I have been a volunteer with PAALS since 2008. This is an organization that serves the community while training service dogs for clients. I am touched by the giving hearts of its employees and fellow volunteers. I have met the most talented and kind people through PAALS. The PAALS dogs have changed so many lives, and I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this organization.
PAALS does an amazing job of training and placing dogs with the humans they can best be of service to. I am thankful for PAALS and my PAALS dog, CJ.
On October 30, 2023, I was matched with an Assistance Dog/Service Dog trained by PAALS. We have been a team for almost 1 year now. There are not enough words to share the way my Service Dog has positively impacted my life. I will say that the PAALS method of dog training is 100% positive and conforms to the natural qualities already present in the dog. I also appreciate how PAALS staff all work together - they are truly a team model of "all hands on deck" in fundraising events, care for the dogs, applications from new clients, and ongoing guidance for current clients such as myself. I touch base at least monthly with my PAALS liaison - and truly more often. I need support in a wide variety of scenarios that occur in "real life" living with my Service Dog. Finally, it has been my pleasure to have met in-person with volunteers and donors to demonstrate and affirm PAALS committment to provide professionally trained and Assistance Dog International certified Service Dogs. Thank you PAALS - you are a top-notch non-profit organization.
I have been a volunteer with PAALS about 7 years. I think a great measure of a non-profit is the dedication of their volunteers. PAALS has volunteers that have been with them since the beginning in 2007!! The staff and trainers are incredibly dedicated. Being a volunteer is so rewarding especially seeing how these dogs help their people and the community!
I've volunteered with PAALS for over a decade and have always been so impressed with the kindness and compassion exhibited by the staff and other volunteers. Training service dogs to help people with physical and emotional issues is not glamorous. It takes long hours, incredible patience and lots of "poop pickups" but the impact these dog can have on their clients' lives is amazing!
Our experience with PAALS began when my son was in physical therapy. He worked with therapist Bethany C. and her facility dog Chiver. My son always looked forward to our weekly visits with them, and I became intrigued to learn more about PAALS after seeing Chiver in action. I soon learned that PAALS offered a “Pup with a Purpose” program where dogs that are released from the PAALS service dog training program are available for adoption. We decided to open our hearts and our home and apply for a dog. After waiting a little over a year, we were matched with our sweet pup Amelia. She has been such a blessing to our family and everyone she meets. PAALS is a wonderful organization helping people in need. We donate annually to this organization because I know first hand how these dogs impact people’s lives, whether as a service dog, facility dog, or a family pet.
I met Jen Rogers not long after she started PAALS. Her new program really impressed me because she had succeeded in putting together two of my passions: helping individuals with disabilities and dogs. I was teaching special ed and had her bring PAALS dogs to visit my classes at two different schools over the years. Ten years later, when I retired from teaching, I was fortunate to re-connect with Jen and PAALS. After learning more about the application and placement process for clients, the volunteers, fosters and pupsitters, I was even more impressed with what PAALS contributes to the lives of individuals and our community. A large percentage of volunteers have remained with PAALS since the beginning. This speak volumes.
I've worked with PAALS for 6 years now. Every day I learn something new about the human spirit and the human animal bond. Working with people who share my respect for individuals of all species, collaborating with individuals, like our clients, who blaze their own trails with creativity, strength, determination, and humor gives me fulfillment and gratitude for the opportunities to interact with so many amazing people and dogs. When the news gets you down, come to PAALS. It will renew your faith in human and animal kind.
I always enjoy attending the graduation day events and seeing the dogs paired with someone who benefits from the training the dog has gone through to become a loving companion.
I absolutely love PAALS! I was introduced to PAALS when my niece acquired one of their career change dogs. What a blessing that was to our family. I was so impressed with their mission and vision that I became a volunteer. The staff are top notch and clearly have big hearts. It is amazing to see the good work they do every single day. This is an asset to our community as well as the individual clients they serve.
I have been a volunteer member of PAALS' Board of Directors since its founding and I also volunteer in various other areas of the organization from helping with dog training to fund raising, so I speak from a lot of experience over 17 years. This organization is 100% dedicated to helping people - and at small to no cost to them, which requires MUCH fundraising. PAALS has also achieved and maintained accreditation by TWO international organizations and, as such, adheres to or exceeds the highest industry standards. With very few paid staff and some hard working and dedicated volunteers, PAALS is making a real difference!
