There are a few causes in this world that get me fired up - most of them usually involve animals. But in this case, it's helping people through the use of animals. Teal Paws is providing support for survivors of sexual assault.
Did you know?
In eight out of 10 cases of rape, the victim knew the perpetrator
Every 98 seconds someone in America is sexually assaulted.
81% of women and 35% of men report significant short- or long-term impacts such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Teal Paws takes local shelter dogs or survivors' own dogs and trains them alongside their owners to provide support. Each dog will be an emotional support dog with special skills to mitigate their humans symptoms, but uniquely trained to accompany their companion to create an "Ally Dog Team." This team works together with Melissa and Vicki of Teal Paws to find what works for them.
A little more about the founders from their website:
Melissa is a certified professional dog trainer. She has been helping families and their pet dogs find a path to happiness for over 15 years. She provides private behavior consultations to individuals requesting guidance for issues ranging from puppy rearing to training advanced skills to help an individual lead a more independent life. She also has been a volunteer at area animals shelters for the last 15 years, providing enrichment for the dogs and behavior advice when requested.
Vicki has been a mindfulness practitioner for over a decade. She holds a certificate in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) and is a certified Equine Gestalt Method Life Coach. She has a life coaching practice assisting survivors in finding their own unique healing journey through self-discovery and connection. She is a sexual assault survivor herself and the author of The Pendant Project: My Journey to Awareness Through Art. Vicki also participates on the Survivor Speaker Bureau at a local sexual assault crisis center and volunteers in the Humane Education Department of a local animal shelter.
Vicki, Melissa, and I met a few months ago at a local dog event in Olathe, KS. I was immediately interested in their organization. It holds a special place in my heart and I wanted to help get them recognized for the efforts they are putting in - they already started a full class in October and are starting another in January! The survivors only pay a one time application fee. Teal paws covers all other costs for the classes - including cost of adoption of the dog. So we came up with an idea for pups and humans to both benefit!
Barkville Bakery will be donating 15% of all sales starting Thursday, November 8th through Monday, November 12th to Teal Paws to help fund their classes and help them pair the right dog with the survivor. So head over to our online store and use code "TPBAKESALE" at checkout to give 15% of your purchase to Teal Paws. Don't own a dog or your dog doesn't like treats? You can still donate through their website at https://tealpaws.org/donate
Want to know more? Watch our video!