🐾🧡💛❤️Lending a Paw to LA Fire Survivors❤️💛🧡🐾
When disaster strikes, our Paws As Loving Support family is ready to step up and help. David G. and his social therapy dog, Bubbles, are on the ground in Los Angeles, providing comfort and support to those affected by the recent fires.
Invited by United Policyholders, David and Bubbles are assisting fire survivors in their recovery journey, offering a calming presence and a gentle paw to hold. From today through Friday, they’ll be near the UCLA campus, bringing hope, compassion, and a reminder that no one has to face hardship alone.
David is honored to do his part and stand with the resilient community of Los Angeles.
If you or someone you know is in need of comfort during this difficult time or feeling the emotional weight of the fires in Los Angeles, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide connection, comfort, and care to our community.
#pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #therapydogs #communitysupport #community
#PawsAsLovingSupport
#SocialTherapyDogs
#FireSurvivorSupport
#ComfortInCrisis
#DisasterRecovery
#BubblesTheTherapyDog
#UnitedPolicyholders
#CommunityHealing
#LosAngelesFires
#HelpingHandsHealingHearts #sonomacountystrong #losangelesstrong
🐕🦺Honoring Courthouse Facility Dog Miranda: A Legacy of Comfort and Service🐕🦺
After 9 remarkable years of service at the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office, Miranda, the county’s first Court Facility Comfort Dog, is retiring. Since her graduation in 2015 from Paws As Loving Support, Miranda has provided a calming presence to crime victims and witnesses, easing their journey through the legal system. Her impact extended far beyond the courtroom, offering comfort at community events, schools, and hospitals.
The Sonoma County Board of Supervisors presented Miranda with a Gold Resolution to honor her dedication, and she celebrated her retirement with an ice cream party surrounded by friends and her successors, Darla & Lucy.
Thank you, Miranda, for your incredible contributions. Wishing you a retirement full of love, belly rubs, and well-deserved rest! 🐾💜🐾
#ThankYouMiranda #PawsAsLovingSupport #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #ComfortDog #SonomaCounty #RetirementCelebration #CourtFacilityDog #DogWithAPurpose #AnimalAssistedSupport #CommunityHero #ForeverLoved
🐾In Times of Need, We Stand Together🐾
With so much happening across California, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But here in Sonoma County, our Paws As Loving Support (PALS) teams are dedicated to being a source of comfort and connection when our community needs it most.
This special Comfort Call Out brought Rudy, Velvet, Dexter, Gaia, BeBe, and TayTay together to offer their steady presence and unconditional love during a challenging time. Their gentle hearts remind us all that even in the hardest moments, kindness and support can help light the way forward.
#SonomaCountyStrong #PawsAsLovingSupport #CommunityHealing #ComfortDogs #TogetherWeHeal #resilience #pawsaslovingsupport #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #therapydogs #community
REPOST FROM: @tuckerdoss
“This is what the pacific palisades look like morning of January 9th. So many homes lost in these tragic fires surrounding LA. Sending love to all of the families.” - Pictures/Video by @tuckerdoss
🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾🐾
From @pawsaslovingsupport (PALS)
~Standing in Solidarity with Southern California~
Our hearts are heavy as we watch the devastating fires unfold in Southern California. Having experienced a similar tragedy here in Sonoma County, we deeply empathize with the pain and loss faced by those affected. We are holding in our thoughts the families who have lost their homes, the lives tragically lost, and the communities forever changed.
We are profoundly grateful for the incredible bravery and dedication of all the first responders, including our local Sonoma County firefighters who have been deployed to help. When they return home, we will be here to offer comfort and support in every way we can.
To everyone impacted, please know you are not alone. We stand with you during this heartbreaking time and send our prayers for strength, safety, and healing.
- @pawsaslovingsupport
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#CaliforniaStrong
#SupportingFirstResponders
#CommunityResilience
#FireRelief
#TogetherInTragedy
Rest In Peace Nadia
Repost From: Michelle Chastain @mybellyache
Remembering Princess Nadia: A Legacy of Love and Service
(September 1, 2010 – January 8, 2025)
With a heart heavy with sorrow, I share the passing of my sweet Nadia, lovingly known as Princess Nadia. A remarkable dog from the “N” litter of Paws As Loving Support (PALS) @pawsaslovingsupport, Nadia’s journey was one of profound service, unconditional love, and joy. She was a change-of-career dog whose destiny was to touch countless lives—and she did so with unparalleled grace and kindness.
