A Calm Start to a Second Chance: Why We Donated Over $11,944 in Calming Support to Rescue Dogs
|
|
Time to read 5 min
In every shelter across the country, there are dogs pacing, panting, and trembling - not because they are aggressive, but because they are afraid.
Anxiety is one of the most common and heartbreaking challenges facing rescue dogs, and it’s one of the biggest reasons they struggle to find or stay in forever homes.
At PawOrigins®, we believe these dogs deserve more than survival - they deserve peace.
That’s why we recently donated over $11,944 worth of our Happy-Furever™ products to shelters and rescue partners nationwide.
It’s part of our ongoing mission to help anxious dogs transition from stress to stability using natural, science-backed solutions.
Table of Content
Understanding Anxiety in Rescue Dogs
When a dog is surrendered, abandoned, or rehomed, it often experiences emotional trauma. The shelter environment, while necessary, is filled with unfamiliar sounds, smells, and routines that can overwhelm a dog’s nervous system.
Unfortunately, this anxiety doesn’t just affect their well-being. It can lead to behaviors like barking, hiding, shaking, or withdrawal symptoms that may cause potential adopters to pass them by.
In fact, national data shows that over one-third of dog returns to shelters are linked to behavioral challenges, many of which are rooted in unresolved anxiety.
Left unaddressed, this becomes a cycle: anxious dogs struggle to get adopted, and those that do are often returned due to the very symptoms they developed in the first place.
A Natural Approach Rooted in Science: Supporting the ECS
The good news is, dogs have a built-in system designed to help them regulate stress and restore balance: the endocannabinoid system (ECS) .
This complex cell-signaling system plays a vital role in emotional regulation, stress response, sleep, and more.
Our flagship formula, Happy-Furever™ , is crafted with full-spectrum hemp extract and organic MCT oil —nothing else. It supports the ECS in a gentle, non-sedating way, helping dogs adapt to stress and feel more at ease in their environment.
Unlike synthetic medications that can blunt a dog’s personality or cause side effects, our approach is rooted in restoring calm without compromising vitality .
Real Impact in Real Shelters
We partnered with several incredible rescue organizations, including Big Dog Ranch Rescue (FL & AL), Cause 4 Paws, and West Valley Animal Services, to distribute these donations to the dogs who need it most.
The feedback has been deeply moving.
“The rescues are loving them! It’s helpful as the pups are settling into their new foster homes and can be super anxious,” said a volunteer at Cause 4 Paws.
Another partner told us the impact was “huge and positive,” especially for dogs preparing for adoption.
This is exactly what we hoped for: a shift from fear to calm that opens the door to connection, and eventually, a new home.
Pet owner, Pamela Mitchell had this to say:
“Happy-Furever™ has helped my rescue dog so much. It’s a work in progress, but she is doing so much better. I’ve tried so many solutions, but nothing came close to the results we saw with PawOrigins®. I’m just glad I finally found a long-term solution for my pup.”
Why This Matters
For many dogs, anxiety is not a personality flaw. It’s a response to instability, change, or past trauma. When we address that anxiety, we don’t just make dogs feel better - we give them a better chance at life.
As a veterinarian, I’ve seen what happens when we support the whole dog - emotionally, physically, and behaviorally. That’s the heart of our mission at PawOrigins®. And it's why we’ll continue to support shelters, rescues, and adopters with natural tools that help dogs settle, heal, and thrive.
How You Can Support the Mission
Every time you purchase from PawOrigins®, you help us reach more rescue dogs with the calming support they need. You’re not just improving the life of your own pet - you’re helping others get their second chance.
Together, we can build a world where fewer dogs are surrendered due to behavior, and more are welcomed home with peace and calm.
As a small business, it’s truly thanks to customers and their support that we are able to continue on our mission to help as many rescue dogs as we can, and we will continue to do that in the coming years.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Dr. Kathryn Dench
Veterinarian & Chief Scientific Advisor, PawOrigins®
Dr. Kathryn Rosalie Dench
With nearly two decades of experience, Cambridge veterinarian Dr. Kathryn Dench is dedicated to enhancing animal health through holistic practices. A member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, she focuses on preventive care over traditional methods, particularly for long-term wellness solutions in pets suffering from anxiety and chronic conditions. As Chief Scientific Advisor at Paw Origins, she champions holistic strategies and education to revolutionize pet care practices.
Products Featured In This Blog
Related Readings
How soon can I expect results?
The response time to CBD Happy-Furever™ can indeed differ from one dog to another, as it is a natural supplement that dogs may need time to adapt to. Many dog parents have observed noticeable positive changes in their pets' behavior and well-being within just a few days of starting the supplement. Common early signs of the supplement taking effect include better sleep, a calmer demeanor, and an increased appetite—all indicators of a content and healthy dog.
As the weeks go by, further enhancements in your dog's health may become evident. You may notice a shinier coat, a reduction in bodily pains, and an increase in energy, evident from bursts of playful excitement like the "zoomies" during fetch.
It's crucial to acknowledge that, like humans, some dogs may require a longer period to fully benefit from natural supplements like CBD oil. Patience is key, and during this time, it's also important to continue reinforcing good behavior.
When CBD helps to bring your dog to a more tranquil state, it's an opportune moment to introduce new habits and work on phasing out any undesirable behaviors. Remember, while CBD can support your dog's well-being, it is not a substitute for consistent training and conditioning.
Keep an eye out for signs of improvement; sometimes, they may not be immediately obvious. Documenting your dog's journey with videos and photos can help you recognize progress that you might otherwise overlook.
Furthermore, improvements might be taking place internally, such as enhanced immune function or reduced inflammation, which aren't always visible. The absence of health issues can often be a silent testament to the efficacy of the supplement, reflecting your dog's overall health and vitality. So, while some benefits of CBD are seen, others are felt—a healthy dog is a happy dog, inside and out.
Will these products make my pet 'high'?
Absolutely not! It's not possible for dogs to get 'high' off our CBD as they contain less than 0.3% THC, which won't cause any intoxicating effects. However, your pup might seem a lot more relaxed, and might be sleeping more - which is a healthy sign! Keep in mind that young puppies and senior dogs should be sleeping for up to 18-20 hours of their day, while adult dogs sleep approximately 16 hours.
The lack of quality sleep can affect their health and anxiety in many ways.
CBD can make older pooches act ‘puppy-like’ and nervous young pups feel calm. The ingredients that makeup hemp contribute to a balanced mood, resulting in a sense of relaxation for your pet.
