Aspen service dog nonprofit offering flowers to donators

Endless Pawsibilities Service Dogs’ newest initiative is in full bloom, offering community members the chance to receive flowers and arrangements for a donation to support those in need.

Petals 4 Paws takes flowers returning to local flower shop Aspen Branch from events that would otherwise be thrown out. Arrangements will be offered a second chance in the homes of those willing to donate to help train Service Dogs for those in the Roaring Fork Valley with disabilities.

“It’s an idea that I had probably a couple years ago because we’re right next to the flower shop,” said Farrah Fry, founder and head Service Dog trainer for Endless Pawsibilities. “I always saw flowers coming back from events and going into the dump. Eventually we talked to (Aspen Branch Owner) Beth (Gill) and asked if she could give us any of the flowers that are still good.”

Donations made through Petals 4 Paws will go to Endless Pawsbilities’ scholarship fund, which enables the organization to provide low to no cost Service Dogs to income qualified individuals.

“A Service Dog can be $20,000 to $50,000,” Fry said.

Endless Pawsibilities Service Dogs, the nonprofit branch of Endless Pawsibilities Dog Training, raises and trains Service Dogs for those with both physical and neurological disabilities in the valley or, in some cases, works directly with a handler to raise and train the dog together.

Fry noted the program has helped so many people valley-wide, including a veteran with a prosthesis.

“The dog helped get him out into the world,” Fry said. “It helps him walk and protects his prosthesis.”

Endless Pawsibilities placed another dog with a 10-year-old girl, who helps her with retrieval, balance, and emotional regulation.

To donate and receive flowers, Petals 4 Paws holds an open house most Mondays at 309 ABC — confirmed “petal drops,” as Fry calls them, will be posted on Facebook at facebook.com/people/Petals-4-Paws/61578077936626/. Those interested can also text her at 970-236-6729 to coordinate a time.