My Angel with Paws, Inc.

Top compliments to the staff of My Angel with Paws for their excellence in service dog training and in client training. Sarah Townsend, executive director and head trainer, leads this organization with integrity and vision. I searched for over five years to find a service dog organization that could meet my mother‘s needs. I found one on the other side of the United States, one in Great Britain, and one in Australia. Then I heard about DisAbility Solutions Inc. in our local, Daytona Beach Florida where their excellent staff referred us to MAWP. After having screened other service dog organizations, I cannot emphasize enough the professionalism as well as compassion and passion for service dog training the staff and volunteers have at MAWP. MAWP trains not only capable service dogs but also proactively empowers their clients— matching skills and needs, never skimping or cutting corners. We are blessed to have such an outstanding team in our area!

My Angel With Paws is professional, compassionate, available and caring. They stay abreast of all the latest best practices for service dog training. We are grateful for the excellent training we received as we trained our dog.

This organization gives support to disabled people. Support that they are not forgotten or ignored by society. Dogs that help people find a purpose. My dogs are such great helpers as well as friends. I don't struggle as I used to.

Such an amazing organization giving people with disabilities their lives back.
I am now volunteering , going to training classes that are so full of information on dog behavior.

I have been raising/training puppies for My Angel With Paws for 9 years. They are an awesome organization that provides well trained Service Dogs for people with disabilities. This is an all volunteer organization who does this because they want to provide the gift of independence for others.

My angel with paws is a wonderful organization. They do an outstanding job at training the dogs to provide to qualified disabled people. All staff do this on a voluntary basis.

My Angel With Paws is an amazing organization helping individuals with disabilities!!!

I'm afraid I won't have enough space to say all that I would like to say about My Angel with Paws! This Non-Profit organization exceeds any expectations that I ever could have imagined regarding the breeding, training, care, guidance, and love given to each and every dog and each and every client. MAWP goes well beyond their mission and goals, is a 100% volunteer based organization, and only places dogs that meet their service dog criteria. This Non-Profit is an organization that many in the area need to know more about! I am also forever grateful that they will release any dog that doesn't meet their expectations...that is how I got my girl!

I am in a wheelchair, MAWP has provided Great Classes to help me attain a service dog of my own. Classes are close to home and you fall in love with the Doggies.

They do such a great service and have such a genuine love of these wonderful dogs. They are a blessing in our area.

Great Program with friendly people and lots of fun!

As a volunteer for this organization, they do a wonderful job of giving the best care and training to the dogs while instilling passion in volunteers!

Great organization great training and love of the dogs and clients thank you Irish and Robin one of the greatest teams love my girl

This non-profit organization has the most caring and wonderful people and dogs. They truly care for what they do and the people they help. They go above and beyond.

My Angel with Paws, Inc. is one of the most ethical, talented, and kind nonprofits we have ever worked with. They give much personal attention to both the dogs and the clients. Their consistent hands-on approach is one they pride themselves on and I have never found them to be anything but cooperative and communicative. The training is great fun to watch and the dogs always look so happy as they train for a life of service!

After finding this organization and having a sit down, I feel the confidence to go forth and push for my needs with my disability. I have hope and a dream. They filled me with this warmth that I’m not alone, nor should be ashamed that I need assistance of more than medicine. I’m eager to work with them and find some calm in my future with a service dog to guide me.

My Angel with Paws is second to none! A wonderful organization with some of the greatest people and dogs! They are professional and truly care about the people they serve. Their dogs are impeccably trained and you can just tell they really love their jobs. A+++ organization!

Really impressive dedication. What a beautiful organization!

I started working with My Angel with Paws just over a year ago, August 2014 When I recived a service dog from the organization. I came to the organization looking for a dog that might help with the injuries I recived in the United States Marine Corps durning my several deployments to Afghanistan. What I got from the organization was not only a Angel with paws the word dog just isnt an accurate statment for my life compainion, but also a family and since of belonging to something bigger than myself and a group that saw me as a person not a man with a unifrom. Since that first meeting and after reciving my life compainion I have continued volunteer my time to the organization to give back to a group that have given me not only my viability and life back but has also taught me how to live.

My fiancee and I found my angel with paws through the V.A. and my fiancee was match with ford. Ford is a beautiful 3yr old golden retriever. Thanks to the whole team at m.a.w.p. ford has changed our life so much. My fiancee is a ret. Disable army vet that suffers from nightmares along ptsd and severe balance issues. Thanks to ford the anxiety and dreams are almost gone..ford is such an important part of our life I dont know what we would do without him and the awesome people at M.A.W.P. they dedicate their whole life to these dogs and we are eternally grateful.. thank you so much.

