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Wow. What a month March has been so far! We held our international women's day cuppa and a cuddle event on March 6th and it went so well. We cannot wait for the afternoon tea pawty on Sunday! Child smiling whilst interacting with the wellbeing dogs. Our weekly visits at Sandiacre Court Care Centre have been making a real difference to residents wellbeing. Last week on the dementia nursing floor, we saw residents who didn't usually interact gently stroking the dogs and even co

This weekend’s wellbeing session at Pause With Paws brought together a lovely group of people for an afternoon filled with warmth, laughter, and gentle moments of calm. The event offered a unique chance to connect with others and enjoy the comforting presence of our wellbeing dogs, creating a space where everyone could relax and feel at ease. The changes made from the previous session, including moving to a smaller, quieter room, made a noticeable difference in the atmosphere

Today’s visit to one of our local care homes was another beautiful reminder of why Pause with Paws exists. When we arrived, several residents who hadn’t met us before were sitting in the lounge. The moment they spotted the dogs, their faces lit up. There’s something so immediate and disarming about the presence of a calm, gentle dog. We see barriers drop, curiosity spark, and conversation begin Residents enjoying dog time. We spent time talking with residents about animals th

Today marked a significant milestone for Pause with Paws CIC. The day began with collaboration. We spoke with Aisha from The Happiness Hub Derby CIC about how our services complement one another and how, by working together, we can create stronger, more connected community support. Collaboration, not competition, builds sustainable wellbeing. We also had discussions with Erewash Borough Council about our work and its growing impact within the community. But the highlight of t

Today’s care home visit was one I will never forget. We delivered our very first session on a dementia nursing floor and, if I’m honest, we weren’t sure how it would go. We knew we wanted to try. We believed in the power of the dogs, but nothing quite prepares you for witnessing it in real time. What happened felt like magic. Residents who had been withdrawn and quiet began to light up. One gentleman sitting in the corner became completely absorbed in watching the dogs. One g

Today’s Pause with Paws wellbeing session was such a beautiful reminder of why we do what we do. We welcomed a lovely mix of ages and people from the community – some attending on their own, others coming along with friends, family or carers. The session included a gentle grounding meditation for those who wanted to take part, dog education, complimentary hot drinks and cookies, and plenty of relaxed social time, all with the added benefit of spending time with our certified

We held a wellbeing session at a local adult day centre, offering a gentle drop-in, drop-out format so there was absolutely no pressure and no forced interaction – just a safe, relaxed space for people to engage in whatever way felt right for them. We brought along our educational cards about dogs – how they communicate, what their body language means, and the many ways they can support our wellbeing. And everyone engaged in their own beautiful way. Some service users simply

Loneliness and mental health challenges affect millions of people worldwide. Finding effective ways to support those in need remains a pressing concern. One approach gaining attention is dog assisted wellbeing, which uses the unique bond between humans and dogs to improve emotional and social health. Our recent transition to a community interest company marks a significant milestone in expanding these services to more individuals facing isolation and mental health struggles.

During a recent Pause With Paws visit to a care home, we supported a new floor for the first time and noticed a resident sitting alone on a sofa. She shared that she had never owned a dog before and felt unsure, as she had only ever had cats. We spent time simply talking with her, allowing the interaction to develop naturally. Without any direction, the dogs calmly approached and lay beside her on the sofa. She began gently stroking them and visibly relaxed as the session pro

Today’s Pause With Paws session brought a wave of warmth and joy to everyone involved. Watching residents and staff share smiles and gentle moments with our calm, loving dogs reminded us why these visits matter so much. The simple act of cuddling a dog sparked laughter, happy tears, and heartfelt connections that brightened the whole care home. The Power of Animal-Assisted Support in Care Homes Animal-assisted support offers more than just companionship. It creates moments of

Yesterday, we held our first dog-assisted wellbeing session at a new care home, and the experience was truly touching for both residents and staff. Bringing dogs into care environments can feel uncertain at first, but the gentle presence of calm, well-behaved dogs quickly changes the atmosphere. This session showed how dog-assisted wellbeing creates moments of calm, joy, and connection that brighten the days of residents, even those facing difficult challenges. A calm dog sit

On Friday, we had the absolute pleasure of visiting a local care home with our Pause with Paws team and honestly, it was one of those days that reminds you exactly why you started. When we first arrived, not everyone was sure. A few residents felt nervous and even left the room at the start. Some hadn’t been around dogs in a long time, and others weren’t sure what to expect. We made it clear there was no pressure at all. They could watch from a distance, step in and out, or j

When we talk about the benefits of spending time with dogs, we often hear words like comforting, calming, or uplifting. But what’s happening beneath the surface goes much deeper than emotion alone. Dogs have a powerful, measurable impact on the central nervous system (CNS) - the system responsible for how we respond to stress, regulate emotions, and feel safe in our bodies. For many people, especially those living with chronic stress, trauma, neurodivergence, illness, or anxi

When we think about wellbeing, we often focus on physical health or mental clarity. Yet, there is a gentle, powerful force that can nurture our emotional health in ways we might not expect. Dogs, with their unwavering loyalty and comforting presence, have a unique ability to uplift our spirits and soothe our minds. In this post, I want to share how the emotional benefits of dogs can transform environments like care homes, workplaces, and community spaces, creating moments of

Living with a genetic disorder and being neurodivergent shaped much of my early life. I often found comfort not in people but in the quiet, unconditional presence of animals. As a child, I couldn’t have a dog of my own, so I spent countless hours at family members homes, so I could be surrounded by their dogs. Those moments sparked a deep connection that would guide my path for years to come. Early Life and Finding Solace in Animals Growing up with a genetic disorder meant fa

Meet The Paws-itive Pack 🐾 Small dogs often get labelled as “nasty”, “yappy” or “badly behaved”. In reality, many small breeds were historically bred for companionship, closeness and emotional support, not guarding, herding or protection. Their sensitivity, size and attunement make them particularly effective at supporting calm presence and emotional regulation. Modern psychology would describe this as co-regulation, something we now know plays a key role in wellbeing and st

You’re probably wondering where this all began, so here is my story. My name is Charlotte and I’m a psychology graduate. During my dissertation I researched and wrote a paper on how canine connection can help to improve humans physical and mental wellbeing. I always knew there were benefits of owning a dog, especially after getting my soul dog in 2016, but my research opened my eyes up to just how special they are. Even just spending 10 minutes with a dog, not even your own,

Understanding Emotional Regulation Emotional regulation refers to our ability to manage and respond to our emotional experiences. It involves recognizing our feelings, understanding their impact, and employing strategies to cope with them effectively. Strong emotional regulation skills can lead to better mental health, improved relationships, and enhanced overall well-being. The Importance of Emotional Regulation Mental Health : Effective emotional regulation is linked to low

In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, finding moments of calm can be a challenge. One increasingly popular method for achieving tranquility is through the companionship of dogs. Canine-assisted calm moments offer not only emotional support but also a range of benefits that can enhance our overall well-being. This blog post will explore the various advantages of incorporating dogs into our lives, particularly in stressful situations, and how they can help us cu

In a world where stress and anxiety seem to be ever-present, finding effective ways to enhance our mental health is crucial. One innovative approach that has gained traction in recent years is canine-assisted wellbeing . This method not only promotes emotional healing but also fosters deeper connections between humans and dogs. In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of canine-assisted wellbeing, how it works, and practical ways to incorporate it into your life for mo