About | Furgiving Foundation

Who We Are

The Furgiving Foundation is a nonprofit born from the belief that people and animals both deserve second chances.

Founded by Cory Kreager, an incarcerated individual at the Idaho Correctional Institution Orofino (ICIO), the foundation was created to give incarcerated individuals the opportunity to make a positive impact on their communities. Based in Priest River, Idaho, we are dedicated to helping both people and animals rewrite their stories through compassion, purpose, and service.

United around the idea that rehabilitation, empathy, and service can be achieved through the human-animal bond, our organization operates in direct partnership with the PAWS Program at ICIO, providing hands-on training and care for dogs in need. These dogs are paired with incarcerated trainers who develop essential life and vocational skills while preparing the dogs to become trusted companions and service partners for individuals in the community. Each incarcerated trainer works diligently to teach each dog essential obedience and service skills—developing responsibility, empathy, and teamwork along the way.

Through every partnership formed, we serve three missions:
· Giving dogs a second chance through purposeful training
· Supporting incarcerated men in personal growth and rehabilitation
· Empowering individuals in need with capable, well-trained service or support dogs

Each dog trained and each life changed is a testament to the power of second chances—for both people and animals alike.

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What We Do

The Furgiving Foundation specializes in training and placing dogs with individuals who would benefit from a highly trained companion or service partner. Our program structure ensures thoughtful matching, skill-based training, and realistic expectations—for both the dogs and the recipients they serve.

Here’s how our program works:

1. Recipient Intake & Assessment

We begin by connecting with individuals who have expressed interest in receiving a dog. Applicants go through an interview and assessment process to determine eligibility and ensure that their expectations align with the realities of service dog partnership. If approved, the applicant completes a detailed application outlining their needs and environment.

2. Matching & Placement

Our team carefully evaluates each available dog to determine the best possible match for the applicant’s specific needs. Dogs are placed with training teams at ICIO, where they begin a structured training process under the supervision of incarcerated handlers, professional advisors, and volunteers.

3. Training Journey

All dogs begin with a three-week basic obedience course, followed by a three-week public access training course. These foundational phases are designed to prepare dogs for service and public life by building focus, confidence, and reliable behavior. Throughout the training, dogs work toward passing the PAWS Public Access Test, which ensures they are equipped to navigate public environments safely and responsibly.

Following public access training, dogs receive customized service task training based on the needs of their future handler. This may include:

· Retrieving dropped items

· Alerting to medical changes or behaviors

· Providing mobility or psychiatric support

· Offering sensory grounding through trained commands

Training timelines vary depending on the dog’s age, temperament, and the complexity of the tasks. Each step prioritizes positive reinforcement, safety, and clarity of purpose.

4. Transition & Support

Once training is complete, recipients are invited to ICIO for a structured transition session where they meet their dog, learn the commands, and practice handling techniques. Dogs leave the program CGC-ready, meaning they have received foundational behavior training and are prepared to continue growing with their new handler.

We continue to offer support and education post-placement to ensure long-term success for both dog and recipient.

Why It Matters

Our program is more than dog training—it’s about building better futures. Through our partnership with ICIO and the PAWS Program, we provide:

· Purpose for incarcerated individuals, giving them the chance to contribute meaningfully to their communities

· Homes and jobs for dogs that may otherwise be overlooked or euthanized

· Support and independence for recipients, helping them navigate life’s challenges with a reliable, trained companion

The Furgiving Foundation stands as a testament to the power of redemption, partnership, and service—proving that when we invest in second chances, everyone wins.