PAWS TO FREEDOM
Assistance Dog Team Training

Teaching People with Disabilities
to train their own Assistance Dogs
by Building Peaceable Partnerships to Independence

Volunteer Opportunities

Office and Special Project Assistant:
general office work, computer, filing
special projects: collating, track trainings.
Training Provided.

We also needing Training Class Assistants.

If you are interested
Contact Mara 503-231-2555

Reminder: we are located in Portland Oregon

Here are thoughts from some of our volunteers.
Check back again soon, as this area will be growing!

Joan, one of our new volunteers at Paws, yet always active in the community, shares her personal perspective on volunteering. Thanks Joan!

"I’ve been volunteering for about 5 years now with my every need of giving to the community being filled. It is a simple gesture and comes completely naturally. After all, if we reach out a hand before we’re asked, the gift keeps getting bigger and generating more positive results. I love the results, most especially the result of meeting new friends, and possibly having an influence in their lives. It’s free, it’s fun, it can change your life and lives that you touch and all the time while learning. That’s what volunteering is all about!"
~~~Joan Miller, Portland, Oregon

Kerry, one of our short term volunteers at Paws, and one we hope will return, shares her experiences with the paws. Thanks Kerry!

"I enjoyed volunteering with Mara very, very much. I worked as Mara's training assistant for a six-week internship, and I learned more about dog training with Mara than I could ever have learned in a book. Mara treats her clients and their dogs with care, respect, and patience, and is always happy to explain the reasoning behind all of her training decisions (supplemented by an excellent lending library!). Mara was always excited to chat with me about my plans for getting my CPDT license, and for adopting a puppy of my own. I found a good friend in Mara, and was also able to meet and work with some amazing people who face a variety of challenges every day. It felt good to be able to help in my own small way."
~~~Kerry Silva Ryan, Portland, Oregon "

Jenny, one of our volunteers and board members has really pitched in and provided a wonderful service in assisting as well as keeping us informed about events and happenings involving people with disabilities. Thanks Jenny!

"Volunteering with Paws to Freedom is a great way to meet some amazing people and their dogs and to help the world be a better place. I first met Mara via email when I was looking into training for my newly adopted-from-rescue dog about a year and a half ago. When I investigated the website and found out what Paws to Freedom is all about, it seemed a perfect fit to my work-life because I work at a center for people with disabilities. My department invited Mara to present a continuing education program for some of the clinicians, and that is how I finally met Mara in person, and decided to volunteer. It is my sincere pleasure to assist this unique and worthy program, and the people and animals it serves. My interest and involvement in dog-training and in advocacy for people with special needs continues to grow. The training sessions are fun, and we always learn something new. Getting a chance to be around Mara and her remarkable clients and volunteers is a rewarding and inspiring experience. I highly recommend it!
~~~Jenny Galos, Portland, Oregon "