Paws for Youth

Look at these wonderful notes and drawings (and even a paper flower!) that were given to Volunteer Joanne and Therapy Dog York! 😍🌻

With how much love our incredible volunteers give to our community, we adore seeing when that love comes back to them. 💜

Look at these sweet cards the kids made for Therapy Dog Teddy to wish him a happy retirement (we especially love the illustration of him wearing sun glasses and holding a ball!).

Teddy will still be making appearances at some of our events, but as an older gentleman, regular program visits are becoming a bit too tiring for him. It's time for him to slow down and enjoy taking it easy for his golden years, savoring as many naps, salmon treats, and cuddles with his human Kristine as possible. 🥰

Happy retirement, Teddy boy! 💜

We can't get enough of these wonderful drawings and sweet notes that our ABC program kiddos made for Therapy Dog Doc - there's even a poem! 🥹💜

"Reading is fun for me and you
we say hooray and cheer for you
we throw you toys pink and blue
and all your family will love you
seeing each other with feelings of yellow
for the first time I can see you're so playful"

"One thing I want you to know is I adore you."

"When I read to you, I feel excited."

"Dear Doc, thank you for being my reading friend. I think you are the best friend I have ever had."

Is there anything sweeter than hearing directly from the youth we serve? 🥰

Did you know? Our one-on-one ABC program visits help ease the anxiety often associated with reading, encouraging children to engage with books and develop a love of learning while building key strengths like confidence, self-worth, and emotional resilience.

But don't just take our word for it - take a look at what students had to say about reading with Therapy Dog Scout. 🥰💜

"When I retired from teaching I knew that I still had to have school aged children in my life. The ABC program spoke to me as I was a reading specialist.
I am looking forward to getting back into the classroom and doing what comes naturally to me, reading with children and showing them that they are loved."
-Rebecca, Paws for Youth Volunteer

We think Rebecca found the perfect volunteer program - just look at these proud, joyful young faces who just finished our ABC program with her and Therapy Dog Ajax! 😍

Nothing sparks joy, confidence, kindness, and curiosity quite like a therapy dog at school!

For their final visits of our ABC program, students each got to introduce Therapy Dog Ellie to their classroom.

Volunteer Becky shared, "I saw each ABC student work past their nervousness and share with confidence."

"I was touched by their desire to assist so each of their classmates could have a turn to pet and see Ellie up close." 💜

Congratulations to Therapy Dog Teddie's group for completing our Paws for Resilience program!

These resilient students have spent the past few months developing important strengths like kindness, regulation, and respect (and beagle-cuddling 😉) that will help them thrive as they continue to grow into caring future leaders for our community. 💜

"I love Flour so so much"

Diane and Therapy Dog Flour just finished the ABC program with their very first group of kids! We had to share these adorable drawings and notes the students made for them. This dynamic duo is already making a PAWSitive impact for our youth in southern AZ, helping young students discover a love for reading and grow their confidence reading aloud. 💜