Thank you for your interest in our Champion Forest Angel Paws Pet Therapy Ministry. We began Angel Paws in 2017 and currently serve under the Missions Ministry. Our mission is “to share Jesus, through the unconditional love our pets give, to those whom God has placed in our path”.
Everyone has a story about how God has helped them through a difficult season in their life. We believe that story should be shared with others. God will bring someone into our path and their pup will open the door for you to share your God story. We are all about using our story and our pups to be Kingdom Builders.
Debbie Benningfield
We would love for you and your furry friend to join us. There are a few things to think about before you begin the process of becoming a part of our ministry including attending one of our informational meetings.
List of requirments HERE. Check out our Facebook Page for upcoming informational meetings.
Need more info? Contact Debbie Benningfield at cfbcangelpaws@gmail.com.
“Petting, holding, and talking to a pet helps my seniors feel needed and valued. We’ve seen some of the Champion Forest Baptist Church [Angel Paws] animals bring withdrawn residents out of their shell. After they’ve engaged with the pet, they begin engaging more with their peers, family, and staff. We are so blessed to have this partnership with you and we sincerely thank you.”
Elizabeth G
Resident Program
Director with Maddie and Covey
“Schultz Elementary is beyond blessed to have Angel Paws as part of our campus community. Our four legged friends have made such a positive and lasting impact on our students and staff. They provide comfort, companionship, and self-confidence, and we are so thankful to Klein ISD for allowing Angel Paws to visit our schools!”
Dee Ann
School Counselor with AJ and Sam
“Schultz Elementary is beyond blessed to have Angel Paws as part of our campus community. Our four legged friends have made such a positive and lasting impact on our students and staff. They provide comfort, companionship, and self-confidence, and we are so thankful to Klein ISD for allowing Angel Paws to visit our schools!”
Dee Ann
School Counselor with AJ and Sam
“Every time Tex comes to school he brings out tons of smiles, love and laughter, and he shares comfort and calmness with our students and staff. Tex and Dana provide a safe place for all to read and chat. We are so thankful to have Angel Paws at Lemm.”
Samantha
School Librarian with Tex
“Angel Paws handlers and pups are such a blessing to the children of Boys and Girls Country. Since our kids cannot have their own pet on campus, visiting with Angel Paws brings comfort, peace, freedom from anxiety and the opportunity to just be a kid and play with a dog! We love Angel Paws!"
Susan B
Boys and Girls Country
“Angel Paws handlers and pups are such a blessing to the children of Boys and Girls Country. Since our kids cannot have their own pet on campus, visiting with Angel Paws brings comfort, peace, freedom from anxiety and the opportunity to just be a kid and play with a dog! We love Angel Paws!"
Susan B
Boys and Girls Country
"Angel Paws Pet Therapy Ministry provides an invaluable service to Houston Methodist Hospital. The joy, love, and comfort that the pet therapy animals and their handlers spread across our hospital has had an incredible impact on our patients, visitors, and staff. We are truly honored to partner with them. Debbie Benningfield and her sweet Sam started this ministry with noble intentions and a huge amount of heart, and I cannot wait to see it continue to grow and flourish. I would happily recommend them to any facility seeking to utilize pet therapy and its healing benefits."
Vanessa Parejo, MPH with Sam
From working with a child who is learning to read to visiting a senior in assisted living, therapy dogs and their owners work together as a team to improve the lives of other people.
There are many pet therapy groups. However Angel Paws is a Pet Therapy Ministry. As a ministry we not only provide comfort, but our focus is to use our pups as a way to bring Jesus into our conversations.
Therapy dogs are not service dogs. Service dogs are dogs who are specially trained to perform specific tasks to help a person who has a disability. Therapy Dogs do not have the same special access as service dogs.
The earliest recorded use of animals for therapy was performed in the 18th century in York Retreat, England where mentally ill patients were allowed to roam in a facility that contains a considerable number of small domestic animals. The animals serve as a socialization medium.
In 1919, the US military also encouraged the use of dogs as a therapeutic way of dealing with psychiatric patients at the St. Elizabeth’s hospital in Washington DC. Dr. Boris Levinson was the first one to use pet therapy which he accidentally discovered after leaving a dog with a difficult child. Upon returning, Dr. Levinson witnessed the communication of the child with the dog. Dr. Levinson also helped in promoting and documenting awareness for the value of human and pet bonding in 1961.
For Physical Health
For Mental Health
