05/06/2026
Some days, Paws for Mental Health looks like a big classroom or community event.
And some days, it looks like sitting in a garden for two quiet hours with our program dogs, fresh air, and kids who just need a moment to breathe.
Today, Blanche and Goldie spent the afternoon at a youth shelter in Edmonton, soaking up cuddles, playing outside, and simply being present. No big agenda. No pressure. Just connection, comfort, and a safe space to exist exactly as you are.
These visits matter more than we can put into words. For many youth, moments of calm, trust, and unconditional love can be incredibly powerful. The impact extends to staff as well, who spend so much of their time supporting others. Having the opportunity to slow down, connect, and share quiet moments with the dogs can offer comfort and care to them, too.
Programs like this are only possible because of sponsorships and community support. We often wish we could share more photos and videos from visits like these, because seeing the impact helps people understand why this work is so important. But many of the spaces we visit support vulnerable youth and families, which means privacy and safety always come first.
So while we can’t always show you every moment, please know they matter deeply 🐾
Thank you to everyone who helps make these visits possible for youth in our communities.
If you'd like to support Paws for Mental Health:
🐾 Sponsor a youth or senior to attend a class in-centre ($25.00)
🐾 Sponsor a mobile visit where we bring the dogs + activities directly to schools, seniors’ homes, and community spaces ($50.00)
🐾 Donate supplies - we’re always in need of art materials like paint, brushes, paper, cardstock, glitter, scissors & more
🐾 Shop our Amazon wishlist or drop off new/gently used supplies at our Parachutes for Pets Advocacy Centres
you can donate online at: https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/145755?mc_cid=f2d0b351dd&mc_eid=adf5dbdf2a (link in bio)
find our amazon wishlist: https://www.amazon.ca/hz/wishlist/ls/AM6J91F0LRHH/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex (link in bio)