Paws for Friendship

I wished I had never volunteered for this organization. This is sad because when I joined in January of 2017 I had such high hopes of volunteering with my dog and visiting nursing homes, hospitals as well as meeting new people with like causes.
However I soon began to question my decision. First, my dog had virtual no training to become a therapy dog, a simple short visit evaluation at a nursing home. In addition, since I work full time I was hoping to arrange reoccurring visits at night and on the weekends for hospitals, the VA Center, Cancer facility, etc. Since I live in Tampa where it’s based, I thought this would be easy. But over the 3 years I was a member, I reached out several times to arrange these visits and was constantly provided little assistance. In fact most of the 3 years I was a member, I mostly completed donation type events. And every time I attended one, I questioned to myself how the donations are used as well as how the organization was managed.
So in 2019, I decided it was likely my last year, and my last visit was at the Children’s Museum in Tampa (finally a good visit), But from May to December I simply never received notices from representatives about any types of visits. In fact, I thought they went out of business. But amazingly, right on cue I received an e-mail asking for my annual membership dues in December. Since I immediately questioned and chuckled at this request, I decided not to rejoin. Now for three years I was a good member with a well behaved dog, but I immediately starting getting notices you need to return the shirt, dog vest, etc. (OK-fine). So I kindly responded I’m happy to return what I have but my shirt was ripped a while ago so I threw it way. I’m thinking, you know we do work with dogs! The reaction from the group r was, “We have to turn this over to our attorney”, “you signed a legal document”. So this is how the organization spends their donations? Seriously they are threatening litigation to a volunteer worker over some polo shirt? Do they really think a 40-something year old man with a full time job is going to visit a facility and pretend he is part of their group? To be honest, I have no desire to be associated with this group of any kind so I would never provide free advertising by wearing their trademarked logo. So buyer beware! And BTW, I agree with the other post, most positives are done on the same day which is sad because the group had potential.

I have belonged since 2012 and this is the BEST organization. All of us in Paws for Friendship are unpaid volunteers. They DO have up to date PAID insurance. They do offer ACK Good Citizen testing, What they do not require is special training. They evaluate you and your pet to see how they and you will intermingle with others and the people and places we visit. Your pet does not have to be pure bread. They are NOT out to make money that way. PFF relies on donations and fund raisers to keep working. The dues are for your shirt, ID Tag and the pets vest Period, no other monies are asked of the members ! There have been members that have been asked to leave the organization due to there breaking the rules set for PFF and given to them upon joining along with being listed on the web page. Or have done something illegal to further their process under the guise of being PFF rules. That is the BAD REVIEWS YOU SEE IN THE POSTS. PFF is in it's 26th year, so they must be doing something right !!

I would not recommend this organization. It is not well organized and membership guidelines are unclear, especially regarding chapters. Their requirements for dogs passing their test are minimal. I have seen several comments that they are quick to criticize members and use threats of law suits and slanderous comments. I have a friend who used to belong to this organization and they had her in tears with their threats. It appears it is run by someone more interested in money than supporting and understanding their members. There are far better therapy dog organizations out there. It is interesting that most of the 5 star comments were all written within 3 days of each other.

Update: It has just come to my attention that when a member drops out of Paws for Friendship and returns the items, the president has resorted to calling private homes that the former member is visiting and upsetting frail elderly people by telling them that the former member has no insurance. How does this president know what other insurance the member might have? What a cruel tactic! Apparently facilities have also been notified by this president and given similar information. How can a person running a therapy dog organization stoop so low?

Obviously, I am not the only one who has had a TERRIBLE experience with this “organization”. I use that term loosely, as I have not seen one “organized “ thing about them. This group discourages training, and discourages Canine Good Citizen testing.

I have seen first hand this group care more about money, back stabbing, and making threats than I have seen them care about the residents we help.

I will be finding my dogs a much more suitable and well run organization. I am hurt and upset that in trying to share my dogs and spread happiness I have come across such a selfish, and mean bunch of people.

