KID'S BEST FRIEND: (Above) An elementary student with limited vision and mobility cuddles with Therapy Dog Moosie on a gym mat; (Right) A preschool student at an ABA center gives Therapy Dog Dice love while practicing self-regulation and social skills.

Looking back, I'm still amazed that what was originally an in-home project with my son and two dogs, is now "pawsitively" impacting thousands of special needs community members across Arizona. Whenever I see our logo, comprised of my son and Jacques, I'm reminded of the struggles we worked through and the successes we achieved. My goal remains the same: to help as many individuals as possible achieve those same successes, and realize their fullest potential through the unconditional love of Therapy animals. •

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Tosha Tharp-Gaitanis, a mother of an autistic son, has always loved animals and working with children. The daughter of a children's pastor, she never knew a time when there weren't at least two dogs in their family. She could not have known that someday her twin passions would merge and ultimately form a single entity: Pawsitive Friendships, founded in 2014.