Santa PAWS fundraiser helps support Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs

Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs presented 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 annual signature fundraising event began in 2016 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 room was once again filled with fun, love, passion and many furry working paws along with more than 150 guests.

Through the generosity of the 2024 Santa PAWS attendees, five new puppies were fully sponsored during the Fund-A-Need portion of the evening led by Board Chair Kyle Reed and auctioneer Shannon Livingston.

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 a highly respected Canine Assisted Therapy program, the only one of its kind in Southwest Florida. Since its inception in 2012, Golden PAWS has placed 160 service dogs with those in need whether a disabled child, first responder or Veteran. All dogs are placed at no cost to the recipient.

This year, the organization rolled out its new Crisis Care Canine Program, serving the local community and first responders now more than ever before. Over the last few months, service dogs have been provided to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Collier County EMS, City of Naples Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

“Each puppy is a symbol of hope, requiring a minimum investment of $50,000 to cover their comprehensive care and training,” said Jeannie C. Bates, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Golden PAWS Assistance Dogs. “To take these pups from their first steps to their ultimate placement, we aim to raise $100,000 per dog, ensuring they receive the ongoing support they need throughout their service.”

In addition to training assistance dogs, Golden PAWS also 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.

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.