My Golden Retriever, Bodie, has an outstanding demeanor to be a therapy pet but I wasn't sure how to get him started. A friend recommended Denver Pet Partners and I couldn't have been happier with the process.
From the very beginning, every person I interacted with was incredibly kind and helpful. The entire process of getting Bodie certified was made exceptionally clear, understandable, and manageable, which I greatly appreciated. It truly removed any apprehension I might have had.
On the day of Bodie's examination, I was once again met with the most compassionate and supportive individuals. Their passion for the program shines through, and it's clear they are deeply committed to their mission. I am genuinely excited to be a part of this wonderful group!
As Bodie and I are in the early stages of our journey as a pet therapy team, I am already looking forward to getting even more involved in pet therapy through Denver Pet Partners. This group is dedicated to utilizing a variety of service animals to help people in all walks of life. They also have fun events for the members to get to know one another, which creates a wonderful feeling of community.
I wholeheartedly recommend Denver Pet Partners for its affordability, the clear understanding provided throughout the process, and most importantly, the incredibly kind and helpful people who make it all possible. I'm eager to continue having Bodie serve as a therapy dog and deepen our involvement with this outstanding organization.
I volunteer in southern Colorado with my two Pet Partner certified therapy animals - cat Eddie and dog Brigit. Pet Partners was instrumental in training us to help in local elementary schools and other venues.
As a supporting member of Denver Pet Partners, I volunteer as a crowd member at evaluations that each pet and handler must pass in order to be registered as a therapy team. Volunteering at evaluations is always a great experience! The organizers, even though they are volunteers too, are very professional. They are always set up and ready to go, and are willing to devote time to make sure each team has a positive experience. As we go through the exercises with the testing teams, it's very rewarding to know that we are assisting in getting the teams registered and on their way to therapy careers!
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I became aware of the positive impact of therapy animals when my parents were in rehab, long-term care, and hospice. I decided that my rescue dog, Chewy, would make a good therapy dog, I took the handler class, and we started training. Chewy and I did not pass our first evaluation, but Denver Pet Partners was very supportive in encouraging us to try again. One of the other handlers even met with us to do a practice evaluation. On our second try, Chewy and I passed the evaluation! But only a few weeks later, Chewy was diagnosed with cancer, and a few weeks after that he died. Denver Pet Partners was again very supportive and compassionate, and made me feel like I continued to be part of the group, even though I did not have a current therapy animal. I have since helped with evaluations for other therapy teams, and am training with my new rescue dog to (hopefully) become a therapy team. Through everything, Denver Pet Partners has been understanding and helpful, and continues to include me as part of the team, with or without a therapy animal. I have continued to attend classes and team meetings, and hope to continue to be involved in some capacity with the wonderful members of this group!
I am new to Denver Pet Partners and I am incredibly thankful for their support, guidance, and instruction. This team is highly professional and well prepared. Nothing is left to chance, and I am very impressed with the amount of communication and detail that occurs in the emails before a scheduled visit. As a new team within the DPP community, I am feel very grateful to have the so many people to turn to for advice and assistance. My partner, Augie, and I feel truly fortunate to have chosen DPP as our organization.
I work with justice involved Veterans in a Veterans Court. We have been partnering with this agency for over six months. There dog team, Mocha and Lisa, are simply amazing and provide so much support to the Veterans who are going through this program. They are caring, professional, and full of empathy for those in our program!
We are excited to continue this partnership with Denver Pet Partners and have told other courts about their services!
I can’t say enough about the leadership at Denver Pet Partners. Must have volunteered their time for years and do so in a professional and meaningful way. As a volunteer with my therapy dog, Finnegan, we have visited hospitals, libraries, conventions, corporations, emergency responders to name a few. The response we receive is always grateful and positive. If you are looking for a nonprofit to sponsor, I can assure you that Denver Pet Partners brings joy to so many people and children in all walks of life.
I’m a volunteer therapy dog handler with Denver Pet Partners! The organization is amazing! The volunteer coordinators are exceptionally kind and helpful. I always feel supported by the team. I am proud to represent this organization when I’m out visiting with my dog!
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I am a therapy team with my dog, Kiki, and we volunteer with Denver Pet Partners. Everyone within this organization is extremely helpful, kind, and fully dedicated to the mission of helping others. Denver Pet Partners is fantastic! I would highly recommend to anyone looking for therapy animals to visit their organization as well as anyone interested in joining a therapy animal organization with their pet!
Kelli and Kiki
I've been a volunteer with Denver Pet Partners for 14 years. I have served in a variety of setting with my therapy dogs in hospitals, libraries, schools, court houses, 911 call centers, etc. The clients and children we interact with are always so excited to interact with the dogs and receive the love and affection they return to them. It's very satisfying and rewarding to serve as a volunteer for this organization.
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I've been a volunteer with Denver Pet Partners for 14 years. My current dog, Max, is so happy to be spending time with people who need encouragement and comfort, he can't wait to get to work in hospitals, nursing homes, schools and libraries. Denver Pet Partners is the BEST non-profit in Denver, and now has more than 200 members volunteering with their animals to spend hope and love to many who are in need.
I feel that this is the best organization for therapy animals (teamed with caring humans, who are the "Salt of the Earth" type individuals) because of their rigorous standards, continuing education and emphasis on Zooeyia: the health benefits of the human-animal connection. They offer a wide variety of volunteer opportunities, so that teams choose the best "fit" for their pet partner to have the most positive impact. They are always supportive and want their visiting teams to be successful.
My dog, Tucker, showed me, at a young age, that he wished to be a Therapy Dog. He is extremely cute and a total "Social Butterfly", who enjoys social interactions with everyone he meets. A 30-second touch or looking into the soulful eyes of a pet can have a powerful impact on a person, especially one who may be struggling with personal issues that are not publicly apparent. I am humbled when I consider the thousands of people who have met my Tucker, through the DPP Programs. I feel honored to be a part of Denver Pet Partners.
I absolutely love working with and for DPP! It’s inspiring to be part of a team where everyone truly cares—not just about the pets, but also their owners and the entire community. The dedication and compassion that go into every aspect of the work make a real, lasting impact. Seeing firsthand how DPP changes lives, whether by keeping pets with their families or supporting those in need, is incredibly rewarding.
Remington and I joined Denver Pet Partners in 2017. We have been visiting many different sites since day one. We spend most of our visits in hospitals visiting patients, visitors and staff. We have also worked in schools and have done numerous special events.
I cannot say enough about the training and support Denver Pet Partners gives us. Remi is clearly a Rock Star in the Hospitals he visits. Much of this comes from the ongoing support and training we receive. We help with evaluations (pets and handlers must be recertified every two years).
This is one of the best things we have ever done in our lives. He lives for his visits. He is very proactive with patients and staff. This is something were EVERYONE wins! The patients win, visitors win, staff wins, Remi and I win and the people at Denver Pet Partners who train us and follow us win as we all know the value of Therapy Animals. It is truly amazing.
The time the organizers at Denver Pet Partners puts in is unbelievable. They are turly a dedicated and impassioned group. I have worked with may volunteer organizations in my life, almost all of them good. But none come close to Denver Pet Partners. It is truly an amazing organization.
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Remington and I are fairly new to Denver Pet Partners. Our experience so far has been fantastic. Every day gets better and better. Starting out in something like this can be a little daunting at first. But with the help of LInda, Susan and Meme, we are doing just fine. The experience has been rewarding. Their mentorship has been a blessing.
The response and comments we get from the patients, visitors and staff at the places we visits is unbelievable. I have yet to run into anyone who doesn't have anything but the greatest appreciation for what we do and for all of the Denver Pet Partners Organization. It is truly a blessed service. Remi and I are looking forward to a long rewarding relationship with DPP.
