I have always had a love of animals. Growing up in Camden and working from a young age in stables with dressage and show horses, provided the opportunity to work with the first Riding for the Disabled group in NSW. My early working career was in nursing, training at Marsden Hospital, Westmead, and becoming an RN in 1985. For 30 years I worked with people with disability, high needs, and challenging behaviors, both in residential/clinical settings and in the community. 

 

After having children, 2 boys - Ben and Robbie,  I helped my husband run a successful electrical contracting company and later returned to disability work during which time I took my first steps in pet therapy, training with my dog Zep, a Siberian Husky who was to become the first Paws Pet Therapy dog. Zep and I visited nursing homes and special schools where I could see the real difference that dogs could make to people's lives; I was hooked!

 

Recognising a huge need for a professional pet therapy service in the Southern Highlands, in 2012 Paws Pet Therapy was created and in 2014 I left full-time employment and registered PAWS Pet Therapy as a charity. The rest, as they say, is history! 

 

I currently visit hospitals, mental health facilities, and aged care facilities with my two dogs Hudson and Ringo, and have two therapy dogs in training. I love what I do and I am passionate about helping our volunteers get the same enjoyment and satisfaction from their volunteering experience. 

 

I am very proud of what Paws Pet Therapy has achieved and am excited about our future.

We have a fantastic team of dedicated people who work hard to maintain a professional and respected charitable organisation;  our volunteer teams, board and office staff all have one common goal - to help dogs make people happy.

 

With over 100 active volunteers in areas from Goulburn to The Blue Mountains, the City through to the South Coast - there is never a dull moment at PAWS. There are lots of wonderful stories, photos, and information to be found throughout our website. I encourage you to spend a bit of time with us online, you may like to support us or even become a volunteer. 

 

In the wise words of the Dalai Lama...."If you are passionate about what you do, you will succeed".

 

Warm Regards 

 

Sharon Stewart