On Friday, May 8,2026  Power Paws was honored as a recipient of the Derrick Hall President’s Circle Grant. Along with 63 other nonprofit recipients, the organization attended a special pregame reception and received on-field recognition at Chase Field. Power Paws received $5,000, which will fund supplies—including vaccines and health screenings—for service dogs in training.

Diamondbacks President and CEO Derrick Hall addressed the recipients, followed by remarks from legendary Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. After the speeches, attendees were recognized on the field before the Diamondbacks’ game against the New York Mets.

Established in 1998 through the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation, the President’s Circle Grant has awarded more than $7 million to Arizona nonprofits.

Arizona Eastern Star Fiesta Day

On a crisp Saturday morning in February, the Power Paws team attended the Order of the Eastern Star’s Fiesta Day. We presented a service dog training demonstration and shared a video highlighting our program and service dogs.  Power Paws welcomed attendees with Bruno and Sami, two dogs in training.

Other friends of Power Paws also visited the booth throughout the day, including Spencer, a bulldog, and Chloe, a golden retriever.

Arizona Eastern Star raised approximately $2,222 in donations and $500 in gift cards (Petco and PetSmart) for service dogs in training.

Power Paws’ partnership with the Arizona Order of the Eastern Star began in 2021, when the organization’s Yuma chapter started sponsoring grants for Power Paws. The partnership expanded two years ago when Power Paws was designated as the order’s Statewide Service Dog project.

Mark contacted Power Paws Executive Director, Elaine Starks, and stayed in touch with her regularly. Eventually, an opportunity arose to adopt Chloe, a golden retriever puppy.

Welcoming Chloe Home

Mark fell in love with Chloe the moment they met and immediately began considering adoption. After thinking it over overnight, he did not hesitate to offer her a new home.

A year later, Mark says life with Chloe is wonderful. She can be rambunctious, grabbing anything she can play with or keep nearby—even belongings that belong to a neighbor or another dog. Yet when it matters, Chloe is attentive and obedient. Mark describes her as smart and well trained.

A Canine Good Citizen

To continue Chloe’s training, Mark enrolled her in an advanced Canine Good Citizen program. Although the dog park they visit regularly requires only a basic course for dogs to be off leash, the advanced program reassured Mark that Chloe’s two years of training at Power Paws had prepared her well. He was amazed by her focus: “When it’s time for her to pay attention and follow commands, she just zeroes in.”

Chloe is not only a good citizen at the dog park; she is also well loved throughout Mark’s neighborhood. We shared Chloe’s mantra “girls just want to have fun.” At the park, she enjoys racing other dogs, “She loves showing off how fast she is!” Mark laughs—and at home, she loves swimming in Mark’s pool.

Get Involved with Power Paws

Mark recommends Power Paws to anyone who loves dogs and wants to support people who need assistance. “I suggest reaching out to Power Paws at volunteers@azpowerpaws.org to discover the path that best suits you. It will be a rewarding experience!”

The Spahle’s French Bulldog Count Chocula with Power Paws puppy Lindsey

The volunteers at Power Paws play an essential role in every aspect of our programming. From puppy sitting and training to bringing dogs on visits and supporting community events. Volunteers are present at every stage to ensure our service dogs are fully prepared to assist those in need.

Joining to Give Back

The Spahle’s also had the chance to look after Power Paws’ ambassador Chloe

Danielle Spahle has been involved with Power Paws since she joined the organization’s board in 2021. Upon joining, Danielle was able to get a better understanding of what Power Paws offered and how she could help beyond just being on the board.

Danielle, Program Director at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and her husband Nick, a former firefighter, have owned several dogs over the years. “I have always loved animals and, growing up, I often wanted to adopt every animal I could – much to my parents’ dismay” Danielle jokes.

Danielle with Azula, a Power Paws dog they adopted

Welcoming New Pups

After joining the board, Danielle wanted to help the organization with its mission but didn’t know if they could take on anymore dogs until she learned about Power Paws’ short-term puppy sitter program.

“At first, I thought it would be difficult to welcome these dogs into our home and then say goodbye,” says Danielle of the puppy sitter program. Knowing that they’re helping the dogs on their journey to become service

Swimming is a favorite activity for all dogs at the Spahle household

animals – and making a meaningful difference in the process – makes it worthwhile. Danielle adds that their favorite part has been getting to know the different service dogs in training and learning about the many ways they can support those who truly need them.

