Calling on donors to Lead with Love and support its nationwide Animal-Assisted Impact Programs. The volunteer-run nonprofit empowers community organizations with mentorship, funding, and technology, helping them expand their reach and deepen their impact.

Our prelim 2025, 1 FUR 1 has delivered animal-assisted services to more than 65,100 people in need across 23 states. With over 60 specially trained dogs and mini horses actively working — and a new partner rescuing and training service dogs — the foundation’s programs bring comfort, connection, and healing to children, veterans, and seniors.

The results are measurable and immediate: after just one session, participants experience an 18% improvement in cognitive abilities, a 45% boost in communication skills, and a 62% lift in overall disposition. Most importantly, 100% of participants report positive transformation.

“These aren’t just numbers — they’re lives changed,” said Michelle Djonova, Founder of 1 FUR 1. “Veterans rediscover trust, children with disabilities find their voice, and seniors reconnect with joy.”

As holiday season continues, 1 FUR 1 invites supporters to make tax-deductible donations that fuel the future of healing, hope, and human-animal connection. Contributions today will help the foundation reach even more hearts in 2026.

Donate today at https://pages.donately.com/1fur1/campaign/lead-with-love

About 1 FUR 1 Foundation
1 FUR 1 Foundation is a volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to animal-assisted services nationwide. By providing mentorship, funding, and technology to community partners, the foundation ensures therapy animals can deliver comfort, healing, and measurable impact to people in need.

Expanding Impact: 1FUR1 & Hero Pups Unite

1 FUR 1 Foundation is thrilled to announce a new multi-year grant awarded this month to Hero Pups, a nonprofit dedicated to training rescued shelter dogs for veterans and first responders facing service-related trauma. This partnership will expand access to specially trained service and comfort dogs, providing heroes with joy, independence, and healing at no cost.

To accelerate this mission, 1 FUR 1 Foundation’s network of partners, along with strategic mentorship, financial support, and logistical guidance, will empower Hero Pups to grow their impact on the East Coast by training and placing more service dogs with deserving veterans and first responders.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, 1 FUR 1 Foundation is committed to expanding animal-assisted impact nationwide, ensuring nonprofits like Hero Pups have the resources, tools, and support they need to create lasting change.

Together, Hero Pups and 1 FUR 1 Foundation are building a brighter future for shelter dogs, veterans, and first responders. Join us in celebrating this incredible partnership and helping us bring hope, healing, and resilience to those who need it most!

Celebrating Canine Advocates’ Graduation

Today, we proudly announce the graduation of our first partner, the Canine Advocate Program. Over the past eight years, 1 FUR 1 Foundation provided extensive financial, strategic, and logistical support, guiding the program’s successful acquisition by Care House of Oakland County, a government-funded agency. During our partnership, we developed a tracking system to capture the impact provided by canine advocate teams. We also offered support staff to assist with administrative tasks and funded numerous essentials, such as dog trading cards and children’s coloring books, which helped young survivors understand the judicial process. This graduation is a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have been  part of this journey.

Canine Advocates across Michigan state are career change dogs from Leader Dog for the Blind.Currently, there are over 30 teams working at advocacy and resiliency centers, prosecutors’ offices, and county courtrooms. These teams are specially trained to support child crime survivors as they navigate the US judicial system. Throughout our partnership, we have impacted more than 24,000 child crime survivors and their families, while the canine advocates have conducted over 2,000 court appearances. As a result, child crime survivors across Michigan now have access to a canine advocate to help them through the judicial system. This access ensures they receive the support they need during such a challenging time.

Lance and Amos are the founding members of Canine Advocates.

Dan Cojanu (founder of Canine Advocates), Cindy Boyer, Jill Simms.

1FUR1 looks forward to helping more small nonprofits accelerate their growth and ensure their animal-assisted missions thrive. Gaining knowledge, financial aid, guidance, and support during the initial years of any nonprofit is critical to ensuring a thriving future. We are committed to providing leadership and management skills to secure animal assisted therapy and activities are considered as a part of a valid alternative healthcare. We strive to empower these nonprofits to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people in need and to advocate the many benefits of animal assisted services. By working together, we can create a stronger, more supportive community for all.

Join us in celebrating this momentous occasion and reflecting on our incredible achievements. Here’s to many more years of making a difference, one paw at a time.

Join 1FUR1 Foundation to support therapy animals and the volunteers who make magic happen.

We’re back—and more determined than ever! After a heartfelt debut in 2024, 1FUR1 Foundation is proud to once again participate in Long Beach Gives, the citywide campaign that empowers local nonprofits through community giving.