5 years and 7 service dogs in training later, My Angel With Paws is everything I could have hoped for and more. The amount of time and work that goes into each dog and every person is amazing. It is even more amazing that everything is done by volunteers. The volunteers of this organization have the biggest hearts and souls around. My Angel With Paws is a great nonprofit but great doesn't even begin to cover how fantastic MAWP is.

I have been working with MAWP for only 2 months now and have seen some of the amazing things they do. They work hard to care for the dogs they work with but also strive to facilitate their volunteers as best possible. They understand the importance of their volunteers and their knowledge and always attempt to educate further.

From the very first phone call to MAWP, I knew this was the service dog organization I wanted to work with.

They allowed me to go to classes while I was making up my mind whether to apply for a service dog. They always answered questions, and have been helpful and willing to take the time to share their knowledge.

After many months of sitting back and observing, I feel totally comfortable in my decision to apply. Not only that, I have decided to volunteer to help out. This is a top-notch organization with compassionate and dedicated personnel. They strive for excellence in everything they do. They care and it shows.

All the people associated with My Angel With Paws have been helpful, knowledgeable, compassionate and informed in my obtaining my forever friend, partner and service dog, Dora. Chris has a big heart and is an excellent dog trainer. She brings together a rewarding union between canine and client, bonding both into a working team. Since receiving my Labrador Retriever, Dora, I no longer am taking a back-seat in life. We go places, have a greater involvement in life and our confidence level is at an all time high. The experience associated with obtaining a service dog was one of the my most rewarding experiences. Since I became diagnosed with multiple autoimmune issues and disabilities over 10 years ago, I am more than happy. My Angel With Paws has help strengthened my ABILITIES! Thank You, MAWP!!

I met Chris at My Angel with Paws about a year ago. I had been working with a rescue I had adopted from the animal shelter but he just wasn't working out for what I needed & Chris recognized that right away. Once I was introduced to Edge a beautiful Golden Retriever it wasn't long after that the journey began. It has completely changed my life! Since my brain surgery in 2005 I had become very insecure & very depressed. I had no desire to go out anywhere. I almost backed out because I did not think I would ever be able to go through with the Partner Training. But Chris & Titus were so understanding of my situation. With that experience & receiving my service dog Edge I now have the confidence & the desire to get out & go places. Edge is not only my balance~brace support, he is my forever companion. I can't say enough...thank them enough...for all they do! They are always there for continued support too!

I first heard of MAWP while I was in the hospital recovering from a brain injury. MAWP is unlike any other organization, training and placing service dogs to people in need for no charge. It is a true service. They took the time to meet with me to not only determine which dog chooses me, but to educate me about what having a service dog entails and how it can change my life. That's exactly what Cricket, my service dog has done. Before I met Cricket, I could not walk on my own, nor did I have the confidence or sense of safety that she provides. It is now almost 2 years since I got a service dog and I not only returned to college, but I am pursuing a masters degree and now independently walking. I owe everything to MAWP, and I cannot thank them enough. I would not be where I am today without their support and my companion, Cricket.

When my husband and I decided that a service dog may benefit him in his journey with Parkinson's Disease, I started researching. When we made this decision we were all in together on it, no matter which way it turned out. I did my research and sadly found that it takes 2 to 6 years to get a fully trained service dog. It was discouraging because my husband was already 75 years old. We didn't have time to wait. Then, in a Parkinson's Disease journal I found out that My Angel with Paws was presenting at their next monthly meeting. I attended and was extremely impressed by the presentation. I immediately checked out their website, printed the application and sent it off to his neurologist to complete his part. That took awhile of course and a little prodding from me to get him to complete it. As soon as that was done we finished the application and sent it to My Angel with Paws. Then the waiting began. I even considered rescueing a dog and training it myself. Actually on the day we received our approval from My Angel with Paws, we had scheduled to meet a yellow lab that might fit our needs. However, as soon as our approval came from MAWP I knew that was our road to begin this journey. My husband was chosen by a most wonderful dog. Half Labrador and half golden retriever. She was young and not fully trained. MAWP trained me how to train her. To say it was successful is an understatement. She has lived and learned with us now for 1 and 1/2 years. Though my husbands disease is sadly progressing, she learns something new everyday to help him. She just knows, I don't know how but it is beautiful. I know I have said a lot about the dog but there is also something beautiful in the way everyone is treated at MAWP. When we are there we can be comfortable with the fact the my husband has a progressive disease. We are all the same in that everyone there is dealing with problems. No one judges him to be different. We are totally comfortable with them. I know I have to end this so I will by saying a loving thank you to My Angel with Paws for changing our lives.

