Programs
The Healing Paws Project is an innovative program that integrates the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship with the journey of recovery from substance use.
By pairing individuals in recovery with rescued dogs, we create a nurturing environment that promotes emotional, mental, and physical healing.
The Healing Paws Project
The Healing Paws Project is a no-cost, 6-month, 500-hour recovery program that pairs individuals healing from substance use disorder with rescue dogs. Through animal-assisted therapy, job-readiness training, and personal development classes, participants find renewed purpose, emotional support, and a path to lasting sobriety.
*To begin participating in our programs, individuals will have the opportunity to take a voluntary drug test. Follow-up tests are also offered at the 3-month and 5-month marks. Completing a final test is an important milestone in celebrating your graduation from the program. A background check will be conducted as well to confirm eligibility for involvement in our youth program.
Programs
Recovery Meetings
"Let's Talk Recovery"
A relaxed, non-traditional recovery meeting where each participant is paired with a rescue dog for support. Sessions are 1 hours.
Tuesdays - 10am-11am
Wednesdays - 4pm-5pm
Fridays - 10am-11am
Healing Paws Yoga
A fun-filled weekly yoga class where laughter meets downward dog! Stretch, smile, and bond with our playful rescue pups. Sessions are 1 hour offered once a week.
*COMING SOON!*
Recovery Canine Training
Weekly 1 hour session where individuals in recovery work alongside a certified dog trainer to teach our rescue dogs essential obedience and socialization skills. This helps build confidence, responsibility, and a sense of accomplishment for participants.
Wednesdays - 1pm-2pm
Dog Grooming Basics
This 2 hour session, offered several times a month, teaches the fundamentals of dog grooming. Including brushing, bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning. Participants will learn hands-on techniques to keep dogs clean, healthy, and comfortable, all while building trust and confidence with our rescue pups.
Bubbles & Brushes
Bubbles & Brushes is part of our grooming packages. Includes a bath, basic grooming and a paw treatment. Provided with care by participants in our recovery program who have successfully completed our "Dog Grooming Basics" training and work under the guidance of experienced staff.
Saturdays - 10am-2pm
Volunteer
Assist with the day-to-day care of our rescue dogs. Tasks may include feeding, cleaning, walking, socializing and helping maintain a clean and welcoming environment. Volunteers may also have the opportunity to assist in our on-site pet shop by running the cash register and helping customers. Your time makes a difference in the lives of our rescue animals.
Furry Friends for Seniors
A heartwarming program where individuals in recovery connect with local seniors through the shared love of rescue dogs. Offered twice a week at our facility and up to three times a week through our outreach partnerships with senior centers, this 1 hour session builds meaningful bonds, reduces loneliness, and brings joy and companionship to all involved.
Wednesdays - 10am-11am
Community Canines
A community outreach program where local businesses and organizations welcome our participants and rescue dogs for engaging visits to their establishments. These uplifting interactions promote recovery, reduce stigma, and strengthen community bonds.
Summer - Downtown Alpena
Fridays - 1pm-3pm
Paws for Prevention
An engaging after-school program for youth ages 13 and up, designed to foster positive choices and personal growth through the power of animal connection. The program offers hands-on experiences with our rescue dogs, life skills activities, and mentorship from individuals in recovery. Paws for Prevention provides a safe, supportive space.
Thursdays - 1pm-3pm
Life After Healing Paws: Choose Your Next Step
Graduating from the Healing Paws Project is a powerful milestone, one that signifies 6 months and 500 hours of dedication, healing, and growth. After completing the program, participants can choose between two empowering paths designed to foster continued success and long-term recovery.
Paw-Ways to Employment
Your path to purpose continues beyond graduation. We’ll help you find a job that supports your long-term recovery and places you in an environment that values who you are and where you’re headed. You'll be matched with recovery-supportive employers who value your journey and your potential. Through our strong network of community partner businesses and organizations that are recovery-friendly, you’ll be welcomed into workplaces that understand and champion your growth. Together, we’ll focus on creating a stable and purpose-filled future where you can truly thrive.
Unleash Your Business
If you've dreamed of starting your own business, we’ll provide you with the tools, mentorship, and resources you need—at no cost. Once you’ve created a complete business plan, you’ll receive everything needed to get up and running, including a professionally designed website and digital assets tailored to your brand. You’ll get personalized support to build something of your own and even have the chance to hire others from the program, creating opportunities for others walking the same path and fostering a recovery-centered workforce.
Program Coming Soon!
*Companion Care Program: Boarding dogs for those going into treatment for substance use disorder. The Companion Care program provides compassionate care for dogs while individuals focus on their recovery journey. At no cost, we will board your dog/dogs in our safe and loving environment throughout the treatment of an individual seeking help from substance abuse.​​​​