As a volunteer and foster of PAALS, this organization has been a joy to be a part of. PAALS makes a great difference in the lives of those with disabilities, and invites the community to do the same through volunteering and fostering opportunities, participating in fundraisers, and more. The staff is incredibly friendly and is always there to answer any questions I may have as a volunteer or foster. The dogs are the best! They are trained in an engaging, enriching, and stimulating environment at PAALS, preparing them for the work they will do in the real world.
PAALS does an excellent job of training their dogs for specific client needs. Even when a pup is not able to become a service dog they do an excellent job of matching them with adoptive families.
My daughter has a facility dog trained by PAALS to help with her autistic preschool class. Ross has had a positive impact on her students by helping them with behavior and anxiety in a school environment. The students have a strong bond with the dog and are more engaged during class. Her facility dog is an important part of her daily class activities.
I love PAALS!! Amazing organization that helps pair service dogs with those in need. Volunteered and was a weekend foster when I lived in the area and it was a wonderful experience, gave me a whole new appreciation for the amount of work and dedication that goes into training and pairing potential service dogs! I truly miss it and wish I was still in the area to regularly volunteer.
I don't know what I would have done without PAALS. They changed my life completely. I went from not being able to go out in public to going to all the places I have wanted to visit. He has helped with my nightmares. He will lick my face to wake me up. I will forever be grateful to PAALS!
I am handicapped and have applied and been approved for a service dog. Prior to applying I was a supporter of the cause because I was impressed with this organization. I have really learned how organized, structured, skilled and incredibly kind this organization is.
It is truly amazing to see how this process works and how much time and energy they put into each dog and client.
In addition to the amazing work they do you can see that each of them love the animals.
The dogs that I have met have been excellently trained and sweet and loving.
The cost of the time and work put into each dog is tremendous, yet the cost to the client is much less due to the supporters and fundraisers of this great charity. I have met and/or seen many people with one of the PAALS dogs and have found that the dogs truly make a difference in each clients lives and the bond between the dog and the client is clear and amazing. PAALS puts a lot of effort into matching dogs and clients as you go through this process. They want the client AND the dog to be comfortable and happy.
I recommend supporting this organization for so many types of people: PTSD and Mobility Issue. This is one of those things that insurance doesn't find medically necessary and it is great to help make this service available for as many people as possible.
I am a full-time wheelchair user due to a cervical spinal cord injury. Due to the neurological deficits, my body is weak and I can't always do things for myself. My Service Dog has been a major factor in helping me in my day to day life. We have been together now for 4 years and each day she helps me with things like carrying small bags, picking things up when I drop them, which is quite often, bringing me things from another room, etc. We carry a rope tug and we use that so she can help me open heavy doors that I can't do on my own. She also helps with my PTSD from the accident that caused my injury and the frustrations of not being able to lead a fully independent life like I used to. When I get overly anxious, she rests her head in my lap or on my feet to help calm me down. And in case of an emergency, She has a "help" cue that allows her to go to the nearest person and "speak" to get them to come help me.
I am constantly amazed by my dog and am SO grateful to PAALS for the work they do and for allowing me the privilege of being their client! Their interaction with their clients, making sure we are all okay, is exceptional.
I have worked with quite a number of non-profits in my life and PAALS is truly the best I ever have worked with!
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I was matched with a Mobility Service Dog in November of 2018. I am an incomplete quadriplegic from Cervical Spinal Cord Injury. I use a manual wheelchair and I have trouble with my arms and hands as well as my legs. My dog immediately became my best friend and partner. She picks things up when I drop them. She uses a rope tug that I carry to open doors. She pushes buttons on elevators that I can't reach. She helps me put things in and take things out of my washer and dryer. And when I'm anxious or my PTSD from my accident kicks in, she lays her head on my lap or feet to help me remember that I'm okay! She also lies on my legs in bed at night which helps calm the spasms that I have regularly.
I feel so blessed to have found PAALS! They have truly made a huge difference in my life!!
For almost 5 years now I have been a volunteer at PAALS because I have attended the graduation ceremonies and heard the heart-breaking, yet uplifting stories of how these remaarkable dogs have changed the lives of their human partners. Not only are these pups the unconditionally loving companions your own cuddly dog is, they perform life-changing servces for their teammates that come from the priceless training provided by PAALS. PAALS has grown a dedicated and loving "family" of trainers, staff members, volunteers, sponsors and friends who keep this wonderful work going. I feel priviledged to be some small part of their story.
