The Guiding Paw
We exist to establish relationships to teach, train, lead, and guide families to raise the best service dogs around.
Changing Lives, One Dog at a Time
We exist to establish relationships to teach, train, lead, and guide families to raise the best service dogs around. Every match we make is built on trust, dedication, and a deep belief that the right dog can transform a life.
Expert Guidance Every Step of the Way
Our lead trainer brings years of hands-on experience in service dog training and placement. With a deep passion for matching the right dog with the right family, she oversees every step of our program — from early puppy assessment through final placement and beyond.
Every dog in our program benefits from her patient, relationship-first approach to training — building trust, consistency, and the skills that change lives.
Check Out Our Customers and Their Personal Stories
These families trusted us with one of the most important decisions of their lives. Here are their stories.
River & Kiki
River is an energetic, curious 8-year-old on the autism spectrum. Kiki has transformed his world — helping him stay grounded in public, building his confidence, and creating a bond that is nothing short of miraculous.
Dylan & Oscar
Dylan is a bright, joyful 6-year-old living with Down Syndrome and Level 2 Autism. Oscar has become her constant companion — helping her navigate daily routines, providing comfort during overwhelming moments, and giving her family a new sense of peace and possibility.
Beckett & Muffin
Beckett is a brave, determined 6-year-old who faces daily challenges from seizures and developmental delays. Muffin is being trained to alert before seizures occur, giving Beckett and his family a critical layer of hope and safety, while giving him the freedom to live more fully.
Our Matched Dogs
Every one of these dogs found their person. More details on each match coming soon.
Dexter
Matched ✓
Oscar
Matched ✓
Kiki
Matched ✓
Muffin
Matched ✓
Oakley
Matched ✓
Oakley Found His Person
After months of dedicated training, Oakley has been matched and is heading to Alabama to continue his PTSD service work with his new owner.
Oakley's Story
Oakley is an intelligent and driven Australian Shepherd who has been with our program since he was about 10 weeks old. His natural desire to learn, sensitivity, and deep desire to connect makes him an exceptional candidate for psychiatric service work. We are so proud to announce that Oakley has been officially matched and will be heading to Alabama to continue his PTSD service work alongside his new owner. This is exactly what our program is all about.
Highlights
- He's working towards his CGC
- He's been assessed by our lead trainer to be trained for PTSD service
- Already working on tasks like Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
- Exceptional bond with his current handlers
- Heading to Alabama to begin his service career
Clips
Updates & Milestones
September 2026
Oakley has been officially matched and will be traveling to Alabama with his new owner to continue his PTSD service work.
Summer 2026
Oakley completed his advanced public access assessment with flying colors. His focus in public environments is remarkable.
Spring 2026
Oakley began specialized psychiatric service task training, showing an immediate natural aptitude for deep pressure therapy.
Support Oakley's Journey
Your donation helps cover training, veterinary care, and travel costs as Oakley heads to Alabama to begin his service career.
Potential Service Dog Prospects
These dogs are currently in active training and assessment. Profiles are shared to help identify the best possible match for each dog.
Temperament
- Gentle & Sweet
- High Energy
- People Loving
- Playful & Curious
- Deeply Affectionate
Skills in Training
- Loved and socialized since puppyhood
- Gentle temperament ideal for therapy work
- Hopeful that he will thrive with active, engaged handlers
- Training for service or therapy placement
- Mobility Assistance Potential
Ideal Match Criteria
- Home with space to roam — yard or acreage ideal for a large, active breed
- Active family who loves outdoor adventures and play
- Patient handler ready to continue his training journey
- Family who will include Bear in daily life and activities
- Interest in therapy dog work a wonderful bonus
Trainer Notes
"Bear is a young Great Pyrenees who has been deeply loved and cared for since he was a puppy. He is a big, gentle boy with the sweetest heart you'll ever meet — with a hyper, high-energy personality to match. He loves being around his people, playing, exploring, and being included in whatever is going on. As he has grown, it has become clear that he needs more space and an environment better suited to his size, energy, and Great Pyrenees instincts. Bear deserves a home where he can safely burn off his energy, continue learning, and be loved for exactly who he is. Our hope is to find Bear a family where he can truly thrive and, with his gentle nature, potentially bring comfort and joy to others as a service or therapy dog someday."
Think you or someone you know may be a match?
View Bear's Full Profile