Jupiter Nonprofits Partner to Provide Free Service Dogs and Support for Local Children With Illnesses and Disabilities
Ethan Hawn, Chasin a Dream Warrior and his adopted pup, Leo, from Furry Friends
In a powerful show of community impact, two Jupiter-based nonprofits - Chasin A Dream Foundation and Furry Friends - have joined forces to support local children battling life-threatening illnesses, disabilities, and trauma through the placement of emotional support and service dogs.
As part of the new partnership, Furry Friends will offer:
Free dog adoptions for Chasin A Dream warrior families
Free vaccinations and lifetime training for eligible service animals
Ongoing support to help families manage the responsibilities of pet ownership
This unique collaboration allows families to welcome trained emotional support animals into their homes without the overwhelming financial burden - creating a life-changing bond for both the child and the animal.
“This is what happens when the right people come together for the right reasons,” said Lori Griffith, founder of Chasin A Dream Foundation. “This partnership is a reflection of what Locals Helping Locals® means in practice. It gives our families lasting, real-world support when they need it most.”
Warrior Ethan Hawn and his mom with Carrie MonteLeon from Alpha Dog Training, Jason Gluck, CEO of Furry Friends, and adopted pup, Leo
First Match: Ethan and Leo, a Service Dog Story From Jupiter, Florida
The first official match under the program is already changing lives.
Ethan Hawn, a young Jupiter warrior and survivor of Twin-to-Twin Transfusion Syndrome and open-heart surgery, was paired in July with Leo, a 7-month-old rescue pup from Furry Friends. Leo (formerly named Larry) showed early signs of high emotional intelligence, focus, and adaptability - traits critical for service dog training.
Leo is now in the care of Carrie Monteleon of Alpha Dog Training, a Palm Beach County-based expert in service and behavior training. She’ll guide Leo’s development as he becomes Ethan’s full-time support dog.
“Our missions align in the most meaningful way,” said Jason Gluck, CEO of Furry Friends. “We’re building a bridge between animals in need and children in need — and that’s a bond that transforms lives.”
Helping Local Families and Rescue Dogs Thrive — Together
This collaboration brings a new level of personalized support to Chasin A Dream Foundation’s mission of helping children in Palm Beach County. It also gives shelter dogs a second chance - many of whom thrive with structure, training, and connection to a loving family.
Together, Chasin A Dream and Furry Friends are creating something rare and deeply needed: a community-based solution that benefits both local families and rescue animals.
How to Get Involved or Support the Program
Learn more about Ethan’s story and other local warrior children at chasinadream.org
Donate, adopt, or explore veterinary services at furryfriendsadoption.org
For dog training inquiries, visit alphadogtraining.co/
This is Jupiter doing what it does best - locals helping locals in a way that’s compassionate, direct, and built to last.