There's something to be said about the human-animal bond and how just sitting in the presence of a peaceful, loving creature can do wonders for the soul. Denver Pet Partners and their teams bring this joy to people all throughout Denver when they need it most. The importance of this foundation can't be summed up in a review, but I'm glad they're here and doing what they do :)
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I love Denver Pet Partners and I love that I can still contribute to Denver Pet Partners even though I don't have a pet to volunteer with at the moment. The bond between animal and human can be quite powerful. The special way in which this organization can bring comfort to people in times when they need it most is truly magical! I hope to one day create a team with my own pup, but in the meantime I'm still able to volunteer my time in so many other ways!
I have so much enjoyed being a member of Denver Pet Partners with my dog Kodiak. This organization is extremely organized, offers all kinds of pet therapy opportunities to fit your and your pet's interests. They have partnerships with hundreds of different facilities around Metro Denver including schools, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, rehab facilities and many more. Leadership is very proactive and provide you with the tools you need to succeed. They're also great people who have a passion for animals. I highly recommend Denver Pet Partners for anyone looking to get involved in pet therapy.
We joined Pet Partners as a therapy team at end of 2023 and have felt so supported and encouraged on our journey. They have done an amazing job of walking alongside of me as we started our journey together. Not only did they help me get set up in a regularly scheduled visit to my local hospital, but they also let me know about one-off opportunities in my area on a regular basis! So far, my experience has been great!
As a representative of the School of Dental Medicine on the Anschutz campus, we've always been dedicated to not only providing top-notch education but also fostering an environment of care and support for our students, faculty, and staff. However, it wasn't until we forged a partnership with Denver Pet Partners that we truly understood the transformative power that therapy dogs could bring to our community.
Denver Pet Partners is a remarkable organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals through the human-animal bond. The presence of therapy dogs has become an integral part of the fabric of our institution. These gentle and loving animals & volunteers have brought joy, relaxation, and emotional support to our whole community.
First, Denver Pet Partners has made a remarkable difference in our students. Dental school can be a daunting experience for many, as they navigate challenging procedures and high patient expectations. However, the introduction of therapy dogs into our clinic waiting area has transformed the atmosphere entirely. Students waiting for their patients or taking breaks now have the opportunity to interact with these dogs, easing their stress and promoting a sense of calmness and well-being. The presence of therapy dogs has also positively influenced patient experiences. Many patients arrive at the dental clinic feeling anxious or fearful, but the comforting presence of a therapy dog helps alleviate their apprehensions. The interactions with these furry companions create a welcoming and warm environment, fostering trust and rapport between patients and our dental team.
Beyond the clinic, Denver Pet Partners has also been actively involved in various events and initiatives within our school. From stress-relief sessions during exam periods to participating in community outreach programs, their dedication to enhancing the well-being of our community knows no bounds.
As we reflect on the impact of Denver Pet Partners on our School of Dental Medicine, we are filled with gratitude. To Denver Pet Partner Teams, we extend our heartfelt thanks. Your unwavering dedication to spreading love and comfort has touched the lives of countless individuals within our school community, and for that, we are truly grateful. Here's to many more years of collaboration and making a positive difference together.
What an amazing organization. This group of individuals give countless hours of their time, energy and expertise to make the world a better place for others. They care deeply about animals. I am honored to be a volunteer with this organization. It is heartwarming to hear therapy team members tell their stories. It is equally heartwarming to hear people tell how a visit from a therapy animal had a positive impact on them.
I have been a member of Denver Pet Partners for several years and have volunteered with two wonderful dogs. Roscoe was a natural therapy dog and volunteered with me at schools and special events. Miggy followed in Roscoe’s paw prints as a sweet, approachable therapy dog. We currently visit three elementary schools where Miggy is a calming presence.
I am proud to be an active DPP member and share the love that our pets bring to our lives.
After moving from an area that had a non existent Pet Partners program, I was amazed at what I found in this area. It is a well oiled machine that works very smoothly with all its volunteers. It has countless opportunities for members to volunteer at or activities to learn more. It is an organization that the community is well aware of and supportive of. I am proud to be a member of this group along with my dog. I am proud to be part of an organization that helps make people smile or feel better or distract their suffering. They are present everywhere in the Greater Denver area and is a large part of many peoples lives
Denver Pet Partners is an awesome non-profit to work with. They provide training, group and individualized support for those looking to register their animal as a therapy animal. They provide guidance and ideas for volunteer opportunities and also host workshops and meetings with others with the same aspirations. They are a very friendly and supportive network to be part of. I highly recommend this non-profit.
I have volunteered with Denver Pet Partners for 11 years. The amount of support I have received has helped me achieve success with my therapy dog Rhett.
Denver Pet Partners is such an amazing organization purely to help create a human-animal bond and to give people a respite.
Belonging to DPP has been life-changing for me.
Teri Fotheringham
I work for Camp Wapiyapi -- a summer camp that serves individuals and families impacted by pediatric cancer. Denver Pet Partners has been volunteering with us for years and were finally able to return to in person again this year. Denver Pet Partners visiting is one of the best parts of the week. It's how we keep time up at camp (i.e. 2 more sleeps until dogs are here!). Every individual that volunteers with DPP is endlessly kind, accommodating, thoughtful, on and on. They always communicate wholly with us to be sure we are protecting our kids and to make sure we are serving the children in the best way possible. Not only are the dogs a dream to the adults and kids alike, the people who work with them are too. It is truly some of the best few hours at camp. For many, it's a relief from moments of anxiety; for others, it's a big moment of joy and connection. We couldn't be more grateful for what Denver Pet Partners does for our camp kids. The work they do and the love they put into this world can't be adequately put into words. They're an amazing organization.
I volunteer for Camp Wapiyapi, a summer camp for children with cancer and their siblings. Denver Pet Partners has been a part of this camp for many years and it is always a massive hit with the kiddos. It is so relaxing to have the gentle kindness of these dogs present at camp. It truly gives the kids time to breathe and just enjoy the company of some amazing animals! Thank you DPP for being a part of our incredible camp!
My sister with stage 4 multiple Gliomas has been in and out of local hospitals due to the disease. She was unresponsive for two days until she met one of the Denver Pet Partners therapy dogs. Once the dog greeted her she became responsive!! NOTHING else had gotten through to her. After that she was awake and alert. I can’t express enough how incredible this was. We thought we would never see her alert again. Later, after a surgery she was not doing well once again . Denver Pet Partners again came to the rescue. She responded to the therapy dog where family and friends and nurses could not reach her. She was neutral towards digs before her illness but these amazing dogs got through to her so I can honestly say that you don’t have to be a dog lover to benefit from this program !! She would wait all day for the dog to come visit her. The sweet dogs and their wonderful handlers brought joy in the darkest of times and gave us all hope. I can’t express how much of a corner she turned each time she was hospitalized and got a therapy dog visit. When a person is struggling physically and cannot communicate the way they once did, these incredible dogs reach the patients and give unconditional love, acceptance, and hope. There really are no words to adequately express what we witnessed. I am not sure that my sister would have woken up without the dogs. I rest easier knowing when she is in the hospital that they are there. This program is so so so important and necessary for patients!!! Please keep this program going and from the bottom of my entire family’s hearts, THANK YOU !!!!
I’ve been a member of DPP going on 3 years and a registered therapy team with my dog, Riggs, for the past year. The group has provided training and support throughout my membership. They are a wonderfully professional, organized, and dedicated group of people.
It is an extremely rewarding experience every time I put the vest on my boy, and we go out to visit. The joy and happiness Riggs brings to the staff, visitors and patients every Friday at the hospital we visit is simply priceless. We received a great deal of training and preparation prior to being cleared for hospital visits. DPP takes pride in the training and support they provide to all their teams. I’ve yet to meet anyone who doesn’t have the greatest of appreciation for the work we do. Thank you DPP and here's to many more years together!
My dog Layla and I have been a therapy team with the group for just over a year and we have loved it. Amazing supportive group of people!
