Programs & Events

Mission in Action

From service dog training and veteran support to community gatherings and fundraising events, every program and event plays a role in strengthening lives, building connection, and advancing our mission.

Service Dog Training & Placement

Our core program centers on preparing highly trained service dogs and pairing them with veterans whose lives can be transformed through daily companionship, support, and increased independence.

Recreational Therapy

The ConnorsK9-PAWS Recreational Therapy Program brings veterans together through outdoor activities, retreats, and shared experiences designed to strengthen connection, camaraderie, and overall well-being. By creating opportunities for veterans and their families to reconnect, build supportive relationships, and enjoy meaningful experiences outside of a clinical setting, the program helps foster a lasting sense of community and purpose.

Veteran Resources & Community

We believe healing happens in community. Through connection, shared purpose, and ongoing encouragement, we help create an environment where veterans and their families feel seen, supported, and valued.

Carrying the Weight

The PAWS Ruck March for Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention is a powerful event built around the message of “carrying the weight for those who can’t.” Participants ruck together to honor veterans we have lost to suicide, stand beside those still fighting unseen battles, and raise awareness and support for programs that ensure no veteran has to carry their burden alone.

Law Enforcement Therapy Dog Program

The ConnorsK9-PAWS Law Enforcement Therapy Dog Program provides specially selected and extensively trained dogs to support law enforcement agencies, community response teams, and the communities they serve. Unlike traditional therapy dog programs, PAWS dogs are trained to meet service-dog-level obedience and Public Access Certification standards, preparing them to assist during mental health crises, community outreach, school visits, and officer wellness initiatives.

Fundraising & Community Connection

Our fundraising events bring together supporters, local businesses, and community members to raise awareness, share the mission, and generate support that fuels future impact. Our community is the heart of our organization and we wouldn’t be able to accomplish our mission without our community.

Volunteers and sponsors are essential to everything we do. Whether through donated time, resources, or event support, their involvement helps expand the reach and impact of our organization.

Law Enforcement Mental Health Response Therapy Dog Program

The ConnorsK9-PAWS Law Enforcement Mental Health Response Therapy Dog Program provides specially trained therapy dog teams to support law enforcement agencies, co-responder units, school resource officers, and community mental health response teams during behavioral health emergencies and crisis interventions.

Unlike traditional therapy dog programs, these dogs receive advanced obedience and public-access training to a standard comparable to service animal training while maintaining the temperament and social engagement necessary for therapeutic interactions.

The goal is simple:

Reduce crisis escalation, increase emotional stabilization, improve outcomes for individuals in crisis, and provide a valuable wellness resource for agency personnel.

Obtain a Law Enforcement Therapy Dog

Service Dog Program Application

Apply for a Service Dog

Upcoming Events

Alidade Brewing Barks & Brews

November 7, 2026
PAWS is teaming up with Alidade Brewing in Castle Rock to create a new beer release benefiting PAWS and our veterans. We will be celebrating with a party focused on bringing new opportunities for our shelter and rescue animals finding homes and having some amazing shelters and rescues bring out some adoptable pups to our community.
Black Ties & Tails Graduation Gala

November 2026
Join us for the Black Ties & Tails Graduation Gala as we celebrate the incredible achievements of our service dog teams and the life-changing bonds formed through dedication, resilience, and training. This unforgettable evening will honor our graduates, support veteran mental health initiatives, and showcase the mission of ConnorsK9-PAWS in transforming lives one team at a time. Guests will enjoy an inspiring night of stories, recognition, community impact, and fundraising as we continue expanding support for veterans and their families across Colorado.
Carrying the Weight Ruck March

May 2027
For 6 years, our founder and our team at PAWS have been carrying the weight for those who can not. In those 6 years, over 550 miles have been walked across the state of Colorado, carrying the weight on their backs in symbolism of the weight our veterans carry mentally and physically after returning from their service to our nation.
In 2027, the event is taking on a new path. With a large increase in community interest to be more involved, we are developing the 2027 PAWS Ruck March to allow more participation. Stay tuned for more information that is coming soon!
PAWS Recreational Therapy Retreat

Summer 2027
The 2026 PAWS Recreational Therapy Retreat is more than just a getaway — it’s an opportunity for veterans to reconnect, heal, and build lasting bonds through outdoor activities, peer support, and purpose-driven experiences. Join ConnorsK9-PAWS as we continue our mission of supporting veteran mental health and suicide prevention through the power of community and recreational therapy.
COMING SOON

There are several upcoming events in the developmental stage and we are excited to announce them soon!
Stay Tuned!!!