1FUR1 Impact News
Scarlett Sparks Breakthroughs in Memory Care
Scarlett’s visits continue to unlock moments of connection for a largely non‑verbal resident who now recognizes her instantly and speaks more with each encounter. September at Newfie Therapy echoed this theme, sharing quiet snapshots of Scarlett comforting residents and uplifting ICU and PCU staff—especially one patient who tearfully thanked Mango Tango for easing the pain of missing her own dog.
Therapy Horses Bring Calm to Campus Life
At Miramar College’s mental health fair, AJ and Tori drew crowds of students, families, and staff eager to learn about therapy horse work and decompress before exams. At Hearts and Hooves Therapy this September featured these campus visits, highlighting the horses’ ability to reduce stress, spark smiles, and support young adults navigating academic pressure.
Hero Pups Celebrate Lifelong Service and New Milestones
Hero Pup Norman was given safe lodging while his veteran recovered from a medical emergency, allowing Norman to visit the hospital and brighten the day for staff and patients. Meanwhile, Hero Pup Fluff earned AKC CGC and Urban, plus CGCA certifications, officially joining Somerville Police Department as a facility dog. Hero Pups’ September updates spotlighted these achievements, reinforcing their commitment to veterans and first responders.
Minis Boost Morale for Airmen
Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis delivered pure joy during a recent base visit—one Airman walked in, saw the minis, and declared it “the best day I’ve ever had at work.” Their September posts captured similar moments of relief and connection, showing service members pausing, breathing, and finding comfort in the presence of these gentle therapy minis.
Lead with Love:
Celebrating a Major Milestone While Expanding Our Reach
The 1 FUR 1 Foundation is proud to announce a landmark achievement in our mission to expand healing through therapy animals nationwide. As part of our commitment to Lead with Love, we empower small nonprofits with mentorship, funding, and technology—helping them grow strong enough to stand independently. When a partner reaches full sustainability, they “graduate,” allowing us to welcome and uplift new organizations in need.
This year, we celebrate the Canine Advocate Program at Care House of Oakland County as our 2025 1FUR1 Impact Graduate. After nine years of collaboration, their program is now fully secured for decades to come. Thanks to donor support, every child crime victim in Michigan can receive the comfort and courage of a canine advocate while navigating the judicial system.
Your generosity makes milestones like this possible. When one partner graduates, countless new communities gain access to life‑changing animal‑assisted support.
Lead with Love today—your tax-deductible gift helps us reach more hearts. Donate at: https://pages.donately.com/1fur1/campaign/lead-with-love
A Decade of Impact – And Growing!
In its 10th anniversary year, 1FUR1 network of partners reached a major milestone, serving over 378,619 people across the U.S. Working with up to 93 certified therapy dogs and mini horses delivered healing through animal-assisted therapy and/or activities in 13 states. 1FUR1’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 Services 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.