Lessons Learned
from
Rescued Dogs

if a dog was your teacher, you'd learn things like...

Healing Species Texas teaches compassion and humane education with the help of rescued dogs. Through these meaningful connections, we inspire people of all ages to practice kindness, courage, perseverance, hope, resilience, empathy and service.

EXPLORE OUR MISSION

Candid classroom photography of a teacher and a student petting a therapy dog. The scene is warm and engaging with a focus on supportive interaction.

Candid photography of a group of children excitedly petting and feeding a gentle brown retriever. The atmosphere is warm, joyful, and focused on the interaction between the kids and the animal.

Candid photography of a dog sitting obediently on a red leash while people in orange jumpsuits sit in black chairs behind it. The atmosphere appears to be a training session or a supportive environment.

Reviews

What people say about us

"This program should be in every school in Texas"

Ashley Fontenot

"Our campus was always so excited to see the dogs and learn the lessons. Every day we would see the impact Healing Species had on our students"

Jose Longoria

"When the dogs come weekly, our kids suddently become kinder and respectful. Amazing program"

Elizabeth Andrews

'My team had the best experience learning new ways to communicate and work together'

Deb Taylor

Aerial view of lush green forest promoting wellness

Programs for Youth and Adults

For over 16 years, Healing Species Texas has educated youth in schools and juvenile correctional facilities through programs featuring special teaching dogs. Offerings include Dogs of Character for school assemblies, Project Paws for adults, and The Canine Insight for staff development, leadership, and wellness.

HEALING SPECIES TEXAS

Children petting a dog during a wellness program.

The Healing Species program teaches in classrooms for school districts ages 2nd-12th. There are 14 lessons in the full curriculum.

Today, we offer the Foundation Program with visits from the dogs and (3) of our most impactful lessons for campuses needing the program.

Classroom Youth

PROJECT PAWS

A dog in a wellness character education program.

Project PAWS supports adults in behavioral health and correctional settings with the help of our specially trained teaching dogs. These dogs foster a welcoming environment that encourages positive responses, active participation, and deeper engagement in therapeutic programs.

Correctional Youth and Adult

THE CANINE INSIGHT

Woman with a German Shepherd in a classroom for wellness.

Our rescued dogs teach workplace teams valuable lessons in resilience, trust, communication, and courage.

This memorable 90-minute workshop offers a unique approach to staff development that inspires connection and stronger teamwork.

Professional Development

DOGS OF CHARACTER

Student petting therapy dog for character education wellness

Our engaging school assembly features three remarkable rescue dogs who teach students about character, compassion, kindness, and caring for others. Assemblies introduce the concepts of Rescuing Each Other and include posters, schoolwide advocacy projects, and enrichment activities.

School Assembly

Our Mission

The mission of Healing Species is to inspire kindness, empathy, and resilience, and to reverse and prevent violence in communities by teaching compassion—using rescued dogs as teachers and healers

Lessons Learned from Rescued Dogs