Helping and Healing Paws

02/18/2025

🐾 Meet Daryl & Kiska! 🐾

We’re excited to introduce Daryl and Kiska, certified therapy dog partners since January 2024! Kiska, an Alaskan Malamute, is sweet, obedient, and gentle for her age. She has a special place in Daryl’s heart and is affectionately known as "Mama" because she took care of their senior Malamute, Frosty, until he passed at 15. Now, she plays the same nurturing role for their 5-year-old Malamute.

Outside of therapy dog work, Daryl and Kiska enjoy exciting activities like skijoring, bikejoring, obedience classes, and agility competitions. Kiska’s favorite toy is her Little Lamb Chop stuffed animal, but her all-time favorite activity is skijoring with Daryl in the snow!

We’re so grateful to have Daryl and Kiska as part of our Helping and Healing Paws team, bringing love and comfort wherever they go.

02/14/2025

💖 Happy Valentine’s Day from Helping and Healing Paws! 💖

Who needs Cupid when you’ve got therapy dogs like ours spreading love all year long? 🐾💘 Whether it’s a tail wag, a slobbery kiss, or just a cuddle, our dogs know how to steal hearts—one paw at a time!

Sending you all lots of love and puppy snuggles today! 🐶💕

Remember: It’s not just humans who need a little extra love today—your furry friends deserve some treats and belly rubs too! 🦴🍖

02/14/2025

🐾 Therapy Dog Thursday 🐾

This Thursday, we're shining a spotlight on Rufus, the dedicated therapy dog who assists his handler, Jessi Noehring, in responding to crisis calls across Mille Lacs County. From mental health to substance use and beyond, Rufus provides comfort and support wherever he's needed.

In 2024, Rufus and Jessi responded to 519 calls for service, bringing peace and calm to those facing tough times. His presence is a reminder of the healing power of unconditional love. 💙

Check out their article in the Brainerd Dispatch Paper!

🔗https://www.brainerddispatch.com/news/local/co-responders-tackle-mental-health-in-mille-lacs-county

Jessi Noehring and her partner Rufus have been working hand in hand with law enforcement in the handling of public mental health calls they receive.

02/11/2025

🐾 Meet Jessi & Rufus! 🐾

We’re excited to introduce Jessi and Rufus, certified therapy dog partners since April 2024! Outside of their therapy dog visits, they love to run, ride bikes, go camping, tube, and of course, snuggle together. Rufus also has a special role as the office/therapy dog for the Mille Lacs County Sheriff’s Office!

Rufus is a big fan of fresh beef marrow bones, and his calm, loving nature makes him the perfect companion both on and off the job.

We’re so happy to have Jessi and Rufus as part of our Helping and Healing Paws team!

02/04/2025

🐾 Meet Therese & Finn! 🐾

We’re thrilled to introduce Therese and Finn, a wonderful therapy dog team who became certified in December of 2019. While they couldn't begin visiting until Fall 2020 due to Covid, they've since brought joy and comfort to so many. Finn, a gentle and calm soul, is adored by all the kids they visit!

Therese and Finn live in the country, where they spend plenty of time together outdoors—whether it’s walking in the woods, swimming, or soaking up the sun. Finn has a special love for peanut butter and cheese, which makes him extra happy!

We’re so grateful to have Therese and Finn as part of our team, spreading kindness and healing wherever they go.

01/31/2025

🐾 Honoring Our Retired Therapy Dogs 🐾

Today, we take a moment to celebrate the incredible work and dedication of our retired therapy dogs. These amazing pups have spent countless hours bringing comfort, joy, and healing to so many, and now it's their time to enjoy some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

While they may no longer be on the front lines of therapy dog work, their impact will be felt forever. From lifting spirits to spreading love, each one of these dogs has made a lasting difference.

Thank you to all of our retired therapy dogs for your years of service and unwavering love. You will always have a special place in our hearts! 🐶💕

01/28/2025

🐾 Meet Richard & Hunter! 🐾

We’re excited to introduce Richard and his amazing therapy dog, Hunter, who recently joined the Helping and Healing Paws family after Hunter’s certification in the Summer 2024! Richard has been involved in therapy dog work since 2007, and now he’s continuing his journey with Hunter, a sweet rescue dog who loves dog training, long walks, and spending time in the garden. Hunter has a surprising love for cabbage—he can’t get enough of it! Together, they bring comfort and joy to those they visit, and we’re thrilled to have them on the team.

