2025 Year End Recap - A Look Back

As we reflect on this past year, our hearts are filled with gratitude for the remarkable community that surrounds Helping Paws. Everything we accomplish—every puppy raised, every assistance dog trained, every partnership formed—happens because of you. Your dedication, compassion, and belief in our mission are the reason we continue to grow, adapt, and serve.

This year brought exciting developments to our breeding and training programs, opening new opportunities for growth and innovation. Our volunteers embraced these changes with energy, creativity, and dedication, showing once again that our strength comes from the people who stand beside us.

It was also a year marked by profound sadness within our Helping Paws family. In moments of shock and grief, our community held each other up with grace and compassion. We were reminded that our work is not only about dogs—it is about people, relationships, and the shared humanity that connects us.

We all understand the unique bond between dogs and humans. They care for us, and we care for them. And in times of joy or hardship, we care for each other.



Thank you for being part of this mission, this community, and this hope-filled work. We are here because of you.

January - Enrichment Opens

Helping Paws proudly welcomed the Herman Puppy Enrichment Center—a first in Minnesota, giving our puppies the enrichment they need to grow, learn, and thrive!

March - BCA Begins

We opened our Blue Coat Academy (BCA), where Helping Paws dogs train daily at our Eden Prairie facility and return each night to volunteer Host Homes—our newest volunteer role—who provide loving care.

April - Graduation

Helping Paws brought tissues and tears as we celebrated all of this year’s placements at Stages Theatre in Hopkins.

May - Paws In Motion 5K

We loved hosting this year’s Paws In Motion 5K at Purgatory Creek Pavilion. With a 5K/1.5K, food trucks, an art and crafts fair, music, paws were in motion.

June - D'Uber

Our D-Uber was up and running, picking up and dropping off dogs at our BCA 5 days a week! Thanks to the many volunteers who pick up a pup!

August - St. Paul Saints

Helping Paws was thrilled to join the St. Paul Saints for their Dog Days of Summer game—a fun night celebrating dogs, baseball, and community!

September -

Hortman Heroes Fund

Helping Paws announced the Hortman Heroes Fund honor community members Melissa, Mark and Gilbert Hortman.

September - Tail Waggin'

This year’s Tail Waggin’ Dinner was our biggest yet, with more attendees and more support than ever before. We celebrated the 10th anniversary of our Veteran Service Dog Program.

October - Trunk or Treat

Our first Trunk of Treat created a new spooky, kids-friendly, tradition. Over 30 trunks were decorated allowing our community to enjoy sweats and service dogs.

WCCO Shines a Spotlight on a Helping Paws Veteran

Humphrey Brings a Little Joy to the Hospital

Helping Paws Service Dog Humphrey made a special visit to see his new friend Evelyn as she spends time in the Children's Hospital awaiting a heart transplant. Evelyn is no stranger to golden retrievers as she has one at home! Humphrey brought a smile to her face. More than 100,000 U.S. patients are currently waiting for organ transplants. Every 8 minutes, another person like Evelyn is added to the national waiting list. Moments like these remind us how powerful comfort and connection can be. We’re grateful to Susan and Humphrey for the visit and being such great representatives of Helping Paws.

Upcoming Event

Join us at Barks and Brews! Helping Paws dogs and volunteers will be on-site with information and brochures. Come say hi, enjoy a great brew, and support our service dogs-in-training at this fun, casual gathering!

Location: Heartbreakers, 222 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318

Date: December 11

Time: 5–7 PM

As you plan your year-end giving, your tax-deductible donation helps ensure more life-changing service dog partnerships in the year ahead.