Nadia proudly served as a facility dog at The Swain Center @the.swain.center for over 11 years, where she worked alongside a dedicated team of Speech-Language Pathologists. Through her steadfast presence, she became a beloved companion to children, teens, and adults alike. Her roles were many: Social Therapy Dog, Reading Dog, Comfort Dog, and eventually a Comfort, Crisis, Peer Support Dog. In each role, she carried an unmatched spirit of gentleness and compassion that left an indelible mark on everyone she met.
Nadia’s story began with her first puppy raiser, Jenica J. @speechchat, whose early care helped shape her into the extraordinary dog she became. At graduation, she was presented to me by Lindsay L. @lindslerro1, and with the gracious permission of Dr. Swain @swain.deb, Nadia was able to call The Swain Center her workplace—a place where she truly thrived and brought joy to so many.
Her kind and gentle soul made her a beacon of comfort and calm in times of need. Whether listening intently to a child read, offering solace during a difficult moment, or simply being her loving self, Nadia was a constant source of light. She was a beautiful soul, one that I loved deeply and will miss beyond words.
As she crosses the Rainbow Bridge, my heart feels shattered, but I find solace in the knowledge that Nadia’s legacy of love will endure. She gave so much to this world and asked for so little in return. I will always cheri
Reflecting on 2024: Gratitude & Growth
As we wrap up an incredible year, we’re filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve our amazing community. 💜 Through every wag, cuddle, and connection, our Paws As Loving Support (PALS) teams have been honored to provide comfort, healing, and support where it’s needed most.
Mental health remains at the heart of our mission. Whether offering solace in moments of crisis, breaking stigma around mental health, or simply spreading joy, our dedicated dogs and handlers have shown the power of unconditional love and support.
Thank you to our community for your trust, kindness, and continued belief in our work. Here’s to a brighter, healthier, and even more connected 2025! 🐾✨
🎊🎉🍾HAPPY NEW YEAR🍾🎉🎊
#PawsAsLovingSupport #MentalHealthMatters #CrisisSupport #ComfortDogs #CommunityLove #HealingTogether #MentalHealthSupport #BreakingTheStigma #DogTherapy #AnimalAssistedTherapy #WellnessJourney #SupportDogs #EmotionalWellness #PALSComfortDogs #Gratitude2024 #CommunityHealing #MentalHealthAwareness #ComfortAndCare #TherapyDogsRock #ServingWithLove #MakingADifference #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds
🎁✨🐾Holiday Joy at REDCOM 911 Dispatch✨🐾🎁
Spanky, Cooper, and Rusty brought the holiday spirit to the amazing team at REDCOM 911 dispatch! Laughter, hugs, and wagging tails filled the room as our PALS pups made their rounds, spreading joy and holiday cheer. We’re so grateful to share these special moments with the hardworking dispatchers who keep our community safe. What a paws-itively fun evening!🎄✨
#PawsAsLovingSupport #ComfortDogs #HolidayJoy #REDCOM911 #PALSdogs #TherapyDogs #FirstResponderSupport #HolidayCheer #CommunityConnection #SonomaCounty #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds
🎁🎄Spreading Joy and Comfort to Our Seniors🎄🎁
Our Paws As Loving Support (PALS) social therapy team, Colleen S. and her sweet pup Fergus, recently visited the Council on Aging @councilonaging in Sonoma County. For over five decades, this incredible organization has been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors, providing vital services that promote well-being, independence, and inclusion.
Colleen and Fergus brought their signature comfort, care, and unconditional love to brighten the day for our aging community. Whether it’s a wagging tail, a gentle touch, or a moment of connection, visits like these remind us all of the power of companionship.
We are honored to support the mission of Council on Aging, serving seniors who enrich our community with their wisdom and spirit. Together, we’re building bridges of kindness across generations.