I have been a part of this organization for 10 years. Even once I lost my dog, I was still allowed to volunteer in other capacities and was very thankful for this. Paws for Friendship has done nothing but share love of pets to those in need. As an all-volunteer organization (no one receives any type of monetary compensation, not even the Founder) we are a group of people dedicated to bring joy and happiness to those in need. Everyone plays an important role serving and giving their time by visiting, fundraising, marketing, etc... I saw several notes previously regarding insurance lapse in coverage. The fact of the matter is that as soon as we were told of the coverage issue we rectified immediately. We notified all volunteers with complete transparency and provided update insurance certificates. There have been volunteers asked to leave the group for causing issues with other volunteers they had personal issue with. We do not condone drama or pettiness. We are a group of responsible and caring individuals with the same goal. Please be sure to read all of the comments and keep that in mind when you see the ones with low ratings. We are not perfect and we cannot make everyone happy, however, we strive to make those we visit happy and bring them joy. That is why we exist and have been able to operate for and celebrate 25 years

BEWARE OF JOINING THIS PET THERAPY GROUP!

Sorry to say this but was very disappointed with my experience as a volunteer for this organization. Most importantly promises made before I joined included that volunteers would have liability insurance policy for their visits. Now finding out that for many years they didn't have the policies they said they did, and I submitted falsified proof of insurance documents to facilities I wanted to visit as part of the process to get my dog approved to make visits. Don't appreciate being made a dupe in their deceptive practices. They took my money but didn't deliver.

I volunteered with this organization for 5 years. *Then* I found out last December that they'd allowed their volunteers' liability insurance coverage to lapse and had sent out altered insurance documents to the facilities I was visiting for 3 1/2 of those years, putting not only the facilities at risk but each and every one of us volunteers. This is a completely unacceptable way for an organization like this to operate and I will never trust them again. I feel betrayed.

I can not express enough how much Paws For Friendship has touch my families life since we joined. Seeing the joy on the patients faces when we walk in the rooms. It brings us just as much joy. Not only are the visits amazing but the group is also. Love going to the Yappy hours and meeting other members. Plan to stay with this incredible organization a long time!

A top knotch non-profit organization that provides a valuable service to those who need the service. The smiles on the faces of the patients who loves when PAWS comes to visit is very rewarding. The kids at the library for the read visits also love this time. A very satisfying way to spend time volunteering. I have been affiliated with the organization for many years and refer my adopters who adopt greyhounds from my organization to Paws For Friendship for these worth while activities.

I have been not just a volunteer but a Coordinator for PFF. On 12/6/2016, as a Coordinator I was a part of an email group from another Chapter alerting the CEO and the coordinators to the fact that the insurance certificates we all had since JULY 2013, were fraudulent. The CEO has no good answer for this. The CEO says this is because of something that happened in 2012. No good explanation for the ins. cert. in my hand that states coverage JULY 2016 to July 2017. I have tried to understand and get the truth. Also there are no "reportable financials", no acting board, no reports, nothing. Board members have told me they quit because they had no access to any info. Believe there is criminal fraud in the insurance certs., and an underreporting of $$ received yearly from members. The Florida Attorney General's office has been notified. Hoping someone can at least get an answer as to the insurance certificates. I took the insurance certificate to a public school board, PFF was allowed on school campus only because of the insurance. The premise of the organization and members are great, the leadership is doing something rotten.

As a former patient in a nursing home/rehab facility it is such a pleasure to give back with monthly visits with my Therapy Dog, a retired Greyhound. I'm proud to be a member of PAWS For Friendship. It is wonderful to see all the smiling faces from patients as well as staff when we visit. They remember her and many call her by name. PAWS FOR FRIENDSHIP is needed and appreciated.

Great organization, serves a very worthy purpose providing much needed pet therapy to anyone who could use a visit from a loving pet. Time well spent and very gratifying.

I've been involved with them for many years & they are a wonderful group. The people that run this organization should be very Proud...They give so much of themselves to help the ones that need it the Most.

This nonprofit is an awesome organization! They do so much for the community and enrich people's lives in every way imaginable. I will continue to support their efforts and the difference they make throughout Connecticut, and the eventually the world! Proud of you Jen!

I have been in contact with a friend that participates in the Paws for Friendship. She is amazing person that takes her little guy where ever he is needed and at any time. This organization is getting the animals back into society, and showing there is people that care about one another.

Our daughter is currently being mentored & is working with Paws for Friendship for her Ag Ed project(SAEP). She's had wonderful opportunities to help bring joy & happiness to the young and old alike and has gained valuable Econ compassion through this amazing outreach.
She has loved everything that she has done with this group and has said that "Paws for Friendship" puts a smile on everyone's face as soon as they see them coming.
Thank you for this opportunity and I pray that anyone who is in need of cheering up gets the opportunity to have a visit from them.

Paws For Friendship is an amazing organization. I take my fur kids to nursing homes and seeing the smiles they bring to others makes my heart happy. God bless all of you who do so much to make others happy, even if it is for a short while.

