PAWS FOR FRIENDSHIP

Paws for Friendship Incorporated was founded 31 years ago by an abused Great Dane named Jennie. Initially visiting nursing homes to provide comfort to those seniors that were either abandoned by their family or were just lonely and needed a smiling face to make their day. Today, PAWS has chapters located all across America and Canada. These chapters are made up of everyday people whose only wish is to bring a smile to people in their neighborhoods by sharing their four legged ‘babies’ with anyone that wants to pet, talk or hold them. These Members now make visits to nursing homes, hospitals, Veteran care centers, hospitals and more. PAWS has recognized that children can be helped to learn how to read and has instituted the “PAWS Learning to Read” program conducted at a number of elementary schools and libraries throughout the Nation. Our Community Outreach Program has reached many communities in a variety of ways! Please contact us with any questions! We have no paid staff, we are all volunteers. Nobody has ever received a salary, we operate and grow completely by donations! Our growth has been phenomenal and each year offers going a little further into new areas such a Crisis Response Teams. Many of our Members gave support in Orlando with the Nations tragedy. Some of our Members gave support with the Nations tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in CT. Determination to make a difference has grown from our foundation in Omaha, NE to where we are today. Overcoming hurdles once placed on keeping an animal out have seen many changes throughout our history. Our Members embrace the opportunity to share their pets with so many in need. Too often family members walk away after placing a ‘loved one’ in a facility. Many times, the only interaction residents and patients have is with the paid staff of the facility. Sharing our insured, registered and certified pets with those in need of companionship will bring new purpose into your life.

That pet you have adored and depended on when you needed comfort in your life now brings that unconditional love to perfect strangers. In a blink of time friendships develop and soon you will realize you brought every wonderful memory of their pets back into their lives. Every cherished memory will be remembered and shared with you because you cared enough to visit with them. They adore your pets and they are grateful you took the time from your busy schedule to bring your little angel to visit with them. We cannot thank you enough for your interest in our Program. We are always adding new facilities throughout the Nation and Canada. Our visits also include numerous community events!

Thirty one years ago, our beloved Founder, Jennie and I walked into a care center not knowing what to expect. She took me along with her because she knew something long before I did. The look from her after she approached a woman in a wheelchair and placed her head in her lap told me everything. This woman kissed her, hugged, and petted her as if old friends. Jennie looked at me as if to say ‘be my voice and I will be your strength’ I was, and she is, and her Legacy continues to make a difference to this very day. Her heart and soul embrace every Member all around the world. Her Legacy will span generations because of her determination to show unconditional love for everyone regardless of illness, disability, or injury. Thank you for your interest, please contact us for more information. We are celebrating 31 years in 2024 of volunteer service to communities throughout the United States and Canada.