Impact News
“Year-to-Date Impact Surges Past 19,000 Lives Touched in 2026”
So far this year, 1 FUR 1 partners have reached 19,101 people, delivered 708 sessions, and supported 100 facilities with the help of 46 certified therapy dogs and mini horses. Hero Pups alone has placed 12 service dogs in 2026—each one transforming a veteran or first responder’s daily life.
“Tango Brings Light to Cancer Center Patients Across the U.S.”
Across 20+ states, 19 therapy dogs and minis delivered comfort to 1,890 people this May—but one moment stood out. Tango brightened the day of a woman missing her own dogs, charmed a doctor who dropped to the floor for belly rubs, and soothed an embarrassed patient who had fainted earlier. These small moments reflect the big impact of our 66 animal‑assisted sessions this month.
“Hero Pups Places Six New Service Dogs as Kids Learn to Greet Dogs Safely”
Hero Pups celebrated another strong month, placing six service dogs and giving young trainees a chance to visit a local ABA center. Children learned how to meet and greet dogs respectfully, while pups gained valuable early socialization—an important step toward their future roles supporting veterans and first responders.
“1 FUR 1 Network Reaches Nearly 2,000 People in May Through Healing Animal Encounters”
With 24 facilities served and 66 sessions delivered, May brought meaningful moments of connection nationwide. From easing anxiety in medical centers to lifting spirits in hallways and waiting rooms, our therapy teams continue to show how animal‑assisted support changes lives in real time.
Lead with Love: 1 FUR 1 Foundation Extends Fundraiser
The 1 FUR 1 Foundation invites donors to Lead with Love by supporting its Animal-Assisted Programs. Our volunteer-run mission empowers community leaders and their nonprofits with mentorship, funding, and technology, delivering healing through therapy animals nationwide.
Donations are tax-deductible and fuel the future of healing, hope, and human-animal connection. Give today and help us reach more hearts!
Learn more and donate at https://pages.donately.com/1fur1/campaign/lead-with-love
A Major Milestone: Canine Advocate Program Graduates
We are thrilled to highlight the Canine Advocate Program at Care House of Oakland County as 2025’s 1 FUR 1 Impact Graduate—a remarkable achievement that reflects years of dedication and hard work! Over the past nine years, we’ve collaborated to secure their charitable mission, ensuring its impact will last for decades to come. Now, every child crime victim in Michigan can receive the invaluable support of a canine advocate, helping them navigate the judicial system so justice can be served.
Join us in celebrating their success—read our latest blog to learn more about their inspiring journey!
A Decade of Impact – And Growing!
In its 10th anniversary year, 1 FUR 1 and its network of partners reached a major milestone, serving over 309,871 people across the U.S. The amazing 93 certified therapy dogs and mini horses delivered healing through animal-assisted therapy and/or activities in nine states. 1 FUR 1’s goal is to have an active program in every state by the end of our next decade.
To contribute and be part of the impact, visit our donation page today.
Did You Know – We Deliver Meaningful Impact?
A decade-long national research study began in 2019 by 1 FUR 1 Foundation measuring the effectiveness of a single Animal Assisted Activity (AAA) session provided in a group setting.
- AAA sessions boost overall disposition by 43%, enhance social and communication skills by 33%, and sharpen cognitive abilities by 11%—all in a single session.
- Nearly 70% of participants in our programs—children, adults, and seniors—see transformations in cognitive abilities, social connections, communication skills, and overall disposition after just one group AAA session.
Healing in Action: The Extraordinary Work of Therapy Animals
Chewie, the founding member of Newfie Therapy, dedicated his life to comforting others. Even after his cancer diagnosis and leg amputation, his instinct to support those in need never wavered. At the vet’s office, despite his own pain, Chewie offered gentle reassurance to a grieving couple, embodying his unwavering devotion to healing. Though he is gone, his legacy lives on through 30+ Newfie Therapy teams, continuing his mission of compassion and connection for those in need. These moments highlight the power of therapy animals—bringing joy, comfort, and healing when it matters most.
Healing Hooves: How AJ Helps Change Lives
AJ, a dedicated Hearts and Hooves mini horse, helps individuals with disabilities build confidence through animal-assisted therapy. On this day, he guided 2.5-year-old Jennie through activities to improve focus, transitions, and self-soothing. Despite challenges, she pushed through, leading AJ, grooming him, and completing the session with determination. Her progress highlights the power of therapy animals in fostering growth and connection.
Unspoken Comfort: Picasso’s Role in Healing and Connection
Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis, is the only certified therapy mini horse organization working with the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Team and an Air Force Base in the Florida Panhandle, bringing comfort to veterans and the elderly with disabilities. When service members return from deployment or veterans seek emotional relief, therapy minis provide a powerful, wordless comfort, offering healing, connection, and support in the moments that matter most.
Your tax-deductible donation helps therapy mini horses and canines bring healing and comfort to hospital patients, special education student, first responders, veterans, service members, crime survivors and many more —give today and make an impact!
Believe & Celebrate
At 1FUR1 events everyone is welcome including your 4-legged best friends (no dog, no worries). Join us virtually or in-person and be sure to check out our monthly newsletter. We document our journey which we believe is a reason to celebrate.
Accomplishments
1 FUR 1 Foundation has earned earned the 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency from Candid, a symbol of non-profit transparency and accountability. Less than 2 percent of non-profits registered are recognized with a Platinum Seal.
Learn
1 FUR 1’s animal blog is great resource about the healing powers of the human-animal bond. Be sure to check out the education center which lists substantiated facts about animal assisted interventions. If you or facility/employer is in need to request a visit, please contact us for a virtual or in-person visit/session.
FAQs & Resources
The cornerstone of our mission is helping others. If your nonprofit needs assistance please, click here to see our grant guidelines and learn about our process. If you or someone you know needs a service animal or funding please, click here for organizations that can help since 1 FUR 1 doesn’t offer grants to individuals.