Paws for Friendship

I have been a member of Paws For Friendship Inc. since 2013. The director, along with the members share their pets, spreading love and comfort wherever they go. Paws Celebrated 31 years in 2024 and is the best there is. I cannot stress enough how wonderful Paws is and encourage those with pets to consider becoming a member, no special training is needed. Read about us at pawsforfriendshipinc.org
Paws for Friendship Inc. is a Therapy Pet Organization proudly celebrating 31 years of volunteer service in 2024. Our certified, registered, and insured pets and owners focus their visits to nursing homes, hospitals, schools, etc. located across the Nation

Some people think Therapy Dogs just get petted, and have very little use or service otherwise.
At the nursing home we visit, there was a woman who was in a catatonic state. When we came in, she smiled. She petted our Connor’s head - and said “Soft! He’s so soft!”
Her nurse later told us that those were her first words in weeks. I nearly cried…
A big Thank You to Jan Schmidt and Paws For Friendship. Thank you for all you do - and for allowing us to be a part of a wonderful, rewarding, and deserving organization!

We were blessed with a puppy with a gentle and patience demeanor. My husband and I did frequent socialization and puppy manners classes. I felt that her evaluation was very good in a rather busy dog and people intense environment. I was told not only was the dog’s behavior assessed but also the dog’s relationship to the owner. I have found other dogs in PFF to have good and engaging personalities and their humans are very committed to their dogs role. Our dog is quite happy to put her vest on and walk the Children’s Museum or have a small circle with other dogs while families come to meet them. The happiness comes out of the littlest child gaining confidence to pet with their parent’s support to a teenager engaging more independently with the dogs. We get frequent info on opportunities and happenings. We are very happy to part of this organization.

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 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.

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.

Paws for Friendship is wonderful. It has changed so many lives and is truly an inspiration to me. Animals play an underrated role in our lives.

5+ star review from us for Paws for Friendship!! What a caring organization that is actively making a difference in this world! Many thank yous for its many positive, ongoing contributions - we love you, your integrity and the kindness and compassion that you spread ♡♡ !!

I have recently joined paws for friendship. The team I work along is incredible! They are caring, compassionate and go above and beyond to help in the community. The head of the organization is truly dedicated, kind, compassionate and selfless.

Working hands on with this organization truly showed me how it is more than just what you see on the outside. Every volunteer has a passion to comfort those they serve, all while keeping the animals happy and healthy. They also use social media to their advantage to spread word about the work they are doing.

Words can't express how deeply grateful I am for this organization. My wife of 27 years was in a hospital refusing to speak or eat. She had given up. That's when a Paws For Friendship team came in. They sat with my wife patiently and lovingly as she smiled for the first time in months. Then we discovered my wife would eat if she could share her meal with the dogs! These dedicated folks came in every day at mealtime for weeks to make sure my wife continued to eat and heal. Because of them, we happily celebrated our 30th wedding anniversary recently...and several of the dogs came as welcomed guests as well as all of our beautiful grandchildren and great grandchildren. God bless you, truly, for all you do!

Paws for Friendship is an amazing non profit organization dedicated to helping people, from children to adults, by having them interact with specially trained therapy dogs. The excellent work therapy dogs do for people is becoming nationally known. Paws for Friendship is a dedicated and caring organization that brings dogs to libraries to help children learn to read, hospitals, elder care facilities, hospice, emergency response teams, schools just to name a few places where we can find therapy dogs doing so much good today. If you are looking to make a difference with your yearly charitable donations, this is a very deserving organization.

I have read about their works via Facebook and I think that they are excellent, I wished I could be part of them!!!!! Keep up the great pawsome work!!!!!!!!

This is one of the best therapy groups out there making use of animals.. In nursing homes they are a huge part of the care for the elderly and especially Alzheimer's patients.. These pets are also very important to autistic children and just generally shy and quiet kids. I really wish there were even more chapters. What an amazing organization. Kudos to all the great work they do..

This organization is doing amazing things. All you need to do is look at the smiles they put on peoples faces to know the good they are doing. To see the way the animals and their handlers work together is an inspiration.

I have interacted with a Paws for Friendship dog named Gizmo for several years now. I watch how people just light up in his presence and how he seems to know who needs him. He visits nursing homes, hospice patients, and hospital patients--all the people who need his comforting presence. He helps kids with reading. His mom Jen is tireless and dedicated to getting Gizmo to the folks who need his comfort, as are all of the Paws for Friendship volunteers. This is, in my opinion, one of the most selfless and beneficial charities around!

I have crossed paths with many nonprofit organizations, but none as one so true in spirit and heart healing. You cannot put a price tag on the connection between humans and all those amazing Paws. Thank you for caring and sharing - the quiet calm and smiles you brought to my mom was one of those unforgettable moments.

I have had the honor of witnessing the enormous difference the animals and handlers of this organization make in the community. They are dedicated, compassionate and work very hard to understand the exact needs of those they serve. They are willing to drop their own lives at a moment's notice if there is an urgent need and will give 100% in every situation.

I have witnessed what this great dedicated organization does.

