Paws and Think Inc.

Paws & Think: Where Every Connection Makes a Difference

Imagine a young child in a hospital bed, their face lighting up as a therapy dog trots into the room, tail wagging. Picture a shelter dog, once abandoned, learning to sit and stay under the caring guidance of a teenager who is discovering their own confidence and compassion. Or think of a shy child, nervous to read aloud in class, finding their voice as they curl up with a calm, nonjudgmental therapy dog and read their favorite storybook.

These are the kinds of life-changing moments that happen every day at Paws & Think, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives through the power of the human-dog connection.

Since 2001, Paws & Think has been bringing people and dogs together to create a ripple of hope and healing in the community. Our vision is simple but powerful: to build a world where every person who can benefit from a dog has the opportunity, and every dog fulfills its potential.

We do this through two cornerstone programs:

• Animal-Assisted Interventions (AAI): Trained therapy dog teams visit hospitals, schools, libraries, and more, bringing comfort and support to those who need it most.
• Youth-Canine Programs: Vulnerable youth work one-on-one with shelter dogs, teaching them basic obedience skills and preparing them for adoption, all while learning life skills and discovering a sense of purpose.

Paws & Think is about connection—between humans and dogs, between community members, and between hope and possibility. Whether it’s providing the courage for a young reader to share their voice or offering comfort to someone in need of a moment of calm, we’re committed to strengthening the bond between people and dogs for the betterment of all.

Our partnerships with schools, libraries, hospitals, detention centers, organizations, fellow nonprofits, and animal shelters demonstrate the wide-reaching impact of this work. Every moment shared between a dog and a person in need strengthens the fabric of our community. Together, we’re not just changing lives—we’re creating a more compassionate world, one paw at a time.

To learn more about Paws & Think and how you can get involved, visit www.pawsandthink.org.