Last year marked our first step into this incredible movement. Our goal was to raise $4,000 to support our four program partners—but we reached just $300, or 8% of our target. Still, every dollar made a difference. Thanks to your generosity, our partner Melissa at Hearts and Hooves Therapy received 12 bales of hay for her hardworking therapy mini horses. That gift fed healing, joy, and connection for children with disabilities.

This year, we’re raising the bar—and we need your help.

Upcoming Events

To celebrate Long Beach Gives 2025, we’re bringing our mission to life with two special events:

Therapy Miniature Horse Story-Time

When: Thursday, Sept 11 at 11:00 AM
Where: Bayshore Library, 195 Bay Shore Ave, Long Beach
Come see our certified therapy mini horses in action as they join toddlers for a magical storytime experience. It’s free, fun, and unforgettable.

 

Meet & Greet at the Nonprofit Expo

When: Sunday, Sept 14 from 2–5 PM
Where: Shell Park (7th St & Park Ave)
Stop by our booth to meet the team, learn about our programs, and snap a photo with one of our therapy animals. We’ll be sharing stories, answering questions, and celebrating the power of animal-assisted healing.

Why We Need You

Our 2025 goal is $4,000. This time, we’re aiming to give each volunteer team a $60 gift card to spend on their therapy animal’s care—whether it’s hay, treats, grooming supplies, or vet costs. These animals work hard to bring comfort to others, and this is our way of giving back to them.

1 FUR 1 is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) charity. We support over 66 certified therapy animal teams with our four program partners, helping more than 34,000 people in need so far this year—from child crime victims and veterans to hospital patients and first responders.

Make Your Impact Today

Every dollar helps us continue this mission. Whether you give $5 or $500, your support fuels real change. Long Beach Gives starts on Sept 11 – Sept 18. Donate now at:

https://www.longbeachgives.org/organization/1-Fur-1

Let’s make 2025 the year we hit our goal—and give our four-legged heroes the care they deserve.

Thank you for believing in the healing power of animals. We can’t wait to see you at Bayshore Library and Shell Park!

*Updated by Michelle Djonova 10/3/2024

ANIMAL MEETING CRASHERS

Your next virtual staff meeting or friends meet-up of any size, can be interrupted by one of our cute animal meeting crashers. 1 FUR 1 invites you to meet our amazing therapy animals who work to offer healing to people in need. Most of the time, these amazing therapy animals live with other adorable animal friends like: cats, mini pigs, parrots, goats, guinea pigs and chickens. It will be a surprise which animal will crash your next virtual chat.

How fun is that? It sure will bring smiles and we bet it will be memorable!

Each virtual meeting crash lasts up to 10 minutes (for $55) and is sure to bring some smiles to your friends & co-workers’ faces! A cute (and furry) therapy animal will interrupt your next team meeting and give you an intro to who they are and what they do. Everyone in your chat will have something to talk about for months to come. All proceeds will help alleviate veterinary and food costs for our hard working therapy animals.

1 FUR 1 partnerships deliver animal assisted therapy and activities to people in need every day. Our programs have impacted the well-being of over ¼ MIL people and counting. We rely on specially trained and certified therapy mini-horses and dogs; to be exact Newfoundland, Labs and Great Dane canine breeds plus a mini pig and adorable farm animals. As 1FUR1 celebrates 10^th years in service, we’re excited to brighten your virtual friend gatherings, team meetings and company happy hours.

1 FUR 1 and its four partners continue to rely on public donations to move our collective mission forward. This virtual experience is a great way to help small nonprofits make a huge difference in their communities.

2023 has been a year like no other before. 1 FUR 1 Foundation has experienced huge leaps forward. We created an innovative data tracking software that allows us to launch national field surveys while accurately capturing impact information for all programs and their teams across the nation. Each of our program partners overcame challenges and seized opportunities which led them to exceeded annual impact goals by at least 130% and deliver noticeable operational growth. Such as:

• Canine Advocates program merges with Care House of Oakland County securing its future and possibility for expansion nationwide.
• Hearts and Hooves Therapy transitioned from a single operator to a leader managing 8+ therapy mini horse teams and (METSA) Miniature Equine Therapy Standards Association consultant and evaluator.
• Newfie Therapy doubled the number of working dog team and received 1MM end of life donation which is designated for the build of the first ever Wellness Center (name TBD)
• Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis doubled the facilities visited each month while securing integration with American Red Cross as the official (and only) Emergency Response Team with therapy mini horses.