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I got involved with this group recently in my search for volunteer therapy work to do with my dog. They are well organized and very supportive & helpful in getting their new teams started. We have just started our therapy visits in the last month and it’s been amazing to see the positive impact the animals have on people in a variety of settings. Excited to keep learning & growing with this group!
There is no organization we trust more than Denver Pet Partners to vet our dogs for our Therapy Dog Program. They are professional, encouraging and compassionate. A first-rate organization!
Thank you DPP!
-Castle Rock Adventist Hosptial
Angel Paws Therapy Dog Program
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We've been partnering with Denver Pet Partners for our Angel Paws Pet Therapy program since 2016 and couldn't be more pleased. We are confident that any team coming to our hospital has been well vetted. Thank you Denver Pet Partners!
As a long-time member of DPP I've had the pleasure of sharing the love of 4 different dogs as a registered therapy team. We've visited at Swedish Hospital, JeffCo libraries 'Paws to Read', Bemis library, Rocky Vista University and Colorado Retina Associates (CRA). At a recent visit to CRA, my dog Katie and I met a sweet young lady who was there for her first appointment. Her eye condition required the specialized care of the doctors at CRA. She told me that Katie was talking to her and telling her to be brave. Later, in her appointment with the doctor, the young girl shared how she felt brave because Katie had been there to support her at her first visit. Little did I know the impact that our visit would have on this young patient. This is the power of the human-animal bond. Because of Denver Pet Partners, there are over 100 volunteer teams bringing this healing power to Denver area communities. I'm proud to be a part of this amazing organization.
GREAT NONPROFITS
Denver Pet Partners has been a huge part of my life since 2013. I retired as a children’s elementary school librarian in 2011. Before I retired I read an article in, “The Scholastic News,” concerning the value in READ dogs. Children read aloud to dogs to gain fluency and confidence in their reading skills. The dogs listen without interruption, judgement, or ridicule; they listen with patience and love. Children relax and pet these companions as they read and the miracles happen! We have assisted children in public schools and the local library.
I have enjoyed having two registered therapy dogs with Denver Pet Partners. We have broadened our horizons by also assisting in elderly care centers, Alzheimer’s Centers, Hospitals, college students’ finals de-stress events, Stem School gathering offering our partners for emotional assistance, many presentations to demonstrate value of the human- animal bond to the public. The list continues to grow!
Denver Pet Partners is an exemplary organization to demonstrate a Great Nonprofit. From our Board Chair and Treasurer, the entire Board of Directors team, all of our trainers and evaluators, and every member donates their time, energy and gas to serve this organization. We know what a valuable service this is to our communities and have witnessed the difference we have made in our society.
Thank you for your time and consideration,
Janice Perry and Ziva
Proud Member of Denver Pet Partners
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Denver Pet Partners has enhanced my total being. I am a retired, elementary school librarian, who was addicted to my profession. Feeling like a part of my personality had left me, there was an emptiness I had never experienced before. Enter Denver Pet partners. I had heard about the R.E.A.D. program and what it could do to build confidence in reluctant readers. Lucky for me, I had a very loving Labradoodle that I was confident could be my partner in this new chapter of my life. We were on a mission to become a R.E.A.D. team. I did my research, and Halle Berry Perry, my Labradoodle, and I completed our obedience training, AKC Canine Good Citizen Award, Denver Pet Partners evaluation and our R.E.A.D. evaluation. We are enthusiastically serving the elementary school I retired from, another elementary school close to my home and our local library. We also visit an assisted living facility. Giving back to my community has more than filled that void in my life. Knowing the positive impact we are creating for these students and the elderly simply warms my heart and soul. Doing this with my treasured Labradoodles makes this a dream come true. Labradoodles? Yes! I now have my second Labradoodle, Ziva, also serving with me as a registered Denver Pet Partner therapy dog. Halle is entering her fifth year of serving and Ziva, her third year. The children and elderly alike, love these dogs as much as I do! Denver Pet Partners and Read With Me, formerly R.E.A.D., have enhanced my life and I feel whole again!
My dog Miggy and I are currently an animal assisted therapy team with Denver Pet Partners. We visit two elementary schools in the Littleton area. We visit with individual students and small groups, because Miggy's appeal is his cuddle factor. The students visibly relax and freely share their feelings while petting him. It is magical to watch Miggy cast his charm in the room.
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Roscoe and I have been a team with Denver Pet Partners for 5 years. This organization has the highest standards for certifying Animal Assisted Therapy Teams. Roscoe and I have visited schools and participated in many community events. The people we visit are so appreciative and thankful. Roscoe and I always feel very gratified after our visits and are happy to bring a smile to someone.
My dog, Kenai, and I have been a certified therapy team with Denver Pet Partners for two years now. DPP provided us with outstanding training and many opportunities to serve our community. Every experience we have had serving with DPP has been extremely well-managed and positive in every way. Thanks to the dedication of DPP volunteer leaders many, many people have had the opportunity to experience the joy of interacting with a well-trained therapy animal and their handler. Kenai and I love being a DPP therapy team!
Mortensen Elementary School in Jefferson County Public Schools is so fortunate to have a partnership with Denver Pet Partners. Over the years many of our students have participated in the program by having individual and partner sessions with the dogs and their owners. Typically the students are ones who may need a little extra support to grow and thrive in the educational setting. It is amazing to see the transformation within a child's self-confidence and their external behaviors after they develop a relationship with a furry friend. They always look forward to the dog's visit and talk about it with their teachers and their parents. By learning to care for an animal by brushing, reading to him/her, taking walks, etc. they acquire skills in self-regulation, prespective taking, empathy, and sense of purpose in our world. I can't thank Denver Pet Partners enough, and I look forward to many more years of working and learning together!
Sincerely,
Karla B. Hankins, Principal
Mortensen Elementary School
Denver Pet Partners is an amazing organization that provides service and support through registered therapy teams consisting of a human and an animal. The organization is mainly involved with education/child welfare programs, healthcare institutions, literacy mentorship and helping those feeling isolated and lonely in senior living situations. DPP constantly receives requests for therapy team visits. Therefore, I believe this shows that the work DPP does truly assists others in the fashion members believe it does. I am currently part of a therapy team with my dog, Summit , and we have witnessed firsthand how the energy of an animal has an amazing positive impact on those needing support, comfort and/or companionship.
This is a great organization. All the board members and volunteers are all so friendly and work really hard to make Denver Pet Partners a top notch organization. They go out of their way to make sure members have lots of training and are prepared for their roles as therapy animal teams.
Our story began as mine almost 12 years ago. I had a canine visit while recovering from BC surgery that changed my perspective. After years of recovery (and the passing of our American Eskie at the age of 17) I decided that I didn’t want to work but, as my husband said, I needed to do SOMETHING…I was ready for another dog. Not just a pet but one I could train to do therapy work and change others lives…or perspective as it may be. My partner is a, now, 7 1/2 year old Goldendoodle named Gus. It would be my new mission in life! Finding Denver Pet Partners was the perfect avenue to fulfill this. Gus and I do as many specialized events as we can but we have mainly focused on Destress events to every college and University in our area including RVU on a regular basis. About 3 years ago, DPP established a program at our local High School, Arapahoe, that has had several “events” in the past 5-7 years that warranted an attempt to a different approach of destress. Gus and I and other teams (we go to different entrances) greet students first thing in the morning as they are walking through the front doors. We also walk the halls and visit classrooms on occasion. During midterms and finals we go through the cafeteria so students can visit before their tests. The feedback from the kids is immediate and either positive or dismissive because, we all know what teenagers can be like! Point is, some don’t necessarily like dogs but they enjoy being greeted and recognized as soon as they enter the school.
I have learned what a difference in a day or even a moment that can make in a person’s outlook on life be it High School, College or professional.
