June 2025 Newsletter 

Introducing Four Paws Forward

A New Chapter In Training, Volunteering And Partnerships

Helping Paws is proud to launch Four Paws Forward—a future-focused strategic plan designed to strengthen our assistance dog program through innovation, science, and community, developed in collaboration with our board, staff, and volunteers. It’s a bold step in our mission to support individuals with physical disabilities, veterans and first responders with PTSD, as well as facility partners in healthcare, education, and justice.

With rising demand and a three-year waitlist, Four Paws Forward is built around four strategic goals:

News Ways to Volunteer: Host Homes

We understand that not everyone can commit to two years of service dog training. That’s why we’re launching a new Host Home volunteer role—designed for those who want to make an impact but need more flexibility.

Host Homes provide loving care for our dogs in training without needing to participate in weekly training classes. Dogs placed in Host Homes continue their development through full-day drop-offs at Helping Paws' new Blue Coat Academy (BCA), where they work with our professional trainers to build and refine the complex skills required to become assistance dogs.

Transportation That Brings Us Together



Consistency is critical to successful training, and thanks to our new custom transport van, we can now bring dogs from Host Homes across the region to the Hemak Training Center in Eden Prairie.

Affectionately dubbed “D-UBER,” this van ensures that each dog receives professional instruction multiple times per week, regardless of where they’re staying. It supports our new Host Home model, strengthens our training routines, and reduces barriers for volunteers. It’s a small shift that’s already making a big difference in efficiency, accessibility, and dog development.

Strengthening Service Dogs From the Start

Backed by research from Duke University’s Canine Cognition Center, we’re investing in early puppy development to improve training outcomes and graduation rates. At the heart of this effort is our new Herman Puppy Enrichment Center (HPEC)—the first facility of its kind in Minnesota.

Traditionally, training began at 8 weeks of age. Now, our puppies begin enrichment as early as 3 days old, with gentle touch, scent introductions, and sensory activities that stimulate neurological development. By 5–6 weeks, they’re introduced to car rides, problem-solving games, and early socialization—all of which lay the groundwork for success as future service dogs.

Supporting Graduates Long After Graduation

We’re deepening our support of Graduate Partnerships by opening new community-centered resources at our Eden Prairie facility:

• A grooming center, including a professional-grade washing tub, offers an accessible space for graduates to care for their dogs.
• A new indoor dog park will provide year-round opportunities for enrichment, bonding, and community-building, offering designated times exclusively for service dog teams.
• More opportunities for graduates to connect beyond our facility with group outings

For more questions, contact Alyssa Golob at agolob@helpingpaws.org.

Best Ways To Volunteer

With Four Paws Forward, there are now three great ways to volunteer at Helping Paws! From hands-on training to short-term care, there’s a role to fit every lifestyle. Here are three great ways to get involved. Click the buttons below to fill out an application!

Featured Service Dog Placements

If you missed Graduation, we want to introduce you to two of our new Helping Paws assistance dog partnerships: Mike and Service Dog Norm, as well as Kristina and Service Dog Naya. Also featured in their photos are volunteer foster home trainers—Schultz Family, Vawter Family, and Sheila Veien—whose countless hours of training and care made these partnerships possible.

Upcoming Events

New Location! You, me, and the Radisson Blu! Mark your calendars - it’s the third Saturday of September. We're honored to be highlighting our Service Dog Program for Veteran and First Responders with Service Related PTSD this year!

Date: Saturday, September 20

Time: 5:30 - 9:00 PM

Location: Radisson Blu - MOA

2100 Killebrew Dr, Bloomington, MN 55425

Helping Paws is preparing for our biggest event of the year—Tail Waggin’ Dinner—and we’re currently collecting auction items for our silent auction, live auction, and raffles!

We’re especially looking for unique experiences and high-value items that make guests say “wow.” Do you have:

• Access to a cozy cabin or vacation home?
• Connections to concerts, sports events, or theater tickets?
• A gift card, basket, or item from your business you’d love to donate?

Your generosity directly supports our mission of placing expertly trained assistance dogs with people who need them.

To donate an item or experience, fill out this quick form:

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Please note: We may group your item with others or reserve it for a future event to ensure the greatest impact for Helping Paws.