I have been volunteering for MAWP for 2 and1/2 years and I find the interigity of the people who run it to be impeckable. I always love going out to volunteer, it is like a big family, and we all the opportunity to put in our input. I feel it is a priviledge to help out there.

My Dad has had Parkinsons now for several years, and realizing a service dog could be of help to he and his wife, they became part of this organization to be trained on using a god and to be in line for receiving one. But it turned out to be so much more a blessing then either of them ever expected. The family of trainers and supporters that they've adopted in this organization, in addition to Gia, their service dog, have all helped immensely, what a fantastic community and service these folks provide. My Dad has not been this alive and happy in a while!

We met Chris, the Director at My Angel With Paws, a few years ago. My husband and I have been training our German Shepherd since he was a puppy to be a Balance Assist Service Dog for me. Of course, he helps me in so many other ways, too. Chris and the other volunteer trainers have been working weekly with us for about 2 years now. They are all so knowledgeable, encouraging, patient and caring and really want us to succeed. Nicky has come a long way since he was a little 8-week old puppy - thanks to them. He's becoming an awesome Service Dog and a BIG help to me! In the two years we've been with them, and seeing the dedicated volunteer puppy raisers, we've seen many dogs paired with their forever person. They even have a graduation ceremony, which really brings tears to your eyes when you see the interaction, love and great pride between the disabled person and their dog partners. The dogs really change the forever persons lives forever and give them their independence back! Such an amazing Organization!!

When I thought all hope was lost I found My Angel With Paws. Most service dog organizations will tell you to fill out an application and when they have an available dog in 3 to 7 years they will contact you. The Executive Director of this 100% volunteer organization called me personally and assured me that someway, somehow, my child's needs would be met as quickly as possible. As the mother of a special needs child with Autism, severe PTSD, ADHD, intellectually Disabilities, and Mobility Issues, where do you turn when all the specialists tell you a service dog is urgently needed and will change your child's life and put her on the road to recovery? After speaking with many organizations, with layers of administration, My Angel With Paws stepped up and met my needs by compassionate people. They embraced my child and went above and beyond. They have given me hope, changed my child's life, started her on the road to recovery, ensured that she will have a lifelong companion and provided me with renewed faith that there are nonprofits who uphold the public's trust, what every nonprofit pledges to do. They are to be commended for their heartfelt commitment and compassion to those in need.

I have been a board member working with My Angel with Paws for several years. This organization provides many services to the community. As a 100% volunteer organization all efforts and funds go directly to the Breeding, Raising, Training and placement of Services Dogs. Help is also given to insure an ideal working relationship with the Partner and Service Dog. This bond goes beyond companionship. People have been able to become active and vital members in the community. Independence boost self esteem, mobility and purpose in life for so many. Marylou Weiner

I have been a volunteer with My Angel With Paws (MAWP) for about two years now. My role is to make dog therapy visits with my dog at local nursing homes. This is something that I could not have done on my own. MAWP game me and my dog the training and confidence to do this work. They also opened doors for me because of their good reputation in our community.

The leaders of this organization give of themselves generously and tirelessly to train dogs that will make a difference in the lives of people who are in need. Not only do they help the people when the dogs are placed but they also often rescue dogs and give them better lives. Everyone, two legged and four legged, benefits.

I am just in awe of the people who train these dogs for service work and so thankful that I can be involved with this group and make a difference in the lives of others through the therapy work I am doing with my dog.

My Angel With Paws has been amazing to deal with! I'm a 24 year old with a rare disorder called Dysautonomia. It affects nearly every system in my body, and they were so understanding. I've never been treated better than when I'm at MYWP (MY Angel with Paws). They know my limitations and work so hard to teach me and my future service dog (whoever it may be...we're still matching) without pushing me too hard. Also, my needs are changing now, since I'm getting sicker lately and they continue to work with me to match me with a service dog appropriately. :-) They've even offered to keep in touch after placing the dog so that we can keep training and alter trainings as my condition deteriorates. They've been truly amazing, and their policy on pricing has been a God-send as without this program I could never afford a service dog. They charge a $50 adoption fee, normally a service dog costs $8,000 or more! (And they told me that they never turn someone away for not being able to pay, so they're even more amazing at a second glance!

I am amazed at the dogs and the work that the volunteers and owners put into it. They teach you how to teach, You learn wonderful things. And to see one of your dogs handed over to the person in need is something that will make your heart melt. Everyone does a awesome job in what they do. I am honored to be a part of such a amazing group of people. The caring and time that they put into the dogs and trainers and people in general just warms the heart of any person around them.