01/24/2025

🐾 Hamline University Destress Event - Therapy Dogs to the Rescue! 🐾

Each semester we are contacted by Hamline University to send some therapy dog teams to their de-stress event. Each time our members have a blast attending the event! 🐶💖 It was a paws-itively perfect day filled with tail wags, cuddles, and plenty of stress-relieving moments for the students.

Our amazing dogs were there to help everyone unwind, relax, and maybe even score a few belly rubs along the way! It’s always a joy to see the smiles our furry friends bring to those who need it most. 😌✨

01/23/2025

🐾 Exciting News! Welcome Fissan Training Kennels! 🐾

We are thrilled to welcome Fissan Training Kennels as our newest training facility partner! 🎉 Fissan Training Kennels will be hosting a testing event this Saturday, January 25th at 10 AM, and we’re so excited to be a part of it! 🐶✨

If you're interested in attending or learning more, please contact the school directly to RSVP or get further details. This is a fantastic opportunity for our teams and pups to grow and thrive with expert training!

Let’s make it a great start to the new year and show our support for this amazing facility! 🐾💪

01/22/2025

🐾 **Meet Jess & Hope!** 🐾

We’re excited to introduce Jess and Hope, a dynamic therapy dog team who have been certified with Helping and Healing Paws since Fall 2022. Together, they bring comfort, joy, and love wherever they go!

Hope is a sweet and playful dog who LOVES meeting new people and dogs! She's always ready for a cuddle, but her absolute favorite thing in the world is anything that squeaks.

We’re so grateful to have Jess and Hope as part of our Helping and Healing Paws family, spreading smiles and healing everywhere they go!

01/11/2025

Our members had so much fun today bringing joy to the Guardian Angels residents of Elk River!

01/03/2025

Shoutout to Luna for the incredible service she provides at Allina Hospital in Buffalo, MN! 🐾💖 Luna’s dedication and support make a positive impact on everyone she meets. So proud of the difference she’s making every day!

12/31/2024

Welcome to Meet the Members Monday! Each week, we’ll be introducing you to the amazing teams that make up our community. You'll get an inside look at their stories, their passions, and the incredible work they do.

🌟Meet Vicki and Dolly! 🌟

🐾 They’ve been a certified therapy dog team since December 2023, sharing love and comfort with those in need. Outside of therapy work, they enjoy walks, playing fetch, and Dolly loves playing tug-of-war with her Golden Retriever sister! 🐕💖 At just 2 years old, Dolly is already very loving and has learned so quickly. She’s Vicki’s bundle of joy and also has a special love for Culver's pup cups! 🍦💕

12/27/2024

Dolly loves visiting her people at Presbyterian Homes! Keep up the good work Vivki and Dolly!! 😎🐕

12/24/2024

Our Teams have been getting into the holiday spirit this holiday season while bringing joy to those they visit!

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NvCjqba4Q/

12/24/2024

Welcome to Meet the Members Monday! Each week, we’ll be introducing you to the amazing teams that make up our community. You'll get an inside look at their stories, their passions, and the incredible work they do.

🌟Meet Michelle and Jager!🌟

🐾 They’ve been a certified therapy dog team since November 2022, bringing joy and comfort to those in need. Outside of their therapy work, they enjoy walks, some agility training, and trick dog work. Jager’s favorites? He eats just about anything, loves rubber chicken toys, and, of course, going for walks! 🐕💖

12/21/2024

Hey TDI members! Are you feeling lost and confused about what is next for you and your canine partner? Helping and Healing Paws is here to be your port in this storm. Please get in contact with us at: [email protected], to see how you may become a part of our family! You are not in this by yourself, please reach out to us, so that we may help!

Happy Holidays!

Send a message to learn more

12/20/2024

After a summer off, Tucker was thrilled to be back at UNW for a therapy dog visit in September! 🐾🎉 Monica’s new HHP shirt looks sharp too! 😎🐕 It was a great day of spreading joy and making new friends.