We’re proud to support Dogs for Better Lives, a U.S.-based non-profit with nearly 50 years of experience training and placing certified Assistance Dogs with individuals in need. From hearing loss to autism and beyond, their dogs support people who need extra help in everyday life, and every dog is matched with someone completely free of charge.

Through our partnership, your donations go directly toward the training, care, and placement of these life-changing dogs. And with BONK matching 100% of every donation made through Buddies for Paws, your impact goes twice as far.

How They Work

Dogs for Better Lives works with both rescue and purpose-bred dogs, carefully selecting each one based on temperament, confidence, and suitability for a variety of assistance roles, including:

• Hearing Assistance Dogs – alert individuals to important sounds in their home and environment
• Autism Assistance Dogs – help children with routines, calming, and safety
• Facility Dogs – work in settings like schools, counselling centres, and hospitals

Every dog is placed free of charge with the right person, family, or workplace, and the Dogs for Better Lives team provides lifelong support to ensure each placement is successful.

Sara Ifert, Vice President of Marketing at Dogs for Better Lives, says:

“Every Service Dog we place represents hundreds of hours of care, training, and dedication—and the impact is profound. These dogs don’t just change lives; they open doors to independence, connection, and confidence.”

Meet Hero

Say hello to Hero, an adorable yellow lab now in training to become a life-changing service dog. Thanks to your donations, Buddies for Paws had the honour of naming him.

Born in May 2025 to one of Dogs for Better Lives Breeder Dogs, Hero was lovingly raised in Oregon with early socialisation, volunteer enrichment, and plenty of care. He’s now moved in with his Puppy Raisers, who will help him build confidence, learn basic obedience, and navigate everyday life, all key foundations for his future career.

When Hero is around 14–16 months old, he’ll head to a Dogs for Better Lives training campus for professional assessment and specialised service training. He could become a Hearing Dog, Autism Assistance Dog, or Facility Dog. Whatever his path, we’ll be cheering him on the whole way.

“Partnering with Buddies for Paws means Hero’s Service Dog journey is backed by a caring community that truly believes in the power of purpose-driven dogs. Their support helps ensure he’s set up for success from day one,” Sara Ifert.

Why Your Support Matters

Training a service dog requires time, expertise, and resources, from food and medical care to socialisation, equipment, and behavioural work. Your donations help fund it all.

And because every donation made through Buddies for Paws is 100% matched by BONK, your contribution goes even further, helping more dogs like Hero and expanding the reach of Dogs for Better Lives.

Be Part of Hero’s Journey

• Follow us on Instagram and X for behind-the-scenes updates.
• Sign up for our newsletter for exclusive Hero news.
• Want to support more dogs in training? Donate through Buddies for Paws today, every donation is 100% matched by BONK, doubling your impact.

We couldn’t think of a more fitting name, and we can’t wait to watch Hero grow into the life-changing companion he was born to be.