Mission Statement
Our organization’s mission is to ensure and enrich the relationship between people and their pets through education and service to the community.
History
In 2010 a group of individuals committed to animal assisted therapy came together to create 4- Paws. In September of that year, 4Paws was incorporated in northern California and officially became a 501(c)(3) in 2011. To date, 4Paws volunteer teams visit residential care facilities, hospitals, libraries and classrooms in the North Bay Area. They share their canine companions with anyone needing comfort or a loving nudge of the nose. Until 4Paws finds its forever home, we are honored by and grateful to Mike Campbell, owner of Paradise Pet Resort in Rohnert Park, for giving us office space to operate our organization.
Where We Serve
Sonoma, Marin and San Francisco Counties Health care facilities, Libraries, Schools, specialty camps and anywhere that stress relief provided by a therapy dog team is needed.
Board
Glenda Ayres
President
I became involved in volunteering to honor the memory of my parents. Both lived in a care home at the end of their lives, and I would visit them throughout the week, many times bringing my sweet Leo. I can tell you, the joy this little dog brought to not only my parents, but to the other residents touched me deeply. I now share Leo and his little brother, Koda with all ages at different facilities and events.
Lori Bowling
Treasurer
Lori has over three decades of volunteering with many organizations in her community. She is one of the founding members of 4Paws and has performed several duties since the beginning in 2010, including working in the office, helping with training and evaluations. Not only the investment in time and energy, but her commitment has been at a leadership level by serving on the Board of Director’s as 4Paw’s Treasurer. She believes strongly in 4Paw’s vision of social pet therapy and is continually inspired by the amazing work of all the 4Paw’s teams.
Michelle Lua
Secretary
I’ve had dogs all my life, After retiring from the Federal government (with 30 years of management and teaching experience) I decided to devote more of my life to the things about which I am passionate. So naturally, I find myself spending more time with dogs.
Fred Ayres
Board Member
Hi, I decided to volunteer when the President told me to (she is cute though). I have had a dog most of my life. I enjoy sharing them with others so 4Paws is a natural fit. I really enjoy visiting the libraries and schools. I love how children’s eyes light up when they see the boys (my dogs)
Robin Marshall
Board Member, Therapy Canine Team Evaluator/Trainer
I am a member of the board for 4Paws. Additionally I am part of our canine therapy training team working with prospective new therapy teams, evaluating their readiness to become therapy teams. Additionally I provide training and support to those preparing to become therapy teams. I have an extensive background working with dogs. I volunteer with Bergin University of Canine studies where I help socialize puppies to prepare them for training as service dogs. Along with my wife Sharon I have raised puppies for Bergin providing socialization, basic obedience training and foundational service dog skills. Additionally, I have worked with shelter dogs providing socialization and basic obedience training. With our dog Roux I volunteer primarily in elementary schools providing assistance to children learning to read. Additionally, with Roux and my wife Sharon we are regulars at the Healdsburg Library in the Read to a Dog program.
Sharon Marshall
Board Member, ROP Mentor
I volunteer with Bergin University of Canine Studies helping socialize puppies and prepare them to go on to training as service dogs, additionally my husband Robin and I have raised puppies for Bergin, providing socialization, basic obedience training and foundational skills for beginning service dog training. I have been with 4Paws since its beginning and have been integral in developing the ROP programs and our relationship with Sonoma State University. With our dog Roux I volunteer primarily in the area of education, working in elementary school classrooms assisting children in developing their reading skills. I also am a regular at the Healdsburg library in their read to a dog program.
Cindy Savage-Hopkin
Board Member, Training Instructor, Mentor
Dogs have been integral to my life, bringing companionship and joy at every turn. Therapy dogs’ profound impact on those they serve is nothing short of magical. During my 28 years as a teacher, I introduced therapy dogs into my classroom, where their presence created a warm, welcoming environment. These gentle dogs uplifted my students’ spirits, fostered emotional resilience, and enhanced their academic success. Now, as one of the trainers for therapy dog teams, I have the privilege of merging my deep love for teaching with my passion for dogs, helping others experience the healing bond that these remarkable animals can provide.