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Amazing work done by dedicated loving people and dogs. Exclusively through the charitable donations they receive these trainers, staff and volunteers are able to perform mini-miracles and provide life-changing life partners to those with challenges and disabilities. The heart-warming (and sometimes heart-breaking) stories these people tell of the impact the dogs have on their lives make all the effort worthwhile.
PAALS is a wonderful nonprofit. They genuinely care about their clients and training JUST the right dog for them. Their training methods consider the dog in the process with understanding how the dog approaches each situation. The staff at PAALS is friendly and wants the best for dogs, clients, and volunteers. It is truly a wonderful organization!
My parents have been volunteers at PAALS for over four years. I live in California, and when I came home for Christmas, I had the joy of being able to help out with the new litter of PAALS puppies from what I can honestly say, was the most exciting trip home ever. We went to Louise and Randy's (Generous veterinarians who have supported PAALS and whelped multiple times) house as much as we could, and I got to hold and play with the puppies. This isn't just about playing, though. PAALS has a whole book of exposures and things that these pups have to do right from the start. I had no idea about this. My parents and I took them on car rides, made up obstacles as challenges, played different noises on our phones, etc. From day one, PAALS dogs are trained! This program starts from birth and by the time I went back to California these puppies were responding to "sit" . Wow. Best visit home ever. Sorry, Mom and Dad, but you know...how can you beat this next Christmas?
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PAALS continues to impress me with their ability to keep the program going through this last year. When I was home on break this summer, I had the opportunity to go on an outing with the dogs since my parents are volunteers. I watched first-hand how the dogs are trained and exposed to different environments. (And I got to sit in the back of the SUV with them and get some loving.) They are so precious. Even in strange places full of distractions, they learn to focus on their handler. It's such a long journey to becoming a fully-trained service dog, but the end result is worth it. Now more than ever, there are so many veterans who would benefit from a service dog, and of course, mobility dogs are always needed as well. I always donate and support PAALS. It's such a worthy cause and a life-changing mission.
I have been a volunteer at PAALS for over four years. I can attest to the dedication of staff, volunteers, and fosters to work together to help these dogs become amazing service dogs. There's a true feeling of "family" in this organization. It's heartwarming to see how these dogs change lives. I'm thrilled to be part of this program.
As a volunteer at PAALS, I see the dedication that the staff, trainers and volunteers have in promoting our mission of training service dogs for our clients. Everyone works together to support each other. People are always willing to assist and help out when needed. At PAALS, the well being and care of our dogs comes first. I am proud to be part of this organization.
I have had the pleasure and privileged of working with PAALS now for 3 years through our Order of the Eastern Star. I have had the honor of working with Karen Addy and Liz Anderson in programs where we give money to promote the beautiful pups for the help of others. I enjoy going to see the pups that we support and see how each one is trained and their daily duties and the progress they make. If I could bring these pups home with me, believe me I would. I am so thankful to have been chosen to work with this group of hard dedicated and working people. The work they do is just unbelievable for those in need. Cindy Leitner OES
Amazing organization that helps those seeking to help themselves. I’ve followed Paals since they worked for their ADI accreditation, Jen Rogers founded a phenomenal organization. i find it especially admirable that they’re involved in the community, with summer camps, afterschool programs, early intervention day care visits, disability services events, and general public education. The client process, dog husbandry/training, and graduate support are excellent!
As a SC resident several years ago I was introduced to the fantastic work that PAALS does, and they have only gotten better. Their time, dedication and commitment to service dogs is superlative. Creative programs and totally involved volunteers were a joy to work with.
I am a client and have the most wonderful service dog! I have worked with PAALS through the entire process from submitting the initial paperwork, through training and now giving my dog a forever home!
My dog has changed my life for the better in so many ways and she provides me the ability to live my life while dealing with PTSD and multiple physical issues.
PAALS is in the business of saving lives and they certainly saved mine! I could never thank them enough or give them sufficient praise and adulations for what they have done for me! They are the greatest!!!
I am friends with someone who volunteers at PAALS and weekend fostered. One of the great things about PAALS is how much they appreciate their volunteers and fosters. PAALS does everything it can to support them. They hold regular training sessions with the fosters and make sure they are equipped to follow all the PAALS rules. It’s so important for the dogs to have those weekend breaks to revamp and relax. My friend devoted her entire weekend to the dog, and I’ve seen how hard it was for her when it was time to rotate to another dog. Yet, she continues to give and help the program. She says the end result is worth every bit of it. Hats off to all the fosters. It’s wonderful to see an organization working hand-in-hand with their volunteers. Together, they make it all happen.
