Testimonials

As a past member and as the current President of SUNY Oswego's Psychology club, we have had many experiences with PAWS of CNY and each were incredible. Often we request the dogs to come in for our members before finals week to de-stress and enjoy themselves beforehand. The animals and their owners are all respectful, kind, and very knowledgeable about their work. They are always friendly when answering our questions. We are very lucky to have a connection with them!!

As a member of PAWS of CNY, my dog and I have volunteered at a wide variety of venues and events. We have spent time at Syracuse University, SUNY Oswego, a local nursing home, an elementary school and a library. We have participated in wellness fairs and de-stress events. PAWS has given me the opportunity to meet many new people and make new friends. I am proud to walk into college dorms and the other sites we have visited. We are always treated well by the organizers of the events and people who we visit greatly respect our dogs. Because of our PAWS visits, my dog has gotten more belly rubs than I could ever give him!

PAWS Of CNY Inc. was an absolute pleasure to work with. I previously worked as a Residence Hall Director at SUNY Oswego and brought them into my residence hall once a semester from 2011 to 2014. The volunteers were excellent to schedule, plan, and communicate with. PAWS was by far my easiest outside group to work with. The actual service they provided to our students was immeasurable. I worked primarily with first-year college students who were struggling with being away from home for the first time, trying to handle the stresses of college-level academic work, and many of whom were simultaneously struggling with a wide-range of mental health issues. Every time PAWS would come in, our students would light up. Afterwards, they'd tell me that interacting with the dogs (and their volunteer handlers) was the highlight of their semester and that they could feel the emotional weight lift off their shoulders. I would highly recommend PAWS of CNY Inc. to any Central New York college or university, as well as to other organizations such as schools, hospitals, etc.

I work at SUNY Oswego as a Residence Hall Director and I have partnered with PAWS for the last 3 semesters. PAWS has been amazing to work with - the volunteers are friendly and the animals are fantastic! It's always a well attended event, averaging 150 students in attendance each time PAWS visits my residence hall. The students enjoy their time with the animals so much and I have seen many student cry tears of happiness when they see these animals. With mental health issues on the rise especially within college age students, partnering with PAWS is something I couldn't imagine NOT doing! It's so beneficial to my students - the animals give them a feeling of comfort that I just can't provide.

Paws of CNY is an amazing organization. Linda and her therapy dog Gemma, along with Laura and her therapy dog Patches have brought lots of laughs and smiles to the faces of the children at Moms & Kids Childcare Cooperative. Sometimes being apart from mom can cause young children separation anxiety and lots of tears, but not when you are busy petting one of these sweet, gentle therapy dogs! Thank you so much for your cuddles Paws of CNY, we really appreciate all that you do!

PAWS of CNY visited SUNY Oswego's Johnson Hall during finals week during the fall 2016 semester, this event did a great job of lifting the spirits of the residents! The dogs came and gave the students time to relax and de-stress with extremely friendly furry friends, we plan to make this a continuously event during final weeks! Absolutely love this organization!

PAWS of CNY brings joy, happiness, and professionalism. As a coordinator of outreach and prevention services for a college counseling center, I partner with PAWS of CNY to bring animals to campus. Our students benefit from the contact a therapy animal can provide - and the volunteers are knowledgeable, open, and supportive. Hoping for many more opportunities to collaborate with PAWS of CNY. Great folks doing great work!