Success in Sitting

Power Paws dog Bruno (left) with Azula

To Danielle, success in puppy sitting means following the training requirements and keeping the puppies healthy and safe while in the sitter’s care. “It’s also rewarding to hear the puppies are doing well and continuing to thrive as they move through the program.”

Danielle believes whether you become a puppy raiser or sitter, the experience will be a rewarding one. She adds that even though it can be hard to return the puppies after building an attachment, it is worth knowing you’re making a difference in the lives of people who will benefit from having a service dog in their lives.

The volunteers at Power Paws play an essential role in every aspect of our programming. From puppy sitting and training to bringing dogs on visits and supporting community events. Volunteers are present at every stage to ensure our service dogs are fully prepared and socialized with the right temperament to assist PTSD, Type I Diabetes and Mobility clients.

Our ongoing series highlights volunteers that have helped the Power Paws dogs to move into successful service roles or as companion animals.

A Moment of Inspiration

Dennis and Chris fostered three dogs with Power Paws: Sami

Partners Dennis Denzin and Chris Boal are retirees, introduced to Power Paws thanks in part to Prime Timers of Arizona. Prime Timers of Arizona (PTAZ) is a social club inviting organizations to visit at their monthly meetings.  Power Paws’ executive director, Elaine Starks, spoke at one of the club’s meetings, which grabbed Dennis and Chris’ attention. They called Power Paws the same week, asking “how can we help!”

“We were not aware of anything like this prior to her speaking at the meeting,” the two remember. During the event, Elaine explained Power Paws’ mission and programs, and asked for volunteers, something that Chris and Dennis were both keen to try.

Penny

An Enriching Experience

Dennis and Chris recall that Elaine was very friendly and open to all questions posed, and that she was patient with guiding himself and Dennis through the fostering process. “We both like dogs and this has been an enriching experience,” they say.

In all, Chris and Dennis have fostered three dogs (Penny, Buddy and Sami). Chris and Dennis say they’ve all been wonderful and they’ve loved every one of them.

and Buddy

The Reward of Service

When asked what success looks like for someone volunteering at Power Paws, both say success comes from knowing the dogs have graduated and can go to help those in need. “Volunteering for the program is extremely important and enriching,” they conclude.

A classroom at our first location, accessibility was limited.

Over the past 25 years, Power Paws has grown from a small Scottsdale-based organization into a service dog provider located on the Ability360 campus in Phoenix. Ability360 is dedicated to serving people with disabilities, making it an ideal home for Power Paws and the clients it supports.

Early Operations in Scottsdale – 2001-2016 (Site One)

Second location, on Rose Lane in Scottsdale.

Power Paws began in the Scottsdale home of its founder, the Abels family. The organization later moved into its first commercial space: repurposed classrooms at Scottsdale’s Apache Park. The 5,000-square-foot facility included an administrative office, puppy nursery, and training room.

Even though the space supported Power Paws’ early growth, it also presented significant challenges. The facility was expensive, in poor repair, and did not provide the accessible accommodations clients needed.

Power Paws’ third location, Ability 360, is a fitting match.

InTempo Community Center Rose Lane Scottsdale – 2017(Site Two)

In February 2017, Power Paws moved from Apache Park to a newly renovated, accessible facility on Rose Lane in North Scottsdale. The shared space, occupied with two other nonprofits, reduced annual fixed operating expenses by 70.4% compared with 2016.

The Rose Lane location improved our program services, but it also created a new challenge: greater geographic isolation from many of the clients we served.

Third Time’s the Charm: Ability360 – 2023 (Site Three)

The facility has a large courtyard for training and activities.

In December 2023, Power Paws moved to Ability360, a campus designed to support people with disabilities. This move placed Power Paws in an environment closely aligned with its mission and the needs of the families it serves.

• A 15,000-square-foot resource center that houses 12 nonprofits serving children, adults, and families with disabilities.
• A 45,000-square-foot sports and fitness center equipped with specialized programs, activities, and adaptive equipment that help improve quality of life for the families Power Paws serves.

The Ability360 location offers advantages the previous facilities could not match, including direct access to public transportation and nearby freeways. These benefits have improved convenience for clients, staff, volunteers, and partner organizations.

