DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) — In times of crisis, loss, or uncertainty, sometimes the soft touch of a paw can bring the most healing. That’s the mission behind PawPrint Ministries.
This year, the local nonprofit celebrated a decade of taking therapy dogs to various locations throughout central Illinois.
"I can't believe here we are 10 years into this — and it's the support of the community that makes our outreach possible," said Founder and Executive Director Jennifer Dahn.
Founded in 2014, PawPrint Ministries has grown into a beloved organization where specially trained therapy dogs and their handlers visit hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and community events to provide emotional support and connection.
Keri Michalek met Paw Print Ministries when she was receiving treatment at the Cancer Care Center in Decatur. She told WAND News after meeting Alice, a PawPrint Ministries pup, she knew she needed to be a part of the organization.
"Just to have her [Alice] come up to me and for me to be able to give her a hug... it just made me feel uplifted," she said.
Each therapy dog at PawPrint Ministries undergoes rigorous training to ensure they are prepared for all environments. Handlers work closely with their canine companions, creating a bond that allows them to serve the community as a unified team.
"All of our handlers have so much compassion that they bring to the table and they come from all different walks of life, so it's really cool that they have different areas in the community where they focus that they choose to give back," said Dahn.
As a nonprofit, PawPrint Ministries relies on donations, volunteers, and community partnerships to continue its work. To support the mission, click here.
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