Empowering Independence: How Paws With A Cause is Transforming Lives One Tail Wag at a Tim

Since Paws With A Cause is near and dear to the Kipling Family’s hearts, we wanted to bring more awareness to their important initiatives. If you ever get a chance to meet Odin, the Kipling’s standard poodle, who participates in this program, you’ll appreciate their mission even more!

At the heart of every incredible organization is a story rooted in compassion. For Paws With A Cause (PAWS), it all began in 1979 with a simple act of kindness. Founders Michael and Candye Sapp trained their friends’ family dog to alert them to their baby’s cries, friends who happened to be Deaf. That dog, Crystal, went on to become the very first PAWS Assistance Dog. What started as one family’s thoughtful gesture has now become a nationally recognized nonprofit that has changed thousands of lives.

“PAWS was built on love, empathy, and a deep belief in what’s possible when you match people with dogs who are trained just for them,” shares Sidney Baxter, Communications Manager at Paws With A Cause. “Today, we serve clients across 20 states, providing them with a new sense of freedom and confidence that only a custom-trained Assistance Dog can offer.”

A Mission of Tailored Support
What sets PAWS apart is its commitment to customization. Every Assistance Dog undergoes more than two years of training to meet the unique needs of its future partner.  It might be someone who is living with physical disabilities, hearing loss, epilepsy, autism, or emotional challenges. PAWS ensures that no two dog-client teams are the same.
“We place Hearing Dogs, Mobility Service Dogs, Seizure Response Dogs, Autism Service Dogs for children, and Facility Dogs for emotional support,” explains Baxter. “Each dog is matched with purpose. That level of personalization is rare, and it’s at the core of everything we do.”

Get Involved: You Can Raise a Hero!
Looking to make a meaningful difference right here in your own community? One of the most rewarding ways to help is by becoming a Foster Puppy Raiser.
“For about 12 to 14 months, you’ll welcome a puppy into your home and help them build the foundation they need to become a life-changing service dog,” says Baxter. “We give you everything you need: training, resources, and a community of support. You just need a love for dogs and a willingness to be part of something bigger.”
Puppy Raisers are instrumental in teaching basic obedience and socialization in public places like grocery stores, restaurants, and parks, providing essential real-world exposure for these future service animals.

Other opportunities to get involved include volunteering at the PAWS campus in Wayland, Michigan, helping with enrichment activities, or assisting at events.  Spring Lake residents can also show their support by hosting community fundraisers or joining PAWS’ efforts in advocacy and education on service animal access rights.

Mark Your Calendar: A Dog-Lover’s Dream Event
The entire community is invited to PAWS’ biggest annual event, Retriever Fever & Paws in the Park 5K, taking place on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at Riverside Park in Grand Rapids. The festivities run from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and the event promises something for everyone.
“It’s one of our most joyful days of the year,” Baxter says. “There’s a dog-friendly 5K, a one-mile fun run, food trucks, raffles, games, vendors, and you get to meet the dogs and clients whose lives have been transformed by PAWS. It’s both heartwarming and a blast.”

All proceeds from the event support the training and placement of more Assistance Dogs, ensuring the organization’s mission continues for generations to come. Be sure to visit their website, www.pausewithacause.org