I am extremely for fortunate to be a client of My Angel with Paws ("MAWP"), and to be partnered with Chancey, my service dog and friend. Having had a service dog trained by another organization, and having been involved with several other organizations, I've never met trainers more competent, consistent and, most importantly, compassionate with dogs than those at MAWP. From the beginning of my relationship with them, Chris, Marilyn, Pat, Rita and the other trainers, handlers and other volunteers have been very patient with and kind to me, though, admittedly, I have not been the easiest of students. They have gone out of their, even coming to my house to help me deal with specific. I enjoy going to training classes and other events on a regular basis, though not required, for the camaraderie and for the education. The most impressive aspect, and what sets MAWP apart from and ahead of all other trainers I've met is their collective belief that the dog always comes first.=

As a client who has recently received her special partner, Chesley, and who is currently involved in "Partner Training", I am amazed at the dedication and expertise of the director and incredible devoted volunteers of this organization. The amount of time, money and love all have selflessly given is so admirable. I am a MS patient confined to a wheelchair and Chesley's skills will be such an assistance to me. It will be so much help to have her able to pick up, retrive, and bring me items on the around the house and grounds. I especially look forward to her bringing me the telephone if I fall and need to call for help (which happens too frequently!). It will also be wonderful to have her help in tugging and pushing things (ie. doors and drawers) and in pulling off my clothes. All of these special skills require hours of training and for those special individuals involved in said training, I will be eternally grateful. I highly recommend this organization for the 2012 Top Rated Non-Profits List.

I am a puppy raiser for my angle with paws. It is truly amazing to see when a service dog is placed with a person and changes their life completly. They are very dedicated to helping each person.

This organization has made such a difference in the lives of many in the area and around the country. When you see the dogs and people match up, it gives you goose bumps. The people involved are totally committed to the dogs and clients.

Before MAWP I was fighting to maintain minimal functionality. I am being medically discharged from the military. The stress from my disability and from being separated from what I had done since I was eighteen years old- literally my entire adult life- had resulted in recurrent bleeding ulcers on top of whatever else was going on. All my energy was spent on trying to act "normal". Hawkeye, who I got just over two months ago, has changed so much. Within the first month he was doing things he hadn't been trained to do that helped me get out of my house and deal with day to day activities. He's both relaxed and attentive. The people at MAWP never made me feel less for having an "invisible disability" and were very attentive to limitations while at the same time refusing to let me use them as a crutch. With Hawkeye's help I've been able to go back to school and stay there. He's even helped improve my relationships with my family and friends. It's also a relief to know that I won't have to worry about falls this winter since Hawk is great in his harness. (The problems in my back mean that one fall can put me in bed for a week or more, and that makes everything else worse. ) Bottom line, this is an incredible, ethically run and caring charity. I highly recommend them.

They have blessed my family many times over. Giving my son a service dog and allowing me to care for 2 service dogs now and have 2 placed...Thank you MAWP for all you do.

I was blessed when I was awarded a Servce Dog, Riley, in February 2012. My life has changed so much for the positive. I am capable of doing so much more than I could have without Riley. My confidence levels have gone through the roof due to the excellant training that Riley and I have received. They have taught me how to work with a Service Dog. Chris and Valerie were there for me in every aspect of the training, without their help and guidance we would not have been the great team we are today. Thank you My Angel With Paws from the bottom of my heart. Keep up the great work for others to become as capable as Riley and me.

My husband and I reached out to My Angle with Paws about a service dog. They are located in Florida and we are in Illinois. It is difficult to travel so Chris from My Angel with Paws came out to Illinois to help us. We soon had a puppy in raining and amazing support and training. This has changed our life's and has helped my husband tremendously. My Angel with Paws is an amazing organization with wonderful people.

What started as a walk by the My Angel With Paws booth at a community event, to becoming a service dog owner and board member has been very special. I stand in awe at the dedication of these volunteers. They ensure these puppies are raised with love, compassion, positive reinforcement, and most of all the skills needed to ensure a lifetime of success and independence to our clients. As for working around the dogs....what a bonus!

AWGOME GROUP DOING AMAZING THINGS FOR OUR COMMUNITY

I have been associated with My Angel With Paws since it's inception and continue to an active Boatd member, puppy raiser, trainer and volunteer. It is a quality organization dedicated to placing fully trained service dogs with individuals who are physically challanged. Their commitment to the clients and animals continues for the life of the dog. Although they have been operating just since 2009, they have had many successful placemtns and are looking forward to their second graduating class in 2013. They are making a huge difference for many people in the handicapped community. They are also involved with therapy work, reading programs for chidlren and educational programs for community organizations. All in all, they are a great asset to the communities that they serve.