Paws For Friendship should be named a National Treasure. Never in my life have I met such dedicated and compassionate dogs and people so invested in helping others. And all volunteer. Where do we find more like you?

I have seen and heard nothing but positives about this organization. The introduction of the Canine Family into the world of those affected and involved in numerous personal and environmental issues is seen by many as to be very positive.
What they have done to contribute in such situations shows nothing but love and compassion. It only goes to show both by Canines and Humans that togetherness and involvement can truly be beneficial and productive to the healing process of any situation..
By being involved in the field of Animal Care and running a Popular site educating the public about Canines, I only hope soon to become more involved in this great Organization..

Wonderful organization doing outstanding good work. I am a nurse practitioner. The benefits from the work of this group can not be emphasized enough. Thank you Paws for Friendship for all you have done, are doing and will do.

I have witnessed lives transformed through the work of this organization. As one of my Army vets with PTSD told me, "These dogs are better medicine than any pill they could give me. They're all heroes." Thank you for volunteering your time to help so many, including our Nation's heroes. There is a special place in Heaven for all of you.

My experience with Paws for Friendship spans several years both personally and professionally. The dedication of the handlers and the relationship that I have formed with my local hero, Gizmo and his mom (and Cooper too) have been invaluable. They truly have a special gift for finding and comforting those in need. work they do never ceases to amaze me!

Paws for Friendship and it's group of dedicated volunteers (both 2-legged and 4-pawed) bring comfort to so many individuals needing the love and joy that only a wet nose, a gentle soggy kiss, or simple snuggling can provide. They are an amazing organization full of caring individuals.

I love paws for friendship! They make my day so better when I see them!

PAWS For Friendship is a professional, superb dog therapy organization. The people who work with their animals thru this organization are kind, generous, hard-working people. The various animals, from tiny to huge, are absolutely the sweetest critters ever to walk on four legs. They are sweet, giving and loving animals, so generous of their time and good energy.

Paws For Friendship is an awesome organization employing therapy dogs, that help and comfort many in distress...Whenever these dogs show up wherever they're needed, be they big or small, the smiles and overwhelming love and comfort they bring says it all...from schools, nursing homes, day care centers, hospitals and emergency situations, they are a much needed gift to all..

Paws for friendship is an amazing organization. The parents if these dogs give so much of their time to make sure these dogs can give their love. From making elderly smile to helping children read, they serve all aspects of the community, and the dogs are really cute!

I cannot begin to write enough to include all the diverse activities this wonderful organization connects with. How can I explain in depth how they are involved with Paws for Reading at the library, first responders [firefighters and police officers], students in all levels of public school, hospice patients, veterans, assisted living residents, visiting with someone who is going through a traumatic time in the hospital...the list goes on and on. Jen has even helped my daughter, when a Peace Corps Volunteer in Madagascar, raise enough money to build a bridge so that her students could get to their school in Antanifotsy during the rainy season. I am honored to have occasionally been able help Jen with fundraising events. I find the mission statement, "Helping those in need, one paw at a time", heartwarming.

Paws For Friendship is a wonderful organization. These trained dogs and their handlers visit schools, nursing homes, hospitals, libraries and more to brighten the days of those in need. 5 stars from me!

There aren't enough good things I can say about the positive impact that the Paws for Friendship dogs and their people have in the communities that they serve. Therapy dogs are their own special kind of magic and a healing force for all they meet.

Paws for friendship has changed my life forever. Through Gizmo's frens i would of never met Gizmo and his Mom when i needed it the most as a 40 year old in a nursing home for 2 months, missing my dogs at home, they came to see me. I have attended charities with gizmo and have learned about paws for friendship through his mom Jen Adams. They are amazing and we still have a very close bond to this day. Thank you for all you do!

As a reading specialist who works with early readers in grades K-2, I know the importance of helping a child be truly comfortable around books. At first, a child may be content to listen to a trusted adult read, and this is an important part of listening for "story language." As children come to learn their letters and correlated phonemic sounds, they love searching for words they "know" in a book. At these precious stages of learning, having someone to listen to their early reading attempts is so important to their growing confidence in reading aloud. When that "someone" can listen without interrupting or correcting, can listen to the same story over and over, and can give praise in the form of a cuddle or a lick -- well, that's just magical, and it's especially magical for readers who struggle. Thank you, Paws for Friendship, for recognizing that magical bond between a reader and a furry friend. You are growing lifelong readers and learners with every page turned. Bravo!