That’s the difference it made to my personal perspective of a life altering event. It calmed me. It made the moment better by reminding me of simply pleasures like petting a dog. It gave me a different way of dealing with my new scenario in life. I love that this organization, Denver Pet Partners, has so many requests for teams and that animal therapy has gotten the recognition it deserves!!
Miggy and I volunteered at East Elementary in Littleton Public Schools each Wednesday. The students read to Miggy, helped him practice his commands, and enjoyed some quiet time with him. As the school year progressed, it was so rewarding to see our relationships grow and become more comfortable as the kids relaxed into our routine. Miggy loved the attention, especially those belly rubs. We will be back next year!
Since 2016, Denver Pet Partners has been helping students at Arapahoe Community College de-stress before taking their final exams. We love partnering with this organization because they are professional, responsive, and caring. The DPP handlers are so sweet answering the same questions over and over and interacting with the students, faculty, and staff. But it’s the dogs people come to see and nothing beats their wagging tails, calm demeanor, and unbridled joy. The students love giving belly rubs and we love seeing their smiles! This is an excellent program and by far the most popular event held in the ACC Library!
I am honored to volunteer at Denver Pet Partners! I was so impressed by the staff and the welcoming feeling that they all give. Their communication with members is outstanding and appreciated.
I am so thankful to have found Denver Pet Partners in the midst of Covid! They are my kind of people. From the registration process through the classes and evaluation, to the actual volunteer work, I instantly felt at home and supported. It has been fantastic to have so many members reach out and guide me through situations and experiences. The community is amazing! I love all the opportunities available to members to volunteer.
As a volunteer with Denver Pet Partners, I have witnessed first hand the well-trained teams of human and animal as well as their truly tremendous affect on the well being of those needing encouragement and comfort. The teams donate their time and tirelessly share their energies and pet to be available to those in need. Incredible organization that does so much for our community.
At Castle Rock Adventist Hospital we have a wonderful pet therapy team - Angel Paws. What makes our program so strong is our partnership with Denver Pet Partners. We are confident that every dog team coming to our hospital is well prepared and trained to safely and joyfully interact with our patients, visitors, staff and volunteers. We are so grateful!
In 2014, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine teamed up with Denver Pet Partners to create a program of weekly visits of Denver Pet Partners' teams with RVUCOM medical students. Over the years, I've seen the overwhelming positive effect that this program has had on the well-being of medical students. Medical school is very stressful, and the DPP teams have had a calming effect on the medical students. I've received many emails over the years from current and former students attesting to the positive effects that the DPP teams had on them during their medical school career. DPP is a great organization!
Jeffcom 911 is a dispatch communications center serving as a vital link between emergency services and the community in Jefferson County. Jeffcom 911 works with local fire, police and emergency medical service providers to dispatch the appropriate emergency responders.
In an ultimately stressful work environment, Denver Pet Partners provides the calm in the storm. The teams visit on a regular basis to our center lifting sprits and making everyone smile. The handlers are extremely friendly, professional and are a pleasure to work with. All of the dogs that have visited are calm and seem to love what they do. Thank you for a wonderful partnership and for your support to the community and first responders.
Denver Pet Partners continues to be an amazing partner in serving our Bristol Hospice patients around the Denver metro area. Our DPP teams are highly qualified to serve our hospice patients with dignity and compassion. We are so grateful to offer pet therapy as part of our volunteer services and continue to refer all volunteers who are interested in providing care with their pet to go through Denver Pet Partners for registration. Thank you for your wonderful presence in our community and for training so many of our amazing pet therapy volunteers!
~ Mackenzie Ward, Volunteer Coordinator
Bristol Hospice - Denver
I have volunteered for Denver Pet Partners for 7 years, as a handler, program coordinator, team lead, and Board member. This organization has an incredibly dedicated group of volunteers, who do so much to improve the lives of people in our communities. The organization provides support to its members and wonderful services to clients, and never charges for its services. I continue to be impressed by the generosity of Denver Pet Partners' volunteers in giving their time, talents, and support to the community and the organization.
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I've been volunteering for this organization for over 3 years, visiting hospitals, schools, libraries, and other locations with my dog. Sometimes we are just a distraction for a patient from the monotony of the hospital or for a student from the stress of finals week, and other times my dog provides a furry shoulder to lean on for someone who is going through a very difficult time. People have shared things with her that they would never share with other people. Everywhere we go, whether we are just arriving at a hospital, library, or school, or we are actively working, people are happy to see a dog in a place where they don't expect to see one.
The people who volunteer with their animals for Denver Pet Partners are top notch; their top priority is the welfare of their animals and they love to help the people they visit, whether it's children learning to read or lonely seniors in a nursing home. Denver Pet Partners has rigorous standards for their animals and animal handlers, ensuring only those who are suitable for this work are doing it. There are also many people who volunteer many hours to serve on the Board of Directors for Denver Pet Partners or to assist with training, team evaluations, and administrative tasks. This is truly a highly dedicated group of volunteers who strives for excellence in everything they do.
This organization has made my life and Sophie, my dog's life, much more satisfying. She enjoys the attention of the patients we see, and I just enjoy interacting with so many interesting people. I can almost feel like a nurse again. The board members who manage all the classes and educational experiences are very professional and dedicated to DPP.
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Sophie, my golden doodle and I joined Denver Pet Partners about three years ago. I didn't know if she or I could pass the entrance exam, but WE DID and belonging to this organization has made a big difference in out lives. We have attended hospitals and care facilities, knowing that the training we received from DPP will ensure that we both can enjoy these experiences safely with the patients.
Denver Pet Partners has provided a platform for me to share my love of dogs and the healing benefits they bring with folks across the Front Range. I love that they help all volunteers with the organization, no matter how inexperienced or tenured, to feel part of the greater good that Denver Pet Partners brings to the world. Although a medical issue is keeping me from being an active volunteer out in the community currently, I continue to support Denver Pet Partners mission. I am so happy I found them all those years ago!
We have learned so many new things about animals at the Denver Pet Partners quarterly meetings. Did you know 1 dog year does not equal 7 people years? Seven years for a dog is more like 65 years for a person. It has been a blessing to share our sweet dogs with patients at Swedish Hospital and take their minds off of pain or problems for a few moments. The dogs don't understand why they have been social distancing for the past year. I hope we can visit again soon.
My dog and I were evaluated and certified to be a therapy dog team through Denver Pet Partners. This organization does a great job of ensuring their members are trained correctly and have the correct assignments that meet their needs. All of the members and all of the board members are terrific people who really live and teach the vision of the organization. I love this organization so much that I recently volunteered to help the board members with their training and evaluations that are being conducted on a regular basis.
Denver Pet Partners has worked closely with Suncrest Colorado Hospice in bringing pet therapy, support, joy, and compassion to our hospice patients. They are truly professional in following protocols for both organizations. They are top rated in every aspect - training, workshops, communication, documentation, and evaluations. As the Suncrest Colorado volunteer coordinator, I have seen first hand the beautiful interactions Denver Pet Partners has with improving the quality of life for our hospice patients. I am so grateful for the 2 year partnership with Denver Pet Partners.
Denver Pet Partners has been providing therapy dog experiences to our medical students at Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2013. Volunteers from Denver Pet Partners bring their therapy dogs to the medical school twice/week to provide a needed relief to the stress of medical school for our students, faculty and staff. I have received multiple emails from students who have expressed how much the dogs meant to their well-being and success in coping with the rigors of medical school. Additionally, when one of the therapy animals dies, there is a heartfelt outpouring of sympathy and support from both current and former medical students. This makes me believe that the pet therapy program increases the empathy and human awareness that we strive to foster in our students. Denver Pet Partners is truly a great organization.
I have been a volunteer with this organization for over a decade. I have had two registered therapy dogs that worked in hospitals, educational facilities, libraries, and destress events. Although both of my golden retrievers have passed, I continue to support this organization through my role as a board member. We have recently adopted a young golden that shows promise of continuing in the pawprints of our departed companions. This organization is very supportive of its members and is dedicated to bringing comfort to our community through education, evaluation, and outreach.
