Paws and Think, Inc.

**Our Youth-Canine programs seek two outcomes: one that the shelter dog, having been trained in basic manners, will be easily placed in a permanent home. The second has to do with the youth in the program. Here we expect to see improved listening skills, better at following directions, an understanding of positive reinforcement training methods, and compassion. We hope to see decreased recidivism rates and expanded interest in their future and increased empathy.
**Our Paws to Read program uses the Reading Education Assistance Dogs program developed by Intermountain Therapy Animals. Our target population includes special education students and students in low-income areas, especially those who are not reading at grade level or who are suffering other emotional challenges that make the one-on-one time with the dog critical for them. We hope to improve their love of reading as well as fluency and comprehension. A side effect appears to be increased self-esteem and gained confidence.
**Our Animal Assisted Activities and Therapies and **Paws to Heal have the goal of bringing the stress-relief and blood-pressure decrease that is a proven result of the touch and presence of a dog. Science has demonstrated improved healing times in those who have pets or pet visits. Patients with impaired memory diseases reconnect with old memories of dogs they once had. For some people, the simple joy of the unconditional love of a dog brings a joy to an otherwise dreary day. Focusing on the dog provides mental and physical stimulation for patients that can help them become less aware of their own pain and stress. Visits can even help to improve the relationship between a patient and caregiver because the dog helps to create an emotionally non-threatening space for communication, thus lowering resistance to intervention.

**Youth-Canine strategies include having the students do the actual training. They have a trained volunteer with them to provide guidance if necessary, but the strategy is to train the youth to train the dog. We reinforce the pride they should take the accomplishment ot a well trained dog. Using positive training methods expose the youth to ways of encouraging the wanted behavior that they most likely have never experienced. The youth in our program at the Juvenile Detention Center also bond with the dog's homelessness as they are feeling that themselves. And they become aware that decisions they make are what bring reward or consequences.
**Reading Education Assistance Dogs are trained to be close to the child and pay attention to the book. The dogs are nonjudgmental and provide again the stress relief and blood-pressure drop seen with adults. This physiological condition opens the child's mind to greater learning. They focus on the book and the dog only, relaxing and enjoying the experience. Human facilitators are there to answer questions, but not interrupt. Fluency is encouraged by this. A break now and then serves to remind the child that if they have questions we are there to help. They begin to build trust in this relationship circle and will ask more questions and often explain to the dog what happened in the story, or ask the dog what he would have done. Their voices grow louder and stronger. A part of this program is consistency, keeping the team of handler, dog and student together every week over the course of the school year.
**Animal Assisted Activities and Therapies' main strategy is the strength of the human-animal bond. Research continues to prove the value of this relationship. The dog encourages a patient to walk again, to throw a ball and build an injured shoulder back to health. The flush of oxytocin released is felt as a flush of joy in the patient.
**Paws to Heal has partnered with St. Vincent Ascension is a proud sponsor of the St. Vincent’s Healing Arts Department and is generously funded through the St. Vincent Foundation. This strategic alliance has allowed the organizations to create a sustainable foundation to deliver comfort, healing, and compassion to all the lives and dogs we touch.

Through dedicated staff, volunteers, and many individuals, corporations, and grant donors, we are capable of delivering upon our goals and objectives, and ultimately, our mission and vision. We specifically concentrate on critical pillars of our organization: Programs & Impact, Marketing & Communications, Leadership & Culture, and Fundraising and Development, which are fundamental to ensure that we create an organization that will last for years to come.

We have accomplished a great deal together. We continue to support our existing venues while taking on new ones. One of our biggest successes is the strategic alliance we formed with St. Vincent’s for the Paws to Heal program. This new alliance has and continues to be a successful venture that is genuinely having positive impacts on so many lives.

Our donors continue to astound us with their generosity. Year-over-year, they continue to support us and our efforts all the while we continue to see new donors willing to support our mission.

We are indebted to our therapy teams and all who volunteer. These individuals give up their time to serve others. Time - there is no more fabulous gift someone can give.

We have many that support our organization and that support continues to grow, financially, and from volunteers. We are making a difference in the lives of so many. And, more and more people want to be part of that effort. We are truly humbled and grateful.

Moving forward, we will continue to support our venues, as well as look for ways to expand and form strategic alliances that will help us achieve our goals and objectives. We have a robust community of supporters, and we have no doubt we will all be successful.