Those who are still doubters as to the effectiveness of Therapy animals, in a variety of settings, have never met a Paws For Friendship ambassador. The dedication of the handlers, the way the teams go above and beyond and create their own "expectations", sets a shining example for the world to not only see, but experience first hand. Thank you, Paws For Friendship, thank you!

I cannot say enough words about how much Paws for Friendship has helped so much in turning my life around! In 2012 I was blessed to be the recipient of a Kidney transplant after 4 years of suffering. I felt so happy that my life would be on a much better path. Then in 2013, I broke my foot and was home bound for months, and during my healing, I was also diagnosed with cancer. I was devastated and suddenly found myself in a dark and lonely emotional world. One morning I received a visit from a therapy dog named Gizmo who is in Paws for Friendship! That little dog totally changed and lifted my spirits that there was a big bright light on my horizon pulling me out from the darkness! All because of Paws for Friendship! About one year later, I broke my foot again and this time so much worse, driving my spirits down once again, but Paws for Friendship returned again, but this time they brought the troops! Four Angels disguised as therapy dogs came to my home, Bella, Juno, Mini Cooper and Gizmo again! Their visit brought me such an overwhelming joy, that they had eternally etched a permanent place in my heart. So far I am presently cancer free, and with all my medical issues I've had, Paws for Friendship was always there for me so I was never alone! Such an amazing group of Loving saviors. Thank You Paws for Friendship!

I am amazed of all the wonderful people and pets that are involved with this great organization. I have seen firsthand the wonderful work they do and the direct result of their visits. The children right up to the elderly reap their benefits. I follow them on Facebook and so enjoy the stories and videos from all over the country. What a wonderful organization!!!!!

Paws For Friendship is an amazing group that is always there for those who need them.

I can't begin to say enough good things about this organization. They are involved with so many diverse segments of people; senior citizens, young people, rise in nursing homes & hospitals, hospice patients, people affected by disaster, the list goes on & on. The handlers are amazing & selfless, often responding to requests at a moment's notice & the dogs are so loving & totally non judgemental. This organization is definitely one that people should consider donating to. You never know when you or someone you love could benefit from a visit from one of the teams who help to make this organization what it is.

My experiences with Paws For Friendship have been positive. Our little friends are making a BIG impact on their community. They are actively involved in many things and bring huge smiles and cuddles to all. Thank you for your love and service!

My corgi, Cooper, and I work with Paws For Friendship in Omaha, Nebraska where the group was founded 23 years ago. We visit with veterans, assisted living residents, hospice patients, and children at our local library. We love following the mission statement, "helping those in need one paw at a time". It is an amazing way to bring smiles and joy to those in our community who need a little ray of sunshine.

I have been an active bystander as Paws for Friendship works around my community. They are involved in every helpful organization in our town. One day visiting a hospital another consoling children after a traumatic event at a local high school. They actively support first responders from firefighters and police to teachers of troubled children or the local farmer's markets. I am always amazed at just how involved they are. In the tri-town area everyone knows who they are. The barriers they have broken down are just phenominal. A great organization doing great work.

Paws for Friendship brings the smiles to so many elderly in nursing and rehab. facilities. Many times they do not have family close by and many times they have wonderful memories of their own pets especially dogs. Even those with memory issues will be so clear about when they had a dog and tell us all about it and they have a calmness about them that is not always seen. I go to Arizona in the winter and my little yorkie "Munch" knows exactly which rooms he needs to go to and he always goes to the same rooms as the previous year! One woman just wants him to snuggle in bed with her of course with me by their side and she just pets him and tells me that this is the best part of her life!! We love that we have the opportunity to be part of Paws for Friendship to bring joy and love to the seniors that need it so much.

Paws for Friendship (PFF) is a compassionate organization whose members share their dogs helping provide comfort during difficult times. PFF takes the time to screen and evaluate the hanlders/dogs to ensure each is appropriate for visiting. A good organization.

As a 30 year Army war Veteran I thank our God of life for PAWS For FRIENDS. Those Therapy dogs are filled with love a powerful healing gift from their little hearts. Their visits give comfort for all who hold these creatures of mercy and compassion. Thanks for caring for us. You make a world of difference in our lives. You are doing God's holy works!