Denver pet partners provides the Golden Library with the most wonderful handlers and dogs for our PawsforReading program. We have always appreciated the importance of this program but Covid has made us brutally aware of the need for such an in person human/animal interaction.... it is almost just a bonus that our patrons also learn to read and ENJOY reading through this fulfilling program.
Most visitors at our house get solicited for attention from our very sociable dog Luke. Several years ago our guests were a woman and her blind husband. After they were seated, Luke became quite sedate, sitting nicely and still next to our handicapped visitor without a cue from us. We were so proud. I think this type of awareness and nurturing behavior is due in large part to the training and experiences while visiting as a team for Denver Pet Partners.
I volunteer with my dogs LT and Lacey in our local hospital. We were trained and evaluated by Denver Pet Partners. They are an awesome group of caring, giving people! We are so proud to work with them and represent them in our community!
Denver Pet Partners brings dogs to the Columbine Library for our PAWS program, where children can read to dogs. Denver Pet Partners has been fabulous to work with. Children and their families absolutely love having the dogs at the library. The dogs and their caregivers are wonderful!
When I rescued my dog Pepper, a Labrador/Border Collie Mix in 2013 I knew that she would make a wonderful therapy dog. At 7 months old she was calm, gentle, loving and just a “happy” dog all the time who loved people, especially children.
I wanted to share her with others so that they could experience this love. In 2015 I took the Handlers Workshop put on by Denver Pet Partners and because of the encouragement and support of their wonderful trainer Pepper and I went on to get registered as a therapy team and joined DPP. DPP is committed to making sure that their teams are well-trained and professional. They are very supportive of their volunteers and their partners. They always stress to the volunteers that we are our animal’s best advocate. DPP constantly keeps us advised of new visiting opportunities within our communities. However, as you would expect, there are more opportunities than there are therapy teams.
It has been an amazing and extremely rewarding experience for Pepper and me. To see the joy and happiness that Pepper brings to patients and staff in the hospitals; to the victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse that we encounter at the court house; to troubled youths at the detention center; to students who are stressed out during final exams at colleges and high schools; and to young children who are having difficulty reading.
Thank you Denver Pet Partners for all that you do to promote the Human-Animal Bond through Animal Assisted Therapy.
Denver Pet Partners provides Dog Reading Teams to Jefferson County Public Library as part of our Paws for Reading program. Kids love to come to the library to read to the dogs, and we have found that this is a wonderfully effective way for kids to gain confidence in their ability to read and it increases their desire to read.
Denver Pet Partners has been a wonderful partner in our reading program. As an organization they are very professional, organized, and collaborative. All of their dog/handler teams are great, having received training and certification. I greatly enjoy working with Denver Pet Partners and would recommend them to anyone interested in working with this organization in any capacity.
My best friend Hayden and I have been associated with Denver Pet Partners for almost ten years, and it's been a remarkably positive experience. Of course, the work is tremendously fulfilling, but what really makes DPP special is the commitment to providing consistent, high-quality training and assessment for therapy teams, as well as ensuring that client facilities provide safe and appropriate places for teams to do their work. DPP has also built a terrific community to meet and learn from other handlers, and provide interesting team meetings to build skills and learn about interesting topics in the field of animal therapy.
When you get a dog that loves people and is happiest around them, you figure this dog must be shared with others. That is why I joined Denver Pet Partners with our half Bichon, half Cavalier spaniel Buddy. We have volunteered mostly at our local courthouse, in the truancy courtroom and the victims' advocacy meeting area. Buddy is a total tension reliever, not only for our family but also for all the courthouse staff, visitors, judges.
What I didn't know was that I would be connected with the best staff a volunteer could wish for. From the initial training for dog and human to the backup for whatever volunteer event we participate in, the DPP staff, also volunteers, are A+. Quick and easy to communicate with, mirroring a volunteer in the beginning for as long as it takes, support through all ventures, but most of all their friendship.
The Denver metro area benefits from therapy dogs visiting hospitals, schools, courthouses, nursing homes, libraries and universities to name a few. But the volunteer is brought into a community of loving and lovely people.
Kate and Buddy
I've been involved with this wonderful organization since 2015 and now have both my rescued dogs registered as therapy animals. I also became a certified instructor for prospective handlers. I'm always impressed by how ethically & professionally DPP is run, all by dedicated volunteers who have a passion for human-animal interaction. The support they provide handler teams, both new and experienced, is impressive and consistent.
My husband and I just started volunteering with Denver Pet Partners with our little dog, Peppa. Amazing organization with super caring individuals.
pet Partners has given me a wonderful way to give back to my community. This is important to me because I had a kidney transplant recently, my community helped me now it’s my turn to help others. Thank you Pet Partners.
My daughter and I adopted our first Lionhead rabbits a few years ago...and realized that these adorable, sweet little animals could bring joy to so many people. I didn't really know what it would take to get a rabbit certified as a therapy animal until I found Denver Pet Partners. They had never had rabbits go through their program, but were amazing at helping us get to where we are today. Our rabbits went through training and certification, just as all of the dogs do, and now we have four therapy rabbits that visit patients at Craig Hospital on a regular basis.
We have found that rabbits make amazing therapy animals! For patients with limited physical abilities, their small size is perfect for sitting on a lap in a wheelchair or nuzzling against a face in a patient's bed. They have brought smiles to so many faces and we would not be able to provide this wonderful encounter to patients without the help and constant support of Denver Pet Partners.
The emotional experiences that my daughter and I have had together doing animal therapy are also more than words can express. The caring people at Denver Pet Partners have been very welcoming to my daughter and this is a great program for other young adults to be a part of.
My golden retriever mix Oma,and I have been part of Denver Pet Partners for over 2 years. During this time we have interacted with hundreds of individuals from all walks of life, from de-stress events for high school and college students, to retirement and memory care homes. I've had students rub Oma's belly and and ears and tell me, " Just a few more minutes and I'll be ready to take my final"!! An elderly woman in memory care who was sitting in her wheelchair was unresponsive until I gently placed her hand on Oma's head and she began to rub her ears and smiled! We currently interact ,weekly, with teens who are in a residential treatment center. Oma gently lays her head in a client's lap while they hold and cuddle her. Many tears flow while an individual teen "tells" Oma her problems......It really has been an amazing journey learning about animal assisted therapy and how this bond between a dog and a person can help people feel joy, calm fears and help heal!
In 2005 my Golden retriever Teddy and I became a therapy team and members of DPP. The Handler Workshop we attended was taught by Diana McQuarrie, the founder of DPP. Our journey has been incredible. We have met so many wonderful people along the way vsiting in Senior facilities, Women and Children's shelters and hospitals. We also volunteer in a literacy program at an elementary school with first graders. I am continuing this work now with my golden retriever Bode since Teddy's passing last year. I am reminded during every visit we make how powerful the human-animal bond is and the healing power of that bond.
I have been so inspired by many DPP mentors that I became a Pet Partner Instructor and Team Evaluator. I wanted to do this so I could give back to this wonderful organization and help provide more well-trained and prepared teams to serve the community.
DPP's mission and commitment to it's members and to the community make it the best therapy animal organization that one could be a member of. DPP's high standards in handler training that is offered, mentoring of new teams and continuing education of the teams prepare them for success in the field of Animal Assisted Intervention. I am proud to be a member of such a supportive group.
My dog, Gunner, and I have been a part of denver pet partners for only a year and a half. It is the highlight of my week when I am able to take Gunner to visit kids at a clinic in Colorado Springs. The kids and the therapists look forward to seeing him. They get to see his tricks, scratch and love on him, and even play some tug-of-war. Gunner loves being active with the kiddos and I absolutely love being able to share him with others. I have already seen improvements with the kids that he has interacted with and just seeing the smiles on their faces is worth it all.
