My life changed the moment I saw Paws for Patrick’s newly launched website in September 2020. It focused me for the first time on emotional support animals and therapy dogs. In fact, until then I hadn’t done much community service or even given much thought to mental health. Yet I was immediately struck by Paws for Patrick’s mission of connecting young people with animals’ emotionally therapeutic power. The great spirit of the extraordinary people behind this mission shined through, and I just wanted to know how I could be part of it. During the three years since, I have joined the board and volunteered as much as I can as an emotional support animal wish granter, therapy dog handler and through other roles. The people I have met and worked with from within Paws for Patrick, organizations with which we team, and the population we serve have all been truly inspiring and enjoyable. Paws for Patrick has done nothing less than given me the rare opportunity to be more of the person I want to be every day while we help so many of the young individuals in our world who need it most.
I joined Paws for Patrick in the fall of 2021 as a Volunteer Coordinator co chair on the junior board. I immediately gained a community of supportive individuals, both my age and older. Surrounding myself with individuals who care about my mental health, and those in the community, has made me more confident about the mental health struggles that I have encountered. I lost a friend to suicide in 2022, and having the resources and community that Paws for Patrick provided, I was able to advocate for others to make sure that everyone knows how loved and valued they are. I love being able to hangout with our therapy dogs, and getting to know all of our wonderful volunteers. Paws for Patrick has been a highlight of my life for the past 2 years, and I will forever be grateful to be a part of such an incredible organization that lets people know that is it ok to not be ok
My experience with Paws for Patrick was great! The process of getting an ESA letter was quick and easy. They were also able to help support me in some situations after (like facing trouble from my apartment complex on having an ESA). I would highly recommend this nonprofit to kids and young adults who think they could benefit from having an ESA.
I am so proud to volunteer as an ambassador with Paws for Patrick. Everyone that I work with at Paws is so genuinely sweet, and we all share our love for our dogs and want to pass along the comfort these animals bring to children.
It is a great feeling to walk into schools with the dogs and watch kids faces light up. I've been told the kids look forward to our visit all day. Many of these kids do not have dogs at home and love the opportunity to pet and play with these furry comforting friends. At a local college, the students told me that they couldn't wait to swing by for this dog hour as they were getting ready for a week of finals and knew this would help alleviate a little stress in the day. Paws for Patrick is an incredible organization!
I genuinely love volunteering with Paws for Patrick. As a therapist it often takes months to be able to provide the people you help with something tangible that benefits them, but when I help families to get ESA letters and I see the relief and gratitude it fills me with energy and motivation. Supporting Paws for Patrick has been incredibly healing for me as I have dealt with the pain of losses in my life and witnessing first hand the power of animals to help people recharges my optimism for the world.
My name is Donna Sabin and I volunteer with Paws for Patrick as the Chair of the Wish Granter Program. Every year we help hundreds of applicants through the process of acquiring an Emotional Support Animal. It has been an absolute joy to work for this organization in guiding young people through what can often be an emotional and challenging journey. Our volunteers guide clients through all phases of the process from therapist meetings to adoption to training. I am proud to be a part of this amazing group.