I have been a supporter of PAALS ever since I visited the Columbia area and found out about the organization and their mission. I don’t live in South Carolina, but I continue to follow them and donate to this awesome cause. With growing numbers of PTSD patients, it’s so important to keep programs like this going. Of course, PAALS dogs serve many other needs, but I’m particularly grateful to see them helping our veterans. I’m glad to see that they have navigated through Covid and are still up and running. They will continue to have my support and appreciation.
So many people with emotional or physical needs have been helped by these well trained companions ! What a wonderful remarkable service these canines do !
Just seeing the help that the dogs that are trained by the PAALs staff that go on to help people in need is truly inspiring and much needed! I have got to see some of these dogs in training and they are truly a gift to so many❤️
PAALS is an exceptional nonprofit that touches the lives of thousands of people. They care deeply about all of the people they serve, their wonderful dogs, and their dedicated volunteers. They can always be counted on to go above and beyond to change lives.
I have attended many PAALS events over the last few years : non-Gala galas, puppy cupcake parties, and more. The PAALS mission is evident at the heart of every event. What a well run organization with a dedicated group of volunteers!
PAALS provides support and encouragement to clients and dogs. Without their encouragement, I’m sure that I never would have achieved the level of independence that Dapper, my mobility dog, affords me.
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PAALS cares. Long after being matched with a mobility service dog, I continue to receive support, guidance and encouragement from PAALS.
My best friend is in training right now for her service dog. The process has been smooth and PAALS has communicated well along the way. Several appointments to ensure needs are matched with dog placement. They truly have hearts in what they do. They give pieces of their hearts to each dog and client.
This is a fantastic non-profit benefiting many families with disabilities. All members of this organization are extremely professional, including the canines!
I have been a PAALS donor for the last several years. I have a friend who volunteers there and her stories about the dedication of those dogs and all they go through touch my heart. I never knew how many cues they had to learn or all the training it takes for them to become a service dog. I'm so impressed with PAALS and how these amazing dogs go on to change a person's life. I've watched the virtual graduation and you can see the absolute devotion of the dog to the client. And the clients clearly are so grateful and blessed to have the dog. The other thing that is important is the way PAALS finds a place for a dog that doesn't make it to the level of service dog. The facility dogs play important roles too. I will continue to be a PAALS supporter and help as much as I can in the future. Great job PAALS!
My husband and I have been volunteering and fostering for PAALS for three years now. Our hearts have split wide open, seeing the way this mission changes peoples' lives. These precious pups are so devoted and so eager to help. The first time I saw a PAALS graduation, I cried so hard, listening to the heartfelt stories from the clients who now had a PAALS dog. People who couldn't leave their house were able to get back out in the world with the help of their PAALS service dog. Facility dogs also are an important part of the mission. PAALS dogs go on to help in pediatric physical therapy units or schools with the special needs children. We feel blessed to have found this organization, and I can't say enough about how important it is to support them. PAALS dogs selflessly enable people to live again.
PAALS is an amazing organization. Our Woman's Club was able to partner on a service project and in the naming of a dog this year. We learned so much about the organization and the amazing things they do in our community. Everyone at PAALS is just outstanding. They put every penny to very good use.
Paals is a wonderful nonprofit organization! Paals Director, staff, volunteers, pup sitters and fosters are extremely hard working amazing human beings! This organization represents what kindness, devotion and professionalism is all about! Watching first hand all they do to train their beloved dogs is truly incredible! All of this done with their hearts and souls in hand to help someone in need! This is a Godsend organization for our state and beyond!
Our family fostered Aubrey, one of the first PAALS pups many years ago. My son, with cerebral palsy, received a companion dog 10+ years ago. My son is non verbal and Jen Rogers put extreme effort into teaching Copper to respond to commands from Jeff's computer. Copper helped Jeff physically and emotionally gain independence. Copper has since passed away, but we're still involved with PAALS. It's an amazing group - volunteers, trainers, everyone I've ever been involved with thru PAALS is special.
Thanks to PAALS my life has been changed forever. I received my service dog almost 2 years ago. The places he has taken me since has brought such love with my service dog Winston and the PAALS organization. The care, love and understanding they have with the clients is amazing to say the least. Keep up the great work PAALS! You are forever changing lives.
