The Project

The Leadership Gilroy Class of 2024 created Healing Paws - a project inspired by the powerful connection between animals and emotional well being. The class partnered with Mari Cortani of Operation Freedom Paws in San Martin to support the training of therapy dogs to be certified as therapy animals.

Through fundraising, volunteer engagement, and hands-on collaboration with professional trainers, the class helped prepare these dogs to serve in schools, hospitals, and community spaces where comfort, calm, and connection are needed most. The project brought awareness to the role therapy animals can play in reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional hardship for people of all ages.