Paws for Friendship literally change lives, and always for the better. They all work tirelessly and relentlessly, doing so much for everyone they meet. Truly the best of the best

Paws for Friendship is such an amazing organization. Anyone who owns a dog knows that the company of a calm dog in times of stress or sickness is the best medicine. So to have an organization of dogs specially trained just for that purpose is just nothing short of exceptional. I love that Paws doesn't just concentrate on one area; they're in nursing homes, schools, hospitals and so many other places. I'd like to extend a special thank you to the handlers / owners to selflessly give their time to help others. I wish an organization like this had come to my school so many years ago.

PAWS for friendship is so amazing. The animals they provide to assist those in need is just continually inspire. It wasn't until I had experienced the joy that this organization brings to students that I realized it's full potential. My initial experience was with them in the school system, but as I became more familiar with them I realized their reach is much further - in nursing homes and hospitals and really throughout the community! I love PAWS for Friendship - They are the GREATEST!

Paws for Friendship is an amazing organization that does such good for our community. From nursing home and hospital visits to working with kids, this organization gets fantastic results. There is one little guy named Gizmo that sit with kids at the library and they read to him. Children with learning disabilities have overcome their issues because of the love of a 3 1/2 pound dog. And it just warms my heart to hear the stories from the local nursing homes on how the residents perk up when these dogs come to visit. I can't imagine not having this program in our community. Paws for Friendship works!

The service that Paws For Friendship provides is priceless. They come in many sizes, from large to mini, but the services provided are disproportionate to their size by far. The thing they all have in common is that the size of their hearts is immeasurable.

By visitations to Hospitals, assisted care facilities,schools and libraries, to mention a few, they, and their handlers, provide comfort, soothing and support to people who are experiencing difficult times in their lives.

Thank you to the devoted owners and amazing dogs that make Paws For Friendship so special. The work you do, all of the joy and happiness you bring to the world is priceless.
Sometimes the people who are the most vulnerable are silenced or aren't appreciated. Your services show them otherwise.
Your recent efforts in Orlando are exactly what the world needs to see. People and animals coming together to share love and support in hard times.
We were first introduced to Paws For Friendship through the Paws to Read program with Gizmo, of Gizmo's Frens. Since then we are constantly proud of the work you have done and are continuing to do.

Paws for Friendship is an amazing organization. I've seen the animals and handlers in action in a few places, schools , libraries, nursing homes and hospitals. The animals are like magic! Kids focus and the ill relax. The handlers are amazing. They are very confident and confidential and caring. I really can't say enough good things about this organization. They truly are a blessing.

Watching therapy dogs doing their job and knowing the joy, consolation and/or empathy that they can bring to any situation, whether volatile or stable, is something a person never forgets. The pet visitation teams of Paws for Friendship do this on a daily basis in nursing homes, rehab centers, senior living, hospitals, schools and even libraries; in addition, teams reach out in times of crisis, such as the recent tragedy in Orlando. Each team in its own way makes a difference and an unforgettable impact. The volunteers of Paws for Friendship and the organization need to be commended for their dedication and their ability to help one paw at a time. This nonprofit organization is truly top notch. I speak from experience having a pup who is a therapy dog in Arizona.

Paws for friendship is an amazing organization. Their service animals and their handlers do amazing work that benefit so many people.

Paws for Friendship provides an invaluable service to our community. Furry family members are more important in our society than ever before, and when people are removed from their loved ones due to circumstances beyond their control, the pain is great. Receiving a visit from a therapy animal can literally give patients or elderly a reason to live again. There are many documented emotional and physical benefits of such a program for the grateful recipients. Personally, knowing this program exists gives me joy and hope.

Paws for Friendship is a wonderful organization that does so much good. These dogs are trained especially to help those in need, giving support and comfort to children, the sick, and anyone who is facing difficult times. I have had an occasion to call upon them when a family member was ill, and they were willing to drop everything to go to that person's side. The people involved in this organization are truly among the most caring of individuals, and I believe their compassion is boundless.

Paws for Friendship is a wonderful organization. These dogs make such a difference to everyone they visit, from students to the elderly. Sweet little Gizmo helps these kids to concentrate on school, give them confidence and to make them want to come to school in the first place. The difference is incredible! Thank you Paws For Friendship!

Paws For Friendship is an excellent group of dogs and handlers. I see their posts on Facebook and the joy and comfort these dogs bring to young and old, in hospitals, schools, libraries and events. A visit from a Paws For Friendship dog will break the daily routine for young or old by increasing happiness, calmness and emotional well-being. Thank you for all you do to help those in need!

Great program and charity. We Support Paws for Friendship.