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I am a veteran that suffers from PTSD and Parkinson's Disease. After I retired from military service I found myself staying inside the house and only going out to the store at about 3:00 in the morning. On the few times I ventured out to visit a restaurant I found myself sitting with my back away from everyone so I could see everything going on. After many years of counseling at the VA clinic they recommended I put in for a service dog through PAALS. After putting in my application and being accepted in the program it was about two years before being accepted to attend training. During the two years I had many speed dating sessions with the dogs to makes sure we were both compatible with my needs. The first day of training we found out who we were being placed with. I was overjoyed when I saw who came out the door for me. Fast-forward almost one year. He has saved my life. We go everywhere together. I go out anywhere I want to go now. He wakes me up from nightmares and can sense when something is wrong with me. I will forever donate, fundraise or anything PAALS needs me to do!
Like many other volunteers commenting here, I have also been a volunteer for PAALS for years. You wouldn’t have so many volunteers involved, for the amount of years many have been, if it wasn’t such a wonderful organization. The mission is a powerful one - serving clients and community programs, one that can be clearly seen in action. But what isn’t always seen is the small but MIGHTY team that makes it all possible. I’m proud that this organization includes me as part of their team.
I have been involved in a small way with PAALS as a volunteer for a few years, and I am continually amazed at the ways these dogs help their clients and how much of a difference they make in their lives. This is one of those organizations where you wish you could help so much more. If you're looking for a place to volunteer and donate, this is it!
I started volunteering with this organization after a referral from a friend. I love working with the dogs and the people of this organization. This group is dedicated to developing fabulous dogs into helpers for people with physical and mental disabilities. More important, they use training techniques that make the dogs want to work. The dogs almost smile when they correctly follow a cue. Covid forced me to stop my volunteer work, but I can't wait until my return. Every hour I've spent with this organization has improved my life perspective. Their work helps make challenging lives easier.
I volunteered at PAALS throughout college with the organization Cocky's Canine PAALS. This nonprofit helped me throughout school to find purpose and to learn what this organization is about. They deeply care for each and every dog. The care and dedication for the dogs is unmatched. Every worker and volunteer truly loves being there. It is an organization that gives so much. It was so amazing to watch and see what these dogs are capable of. I am so thankful I was able to learn about and volunteer at PAALS.
The staff is incredibly engaging and they have built a fantastic community. Everyone works hard to ensure PAALS is the best that it can be.
PAALS is an outstanding organization. They maintain the highest level of accountability from finances to volunteer relations. As a volunteer, I have witnessed their work firsthand and can attest that they fulfill their mission statement with excellence. I have been on paid staff and volunteer staff with nonprofits for over 30 years. PAALS exceeds all others in fulfilling their standards of excellence. Their work truly changes lives.
We enjoy pup sitting for PAALS. It is very rewarding to catch a small glimpse into the amazing work these dogs do to serve others. The staff is supportive and compassionate too!
My husband and I fostered this precious PAALS pup for six months and watched her grow and so eagerly learn all the cues trying to please us and her trainer. She is going to be an amazing service dog. The program at PAALS is outstanding, and we are always in awe of how much love and attention the dogs get and give back. We were brought to tears at the graduation hearing the heart-wrenching stories of how much these dogs help their clients. They are life changers, and it has been our blessing to be a part of this team.
PAALS is an incredible provider to greatly needed, we trained assistive dogs. Having worked with PAALS for several years, I have found them compassionate, responsive, and accommodating to as many qualified individuals as possible. Thank God for PAALS.
I’ve seen how amazing and well trained the dogs are from watching my friend who fosters one of the dogs. This organization is important to the welfare of the community in need of service animals.
I have known the founder of PAALS when she worked with the education department at Riverbanks Zoo. So when PAALS started up I was a volunteer. I am handicap and I would let the dogs get used to canes walkers and wheelchairs. I also was able to name a couple of dogs. I named one in memory of my sister. My sister helped disabled children when she was alive. Well she got to continue after she passed as her 4 legged namesake helped an autistic child. The family was elated to see her be able to continue to help. ❤️
What an amazing, top-notch organization - professional, personable, compassionate! While fostering for PAALS, it's been my joy to see PAALS bring the community together around these life-changing pups.
