HOW WE HELP
Delivering Smiles One Paw at a Time
DISTRIBUTING BLANKETS AND TOYS TO HOSPITALIZED CHILDREN
Bringing Smiles and Raising Spirits
Our therapy dogs visit and deliver comfort blankets and toys to children in hospitals. While we can't be there for every child's hospital visit, it is our mission to make sure each child receives a gift. With the help of sponsorships and donations, we can continue to ensure those connections are made.
PARTNERING WITH NATIONALLY CERTIFIED THERAPY DOGS
Connecting Personally
All our therapy dogs have gone through rigorous training and have received their certification to work with children in hospitals and other medical settings. Patients and their families often remark that they feel less stressed and calmer after a visit with our therapy dogs.
THE POWER OF COMFORT
More Than a Pretty Smile
When a child has a blanket and/or toy in the hospital, it doesn’t only bring them a smile. Studies show that children who play with toys in hospitals show less signs of stress, heal faster and have an improved outlook. Similarly, studies have also shown benefits to patients who have been visited by therapy dogs. See our research section for more details.
OUR HISTORY
A Bit of Background
Bark for a Cause (BFAC) was founded with the goal of providing comfort to children battling cancer and other critical illnesses by way plush toys, gift boxes, etc. delivered by therapy dogs Bark Andre Furry & Winston the Doodle. Both Bark and Winston made quite an impact on Las Vegas hospitals, social media, and bringing joy to countless children at sporting events and business openings – all while spreading the word of comfort and sponsorship.
With Bark’s passing in 2023 and Winston retiring after years of service, the reins were handed over the Bark’s little pup brother, Deke, in 2023.
Deke quickly became a star example of love and joy as a therapy dog. Bark for a Cause entered a new phase of collaboration with various nonprofit foundations – all with the goal of bringing comfort to children and veterans through gifting and sponsorship opportunities designed as a conduit for those who want to contribute to a cause.
As a non-profit organization our goal is to deliver a blanket and/or toy to every child hospitalized in southern Nevada and beyond.
Bark For A Cause is a 501(c)(3) non-profit based in Nevada.
THE RESEARCH
What difference does a toy or therapy dog visit make? It turns out, a lot! When a child in a hospital plays with a toy or therapy dog, anxiety can be reduced and the healing process can be accelerated. Even family members can benefit from interacting with a therapy dog. Here are just a few studies that illustrate this point.
The Importance of Play During Hospitalization of Children
Kids’ Perceptions toward Children’s Ward Healing Environments
Effect of Toys and Preoperative Visit on Reducing Children's Anxiety
Therapy dogs may unlock health benefits for patients in hospital ICUs
"Izzy has been going to the hospital since February 2018. She had many visits that finally led to her diagnosis of Neuroblastoma on April 13, 2018. Since then there have been 100s of hours spent in the hospital. One thing she has enjoyed is decorating her hospital room by putting stuffed animals and pictures all over. This helps her feel normal, happy and makes the stay just a little easier. She also enjoys watching the Golden Knights and likes all things Golden Knights, so it was no surprise that she fell in love with (Knights fans) Bark and Winston from the moment she saw them. Their stuffed animals are now a part of our family and also go to doctors appointments and hospital stays. They bring her comfort and for that we thank Bark For A Cause!!"
Tierra M. - Izzy's mom
IN THE NEWS
Latest Stories
BARK FOR A CAUSE AND ANIMAL FOUNDATION'S BOW WOW HOEDOWN FEATURED ON FOX 5'S MORE ACCESS!
10/16/19
It was Bark For a Cause's first interview! We were on Fox 5 promoting our first event- The Bow Wow Hoedown! Click on the photo to see the interview!
CONTACT BARK FOR A CAUSE
