Day 2: Golden Giving

“Every visit reminds me of the incredible impact animals can have on the human heart…”

For Paws & Think volunteer Melanie, therapy dog work began as a way to give back. But since 2018, it has grown into one of the most meaningful parts of her life, a calling shaped by her golden retrievers and thousands of moments of healing and joy shared with the community.

Today, her current therapy dogs — Archie, Oakley, and Winston — continue that legacy, spreading comfort, confidence, and joy wherever they go. Whether encouraging young readers to find their voice, easing hospital anxieties for children and families, supporting staff in high-stress environments, or calming overwhelmed students during finals, Melanie’s dogs have a gift for meeting people exactly where they are.

Every visit brings something different, a smile from a child who hasn’t spoken much that week, a deep breath of relief from an exhausted parent, or a quiet grounding moment for an adult who just needs a soft ear to hold.

In Melanie’s words:

“Therapy dog work has become one of the most meaningful parts of my life. Since becoming a volunteer with Paws & Think in 2018, my three Golden Retrievers—Archie, Oakley, and Winston—have helped touch the lives of thousands. Together, we’ve brought comfort and encouragement to children in schools and hospitals, lifted the spirits of patient’s family members, eased the stress of college students during finals, and provided relief to staff in high-pressure work environments. Every visit reminds me of the incredible impact animals can have on the human heart, and watching my dogs form those connections is a joy unlike any other.”

This Golden Giving Tuesday, Melanie wants to share the gift she knows best: the joy, hope, and healing that therapy dogs bring to our community.

“Giving back to the community through Paws & Think has been such a gift… Your donation, no matter the size, helps create more life-changing moments of comfort, encouragement, and hope.”

Your support ensures that therapy dogs like Melanie’s can continue spreading tails of joy far and wide, on Giving Tuesday and every day.

Give Joy Today

On this special Golden Giving Tuesday, your donation is even more impactful thanks to a generous $1,000 match from the Matthew and Melanie Claymon Charitable Foundation. Every gift helps create more tails of joy, spreading comfort, courage, and connection throughout our community.