GOLDEN PAWS ASSISTANCE DOGS, INC.
NAPLES, FLORIDA

Founded in 2012 as a 501(c) (3) non-profit charitable organization PAWS Assistance Dogs provides highly skilled service or assistance dogs to combat wounded Veterans and children with life-changing disabilities. PAWS is proud to say that our dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve. After an applicant and a dog are paired, the new team undergoes additional training to meet the specific needs of the recipient. Upon final placement these highly skilled canines are able to pick up dropped items, open and close doors, retrieve medical supplies, provide balance assistance and emotional and therapeutic support. We continue the relationship for the life of our dogs’ commitment through ongoing training and support, and financial assistance when needed to ensure the dog has a safe and secure home environment. PAWS Assistance Dogs receives no government funding of any kind and relies on the generous support of organizations, companies and individuals to provide the financial means needed to accomplish our mission. We know the need for our service dogs is vital. PAWS Assistance Dogs was created to serve the men and women who sacrificed so much for our freedom and to give back to our heroes the independence they fought to preserve for us. proudly served in the US Marine Corp where he exemplified the courage, honor and commitment that is a hallmark of a Marine. When we first met Mike, we were impressed by his ability to overcome a tragic accident that caused the loss of his left eye and left him with a Traumatic Brain Injury. The injury creates many challenges for Mike including balance problems, short term memory loss and some loss of gross motor skills. Pumpkin’s job is to help alleviate Mike’s symptoms and she completes her tasks with the utmost care for Mike. According to his parents, “Mike has received something he has not had since he sustained his injury: a best friend who loves him unconditionally. Pumpkin is always there for him and brings him more joy and happiness than he has had in a long time. She has brought a new dimension to Mike’s life and has made a tremendous difference in so many ways.” enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corp in 2004. In 2005 he was assigned to the 1st Battalion 8th Marines Weapons Company. By 2009 he had served multiple deployments in various units, serving in the most dangerous areas of Lebanon, Iraq and Bahrain. Now living in Tampa with his family and PAWS service dog Lola, Javier said: “Before I received Lola, social situations were impossible settings for me. I had isolated myself and my family. Oftentimes, I scan the bushes, the shadows, watching every corner for approaching danger. Lola, my trained service dog keeps me calm by giving me her paw or putting her head in my lap as if she is telling me ‘ Hey, I’m here and we’re going to be ok.’ My life has changed for the better and now I feel like a capable husband and father and am able to attend my daughters’ activities. I could never thank the PAWS team enough for all they’ve done for me and my family.” help Each year we raise, train and place service, support and therapy dogs to children and veterans with physical, neurological and developmental disabilities. Our dogs are provided at NO COST to the recipient, which places the responsibility of raising the needed funds on our organization. Mission Statement: PAWS Assistance Dogs are always placed at no cost to those they serve. PAWS Assistance Dogs provides education and community outreach in support of the mission through therapy and ambassador dog programs. PAWS Assistance Dogs is a respected and sustainable organization that creates meaningful impacts for service dog recipients while making lasting contributions in support of our community and those we serve. Our extraordinary Goldens are the common denominator in all our work.