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#PawsAsLovingSupport #SocialTherapyDogs #SonomaCounty #ComfortDogs #TherapyDogTeams #SeniorCare #CouncilOnAging #KindnessMatters #BridgingGenerations #Companionship #DogLove #AnimalTherapy #SupportingSeniors #CommunityCare #WellBeing #GoldenYears #MakingADifference #SonomaStrong #DogsOfSonomaCounty #PALSComfortDogs #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds
📚Cesar Chavez Literacy Night📚
Dear PALS Team!
Thank you so much for the wonderful puppy love on our Literacy Night. The kids had a great time and the dogs were so sweet! We gave away a LOT of books which was our goal. Thank you for helping to promote literacy at Cesar Chavez! We hope to have you back many times in the future. Please feel free to give me any feedback you might have that would make your involvement better, easier or more effective from your end.
Here a few photos to capture the event! Thank you again for all you do.
Fondly,
Victoria N. NBCT
Santa Rosa City Schools
#pawsaslovingsupport #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #therapydogs #communitysupport #socialtherapydogs #community #furryfriends #cesarchavez #literacynight
🐾💜🐾 PALS Therapy Dogs Supporting Sonoma State University’s Wellness Day 🐾💜🐾
Our Paws As Loving Support therapy dog teams were honored to provide comfort and connection at Sonoma State University’s Wellness Day. Through gentle companionship and unwavering love, our dogs helped create a stress-free environment for students and staff, supporting mental health and wellness.
Thank you, Sonoma State, for inviting us to be part of this special day of care and connection!
@shac_ssu
#PawsAsLovingSupport #TherapyDogs #MentalHealthSupport #SSUCommunity #DogTherapy #CampusWellness #StressRelief #FurryFriends #ComfortDogs #PawsOnCampus
🐾🐾Paws that Comfort, Hearts that Heal💜💜
@sonomacountyhumanservices
Our Paws As Loving Support (PALS) social therapy dogs Fergus and Dexter, along with their handlers Colleen S. and Bette V., visited Sonoma County Family, Youth & Children’s Services to spread love and comfort. These visits bring a gentle reminder that mental health matters and that support comes in many forms—even with a wagging tail and a warm heart.
The joy these pups bring to our community is immeasurable. From reducing stress to fostering connection, Fergus and Dexter are here for those who need them most. Together, we’re building a community where healing and hope are always within reach.
#PawsAsLovingSupport #SocialTherapyDogs #MentalHealthMatters #CommunitySupport #DogTherapy #HealingWithPaws #ComfortDogsInAction #SonomaCountyStrong #FergusAndDexter #WaggingTailsHealingHearts #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #therapydogs #communitysupport #comfortdogs #community
💙🖤SRJC Police Academy🖤💙
@srjc_cadets
This week, Paws As Loving Support (PALS) was honored to be part of the SRJC Police Academy’s Wellness Week! As the recruits near the end of their intensive 20-week training program, the focus shifts to behavioral health and wellness—a critical foundation for their demanding careers as first responders.
Our volunteer Eric S. and his Comfort, Crisis, Peer Support dog, Tiller, shared how therapy dogs can play a vital role in promoting self-care and mental health. Research shows that interacting with therapy dogs releases oxytocin, a hormone that fosters connection and well-being while reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.
Recruits had the opportunity to experience this first-hand, learning how incorporating therapy dogs into their wellness routines can improve mental resilience and create healthier work environments.
A huge thank you to the SRJC Police Academy for inviting us to support your future first responders. We’re proud to promote self-care and mental health in Sonoma County, one wagging tail at a time.🐾
#SRJCPoliceAcademy #PawsAsLovingSupport #ComfortDogs #TherapyDogs #FirstResponderWellness #MentalHealthMatters #WellnessWeek #StressRelief #OxytocinBoost #CortisolReduction #BehavioralHealth #PeerSupport #SelfCareMatters #ResilientCommunity #TherapyDogLove #HealthyFirstResponders #SonomaCountyStrong #CommunitySupport #StressManagement #WellnessJourney #HealthyWorkplace #pals #specialpalsforcommunityneeds #community #socialtherapydogs
