How One Mom and Her Dog Sparked a Movement: The Story of Pawsitive Friendships

Send us Fan Mail What happens when a mother’s love, determination, and one very special French bulldog change the way therapy is experienced forever? In this touching Nonprofit Spotlight episode of Be Visible with Veronica, Tosha Tharp Gaines, founder of PawsitiveFriendships.org, shares how her journey began 11 years ago when her son—then just four years old—was struggling to engage in his occupational therapy sessions. Tosha took the therapy home, pairing the same techniques with their family dog, Zoe, a playful Frenchie who brought laughter and connection into every session. The results were transformative. That spark became Pawsitive Friendships, a nonprofit that now trains therapy animals and volunteers to work with children and individuals with special needs across schools, hospitals, and therapy centers. Now, over a decade later—with her son a thriving high school senior—Tosha’s mission continues to grow. Her story is a beautiful reminder that one act of love can ripple outward into a movement that changes lives. What You’ll Learn: How one mother turned a personal challenge into a nationwide mission The science and heart behind animal-assisted therapy How Pawsitive Friendships helps children engage and thrive in therapy The joy and purpose of turning pain into possibility How you can get involved, volunteer, or support their mission Listen on: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, LinkedIn, and Instagram Watch more episodes at www.veronicabahn.com/podcast #BeVisibleWithVeronica #PawsitiveFriendships #ToshaTharpGaines #AnimalAssistedTherapy #TherapyDogs #AutismAwareness #ParentAdvocacy #NonprofitSpotlight #WomenInLeadership #HealingThroughAnimals #BeVisible #VisibilityIsVital