We empower veterans, first responders, MST survivors, and their immediate families—with a specialized focus on women’s mental health—to train, bond with, and work alongside a service dog at zero cost, supported by a trauma-informed peer sanctuary.
Moving Forward. Bonded. One Paw at a Time.
Healing through bonds that restore independence.
Empowering veterans, first responders, MST survivors, and their immediate families through service dog training and trauma-informed peer support—at zero cost, with a specialized focus on women’s mental health.
Our impact
2026Founded
100%Heart-driven
Our purpose
Building bonds that change lives.
We answer the silent cry of our community by forging a life-saving partnership between a healer and a hero. Through trauma-informed peer support and specialized service dog training, we help restore independence, connection, and hope.
Paws Forward Foundation is a promise from one survivor to another. We know the weight of invisible wounds because we have carried them too. Our heroes, their families, and civilian survivors deserve a community that understands—and the support to move forward together.
What we do
Programs built on trust.
We bridge the gap to recovery through two connected pillars: trauma-informed community support and specialized service dog training.
Service Dog Training & Partnership
Train and bond with a service dog for psychiatric assistance, mobility and physical support, or hearing and medical alert needs.
Apply now →Peer Support Sanctuary
Protected peer-support circles and grounding activities for MST survivors, veterans, and civilian women, building connection through shared experience.
Learn more →Volunteer Opportunities
Help as a puppy socializer, therapy dog handler, or respite volunteer, using positive reinforcement and supporting a safe environment for everyone.
Get involved →Corporate partnerships
Support our community through business sponsorships, workplace giving, and cause marketing.
Partner with us →In-kind donations
Donate food, training gear, or veterinary supplies to support our dogs and programs.
See wish list →ADI accreditation
We are pursuing Assistance Dogs International accreditation to uphold high standards for our service dog programs.
Our standards →Meet the team
The dogs moving veterans forward.
Every partnership begins with patience, trust, and a lot of tail wags. Meet a few of the remarkable dogs serving our community.
Ace
Golden Retriever
- Birthdate
- August 3, 2026
Breeder
Name: Dalton Cox
Phone: 870-830-8318
Kennel: Bark and Bloom
Email: barkandbloomgoldenretrievers@gmail.com
Instagram: Barkandbloomkennel
Facebook: Bark and Bloom
Nova
Black English Lab
- Birthdate
- February 19, 2026
Shadow
Lab/Hound Mix
- Birthdate
- Jan 20, 2026
Dread
Leonberger
- Birthdate
- December 5, 2025
Breeder
Name: Susan Forbes
Phone: 850-748-8244
Kennel: Forgold Kennel in Florida
Facebook: Forgold Kennel in Florida
Titan
Golden Retriever
- Birthdate
- December 31, 2019
Ways to give
Become a partner in progress.
Your support provides training, care, and resources that help people and service dogs build lasting partnerships.
Paws Forward Wish List Any amount
The Impact: Equip Our Newest Heroes. Help provide the gear and supplies our service dog candidates need as they begin their training journey.
Diamond $10,000+
The Impact: Organizational Launch Catalyst. As a Diamond Partner, you are the cornerstone of our mission. This investment fully funds the acquisition of our first three purpose-bred service dog candidates and serves as the seed money to secure our future Flagship Training Center.
Platinum $5,000
The Impact: Full Life-Cycle Sponsorship. This level ensures one service dog candidate is fully funded from breeder to handler placement. It covers the acquisition cost, initial gear, and first-year medical wellness.
Gold $2,500
The Impact: Advanced Training Mastery. Gold partners fund the critical "Advanced Phase" of our pipeline. This covers the specialized psychiatric, medical alert, and public access training for one handler-dog team.
Silver $1,000
The Impact: Medical Alert Integrity. Silver partners ensure our dogs meet elite medical standards. This funds scent-work equipment for medical alerts and all essential health clearances (OFA/Genetics).
Bronze $500
The Impact: Community Ground Floor. Join our "Founding 50" campaign. These local leaders provide the infrastructure support needed to establish a safe, trauma-informed training environment.
Foundation Friend $20 – $100
The Impact: The Building Blocks. Every hero needs a foundation. Your donation funds essential training tools and Public Access Test (PAT) gear.
Our team
The humans behind the paws.
Melanie Vollmer
Founder
Erica
Head Trainer
Sara Donnell
Therapy Dog Trainer
Casey Patterson
Female MST Peer Coordinator
Kyle Kennedy
CPA
Tammy Kritz
Curriculum and Environmental Coordinator
Advisors
Patsy Warren
Advisor