Great Cause and a very need in the area. My Angel with Paws does a great job and is professional.

I am a high school senior and volunteer for My Angel With Paws. I have been helping train for several months now. Being able to help train dogs that are going to change someones' life around is truely an amazing experience. Know that I was apart of changing the life of someone for the better is the greatest feeling ever. Though my experience with My Angel With Paws I have not only learned about training dogs, but I have learned much about people.

My first service dog passed away after we had been a team for 11 years. I had applied for a successor dog, but after months turned into years, I realized that the current coordinators were not working towards matching me with another companion. And then, a gift from god. I met chris, the executive director of MAWP. She listened to my tale, had me fill out an application and she proceeded to work with me. In just a few weeks, she got in touch with me and set up a home visit.

Within a couple of months, I was invited to meet my wonderful service dog, snickers. Having gone through team training once, I thought I knew it all. How wrong I was! Chris taught me things I had never known. Her love for her clients and her dogs surpasses anybody I have ever known. It was a tough 2 weeks and chris expected a lot from us, and would not settle for less. She taught me to be a good handler.

Everyone associated with MAWP is so committed to their clients, and they are all volunteers. The relationship does not end when training is over, meetings are set up to see how then team is doing at home, making sure that both the dog and the handler are happy and safe.

My life changed on that october night when i met chris. I don't know how she does it, but she knew that snickers was the dog for me. He accompanies me on my trips to NY and he truly is my rock. Snickers makes each day fun as we do our daily chores.

None of this would be possible withoutMAWP, their volunteers and my personal angel, chris.
Snickers and I are eternally grateful.

At the Peotone fair last year I came across the MAWP booth. I was riding my scooter and went to the booth to see what MAWP had to offer. I was told that due to my mobility issues I could be a candidate for a service dog. I filled out my application and as I am waiting for my "forever" service dog, I have observed training and have shared in a good friends puppy raising responsibilities. The more I have observed this organization the more I would like to be a part of it and those they help. Having MAWP start a Midwest division (where I live) will be so helpful to the many disabled community members. Chris the director and Sarah T have been instrumental in helping my friend and I with training a puppy and answering all our questions and concerns. My story will continue on as I wait for the perfect service dog to meet my specific needs but as I continue to wait others have received their dog and have gained companionship and increased independance. I can't wait!

My ten year daughter, Alia had been on a waiting list for a service dog for several years when I first learned of My Angel With Paws. One day while speaking to a friend I shared my wish for Alia to get a service dog, a companion that would love her, assist her and belong only to her. My friend referred me to My Angel With Paws, by that afternoon I was introduced to My Angel With Paws and very shortly after Alia was given her life changing dog, Angel. From the first day Alia met Angel they connected and Angel became Alia's true life Angel through love, loyalty and friendship. Chris, the Executive Director, directly taught me how to train Angel through extensive training classes, support and care. I have never met a more dedicated individual to her dogs and her organization than Chris and her trainers. Because of her dedication, love for her dogs and her clients, Alia now has her Angel and we will forever be thankful to my Angel With Paws for such a blessing.

My Angel With Paws currently and will always retain the true spirit of a non profit organization. Every volunteer involved feels an ownership of this organization, welcoming new volunteers and working tirelessly to ensure the organization moves forward in a positive manner. As founder and Executive Director I am honored and humbled to be a part of this wonderful organization and its cause. The training and placing of service dogs to enhance the lives of individuals in need is the most amazing and wonderful experience of my life.

This organization has helped my son discover there is an entire world out there that he can see. His service dog has helped him meet people and make new friends. Before he would never get out of the house or want to leave. Now we can not keep him home. Anthony always want to know what is on the calander for today.

My Angel with Paws has opened these doors for him. All of their volunteers are amazing and are dedicated to their clients and community.

I am totally thrilled and honored to be a part of such a caring organization. It is very difficult to describe the joy of seeing a service dog choose their forever partner and watch as they bond and grow into a very special team. This experience changes you.
Every facet of this program focuses on the positive impact -- from rescuing a dog from the shelter to the joy they bring their puppy trainer to the talented and confident service dog. I have finally found out what it is that I want to do when I grow up - finally.
I will continue to Pay it Forward by supporting My Angel Wtih Paws.

Sofie who was given to me by My Angel with Paws has changed my life. I now get to go out in the community and share my experiences with her. I get to tell people all about how a service dog changes peoples lives. Thank you My Angel with Paws!