Annual Santa PAWS fundraiser benefits Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs

Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs hosted its annual Santa PAWS event to celebrate the holiday season and its dedicated puppies at The Ken & Susan Meyer Center for Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs in North Naples.

The VIP (Very Important PAWS) event began 10 years ago and has steadily grown into a favorite for donors and supporters each holiday season. As in years past, the non-profit organization’s main training arena was once again filled with fun, love, passion and many furry working paws along with more than 150 guests, who enjoyed tasty hors d’oeuvres, festive drinks and feel-good moments as well as a “PAW” paddle raise.

Jeannie Bates, Founder and CEO of Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs, told guests what makes the organization truly special are the people with hearts as big as the dogs they train. This year, the organization placed 24 service dogs, transforming the lives of veterans, first responders and children with life-changing disabilities. Its volunteers dedicated more than 24,000 hours of service, reaching over 6,000 individuals in the community. And thanks to donors’ generosity, they welcomed 15 new puppies into the program.

“This year has been one of incredible growth, hope and love,” Bates said.

Puppies are selected to join the program at 8 weeks old and during their two-plus year assistance dog training program each dog participates in several different canine-assisted therapy assignments as a part of the Golden PAWS Community Outreach Initiative, the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. Since its inception in 2012, Golden PAWS has placed 200 service dogs with those in need whether a disabled child, first responder or veteran. All dogs are placed at no cost to the recipient. “Behind every wagging tail is a community that believes in the power of connection – the bond between a human and a dog that brings comfort, independence and hope,” Bates said.

Board President Kyle Reed said every story at Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs begins the same way – with a tiny 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy, full of curiosity and potential. Over the next two years, trainers, volunteers and staff pour their hearts into shaping that dog’s life – teaching skills, building confidence and nurturing a quiet strength. And then comes the day everyone waits for – the moment of placement.

“When that dog meets their recipient for the first time, something powerful happens,” Reed said. “From that moment on, two paths become one. That dog becomes so much more than a companion – they become a source of courage, confidence, loyal service and unconditional love.” When a dog’s journey comes to an end, that loss is felt deeply because these dogs don’t just serve, they become family. In this instance, a Golden PAWS Successor Dog is provided to bridge the past and future.

“Tonight, as we gather to celebrate the joy, the healing and the companionship that Golden PAWS brings, we honor not only the dogs who are beginning their journey but also those who carry the torch forward – the Successor Dogs who remind us that love never truly leaves us,” Reed said.

In addition to providing dogs to its traditional core group of veterans and families, Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs enhanced its Crisis Care Canine Program, serving the local community and first responders now more than ever before. Through this program, service dogs have been provided to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County EMS, City of Naples Police Department, Lee County Sheriff’s Office and Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH).

Also, in addition to training assistance dogs, Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs provides several community programs and places a strong emphasis on giving back. The list of community partners continues to grow and includes Vi at Bentley Village, David Lawrence Center’s Crisis Care Unit, New Beginnings School of Naples, Collier County Public Libraries and Schools, and The Marbella at Pelican Bay. A team of volunteers along with assistance dogs in training visit these community partners on a regular basis.

FEATURED PHOTO: Tiffany Campbell with puppy meeting Jerry

ARTICLE PHOTO: Don and Patricia Altorfer

For additional information about Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs and its mission to provide life-changing service dogs at no cost, visit the non-profit organization at www.GoldenPAWS.org or call 239-775-1660.