I really was unsure PAALS could survive as an organization during the Pandemic. They not only survived, but they also thrived. PAALS was able to reduce staffing to the minimum to save costs, but they continued training all the young pups in their care on a routine basis. Volunteer Fosters took on a number of middle age pups and continued their training at their homes. When trainers could not gather together anymore, a trainer held virtual training meetings with all the full-time fosters to address any issues or concerns. Additionally, PAALS staff were able to hold two team training events to place five trained dogs with their new partners. All was done to standard and in accordance with all CDC health guidelines. I am so proud to be a member of this outstanding, caring organization!
I just started volunteering here at the beginning of the year and the people here are very friendly and care very much about the animals in their care. The facility is one of the cleanest I have been in. I really like volunteering here. As a volunteer, I do a lot of cleaning in the beginning and then once all that is done they allow me to interact with the dogs. They teach you how to handle and how to respond to the dogs and I love that. They are knowledgable about their dogs. Yesterday I volunteered and after cleaning and doing the stuff that needed to be done they taught me and some others how to properly walk their dogs and it's not just for their dogs its for walking ANY dog. I really appreciated and learned from that experience. I enjoy volunteering here and helping out the dogs and employees.
Hands down the best service dog training facility in our state. They prove over and over that miracles do happen. Created at PAALS.
My husband is a disabled Veteran. We have been working with PAALS for over a year now and have been accepted as a recipient for a service dog! This is an amazing organization! The people are kind and considerate of all the persons special needs. They are experts in this field and it shows. We are trying to have a fundraiser to help other Veterans and PAALS. Please donate to help them continue their amazing work!
I was a camper here for several years and went on to volunteer and become a weekend foster. I have never met a group of kind and patient people in my life. Their never ending love for each and every client is absolutely amazing. I have loved working with them
After moving from Columbia, I realized how special and unique this program is. PAALS does it right and is such a fun, friendly environment with knowledgeable and caring staff. I learned so much as a Pup Sitter and enjoyed my training thoroughly. The dogs are respected with training and I am so impressed with what this organization has accomplished. Keep up the amazing work!
I needed to give back to my community after I retired. I heard Jen speak about her organization at a senior luncheon at Spring Valley Presbyterian Church. Being a dog lover, I was very interested in her talk. I spoke with her afterwards and decided that was what I wanted to do. I started when PAALS was in her home. She and the other trainers taught me so much more than I knew about dogs. When my health prevented me from volunteering any longer, I became a foster again and ended up keeping my last foster, Essie. If anyone is interested in volunteering, this is a wonderful organization. The trainers are very patient and what you learn sticks with long after you can't volunteer anymore.
I have volunteered for PAALS since the beginning. Do to my own health issues, I am not able to interact with the dogs as a foster, walker, etc. I use my skills and abilities to help in other ways behind the scenes. I have seen some amazing things of how these dogs have helped so many people in so many ways. I feel privileged to know and work with this organization. There are many ways to be involved with this organization. Please find one and volunteer.
My husband and I are weekend fosters for PAALS. We are honored to play a small role in the mission of the organization and humbled to know that these pups go on to help others live their best lives. If you want to know what "right" looks like, spend some time with PAALS.
PAALS is more than just a nonprofit, it ultimately becomes your home away from home. Such a loving community with an immense passion for their work. Their dedication to their community is unmatched. This one of a kind nonprofit is a trailblazer in the community. One of the best I have dedicated my time to.
A fantastic organization that trains service dogs to assist people with physical or social needs. They are such a caring group of people to work with! There are a number of ways you can help at the facility or with the animals and get the whole family involved.
While my family lived in Lexington, SC we searched for a quality non-profit for our family volunteer efforts. We wanted to make a difference, not knowing that Palmetto Animal Assisted Life Services (PAALS) would change our lives. We started as weekend fosters and volunteered at various functions like reading at the Library with children. After fostering a Golden Retriever Labrador mix for almost a year he moved on and eventually became a companion for a veteran. For that time he was part of our family as he shopped for weekly groceries, went to the movies, and attended our sons sporting events. We did not know what this meant until we attended graduation for the canine scholars. This organization that trains service dogs actually changes lives. These service dogs open a new avenue to the lives of its clients that may not have been available without PAALS. We are so thankful we had the opportunity to work with this exceptional non-profit and its staff.
