Paws As Loving Support (PALS) Assistance Dogs

09/03/2025

We are always here to support the students and staff at Rio. Praying for healing and peace. ❤️‍🩹🐾💜

Update on Rio Lindo Adventist Academy’s Care and Recovery

On Thursday, August 28, a student tragically passed away during an all-school activity. As a close-knit boarding community, Rio Lindo Adventist Academy canceled classes and activities through the weekend. After consulting with counselors, school administrators decided to resume classes and activities today, Tuesday, September 2, to restore routine and provide structured support.

Beginning Thursday evening and continuing through the weekend, mental health professionals provided support to students and staff. Adventist Health Ukiah and the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office sent chaplains. Area pastors came to campus and joined students and staff in prayer and worship. A chaplain noted this was especially effective because a strong support network already existed on campus.

On Sabbath, four Paws As Loving Support (PALS) “Comfort Teams” (therapy dogs and handlers) offered what they called “soft paws and gentle support.”
On Monday, September 1, the Sonoma County School Crisis Response System of Support team collaborated with Rio educators and staff to deliver Trauma-Informed Teaching sessions, providing talking points for classroom conversations, and connecting staff with county resources—support that will benefit the school for years to come.

Lauren Heinrich, Northern California Conference (NCC) School Mental Health Clinician, and Albert Miller, Vice President for Education, are coordinating ongoing counseling for those who request it. “Our purpose right now is to support our students and staff the best way we can,” Miller said. “On behalf of the Rio community, thank you for your prayers and the many offers of help.”

As one parent observed, Rio is the best place for their child right now because of the campus’s community of care. Experts agree that healing from trauma occurs in the community, not in isolation. Rio is focused on restoring relationships, strengthening community, and walking together toward recovery. We appreciate your continued prayers.

Media inquiries: NCC Communications Office — [email protected] | (916) 886-5642.

09/01/2025

Comfort Callout 🌿

Two of our Paws As Loving Support Comfort Dog teams were honored to respond to a comfort callout at a local elementary school. We’re here for our community—bringing calm, care, and connection when it’s needed most.

08/31/2025

Four of our Paws as Loving Support Comfort Teams responded to a comfort call out today at a local school. We were honored to be there and deeply moved by the chance to offer soft paws and gentle support to students and staff. Being there in times like this is at the heart of how we serve our community.

08/30/2025

🐾Supporting with Comfort🐾

Four of our Paws As Loving Support Comfort Teams will be on site today at a local school to provide comfort and support to students and staff. We’re grateful for these dedicated teams who step in during difficult moments to offer calm, care, and connection.

08/29/2025

✨ Jack Frost brings out the playful side in all of us! ❄️🐾

During his visit to Healdsburg Senior Living, Jack Frost decided the floor was the best place to hang out… and one of the residents happily joined him! 💙 Moments like this remind us that joy has no age limit.

08/23/2025

🐾💚Magic Brings Comfort to the Sheriff’s Department💚🐾

Magic, our Paws As Loving Support mascot, has been providing comfort and emotional support during critical incident stress debriefings. He has been there for staff, dispatchers, and employees affected by recent tragedies, offering calm, reassurance, and unconditional love.

We are honored to stand with the Sheriff’s Department and the community, helping create space for healing and connection when it’s needed most. 💜🐾
**Thank you CEO Nancy Pierson for your never-ending leadership and for bringing Magic to support our first responder community. 💙🐾

08/22/2025

🔴Stay Safe, Sonoma & Napa Counties🔴

🔥 Stay alert—know what’s happening in your area and be ready to act quickly.
🔥 Keep your phone charged and emergency alerts turned on.
🔥 Have a go-bag ready with essentials (medications, water, important documents, pet supplies).
🔥 Know multiple routes out of your neighborhood in case one is blocked.
🔥 Make a plan for your pets and animals—pack food, leashes, carriers, and ID tags.
🔥 Check in on neighbors, family, and friends who may need extra help.
🔥 Stay informed with updates from local officials and fire agencies.

At Paws As Loving Support (PALS), we care about the safety and well-being of our community. Preparation saves lives—let’s all do our part to stay safe. ❤️