On Saturday, dogs of various breeds and sizes were the highlight at Storey Bark Park during the annual PAWS for Mental Wellness event. Hosted by Access Behavioral Health, this gathering aimed to emphasize the important link between animals and emotional well-being, featuring mental health organizations and animal-focused nonprofits.
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Among the participating groups was Idaho's Team Go Therapy Dogs, a volunteer initiative that brings therapy dogs to settings such as schools, hospitals, assisted living facilities, and treatment centers across the Treasure Valley. Cheryl Minto from Team Go Therapy Dogs stated, "We want to be there to bring that to our community. Anywhere that they need a little bit of joy and a little puppy love, a little unconditional love."
The Idaho chapter of Team Go Therapy Dogs consists of approximately 150 dog-and-handler teams volunteering statewide. Minto noted that therapy dogs can provide significant comfort during challenging times, explaining, "They can bring joy when people are in stressful and depressing situations, and it's just a little bright spot of joy when you see that nose coming at you."
The event also featured representatives from Guide Dogs for the Blind, which trains guide dogs for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. A local program collaborates with the Idaho Department of Corrections, where puppies are raised by inmates from Monday to Friday, then spend weekends with Treasure Valley volunteers for further socialization and training. A Guide Dogs for the Blind representative explained, "It's in partnership with the Idaho Department of Corrections where inmates are raising dogs Monday through Friday, and then they go home with volunteers on the weekends for their socialization."
This event highlighted the therapeutic roles dogs play in supporting mental health within the community.