2025 Community Impact Grant Spotlight: Paws for a Purpose

Paws for a Purpose is a project by Madison City Schools to enable schools to host a facility dog to support students. All facility dogs are professionally trained through Service Dogs of Alabama and are considered working animals. The program strives to create a more caring environment, create teachable moments, and boost student confidence and wellbeing.

Indy was born on June 23, 2022 at Service Dogs of Alabama. She is a black lab and has six siblings who are all working dogs like her. Indy finished her training in Fall 2025 and will return to Service Dogs of Alabama every year for retraining. Indy recently joined the Mill Creek Elementary School community.

"Indy’s impact at Mill Creek is already immeasurable. She has truly stolen the hearts of our students and staff," said Lee Shaw, Development Office Coordinator for MCS.

"She seems to have an incredible instinct for knowing exactly who needs her most. From comforting upset students and encouraging reluctant readers to motivating positive behavior and sparking school-wide excitement, her presence has been a game-changer for our school. We are so happy she is a Maverick!"

Madison Visionary Partners awarded Paws for a Purpose a 2025 Community Impact Grant in the amount of $2500, which will help fund facility dogs at more school locations as well as pay for the continued care of the dogs.

You can follow all of the MCS Facility Dogs on Instagram:

@indysimpact

@ourfriendfern 

@darylthedoodle

@barniesbigadventures