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Positive individual development and healthy personal growth are goals all youth share. Challenges in physical and emotional development come in many forms, and effect many areas of life for the individual and society as a whole. Each special needs youth that benefit from the unconditional, unwavering acceptance the registered therapy dogs provide celebrate the many personal achievements this highly motivational tool facilitates. These victories enhancing self-esteem and promoting independence in the students is beyond measure and described as priceless by their families and all who observe these programs. This same unconditional acceptance and non-judgmental enthusiasm of the dogs leads us to a core belief that Partners With Paws programs will benefit at-risk youth as well. School violence, bullying, teen suicide, dropout rate, gang involvement, drugs and youth crimes are all real risks America’s youth face when social and emotional skills are lacking. Youth that display anti-social behaviors are at risk of harm to themselves, their peers and all of society if they are not exposed to positive ways of developing self-esteem and expressing themselves. Positive one on one animal interaction automatically promotes skills such as patience, clearer communication, frustration/anger control and cooperation in the students. These skills are what lead to the development of inner qualities such as compassion, empathy, and tolerance for others. With the dogs help in providing a safe and accepting environment, the student can experience and develop these skills and qualities allowing for self-respect, self-esteem, and respect of others to naturally follow. Additional educational programs that promote teamwork and responsible ownership and care of animals empowers the students further to make choices based on compassion that promotes a generation willing to take on the challenges of ending the issue of unwanted, abused, neglected animals which further enhances the students feelings of worth, and importance based on the contribution they can make to society. Those responsible for forming and governing Partners With Paws are successful professionals, and business owners who realize the important benefits that addressing the needs of at-risk and special needs youth in a constructive and positive way bring to the participant, society and the future all animal welfare issues. An important aspect of Partners With Paws is to raise public awareness of how important animals are in our lives. We hope a responsible and empathic attitude towards animal welfare will ensue within all those who are touched by this program. Since May 2004 each Board member, staff and volunteer of Partners With Paws have dedicated themselves to the development of effective, safe programs that educational facility personnel can with confidence, implement for the purpose of improving the quality of life for the special needs and at-risk students in their care. Programs are monitored and under the supervision of the educational facility and Partners With Paws staff and Board of directors. We currently serve 9 schools in Lake, Geauga and Cuyahoga counties with 26 active volunteers and 45 total volunteers. Requests from additional schools and an intensive program to address bullying have been on hold pending the addition of available volunteers and funding to manage additional facilities and programs. FUTURE DEVELOPMENT GOALS Donations and grants will help fund continued growth. General operating expenses, necessary for the continuation of existing programs as well as, additional programs and volunteers and training to serve more special needs and at-risk youth. Support to advance public awareness of the services and programs offered in the form of advertising, promotional materials, fund-raising for continued sustainability, and special projects that align with our mission. Partners With Paws programs can only continue with the generous financial assistance from sources such as yours, who share the philanthropic values of helping our youth develop healthy behavioral habits towards other humans and animals.
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