Along with a business center, there is also a 45,000-square-foot athletic facility.

Lessons Learned from Each Move

Each move helped Power Paws better understand what it needed from a facility. Decisions were guided by operational needs, client accessibility, and financial sustainability. Just as important, each location was evaluated for how well it supported Power Paws’ mission and the people it serves. With its move to Ability360, Power Paws has found a home that brings those priorities together.

All the dogs present made a few new friends.

The Power Paws team was up bright and early on a crisp Saturday in February to attend the Order of the Eastern Star’s Fiesta Day event to provide a demonstration and talk about our program and service dogs.

Fiesta Day saw a great turnout of Eastern Star members and their families and friends, with vendors and games throughout. Power Paws was front and center by the entrance, our two dogs in training – Bruno and Sami – there to greet fiesta goers.

Power Paws gave two demonstrations and talks during the event. Our trainer

Power Paws trainer Mary was on hand for demonstrations and a QA.

Mary was on hand to answer questions from guests, and we received a donation of dog blankets from the chapter. In all, approximately $500 was raised in a gift card basket raffle, as well as $2222 in donations from other events.

Besides Bruno and Sami, a few other dogs, all friends of Power Paws (Spencer the bulldog and Chloe a golden retriever), made appearances at our booth throughout the day.

The partnership between Power Paws and the Order of the Eastern Star began in 2021, when the order’s Yuma chapter began sponsoring grants for the organization. This partnership grew two years ago with Power Paws’ designation as the order’s Statewide Service Dog project.

L to R: Mark with companion dog Chloe, Mary with Bruno, Deanna Elaine, Starks with Spencer and Gil Marriott Worthy Grand Patron.

The Order of the Eastern Star advocates for qualified Service Dog programs and provides financial assistance to such organizations, aiding their efforts to serve mankind and to allow individuals to achieve independence.

Service Dogs are the primary and identifying charity for the Order of the Eastern Star on an International level.  You can walk into any Eastern Star Chapter at any location and find that each Chapter and Jurisdiction supports a local Service Dog agency. Arizona Eastern Star is proud to support Power Paws.

Photo Credit: D-Backs Give Back

Power Paws was honored on Friday, May 8 as a recipient of the Derrick Hall President’s Circle Grant. Power Paws joined 63 other nonprofits who received the recognition for a special pre-game reception and on-field recognition at Chase Field ballpark.

The afternoon event saw awards presented to recipients, with light snacks and drinks provided alongside mingling with fellow awardees.

Photo Credit: D-Backs Give Back

The reception was highlighted with a speech by Diamondbacks president and CEO Derrick Hall and capped off by a speech from legendary Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson. Following the speeches, attendees received on-field recognition prior to the start of the Diamondback’s game against the New York Mets.

Photo Credit: D-Backs Give Back

A total of $309,000 in grants were given to recipient organizations for 2025. Power Paws received $5,000 from the grant, which will be used for supplies, including vaccines and health screenings, for service dogs in training.

The President’s Circle Grant was established in 1998 through the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation. Since its inception, the grant has been awarded over $7 million to Arizona nonprofits.

The Heart of Power Paws: Dedicated Volunteers

The volunteers at Power Paws play an essential role in every aspect of our programming. From puppy sitting and training to bringing dogs on visits and supporting community events. Volunteers are present at every stage to ensure our service dogs are fully prepared to assist those in need. Some volunteers have devoted more than a decade to Power Paws, motivated by a variety of reasons yet united by their commitment to our mission.

Don has worked at Ability 360 for 22 years

Meet Don & Camille Price

Among these dedicated individuals are Don Price and his wife, Camille. Don is deeply familiar with Power Paws’ current home, Ability 360, where he has worked for 22 years. Living with quadriplegia, Don uses a motorized wheelchair to navigate his daily life and has benefited from Ability 360’s services throughout his employment.

Don understands that service dogs not only promote independence, but well-being

The Value of Service Animals

Through his personal and professional experiences serving the disabled community, Don understands firsthand the impact a service animal can make. He notes that service dogs not only promote independence but also enhance emotional well-being and self-confidence. “Power Paws service dogs are a great conversation starter while out in public,” Don says, explaining that they help break down social barriers.