Paws for Friendship is a wonderful therapy program. It is amazing how therapy dogs are able to help people with just their presence. I have always believed that the use of animals is a very non confrontational way to deal with all types of people. The therapy dogs from Paws for Friendship are able to assist people in many different environments from schools, hospitals, rescue situations, etc.

Paws for Friendship is a wonderful group of people and the pets important role visiting hospice, helping children read and comforting those through tragic events. I am also looking into enrolling my dog for Paws for Friendship and will get the wonderful chance to work with Jennifer Adams and Gizmo and other great friends.

Paws for Friendship is a great non-profit that gives so much love and happiness to so many..in nursing homes, assisted living, hospitals, schools, etc. They put a smile and a purpose to those in need and provide comfort.

I saw the peace, relief and joy on the faces of my mother and my aunt in the hospitals, nursing facilities and long term care facilities when one or more of the pups from 'Paws for Friendship' arrived to visit. Remembering their happiness during and after the visits has made it a little easier to deal with their passing. I can't recommend this organization any where near enough!

Paws For Friendship is an awesome part of our community! They volunteer their time to help people of all ages in a number of ways. I have personally seen their teams in action in my sons' school system. I'm really impressed with the scope of their work and the positive impact it has on people.

Paws for friendship has helped our family through a rough time during when my nephew was put into a medical induced coma and was only givin a 2 % chance of survival. They put on their show to ask everyone to pray and I believe that in mass prayer that he pulled through. Thanks from the bottom of our hearts

I was surprised to see this organization in action in 3 different states! I saw them in a hospital and 2 different nursing homes. On all occasions the dogs were well trained and were able to create smiles where before there were none. God bless all the volunteers in this amazing organization!

Paws for Friendship is an outstanding organization that brings joy and improved health to those in need. The owners and dogs are compassionate and loving partners in our society. Their positive and healing methodology to those in need is an outstanding community service. It is well known that petting a dog will lower blood pressure and brings about a semi-euphoric state of well being. I applaud this organization and commend them for their good work.

Paws For Friendship is great .. They do a lot for many ... They help many people out that are in need to feel better and comfortable ... The dogs calm people down and overall make everyone feel better ,,,,They also comfort people in time disasters in life ... I think its a great program .. They all are heroes..

This organization brings so much joy, comfort and love to so many that are suffering, some at the very end of life. Gizmo is one such kind little dog that lights up a room and puts a smile on the most sad face and lifts a spirit when someone most needs it!

This group of wonderful volunteers works tirelessly to provide the much needed companionship of animals in times of stress and hardship. It brings me great pleasure to follow their heart warming work!

What an incredible organization, having met Gizmo and his sister and knowing the tireless effort to give love and comfort where needed is amazing.

This is an amazing organization, I personally have been touched by one of the therapy dogs and his human and it was an experience I will never forget that came at a time just when I needed it!

Paws for Friendship is an awesome organization. I can't express how much Jen and Gizmo mean to me. I have observed Gizmo on several occasions and he has an innate ability to comfort people, He is a true ambassador to Paws for Friendship.

Jen, Gizmo's handler, truly loves working with Paws for Friendship. Always ready to go at a moments notice, she is the pinnacle of service before self.

I can't say enough good things about this organization. Your support is needed and appreciated!

I love this organization! I joined with my dog and it's been terrific. I love seeing the smiles my dog and the other dogs bring to people's faces. My dog and myself have made new fur and human friends, and help bring companionship to children and the elderly. I knew my dog was special and I'm very thankful this organization has given me the opportunity to share his love with others!

They do so many good things for so many people. We are so thankful for everything that they do

These service/therapy pups are a god send!! They are more than companions. More than there to make you smile, which they do. They are an amazing part in aiding at schools, hospitals, rehabs, raising awareness. I have seen, first hand, how the sight of a beloved pup will bring a smile to a needy child's face. The world is a better place for having these hard working, adorable, loving pups and their owners in it. Thanx you all!!!!!!

Paws For Friendship is such an important organization. Having animal and human volunteers who know when a person needs to snuggle, laugh, cry or just sit in solitude is priceless. They do wonderful things for our community that go beyond tragic situations. Volunteers are dedicated, wonderful people and their pets are sweet, intuitive and of course, adorable. I highly recommend them!!

When a four legged orphan needs a friend, Paws for Friendship is a must. Compassion, love and commitment abound.

I personally know a few of the awesome dogs and they are wonderful! They bring so much happiness and smiles to so many people. Their handlers are selfless, wonderful people who do not hesitate to help. The dogs have a calming presence about them. Just being around them does so much good. They help so many people in so many different ways. They listen, they help dry tears and help to forget your problems even for just a little while. They help heal the heart and soul. Paws for Friendship is THE BEST!

-Michelle Powell Manchester NH

The presents of these fur kids is always a blessing. They give comfort to the sick and frightened. They brighten faces and hearts of those that are lost or feel like they are forgotten. They cause smiles and lighter hearts. The world needs more of this kind of un selfish love.

I have been blessed to be part of this all volunteer organization for 23 years. There has never been any paid staff, everyone is a volunteer! We share our certified and registered pets with those in need in care centers, hospitals, VA facilities, rehab centers, etc. Our Paws To Read Program has had remarkable results helping children with reading skills! We are very proud of our Community Outreach Program helping in numerous Communities throughout the Nation!