Your Dog knows you're a hero, do you?
Organization Overview
Paws 4 Valour is a Veteran-led canine-assisted mental wellness program based in Manitoba that supports Veterans, serving Canadian Armed Forces members, RCMP members, and first responders through meaningful engagement, professional dog training, peer connection, and community support.
Paws 4 Valour currently operates under a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Project Resilience 911 (PR911), which provides board support, financial stewardship, and organizational guidance. This partnership allows Paws 4 Valour to focus on program delivery while ensuring accountability, transparency, and sound governance.
Founder’s Perspective
Paws 4 Valour was founded by Joel Langley, a Veteran with 37 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces who also lives with PTSD.
The inspiration for the program came from Joel’s own personal experiences and the positive impact his own dog had on helping him navigate the daily challenges associated with PTSD, anxiety, and mental wellness.
Through that bond, he recognized the powerful connection that can exist between a Veteran and their dog — a connection that can provide comfort, purpose, routine, companionship, and a sense of stability during difficult times.
Paws 4 Valour was created from that lived experience, with the goal of helping other Veterans and first responders discover the same sense of connection, support, and healing through structured training, peer engagement, and the human-canine bond.
Mission Statement
Paws 4 Valour’s mission is to provide free, high-quality dog training through professional trainers to Veterans, serving members, RCMP, and first responders, while strengthening the bond between dog and handler to support positive mental health and wellness outcomes.
Program Purpose
Paws 4 Valour was created to address mental health challenges commonly experienced by Veterans and first responders, including:
PTSD and Operational Stress Injuries (OSI)
Anxiety
Depression
Isolation
Loss of purpose
Difficulty reconnecting socially
Challenges transitioning into civilian life
The program uses dogs as a pathway to healing, connection, responsibility, confidence, and companionship.
Participants often focus on helping and training their dog, which naturally redirects attention away from their own stress and anxiety. This creates a calming, non-judgmental environment where trust, confidence, and social connection can grow.
The result is a stronger bond between dog and Veteran, while also creating a supportive “pack” environment where participants feel welcomed, understood, and connected with others who share similar experiences.
What Makes Paws 4 Valour Unique
Paws 4 Valour is currently one of the only programs in Manitoba that combines:
Professional dog training
Veteran peer support
Canine-assisted wellness
Social reintegration
Community engagement
Mental health support
within a structured and supportive group environment.
The program does not present itself as a clinical therapy dog service. Instead, it focuses on creating meaningful engagement, healthy routines, improved confidence, social connection, and long-term wellness through the human-canine bond.
Current Program Structure
Paws 4 Valour currently delivers two 6-week “Basic Paws Training” sessions annually, offered in both the spring and fall.
Training sessions occur Tuesday evenings from 18:30 hrs to approximately 20:00 hrs.
Due to the personalized nature of the program, each session is limited to six participants, allowing trainers to provide focused support and maintain a safe and welcoming environment for both dogs and participants.
To date:
Participant demographics are approximately:
60% CAF Veterans/Serving Members
30% RCMP
10% First Responders
Spouses are encouraged to attend to help strengthen family connection and support.
Participants travel from across Western Manitoba, including some individuals commuting up to 90 minutes to attend sessions.
Training Environment
Phase One – Foundational Training
The first three weeks are held at the Paw Resort and Wellness Centre north of Brandon, Manitoba.
This safe and spacious environment allows participants and dogs to become comfortable with:
Basic obedience
Dog handling skills
Structured routines
Positive reinforcement training
Confidence building
During this phase, participants focus heavily on their dog and training objectives, helping reduce anxiety and build trust and communication with their canine companion.
Phase Two – Social Reintegration & Advanced Interaction
The final three weeks are held at Brandon Legion Branch #003.
Training progresses into:
Trick training
Socialization exercises
Public interaction exposure
Group engagement
Following training, participants socialize together in the Legion lounge with their dogs present. The previous weeks of structured training help dogs remain calm and comfortable in social settings, which in turn helps participants reconnect socially with fellow Veterans and peers.
This has proven highly effective in building camaraderie, confidence, and a sense of belonging.