I like that DPP is good about informing the teams of being your animal's best advocate. We are taught to notice any stressors that the animal might be showing when they are visiting with people and are encouraged to do what is best for the animal, regardless of how the experience is going with the visits. I like this a lot. I also like the way that we are trained and then tested/evaluated as a team. The process is very thorough, which means that the teams are up to date on evaluations and are officially registered to go out to the field and make peoples' days. DPP is a very organized and well-established organization. Although it is big, it feels like family. Gunner and I are proud to be a part of it.
I've attended a number of visits by DPP teams and the reaction is always amazing. Once the daughter of a memory-care resident at an Assisted-Living facility asked a team to come to her mother's room, because she badly missed her dog. The team stayed with the mother and her kids and grandkids for about 20 minutes, with the daughter later reporting how much it had meant to her mother.
I am a retired Psychiatric Clinical Nurse Specialist with Prescriptive Privileges, and I love research! The available fact-finding information on the human value of FUR is heartening. I am genuinely grateful for the Denver Pet Partners Organization which nurtures, promotes, and advances the ideology of the Human-Animal Bond.
My Irish Terrier dog Jack and I are a Registered Therapy Team with Denver Pet Partners. We have volunteered during peak travel times at the Denver International Airport; participated in group de-stressing at the Air Force Academy; made weekly visits for a year to Clinic and hospital patients and staff at Castle Rock Adventist Hospital; and currently make twice a week ReadTo Me visits to First Graders at Soaring Hawk Elementary, and a monthly visit at the Castle Pines Library for Bark For Books.
I have witnessed affecting responses from human beings, young and old, who interact with Jack The Dog. Just one exemplification involves Robert, a little First Grader who, at the beginning of the school year could not read two or three sentences to Jack. He visibly lacked confidence and any enjoyment with reading.
Along with expert guidance from Robert’s teacher, Jack spent extra time with Robert throughout the school year. In April Robert’s mother contacted his teacher to relate how Robert woke her on her Birthday with a special present. He was carrying a little book, climbed onto her bed and then proceeded to read to her. She was tearful, and she was grateful for her gift.
Let me add that each time Jack listens to a reader the child receives a cherished sticker, a Jack bookmark and a little treat to give to Jack.
The Denver Pet Partners’ staff provide a wealth of education, structure and support for their volunteer teams. The sincere regard shown for each human-animal relationship is profound. I am absolutely amazed at the relationship I have developed with Jack, owing uniquely to the expertise and enlightenment of DPP, and also enhancing our volunteering experiences.
I have been volunteering with my older therapy dog since 2012. After the pet therapy organization we were associated with dissolved, I was not sure I would continue my volunteering. I felt lost and without direction. Fortunately, I found DPP that not only re-certified me when the time came, but most importantly, provided me and my dog with a great support, encouragement, and guidance. DPP is dedicated to high standards of animal assisted therapy and those are shared and passed to all of their members. I love being part of this organization! I can always rely on their support. I feel valued as a member and know that me and my now two therapy dogs can make a difference in other people's lives.
I have been a member of Denver Pet Partners for about 1.5 years, along with my sweet greyhound, Nesh (a rescue). I cannot say enough good things about DPP. Nesh and I have been paired with incredible volunteer opportunities. Currently, we are in animal assisted therapy groups at a residential treatment facility for at risk adolescents, and at the Jeffco youth mental health court, and we give some TLC to students and teachers at the Fletcher Miller School. I know that Nesh and I get so much from yhe experiences and the kids simply love the interactions. Nesh teaches the kids patience and observed behaviors and they give her love. What more could we want. If anyone is considering becoming an animal therapy team, you could look for nothing better than DPP, which wants the animals and volunteer visits to be as safe as possible for all concerned. And if you have a volunteer opportunity, you have found the right place in DPP.
Denver Pet Partners (DPP) is an amazing group of folks to volunteer with here in Colorado. They are so interested and supportive of every volunteer as well as their dog, and want truly want the best for both . DPP promotes the Human-Animal bond through human-animal interactions or what most people call "therapy dogs" in various environments within our community. From children to the elderly, these dogs can provide a precious moment of distraction or calm in what could otherwise be a sterile or stressful place. DPP works to make those moments happen with care, professionalism and dedication for the people and pets alike.
I retired in March 2015 and brought home my beautiful black Labrador puppy in July 2015. I had the goal of us becoming a pet therapy team. As probably most people know, Labradors have lots of energy and can be mischievous bundles of joy. I worked with Ellie so much with my goal in mind and we evaluated in October 2016. We did it! We became a team! Ellie and I have been going to Fort Logan Mental Facility for over a year. We also started going to the elementary school where the children read to her. I feel Denver Pet Partners is such a professional organization that makes it clear we are an advocate for our pet first. We feel valued in the community and I am so very proud to say we are a Denver Pet Partner team. I have enjoyed all the smiles and laughs I have witnessed, which in turn make me smile and warms my heart. I feel we have added a little bit more love to our community.
Judy and Ellie
I am a DPP Volunteer. Along with my Brussels Griffon Ollie, we have been a part of the organization for over 2 1/2 years. The all day training I received was super interesting and prepared me for what to expect as a volunteer. I was able to then go through the evaluation and Ollie fortunately passed on his first try. We volunteer at the Denver Hospice Care Center, participate in "Destress" events at many local colleges and universities and we have also participated in other special one-time events. The experience is always challenging but ultimately very rewarding for both Ollie and myself. The leaders of DPP are dedicated, unselfish volunteers who are truly passionate about the work we all do in the community. I highly recommend getting involved with this organization both as a volunteer and with financial contributions. You will truly make a difference!
Dudley, a 10 month old flat coated retriever, was owner surrendered to the Pikes Peak Humane Society and came into our home in 2005. He soon settled into his new environment and became our devoted and loving companion. As time went by we realized that he had a lot more to give than just being our partner.
Denver Pet Partners (DPP) turned out to be the perfect vehicle for us to work through. In 2013, my wife and Dudley qualified as a therapy dog team and began visiting Special Ed students at a local elementary school. I accompanied them and was amazed at the impact Dudley had on these youngsters. They looked forward to Dudley’s arrival and it was heartwarming to see their faces light up upon his arrival.
As a Reading Education Assistance Dog (READ) Dudley visited several libraries that had “Paws to Read” programs for children. He welcomed anyone who came by and obviously was non-judgmental of their reading skills.
Visiting residents at two Memory Care Centers in Castle Rock exposed us to a new set of unforgettable experiences. Dudley’s presence brought great joy to those he met. Residents relaxed and loved to pet or hold him while sharing stories of their own animal companions.
In 2015, Dudley made sure that I too passed DPP’s exams, so that we became a qualified therapy team as well. I was excited to be his partner.
In Feb. 2016, he was diagnosed with cancer and 5 weeks later we had to say goodbye to our sweet Dudley. We miss him terribly but find solace in knowing that he brought joy to many lives and refreshed the memories of those who were losing them.
Denver Pet Partner’s programs provide invaluable benefits to many who are very appreciative of companionship and comfort. DPP volunteers with their animal partners selflessly meet these needs. My wife and I are honored to be supporting members of such an incredible organization.
Denver Pet Partners was brought to my attention in 2013 through a dog trainer in Castle Rock. Our sweet Flat Coated Retriever, Dudley, was 8 years old, and I had felt for a long time that he would make a terrific therapy dog. He was definitely a people dog with a wonderful temperament and calm demeanor. Not only would he bring love and comfort to people who needed it, but he himself would enjoy this kind of work.
DPP required me to take a Therapy Dog Handler class and Dudley went through an evaluation which he passed easily, before we could be a registered therapy team. DPP is very well organized and set up to help people and their dogs become successful visiting teams. Dudley and I followed up with a R.E.A.D (Reading Education Assistance Dogs) course and shortly after, we were on our way to visit with Special Ed children at a school not far from us. The children greatly benefited from these visits and let everyone know just how much they looked forward to Dudley’s visits.
