A Friendly New Chapter:
Say Hello to Paws for Youth (Formerly Gabriel’s Angels)
What began 25 years ago with one remarkable therapy dog, Gabriel, has grown into something extraordinary: an organized community of specially trained volunteers and therapy pets, serving more than 9,800 youths who have experienced trauma every year at more than 100 locations across the state of Arizona.
Over the past year, we took a thoughtful look at how our organization is understood in our community. We asked ourselves how we can reach even more youth in need and make an even deeper impact on their lives. Effective April 2, 2026, our Board approved a new name and visual identity to help share our work more clearly – and we’re excited to share the details with you!
From Gabriel’s Angels to Paws for Youth
The name Paws for Youth clearly communicates who we serve and how we serve them — through the healing power of pets and compassionate volunteers. This updated identity builds on a decades-long legacy of service in a way that strengthens visibility, deepens partnerships, and will enable our pet therapy services to reach more young people in need of support and connection in the wake of trauma as our organization continues to grow.
Studies continue to show what many of us know intuitively – the bond between humans and animals can lower stress, reduce anxiety, and increase feelings of safety and connection.
But beyond the research, there is something beautifully simple at work.
At a local school, one student who struggled with emotional dysregulation and often lashed out in the classroom taped a picture of the therapy dog who visits him to his desk. He says it reminds him of what he learned in his sessions with Paws for Youth, so he can slow down and breathe before he acts, helping him make better choices
Designed for Connection
A therapy pet doesn’t ask about grades, past mistakes or family circumstances. A therapy pet does not judge. When a child rests their hand on soft fur or looks into steady, gentle eyes, their nervous system begins to regulate. In that space of calm, growth becomes possible.
This beautifully simple connection is why we immediately fell in love with the dog illustrated in our logo. Named by our volunteers, Sunny embodies the warmth, approachability, and trust that each and every one of our therapy pets brings to the youth who need them. The expressive hand-drawn face combined with an outstretched paw shows the connection of the human-animal bond in a single glance.
If you look at Sunny’s paw reaching out in welcome, you’ll see a heart that highlights the unconditional love offered by our pets. Standing out in purple, it reminds us of the importance of compassion, especially during moments of vulnerability.
Chartreuse sunburst rays above Sunny’s head represent our organization’s vision of a brighter future for the youth we serve. The color itself combines the positive, uplifting psychology of yellow with the growth-oriented nature of green.
Even the typeface itself was carefully selected to convey the impossible optimism our therapy pets bring to the youth we serve. The calming teal in our new color palette aligns with the safe, supportive environment we create for the youth in our programs, while the youthful orange adds a touch of warmth and joy.
New Name. Same Mission.
While the name of our organization has evolved, the “why” behind the work never will. Young people need safe relationships.
They need tools for resilience.
They need to know they matter.
The ability to identify feelings, set boundaries, manage stress, and build healthy relationships is critical for young people. Not every youth has safe spaces to practice those skills, so Paws for Youth brings them one through the healing power of the human-animal bond. Our mission remains rooted in the same outcome connection heals. And sometimes, all it takes to open that door is a wagging tail, a compassionate adult and the simple power of unconditional love.
