living with disabilities. So Elisa did what any dog-loving changemaker would do: she created a solution. And thus, Walk Forward was born.

What Walk Forward Does (Besides Tug at Our Heartstrings)

At its core, Walk Forward exists to train service dogs for individuals with disabilities, offering specialized support to veterans, individuals facing mental health challenges, and those needing medical alert dogs, including diabetic alert dogs.

But their impact doesn’t end there. Walk Forward also provides Therapy Dog training and Therapy Dog Visits, bringing warmth, connection, and a few joyful tail wags to those who need it most.

“It’s about accessibility, inclusion, and compassion,” Elisa says. “These dogs become more than pets—they become lifelines.”

Community Spirit: How You Can Lend a Paw

Though her family lives far away—Elisa is originally from Germany and has lived in the U.S. for 14 years—she’s found a chosen family here in Savannah, especially through her work.

“What I love most about Savannah is the people,” she says. “This community is full of heart, and I’ve been lucky to see that in action.”

That’s why she’s calling on neighbors in Ardsley Park and beyond to help support Walk Forward’s mission. The organization is actively seeking volunteers for fundraising events, and board members who are passionate about making a difference.

A Walk Worth Taking

Elisa Gibson didn’t just build a successful business—she built a bridge between the canine and human world that’s changing lives. Walk Forward is more than a nonprofit. It’s a movement of empathy, advocacy, and (of course) dog kisses.

If you're looking for a cause to support, a reason to volunteer, or a feel-good story to remind you of all the good in this world—consider this your sign.