When the therapy dog program at the school was discontinued, we started visiting first one and then a second memory care facility in Castle Rock. The impact Dudley made on the lives of these people was tremendous. They so enjoyed seeing him and soon started talking and laughing and sharing their own dog stories.
Every other week, Dudley also used his beautiful people skills as a R.E.A.D. dog at a public library, where children had a lot of fun reading to him. We could see that the children with poor reading skills were improving at a fast rate. There is much to be said for the success of this program.
Throughout this time, we would attend DPP team meetings that were both educational and informative. We are so grateful for this great organization and will continue to support it, even though our beloved Dudley died of cancer in 2016.
Thank you, Denver Pet Partners, for giving us this wonderful opportunity.
My story begins many years ago when my then 10 year old son was a patient at a hospital in Ohio. The best part of being in the hospital, according to my son, was the dog that came to visit! While I was unable to do anything at that point in my life, I knew that at some point I wanted to be that person that brought a dog to visit patients and make their day just a bit brighter!
We moved from Ohio to Aurora with a beautiful Sheltie puppy that I was training to hopefully become that dog that all would enjoy! Denver Pet Partners made my long time dream come true in 2014. I completed the Handler Training Workshop and we passed our Evaluation and started visiting at a cancer center and local hospital. I am always humbled by the joy and love that my sheltie has given to patients, visitors and staff.
Thank you Denver Pet Partners for making a dream come true, for providing me the support, education and community that I call friends!
In 2001 my wonderful wife and executive director of Denver Pet Partners, Diana, accompanied by our Golden Retriever, Shana, walked into Swedish Medical Center and asked the volunteer director, Sally Jo Thomas, if she had a visiting animal program in which they could participate. Sally Jo responded that they did not have such a program. Immediately upon learning this, Diana asked if she could start one...the rest is history! That day the Swedish Medical Center became the first program for Denver Pet Partners and, to this day, it remains the largest and longest-standing program which we operate in partnership with Swedish. Since 2001, Denver Pet Partners has grown into a vital organization with over 160 members. Our amazing (and I truly mean amazing) members have shown the healing power of the human-animal bond to many thousands of people in acute care facilities, long-term care facilities, hospices, schools, and libraries. They have freely donated hundreds of thousands of hours of their own time (and that of their precious Partners) to help people smile and feel better about themselves, and contribute to healing in miraculous ways. Children have learned critical reading skills by reading to a friendly, and always very attentive, dog! The work we do is powerful and DPP is becoming increasingly relevant in our community thanks to the dedication of the members, their Pet Partner teammates, and our board which I am privileged to lead.
Ken McQuarrie
Chair, Denver Pet Partners
Janice and her pups have been participating in Bark for Books at Douglas County Libraries in Parker for approximately three years. They have had a positive impact on more than 150 kids, fostering a love of both reading and animals. Not only have they touched the lives of many children, but of library staff members as well! It is wonderful to stop working for a few minutes and love on some pooches. Thank you so much, Janice, for your time and positive energy!
Clay and I have been with Denver Pet Partners for two years and have been a team for a little over a year. I have always found everyone to be gracious and very helpful. Initially I was confused as to how one went about linking up with an organization to visit as a team. I wrote a Board Member that I didn't know and he quickly referred me to someone else who linked us up with the hospital that I now volunteer with. DPP stresses the importance of being your pet's best advocate no matter the situation. Allegiance to our pet partners is first and foremost.
The organization strives to keep members up to date on the latest research of the animal-human bond as well as other pertinent topics. DPP provides many services to many community agencies with quality care and interactions always in mind.
When I retired in 2015, I knew that I wanted to spend my time sharing wonderful doggy hugs with other people. Since the prior year, I had been a patient of the Aurora Rocky Mountain Cancer center, and I had seen them have therapy dogs come to visit. So, I started my therapy dog journey by asking the Aurora Rocky Mountain Cancer Center what therapy dog organization they worked with. I trusted them with my life, so I figured whoever they thought was the best was really the best! They told me to wait that day, that one of the teams with Denver Pet Partners was coming in a few minutes! So, when I met the handler, she gave me her card and said to send her an email. I did that, and right away I was in touch with the DPP training coordinator, who called and talked to me. I did not have a dog to have as my therapy dog yet, and the training coordinator really helped me with advice about what to do. I then started to go to the team meetings, which was so wonderful, I got to meet so many handlers and their dogs, and hear stories and get wonderful advice about how to proceed. I then decided I would like to help out Denver Pet Partners however I could, so when we were asked at one of the team meetings to volunteer for a committee to plan the 15 year anniversary party for Denver Pet Partners, I said yes! I also volunteered for whatever else needed to be done, and began answering the phone calls and emails going to the Denver Pet Partner info line. From there it has just blossomed. I have come to know so many wonderful, caring people, that are so committed to making Denver Pet Partners a wonderful organization, with very special goals, to create safe, quality visits from our teams every time. The stories you hear from the teams of their visits bring tears to your eyes, they are so moving. Thank you Denver Pet Partners for adding a special purpose and value to my life. I have had my puppy now for a year and a half, and the Denver Pet Partner members have been so helpful to me in her training, and socialization, and getting me ready for my evaluation! Having this network of people available is invaluable.
Marcia Hanes
This is a well run organization with a dedicated membership. They reach out to the community in many ways, and support the impact of therapy animals.
Emma, my five year old petite blond golden retriever, has a special connection to people - Emma is a just a magnet of love, whether they are patients, guests or staff. I don't pretend to understand this magic. I don't want to analyze it. I accept the beauty of pet therapy with gratitude, awe, and thanksgiving.
Pet therapy programs have been shown to help patients achieve positive health effects, such as decreased blood pressure levels, as well as a lessneing of stress and anziety. Visits can result in fewer requests for pain medication, and shorter recovery times. Emma provides a break from the normal hospital routine, eats up the affection, provides companionship, and helps patients feel connected to the outside world that they can only see through their window. We bring the outside inside. After all, who doesn't need more hugs?
My name is Ed . As a new Board Member, I am constantly reminded of the
profound effect that the bond between animals and humans provides. In
hospitals and nursing homes, etc., Denver Pet Partners visits give patients
comfort , and the satisfaction of knowing how much we are appreciated.
It is most heart warming!
When one thinks about volunteering, it can often be a difficult choice to make as to where best to devote time and energy. This is especially so because there are many, many great institutions and causes, which really need help from the community. The big question a person often asks of herself/himself is, “Can I make a difference”? The answer is a resounding “YES” if you volunteer through or support Denver Pet Partners (DPP)! As a volunteer for 5 years, my pet partner and I have seen the magic of a furry friend. Supporting Physical Therapists with one -on -one activities that assist individuals to heal physically and emotionally from surgeries and other life altering events, we know and see the tangible difference each visit makes. Our clients count on us to help them achieve their goals with the individuals they hope to aid. Whether success is measured by way of a smile, a positive emotion, or a task/physical goal achieved, it is impossible to miss that the presence of a pet partner played a key role in the event. DPP is committed to excellence and demonstrates this through comprehensive training, ongoing support of its teams, and service excellence to it’s clients and partners!
Denver Pet Partners has been a huge supporter of the Paws to Read program at Bemis Public Library. "Paws" began at Bemis in April 2004 to partner reluctant readers with therapy pets in order to provide a non-critical and non-judgmental audience which allows children to overcome their fear of reading aloud. We are so grateful to the dedicated teams who volunteer their time and efforts month after month to instill confidence and foster a love of reading in the children of our community.
