Here we share the most beautiful moments from the life of the Dog4You – Paws that Heal Association. You will discover the activities carried out alongside our therapy dogs, the courses and training of our handler–dog teams, the projects we are involved in, and the stories that inspire us to keep going.
We invite you to join us and follow how, step by step, we are building a community where empathy, respect, and the human-dog relationship bring real change to people’s lives.
In Cadea, Bihor County, 20 children from Bihor and Satu Mare counties experienced something unique, taking part in Romania’s first camp with therapy dogs. Every day brought interactive activities, games, learning, and special moments spent alongside the therapy dogs, turning the camp into a memorable experience for all participants.
Courses for those who want to turn their passion into a profession
Developing animal-assisted interventions starts with well-trained people. Through the courses organized by the Dog4You – Paws that Heal Association, participants get the chance to understand the principles of animal-assisted therapy, the role of the handler–dog team, and the importance of animal welfare in carrying out activities and interventions.
These training programs combine theoretical knowledge with practical application and are aimed at everyone who wants to contribute professionally to the development of this field in Romania.
West and Éva Zita Balogh passed one of the most prestigious European evaluations for therapy dogs
After years of training, hard work, and continuous improvement in Romania and Hungary, West and his handler, Éva Zita Balogh, successfully passed one of the most prestigious European evaluations dedicated to dog-assisted therapy teams. Earning the international certificate confirmed the team’s professionalism and marked a landmark moment for the development of animal-assisted interventions in Romania.
This achievement strengthened the Dog4You Association’s mission to promote high training standards and to demonstrate that animal-assisted therapy can have a real impact on education, recovery, and social inclusion.
How a therapy dog is trained and what it means to build a team you can trust.
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When trust begins with a look and a four-legged friend
At the “Bonitas” School Center for Inclusive Education in Oradea, our therapy dogs continue to show that the relationship between humans and animals can become a valuable support in the educational and therapeutic process. Through activities tailored to the needs of each child, West and the other therapy dogs contribute to developing communication, self-confidence, and social skills, in a safe and friendly environment.
These activities highlight the important role that animal-assisted interventions can play in supporting children with disabilities and promoting inclusion within the community.
The first therapy dog active in educational programs in Oradea
After more than a year of training and evaluation, West successfully passed his therapy dog exam and began taking part in dog-assisted activities for children in Oradea. Together with handler Éva Zita Balogh, he became part of the educational and therapeutic programs run in schools and children’s centers, contributing to the growth of a field that was then just beginning in Romania.
Every moment spent with our beneficiaries and our therapy dogs reminds us why we do what we do. Thank you for being part of the Dog4You story. 🐾💙