The Heart Behind Paws 4 Valour
Ngaire Abernethy is a retired social worker and certified trick dog instructor. Her retired therapy dog, Tai, is a Grand Champion Trick Dog. Ngaire and her current canine partner, little Koki, serve as a certified animal-assisted crisis response team
Ngaire Abernethy
Gabrielle (Gabby) pelletier
Dr. Colleen Fisher, DVM, MSc
Gabrielle Pelletier is a developing CCPDT canine trainer with nearly three years at the Paw Resort and Wellness Centre. She leads puppy classes, offers training and group walks, and is inspired by dogs’ learning and growth.
While Paws 4 Valour was co-founded by Joel and Shauna Langley, this program would not be what it is today without the incredible people who stand beside us.
Shelley Doan of 20/20 Canine Consultants, Ngaire Abernathy of PATDOGS, and Gabrielle Pelletier are not simply supporters of this program — they are part of the foundation that has helped shape Paws 4 Valour into the community it has become.
Through their knowledge, compassion, volunteerism, and unwavering dedication to Veterans, First Responders, and their canine companions, they have helped build a safe, supportive, and empowering environment where healing and connection can happen.
Paws 4 Valour is more than a program — it is a team effort, built through friendship, trust, and a shared passion for helping others. We are honoured to stand beside these remarkable women as partners, trainers, mentors, and family within the Paws 4 Valour community.
Shelley Doan, founder of 20/20 Canine Consultants, is a certified canine behavior expert with 15+ years of experience. Inspired by her challenging dog Max, she blends science-based training, research, and empathy to help owners and dogs at home and in real-world environments.
Shelley Doan
Dr. Colleen Fisher is a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with over 35 years of experience and a Master's degree in Clinical Animal Behaviour from the University of Edinburgh. She has worked extensively with police service dogs, search and rescue teams, and assistance dog organizations, specializing in canine behaviour and the human-animal bond.
As a Fear Free Elite Certified veterinarian, Certified Service Dog Coach, and Certified Dog Behavior Consultant, Dr. Fisher brings exceptional knowledge, compassion, and evidence-based practices to the Paws 4 Valour team.
Joel Langley, M.M.m, C.D, CWO (Retired)
Joel Langley served 37 years in the Canadian Armed Forces, dedicating his life to leadership, discipline, and supporting those around him. Like many who serve, he faced his own mental health challenges, often feeling the weight of years spent in high-stress environments.
When Joel’s beloved dog passed away, he realized just how much a canine companion had supported his emotional well-being throughout his career and into retirement. That loss made clear the powerful role dogs play in healing, routine, and connection.
Together with his wife Shauna, Joel founded Paws 4 Valour—a place where military members, veterans, and first responders can come together, train with their dogs, rebuild camaraderie, and support one another through shared experience. Their mission is simple: to create a welcoming space where no one feels alone, and where the bond between people and their dogs becomes a bridge back to community and connection.
Shauna Langley
Shauna Langley spent her life as a dedicated military spouse, holding her family together through many deployments, relocations, and the uncertainties of military life. While raising two children, often on her own during her husband's long absences, she provided the stability, strength, and love that kept the Langley family grounded.
Shauna walked beside Joel through every step of his mental health journey, offering unwavering support, compassion, and resilience. Her understanding and strength played a vital role in helping their family navigate the challenges that come with long-term service.
Sharing Joel’s belief in the healing power of community and canine companionship, Shauna helped co-found Paws 4 Valour. Her passion is to create a safe, welcoming space where veterans, first responders, and their families can connect, heal, and rediscover the camaraderie they deserve.
founders
Paws 4 Valour would not have been possible without the unconditional love and bonding of Harley. Harley was a gentle-natured dog who instinctively knew when I was at my lowest in life. His wonderful personality and affectionate heart made him a true companion and a lifesaver from the darkness that mental health can exacerbate. Harley seemed to understand the struggles I was facing and knew how to provide support and companionship, ensuring I never felt alone. Unfortunately, Harley crossed the rainbow bridge in February 2025, and it was quite devastating to lose my fireteam partner in life. It was his kindness and love that gave me the motivation to share the bonds a furry companion can bring. Paws 4 Valour is the creation born from Harley’s love for this old veteran, and hopefully, others can share this wonderful experience that I was so fortunate to experience.
Love you, my friend, and miss you every day!
Joel
Paws 4 Valour Stories
Where we operate
Location
Brandon, Manioba
