About us

What makes us Different at Chuck's Pups

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Our Mission

At Chuck's Pups, our mission is to empower children through the transformative power of animal-assisted interventions (AAI). We provide customized therapy and service dog programs designed to meet each child’s unique emotional, social, and academic needs. By integrating social-emotional learning and evidence-based practices, we go beyond traditional therapy dog interactions to create meaningful, measurable outcomes that help children grow, heal, and thrive. Through the special bond between children and dogs, we aim to foster resilience, confidence, and a brighter future for every child we serve.

Why Choose Us?

Our combined expertise in education, dog training, and AAI allows us to create effective, evidence-based programs.

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Our Story

In April of 2020, our family lost our rock, our father, Danny O'Keefe to Covid. Chuck's Pups was created in his memory to support children through service and therapy dog work. We aim to forever change the lives of the children involved, addressing their needs through animal interventions and service dog support while honoring our dad at the same time.

It is our belief that tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength. This is a trait he instilled in all of us. Creating this foundation gives us the strength to do the impossible, to live in this world without him while changing the lives of children through the magic of the bond between a child and a dog.

He loved his life, family, friends and to have a good time. He lived life on his terms, no regrets, just gratitude. Most importantly he made a difference in the lives he touched and will continue to do so now through this foundation that bears his name. He came to love dogs later in life, and would be thrilled to know that through this organization, children and dogs will be able to interact in an atmosphere of trust and comfort and will brighten their futures immeasurably.

 

Our Team

Our team comprises dedicated professionals who bring a wealth of expertise in education, dog training, and intervention strategies. Here’s a closer look at the talented individuals leading our program:

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Kirsten is the CEO of the Chuck’s Pups Team, bringing a wealth of experience as an educational administrator, animal-assisted intervention specialist, and professional dog trainer. She has successfully led multiple Animal Assisted Intervention (AAI) programs, providing vital support to handlers and their schools.

Kirsten specializes in designing and implementing goal-oriented AAI programs tailored to meet the diverse needs of students and school communities. She has also led the Kids and K-9s Program, which helps children build essential social-emotional learning skills through mindfulness, yoga, and dog training. Collaborating closely with the Above the Standard service dog training team, Kirsten also assists children and families receiving service dogs through the sponsorship program, guiding them in building connections with their dogs and integrating them into home and school environments.

Our Goal

Our ambitious vision is to transform the lives of children nationwide by partnering with schools, hospitals, and community organizations to provide customized, goal-driven animal-assisted interventions that promote emotional well-being, social growth, and academic success through the unique bond between children and therapy dogs.

Our Service Area

We are based in Vernon, NJ but are happy to provide our services all across new jersey and new york.

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