Mark McKane and Chloe. Mark first learned about Power Paws after the sudden passing of his golden retriever in January 2025. “I wasn’t ready to commit to a puppy at the time,” Mark explains. Still, he loved dogs and missed having one, so family and friends encouraged him to volunteer with an organization that trains service dogs.
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!”