WHO WE ARE
"Dogs have a way of finding the people who need them, and filling the emptiness we didn't ever know we had." - Thom Jones
Paws for Patrick was created to honor the memory of Patrick Roemer through providing support to young people with mental illness through the use of emotional support animals (ESAs) and therapy animals.
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Patrick brought joy to so many people during his short life. His family will always cherish memories of his infectious laugh, heart-warming smile, analytical conversation, authentic creativity, discipline for physical fitness, and especially his love of animals, particularly dogs.
His friends remember him for his sharp and often irreverent wit, his patient and compassionate listening, his loyalty, and fearless competitive nature as witnessed in his participation in wrestling, football, rugby, and obstacle course races.
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Patrick had a very special connection with his animals, particulary his beloved dog, Cici. No matter what was going on in his life, he would find peace, comfort and light when he was with her. After Cici's quick and unexpected death, Patrick adopted Indy, a Cici lookalike, and planned to have her join him when he entered Colorado State University as a freshman in the fall of 2020.
Unfortunately, Patrick struggled with depression and anxiety through most of his young life, and this disease took him from his loved ones at the young age of 18.
WHAT WE DO
Paws for Patrick is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting young people to Emotional Support Animals and Therapy Dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness.
Our vision is three-fold:
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ESAs
Our goal is to help alleviate the burden of those trying to acquire an ESA for mental health purposes through our unique Wish Granter program. Whether it be obtaining an ESA certification letter; finding a new companion and paying for adoptions fees; securing and paying for a trainer that works for each person; coordinating approval for housing for dorms & apartments with “No pets allowed” rules, each client is handled on a case-by-case basis with their individual Wish Granter. We are committed to helping you from beginning to end.
Therapy Dogs
We provide opportunities for young people to interact with our trained therapy dogs and their handlers in group and individual settings such as schools, therapy sessions, youth organizations and more. We are actively building a network of partners and school consortiums to engage our therapy dogs wherever young people need them most. The benefits of these interactions will leave a paw print on your heart forever!
Breaking the Stigma
We believe in animal power; the unbreakable bond between people and their pets. We believe in the positive emotional health impact animals can have on an individual. And, we believe that it is imperative that we raise awareness to the rising and alarming rate of young people struggling with mental health. We do this by organizing community awareness initiatives; building alliances and partnerships with people and organizations seeking similar goals; talking about it, sharing experiences and by never, ever forgetting.