Monthly Newsletter - November 2025

Give To The Max Day!

Give to the Max Day 2025 – Double Your Impact for Helping Paws


We’re kicking off the season of giving by supporting our Four Paws Forward campaign—specifically our Blue Coat Academy (BCA), where Helping Paws dogs spend their days training at our Eden Prairie facility under the guidance of our professional staff and their nights with the volunteer Host Homes who love and care for them.


From now until Give to the Max Day (November 20, 2025), your gift goes twice as far thanks to a generous $5,000 match from Motorwerks BMW. Every dollar you give will be matched—doubling your impact on the future of our Assistance Dog program.

Your Gift at Work


When you give to Helping Paws, you’re not just supporting one piece of the puzzle—you’re powering every part of the journey. Your donation helps fund:

  • Blue Coat Academy trainers guiding daily skill-building sessions
  • Host Home volunteers providing care and consistency outside of class
  • Training equipment, facility needs, and grooming expenses
  • Volunteer support, including supplies and snacks for 175+ dedicated helpers
  • Lifelong Graduate services, ensuring every match thrives together

Join the Celebration on Give to the Max Day!


On November 20, Helping Paws will once again transform into a winter wonderland—complete with photos with Santa and your dog! 🎅🐾 This event is open to the public, and non–Helping Paws dogs are welcome to participate. All dogs must be vaccinated and socially well-behaved.

Featured Placement

We're excited to highlight to our community one of our new Helping Paws assistance dog partnerships! Meet James and his service dog, Patton. Also pictured are volunteer dog trainers Jeri and Levi, who dedicated their time, energy, and love to raising Patton. We're grateful for their commitment!

Meet New Staff Members

Emma Hilby, PHD

Breeding Program and Evaluation Coordinator

Emily Fontenot

Development Assistant

Pop-Up Store Now Open

Our Helping Paws Pop-Up Shop is now open—just in time for holiday gifting! 🎁 We’ve partnered with Bonfire to make ordering quick and easy. Show your support with Helping Paws gear and get it at cost while supplies last.