Do you know a group of people in need of some cuddly companionship? Meet our Canines Who Care! This wonderful team of dogs, and their handlers, are on a mission to make you smile.

If you're interested in having one of our Canines Who Care team members visit your organization or if you can help support our program, please contact Leslie Hutson, leslie@pawsshelter.org

MEET THE TEAM

Melody & Tucker

Tucker, a former shelter dog at PAWS, is now positively impacting and changing lives — dog and human — as part of our Canines Who Care visiting pets program!

Tucker and his partner/handler, Melody, visit hospitals, nursing homes, children's reading programs, local schools, and more. And with your help and support, more of our amazing rescue dogs will have an opportunity to become part of our program!

We also find that many of the graduates from our Cell Dog program qualify for our Canines Who Care Pet Therapy Program as our current Ambassadog, Tucker, has completed both and now works in the community promoting PAWS Shelter of Central Texas.

Heather & Toby

Heather Dalby has worked with and for PAWS for years starting in 2013 as an adoption counselor and becoming a Projects Manager in 2018.  Heather also volunteers, fosters and is part of our Therapy Dog Program with her adopted dog Toby, who is a PAWS alumnus.

Toby is a big lug who's favorite thing in life is to cuddle and make people happy. He's a real charmer and thoroughly enjoys being part of the PAWS Canines Who Care team because there is nothing more this sweet boy wants than to give joy.

Darla & Mojo

Heather Dalby has worked with and for PAWS for years starting in 2013 as an adoption counselor and becoming a Projects Manager in 2018.  Heather also volunteers, fosters and is part of our Therapy Dog Program with her adopted dog Toby, who is a PAWS alumnus.

Toby is a big lug who's favorite thing in life is to cuddle and make people happy. He's a real charmer and thoroughly enjoys being part of the PAWS Canines Who Care team because there is nothing more this sweet boy wants than to give joy.

Sandy & Pearl

Sandy has been a volunteer extraordinaire for years and years. Now, she's bringing her remarkable exuberance and joy to even more people, along with her PAWS adoptee, Pearl.

Pearl is a complete lovebug that would enjoy nothing more than spending a day being doted on by people. Together, Sandy and Pearl are a perfect fit for our Canines Who Care team!

Kathy Jo & Sasha Marie

Kathy Jo is another devoted volunteer for PAWS. She always manages to come through for our staff or animals when the need arises. Additionally, Kathy Jo is a dedicated foster and has seen many a puppy through to their forever homes (some of which she adopted herself!)

Sasha Marie is one of those PAWS adoptees. Under Kathy Jo's guidance, Sasha Marie has developed into a true asset for the Canines Who Care team. She absolutely loves spreading happiness around our community.

Jyl & Vito

Jyl worked in radio for years, using her position to benefit local charities including rescue groups. During this time, Jyl started working with Trainer Lee Mannix as well as studying Tellington TTouch under Linda Tellington-Jones, her sister Robyn Hood and others.  Jyl has continued her education in pet behavior and training, working in Australia for a while, and then back in Texas. She is now certified as a CPDT-KA as well as a Level 2 Tellington T-Touch Companion Animal Practitioner. Jyl helps pets across a variety of behaviors – and especially enjoys puppies (who doesn't?) as well as working with extremely fearful or physically challenged dogs and their people.

Jyl lives with two very sweet and ridiculously easy dogs including PAWS Canines Who Care Therapy dog – Vito – who adores affection and loves being part of the team that brings love and joy to others. 

Credentials: CPDT-KA, Tellington TTouch Companion Animal Practitioner L2, Trained Member of the Red Rover Response Team, AKC CGC Evaluator, TTouch Guild Member, Pet Professional Guild Member

Celeste & Walter

In November or 2015, Walter adopted me. I was volunteering at the PAWS Shelter of Central Texas when I saw little Walter in his kennel. I sat with him in the kennel and he climbed onto my lap. We've been buddies ever since.

I'm recently retired and thought the Canines Who Care program would be a good fit for Walter and myself. Walter likes stuffed toys, riding in the car and cuddles. We look forward to participating in this program!

Sophie & Jenny

Jenny and her lovely dog Sophie are a great pair and have been members of our Canines Who Care team since 2017. 

These two love bringing the special gifts that only a dog can give to our community.

Bonnie & MJ

Bonnie and MJ are new additions to the Canines Who Care team. We're so glad to have them onboard!

Angela & Odette

Odette and Angela are brand new to the team, as of 2019! Welcome aboard!

Lisa & Peanut

Lisa is a volunteer at the Kyle Paws Shelter and when she heard about the Canines Who Care program, she couldn’t wait to get herself and her “People-Loving Peanut” enrolled in classes. Peanut crossed the Rainbow Bridge in May of 2020 but spent her time on Earth doing what she did best – bringing joy and happiness wherever she went. We are so grateful to have had Peanut as part of our Canines Who Care Team. 

Inka – PAWS Trainer

Inka found her calling in dog training after adopting two dogs (Charlie and Fox) from PAWS that had adoption barriers starting in 2005. She began an internship at the Lee Mannix Center (now the Canine Center) shortly after and the rest is history. Inka began working as a volunteer for PAWS assisting the harder to place animals.  In 2011 PAWS formally launched our PAW Up program offering in home training for adopted dogs who have trouble transitioning in their new homes. Through grant funding from both Petco and PetSmart Inka has now taken on the program as our formal trainer since 2015. This retention program drastically reduces returns to the shelter.

In her spare time she enjoys spending time with her dogs doing agility, scent work and physical therapy.  She enjoys cuddling, grooming and spoiling them with home made treats and teaching them new tricks!