“Almost 10 years ago, I started 1 FUR 1 Foundation by partnering with other like-minded leaders who believe Americans with Disabilities should have free access to animal assisted therapy and activities as an alternative healthcare plan. I started helping about 45 people per month in 2014 and now the 1fur1 network of partners is impacting the lives of close to 6 thousand people each and every month. That’s 71,753 people impacted in 2023 with the help of 91 specially certified dogs and mini horses. These amazing animals delivered close to 5 thousand animal assisted therapy and activity sessions to hospitals, VA, hospice, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, courthouses, victim service agencies and offices. I’m thrilled to work among wonderful people who love animals and have dedicated their lives to helping others.”

This has been a blog from Michelle Djonova – 1fur1 founder and executive director

To learn more, please be sure to check-in with us at our News page and sign up for our free monthly newsletter.

The holiday sale of our 2024 calendar has started. We’re filled with joy to showcase the calendar stars who provide vital animal assisted services to people in need in the U.S.A. Please help us honor their daily efforts and dedication to helping others. Order yours today!

January Star – Cavilear works in Florida panhandle with the Red Cross Emergency Response Team and providing animal assisted activities to veterans and elderly with disabilities. Cavi is part of only certified therapy mini horse team in the area called, Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis.

February Star – Wyleigh is a canine advocate working every Thursday in Oxford Resiliency Center, MI. Anyone dealing with a mental health emergency, need counseling or emergency shelter, or just need someone to talk to, is offered confidential crisis support, 24/7. First of its kind, this organization that’s been nationally recognized as one of the most comprehensive crisis service agencies in the country.

March Star – Cully works in The Children’s Center of Medina County, OH. This Child Advocacy Center (CAC) provides a canine advocate to children in need of neutral family friendly place where Multi-disciplinary team (MDT) responds to allegations of sexual and physical abuse. *Cully was the Grand Champ of our 2023 Therapy Animal Photo Contest!

April Star – Titus was born in 2023 and have quickly grown into a best friend and security guard for Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis. He loves his job protecting the horses from wildlife at night but during the day he lets his guard down and plays with Hammie, the certified therapy mini pig.

May Star – Picasso works works in the Florida panhandle providing animal assisted activities to veterans. He is an individual he is all business and the MOST unflappable member of this team. He was rescued from a feed lot in 2014 and began his healing process to become the FIRST member of the Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis team.

Jun Star – Tucker has two jobs in Oakland County, MI. He works in Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office and was the first Canine Advocate to work a jury trial. He also helps school shootings survivors at Oxford Resiliency Center, along side Wyleigh, our February star. Tucker is very friendly and high energy and loves meeting new people.

Jul Star – Brodie works alongside his barn brothers part of the Kindred Spirits Therapy Minis in the Florida panhandle. He is the genius in the group and always ready to open the gates and let everybody in the barn to party. Brodie is mischievous, cute and very well trained to help elderly Battling Dementia and Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Aug Star – Chewie works with healthcare workers and first responders in select cities of SC, NC and TN. He inspired the creation of the Newfie Therapy after he helped his human mom beat brain cancer. He is having a battle of his own after surviving tissue cancer and the removal of his front shoulder and leg. Taring the stuffing out of stuffed animals and counter surfing are his favorite activities at homes.

Sept Star – Frieda is a Canine Advocate working in Oakland County, Michigan. She guides child crime survivors go through the judicial system by relieving their anxiety and giving them confidence to tell their story.

Oct Star – Willow works in Long Beach, CA as an ambassador for 1 FUR 1 Foundation. She loves everyone but prefers to work with children by providing animal assisted activities in schools. Willow helps educate people about the health benefits of the human-animal bond.

Nov Star – Lance worked along side his first handler Dan Cojanu and they were the founding members of Canine Advocates across the state of Michigan. He has been working in Oakland County since 2015 and is the only dog who has participated in US Federal Court. He led the establishment of Canines Advocates and now works as part of the Care House of Oakland County, MI.

Dec Star – Penny was part of the original Canine Advocates Team in Michigan. They were the first and still only program in the state offering specially trained dogs to child victims of crime. Even though Penny has retired her efforts are not forgotten She helped Lance, our November Star, launch this initiative and continues to be involved.

All calendar stars won the 2023 Therapy Animal Photo Contest and proceeds of the calendar sales go directly to fund 1 FUR 1 Foundation and its partners. We provide free of charge animal assisted therapy and activities to people in need. For more info, please click here.

2021 was the year of overcoming at 1 FUR 1 Foundation. In the second year of the pandemic, we felt the shock wear of and anxiety set in. We experienced many ups and downs but survived it all. We are still standing, ready to deliver on our mission for another year.