Val Fetters - Children's Division Supervisor
It has been my great pleasure to volunteer with Denver Pet Partners for 8 years. With my canine pet therapy partners, Kenzie and Toby, I've had many memorable experiences visiting at Swedish Medical Center. Kenzie was known for her patient work in the rehabilitation unit where she would help stroke victims regain strength and coordination. Therapists would often tell of how her presence encouraged patients to work harder and more joyfully. Toby visits with me now sharing his own special kind of tail-wagging joy. He and I are also involved in a Read to the Dog program at the Anythink Library. The children are so encouraged when they have a friendly furry buddy to read to. I've also been active as a Trained Evaluator for DPP. In all of my experiences with DPP I have encountered wonderful, supportive people. I hope to be involved in this rewarding work for many more years.
I am an Advisory Council member for Denver Pet Partners, but also had the joy of working closely with Diana McQuarrie in developing the "Therapy Animals Supporting Kids" (TASK) Program and Manual setting forth guidelines on therapy animals working with children going through the court process. Denver Pet Partners and its leadership are truly at the top of this field and are providing a high-quality safe service. It is a wonderful organization and I am honored to be a part of!
In addition to serving on the board of directors with DPP, I volunteer with my 130 lb Great Pyrenees/Bernese mix named Marley. We have been able to touch lives at both Swedish Medical Center and the Mount Saint Vincent Home weekly for the past couple of years. Originally, I signed up for the organization because I had a dog that would be a great fit and DPP appeared to be the most professional in Denver. This experience has very much exceeded my expectations due to the people involved and the visual impact Marley makes on other people's lives.
The people involved with DPP are amazing and truly care about AAT work and giving back to others. In addition to Marley touching lives every time he goes to work, I have learned from the interactions myself. This makes both of us a better therapy team and me a better person. Overall, DPP has touched my life immensely and why I'm more involved as a board member in addition to an active therapy team. For anyone that has ever bonded with an animal and recognizes the impact it can have, Denver Pet Partners is a perfect fit to help you help others.
I volunteer through Denver Pet Partners at Julia Greeley Academy, doing Animal Assisted Therapy (AAT) with the R.E.A.D. program (Reading Education Assistance Dogs). This is the second year we have been volunteering there. Julia Greeley is small private school in northeast Denver which serves inner city minority youth. The principal and the teachers select students who are significantly behind their peers in reading. Hathaway, our therapy dog, and I work with the same students each week, a half hour per student. They get the chance to practice reading in a safe, calm environment – to a really non-judgemental listener! I try to channel my comments through Hathaway, saying things like “Hathaway didn’t understand that word, let’s try to break it into parts so that she can understand it,” or “Hathaway is confused about this part of the story. Can you explain it to her?”
The program works best for students who need additional practice; students who have become anxious and uncomfortable reading aloud. Hathaway snuggles beside them as they read, and they pet her while they read to her. Of the students in the first year, one was two grades behind his peers when we started, and had caught up to them by the end of the year.
Part of the success of the Pet Partners program at Julia Greeley can be seen in program’s reception – the staff, parents and students all hope for additional teams, because they can see the difference the Pet Partners teams make in the lives of the students they work with.
My name is Ellen. Eight years ago I was blessed to have rescued a very special chocolate Labrador Retriever named Pennie. We have been working at the Denver Pet Partners READ program at the Westminster Libraries for the last two years. The work that we do with the children is so rewarding. I love that I received such good training as a literacy volunteer, and that Pennie and I received exceptional training as a human-animal team before working with the community. Couple that with the outstanding partnership with the librarians at the Westminster Libraries, and we have an outstanding program for the children. The children grow in their literacy skills as they grow in their comfort and relationships with the READ dogs. There is nothing more special than to watch a young reader engaged with a good book and an attentive dog!
We receive ongoing evaluation of skills as a human-animal team, frequent program updates from READ, and ongoing continuing education to keep us current on equipment and literature. This program ROCKS! Thank you DPP for all that you do.
My name is Randa and I have a retired Guide dog named Lilly. Lilly captured my heart the moment I met her and I knew I should share her love with as many people as possible. Lilly and I visit at a shelter for women and children. She is a star, wiggling her tail as fast as possible all the while giving kisses to all who ask. The women, many of whom have had to give up their own pets, just love the affection Lilly brings to them. Denver Pet Partners is a welcome partner with this shelter. They realize how important the human-animal bond is- even more so to those who have lost everything. Lilly and I are thankful to be able to spend a little time with these women and children in need.
For the last nine years, the Englewood Public Library has facilitated Denver Pet Partner’s Paws to Read literacy program. When we were originally approached to host Paws, we would have never thought that it would still be going strong after all this time; and it’s only because of the dedication and pride that the volunteer teams take in the program and the support that DPP provides, that it is. We started off having pet teams only come once a month, but because of the program’s immediate popularity, we added another weekend. Now there are eight permanent volunteer teams that cover four weekends each month. Paws growth and success shows the program continues to be relevant and important to the community we serve. As a librarian, I work with volunteers from different groups and organizations on a daily basis, but I have not found a group that is so giving of their time and as committed to their work as DPP. I am grateful to have DPP part of the our team, and we are proud to be part of theirs. Hillary Cole Davis, Children's Team Lead.
My name is Karen, and I am new to the Denver Pet Partners Therapy Dog Program. After attending a very comprehensive DPP Therapy Animal Handler Course, I knew that my dog and I had found a group of very thoughtful, kind and dog loving people. Diana lead the course and kept us interested and eager to learn more during her well organized all day course. Later, we qualified as a team during their very thorough evaluation. Through interacting with members of this program, my Labrador Retriever and I have grown to appreciate this organization's high standards. My dog can use her talents, magic and understanding nature to help with patients and staff in a variety of environments. Needless to say, we enjoy volunteering our time and helping others as a therapy dog team.
My name is Dianne. I am currently serving on Denver Pet Partners’ Board. Previously I have worked with the organization on curriculum, courses and other projects. It is a joy to volunteer my time to an organization with high standards and professionalism. Denver Pet Partners understands the business of strategic planning, collecting data for measureable results, and what it takes for sustainability into the future and beyond. Denver Pet Partners is a very collaborative organization – one that connects with other organizations and experts in the field that assist in the delivery of Denver Pet Partners mission.
My name is Teri and when I got my Border Collie Rhett, I knew that I needed to share his gift with as many people as possible. We heard about Denver Pet Partners while taking Therapy dog classes at Zoom Room in Denver. I proceeded with all of the process to have both of us registered and evaluated and I am currently volunteering at Rose Medical Center and Deveraux/Cleo Wallace. The joy I receive far out weighs the time spent. Rhett is the perfect Therapy job and he loves going to "work" twice a week. I am so thankful to Denver Pet Partners for their support.
My name is Marla Y. I first became aware of Animal Assisted Therapy over 15 years ago when I was living in Chicago with my first love, my golden retriever "Bigsby". We worked very informally as a therapy team with a newly started organization called Rainbow. The field has come a long way since then and I'm so excited to have found DENVER PET PARTNERS and to be getting involved again in what has been a long time passion. I've spent the past 15+ years working as a successful advertising and marketing executive and took a break to stay-at-home with my 7 year old son. Now that he is more self sufficient, I can redirect my energy into what I am hoping will be a rewarding use of my time and new "career". I recently completed DPP's Therapy Team Handler Training Course. I was so inspired by their level of professionalism, compassion and dedication to their cause. I will be honored when they approve my 8 month old golden retriever "Snickers" and I as one of their volunteer therapy teams. I am ready to start today, but I need to wait for my 90 lb. puppy to mature into the great therapy dog and reliable partner I know he will be. Anyone that loves animals and is interested in improving the quality of life for those in need would be proud to be part of this amazing organization.
Review from Guidestar
Denver Pet Partners allowed me for 8 years to share my Princess golden retriever with patients and staff at several different hospitals and hospices. The magic that Princess could work with her soulful eyes, gentle paw, or just touching her soft coat was incredible. She was magic for those whose lives she touched. The 8 years that we did pet therapy were some of the most gratifying times in my life. Thank you DPP!!!!!!!!!!!!! Gm Berquist