Having both grown up with pets, fostering seemed like a safe option before adopting

Choosing to Foster

When Don discovered that Power Paws had relocated to the Ability 360 building, he eagerly seized the opportunity to foster a service animal. “My wife and I have both grown up with pets,” he shares. After getting married a year ago, they discussed adopting a pet but decided that fostering would be the best option for them.

Unsure how a dog would fit into their lifestyle, Don and Camille saw fostering as a safe way to experience pet ownership. As fosters, they appreciated the chance to help socialize and train a service dog who could go on to assist someone else with a disability.

Anyone reading this knows how special the bond is between a dog and its family.

The Foster Experience

“Anyone reading this knows how special the bond is between a dog and its family,” Don reflects on their time as fosters. Although it took some time before they received their first foster dog, Willow, Don and Camille valued the experience of caring for her while she trained and interacted with the public.

I can’t imagine our family without our Willow.

Welcoming Willow

While Willow ultimately had to leave the program due to her shyness, Don and Camille’s bond with her was so strong that they chose to adopt her as a companion animal. “I can’t imagine our family without our Willow, and to me, that is a huge success,” Don says.

As a member of the family, Willow gets to go on all kinds of adventures.

Encouraging Others to Get Involved

Don encourages anyone interested in raising a dog—especially those unsure about adopting—to consider fostering a Power Paws dog. The Volunteer Program at Power Paws offers the opportunity to learn the basics of service dog socialization and training. The volunteer experience has proven to be life-changing, not only for the recipient but also for the volunteers themselves. Don urges, “If you’re interested, please reach out to Power Paws (volunteers@azpowerpaws.org) for details regarding fostering one of their amazing dogs. I promise you won’t regret it!”

Last October, Power Paws lost an incredible ally too soon with the passing of longtime organization friend and donor Anne Stupp. Anne will not soon be forgotten, as she made a lasting impact on Power Paws through her generous donations over the years, adopting a companion animal herself, and by hosting a successful, unexpected fundraiser for the organization in 2025.

Anne (center) with her brother John Freeman and his wife Royce

A Surprise Fundraiser: The Dog Days of Summer Paw-ty

“She called me about two weeks before to tell me it was happening,” recalled Power Paws Executive Director Elaine Starks, speaking about Anne’s fundraiser—a four-course meal with wine pairing at Arcadia Farms in Scottsdale, aptly named the Dog Days of Summer Paw-ty.

Elaine was completely surprised by the initiative, but deeply grateful for its outcome. “The event sold out in seven days and raised $10,000, which went to our ‘Second Chance’ program, training dogs (including shelter dogs) to become service or companion dogs for disabled children and adults.”

The event was attended by friends of both Anne and Power Paws, including board member Danielle Spahle (center), her husband Nick (top right), David and Nora (holding puppy Bella).

Dedication to Community Service

Anne, no stranger to community service, served on the Board of Directors for Ability 360. Ability 360’s mission closely reflects Power Paws’ own—to “empower individuals with disabilities to live independent lives.” Anne’s commitment to service extended to board positions in both Arizona and Missouri, including Valleywise Health Foundation, Frank Lloyd Wright Foundation, Tower Grove Park, the Missouri Historical Society, Ranken Jordan Children’s Center, and the Shakespeare Festival of St. Louis.

Anne and her dog Coco

A Lasting Friendship with Power Paws

Anne became a friend of Power Paws in 2019 when, following the loss of her dog, she reached out to the organization to inquire about getting another dog. Elaine introduced Anne to the Power Paws’ Community Ambassador program, which helps find homes for dogs that have exited the service program as companions. In the fall of 2019, Anne met Coco, and the connection was immediate—Coco rested her head in Anne’s lap as the program was explained.

From that day forward, Anne became an invaluable friend of Power Paws, culminating in her organization of the Dog Days of Summer Paw-ty last year.

A Lasting Tribute

Power Paws owes a debt of gratitude to Anne for her philanthropic spirit, as shared by Elaine. Anne had hoped the event would become an annual “friend raiser” to support Power Paws, and plans are being finalized for a Summer Paw-ty in 2026 to honor Anne and Coco.

Find out how a service dog helped Sami here: https://azpowerpaws.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Frontdoors-Magazine-April-2021.pdf