Most of the challenges we tackled in the past year were COVID related;

• 1 FUR 1 events and fundraisers came to a screeching haul as the pandemic drained our resources and volunteerism dipped again.
• Our very own founding member, Ripley is retiring therefore our ambassador program is suspended until further notice.
• Tragedy struck our SoCal partner, Melisa, who lost her son in car accident which forced operations to be suspended since April. Supporting her through the grieving process will continue to be our objective in the coming year.
• Our Southeast partner, Nancy, was deployed overseas for over six month out of the year. Even though operations were suspended during that time, we’re happy she came back home safely without any injuries.
• We lost our Midwest partner, Tricia, who dissolved nonprofit operations since the public school system wasn’t active for the second year in a row. We send warm wishes to all of the 16 therapy dog teams who have been sidelined by this pandemic and applaud their efforts over the years which impacted the lives of over 11,600 students with emotional and physical disabilities.

The silver lining is always there and we always look for it. So here is a list of our 2022 highlights:

• 1 FUR 1 Foundation impacted the lives of over 11,000 people with disabilities across 5 states with the help of 47 dedicated dogs and mini horses. We’re thrilled and hope to be able to help many others this year.
• Launched quarterly Peer-to-Peer Meetings for all of 1 FUR 1 program leaders who get to identify, discuss and resolve industry issues.
• Welcomed new partner in the South, Lisa, who exclusively works with Newfoundland canines specially trained and certified to help first responders, medical staff and veterans.
• Our Midwest partner, Dan, secured the future of 30+ canine advocates actively working in the state of Michigan by merging with CARE House.
• President signs new bill. The Puppies Assisting Wounded Service members for Veterans Therapy Act — PAWS — requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to establish a five-year program to provide service dogs and training to veterans with PTSD.

As we collect the impact data for 2022 and summarize our performance we want to take a moment and THANK our donors who unable us to help others. These special people make the #1fur1impact a reality.

• Dani Nicols
• John Malone,
• Christina Mihailova
• Laura Lazet
• Ira DB
• Margaret Breen
• Erin Neal
• Colette Sachs
• Alicia Axtell
• Corinne Snider
• Will Stolarski

What happens when a small but mighty nonprofit gets acquired by the state? Well…together we can achieve a lot more:

• More animals will be able to get retrained for new careers
• Additional paid staff is able to help more people in need
• Expand the availability of services in a greater area
• Increase awareness about animal assisted intervention

1 FUR 1 is thrilled that our Michigan partner, Canine Advocacy Program(CAP) is being acquired by Care House of Oakland County in Michigan. The program, founded in 2010 in Oakland County, utilizes highly-trained dogs to help alleviate children’s anxiety when involved with courts, law enforcement agencies and child advocacy centers. Our partnership began in 2016 when CAP had successfully placed 20 canine advocates across state agencies/offices.

At the beginning of next year, CARE House will start working with 1 FUR 1 and manage all of Michigan’s canine advocates and operate CAP out of its Pontiac facility, and also soon will house a trained canine of its own to support clients directly. That will bring the number of active dogs serving Oakland County to three, and to 31 dogs statewide — including 20 dogs stationed at prosecuting attorneys’ offices and 11 assigned to child advocacy centers.

1 FUR 1 Foundation and its partners are looking forward to 2022. Join our journey here and see how our impact can grow stronger together.

To see more, check out the news coverage here and read more.

Even before COVID-19 pandemic a mental health crisis has been brewing in our country. At 1 FUR 1 Foundation, we want for people in crisis to have free access to animal assisted services. Therefore, we’ve launched virtual sessions (in another words; A.R.E. ) plus a new program in TN, SC, NC and now NJ. This program benefits first responders and medical staff decompress with the help of Newfoundland therapy dogs. These gentle giants are able to cheer up those on the front lines and prevent thoughts of despair and social isolation.

But that’s not all… 1 FUR 1 Foundation’s Impact Report shows that more people are participating in our sponsored animal assisted therapy and activities sessions. Compared to last year, we’ve seen a much bigger demand as people with disabilities prefer to work with animals as part of their health care plan. At a glance, review our annual impact reports (here).

Some researchers predict that we could see between 10,000 and 100,000 more suicides and deaths of despair over the next decade due to the pandemic. Rates of depression tripled during the pandemic, while firearm sales grew, social isolation became acute and emergency room visits for suicidal ideation, or thoughts of committing suicide, increased. The rise in factors contributing to suicide are highly concerning, the report said. Researchers point to deaths of despair, harder access to mental health services as possible reasons. Click here to see NAMI guide on navigating a mental crisis.

If you or someone you know is struggling, please call 988 or click here for support.