PAALS was just the right fit for me when I retired from the military. I was looking for a way to help veterans while also involving my love of animals. I can't believe what a difference a volunteer makes in helping these dogs become 'life changers'! With each dog that I help to learn their skills, I become a part of their history of service to others in need.
My name is Natalee and I am from Beaufort, South Carolina. I interned with PAALS for 16 weeks. They're an amazing organization. The volunteers that come together from the community of Columbia are spectacular. The college students are not only investing in their futures, but they are investing of the futures of highly trained service dogs that will make an outstanding impact in the lives of men, women, and children in need. I have been forever changed by this group and I am using the things I learned there to bring fulfillment and enrichment to my community. This group is part of my family.
PAALS is an incredibly well run organization from top to bottom. They take amazing care of their dogs, employees, volunteers, and especially the people who partner with a PAALS service dog. Even their outreach to the community is outstanding. They set the bar for other non-profits.
Randy Basinger DVM, ACVS
We help advise PAALS about veterinary care for their dogs. They are extremely diligent in the care their dogs receive. When my mother’s 13 year old Seeing Eye dog died and she could not qualify for a new dog because of dementia, (90 years old), I beseeched PAALS to see if they had a companion dog that couldn’t work as a service dog. My mother had not been without a dog in 50 years. Ms. Pat fit the bill! She has revived my mother as a companion to love and touch. We will be forever grateful to this wonderful nonprofit!
Wonderful organization. Everyday they are changing lives! I will forever be grateful for the wonderful opportunities they have given me!
So enjoy volunteering with this organization! Wish there were more hours in the day to allow me to see the animals and the two legged creatures work their miracles, hand in PAW!
In 2014 my daughter ran for her High School Homecoming Princess. I so very much wanted to go see her walk out on the football field with her escort and enjoy the moment with her regardless of the outcome. However after serving 10 years in the military I've developed major anxiety that can sometimes be debilitating. I had to have my best friend go with me and basically hold my hand and escort me through the crowds. Also, I made sure to take medication to try and ward off a panic attack and keep my anxiety in check. This is just one example of the daily battles that I go through just trying to live the best life possible and be the best mother and wife I can be for my children in my husband.
I don't have a service dog yet but I'm desperately trying to find the resources to try and make it happen. Charities such as this one provide great resources and a plethora of information to aid those like me. I am a service disabled veteran but unfortunately Veterans Affairs only appears to offer the resource of service dogs to individuals with PTSD or a traumatic brain injury. I thank God that I don't have either one of those issues but I sure would like to be able to do something as simple as get on a plane and not be medicated or to be able to enjoy precious moments with my children without fear of a panic attack Thank you PAALS for all you do. If you are a person looking to donate to a good cause this is definitely one of them.
Such wonderful people working there, really great people working hard to help others. They do such great work, you'll fall in love with them and the dogs
Volunteering with them for two years and it's one of the best decisions I've made. Everyone is so nice and welcoming and allow for a great, nurturing atmosphere for the pups! Their mission is amazing and so are the workers!!!
PAALS provided me with my service dog, Fred. They go above and beyond with training and support. With Fred and PAALS I have so much of the independence back that I had lost. From the care and detail they put into working with each clients individual needs and matching them with their perfect dog, to the drive PAALS has for transforming lives they are just phenomenal!!!
Dapper, my service dog, has enabled me to live independently. PAALS has supported me and Dapper as we have traveled this journey together. Each year they have provided recertification tests to ensure that we are operating at the highest levels. Without the stellar training that Dapper received, I would not be able to participate in many daily activities.
PAALS has helped my son who is on the spectrum through the work that he and his school do with with dogs as part of their projects. We could not be more thrilled knowing that this organization exists.
PAALS is an absolute fantastic charity that I'm proud to donate to each year. Not only do they provide service dogs to those in needs, but they overcome adversity with smiles on their faces and are never discouraged. It's always nice to donate to a charity when you can see the end result and how it's helping the community. Some of the best folks around!
I am just beginning my journey of applying for a service dog. My husband and I toured the facility last week. We met with the trainers and I think the director. Forgive me if I forget names that is part of my disability. Anyway we were very impressed with the PAALS program. There was so much caring and love for what they do for the dogs and people with disabilities. The facility was cheerful and clean we felt like we were walking into a friend or family home. I'm looking forward to seeing where this journey takes me.
I have been a Board member and the volunteer Treasurer with this organization since 2010. I continue to be amazed at how their wonderful dogs make a huge difference in quality of life of their partners.