About Me

Hello, I'm Karen Birch, the Founder and Director of Therapy Paws UK Ltd.

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Working with children and supporting people's wellbeing has been at the heart of my career for more than 20 years. Alongside running Therapy Paws UK, I also work within a school, giving me first-hand experience of the everyday challenges many children and young people face, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND).

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I hold certifications in SEND, Dyslexia Awareness, Safeguarding, and Emergency First Aid, and I have an Enhanced DBS check. These qualifications, together with my experience, enable me to provide safe, compassionate and person-centred support to children, families and educational settings.

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Outside of work, I have a wonderful and supportive family, including my two sons, aged 26 and 14, who continue to inspire me every day.

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My passion for therapy dogs comes from personal experience. During some of the most difficult times in my life, including supporting a close family member through end-of-life care and caring for loved ones living with dementia, I witnessed the incredible comfort, reassurance and unconditional companionship that dogs can provide. Those experiences strengthened my belief in the positive impact animals can have on emotional wellbeing.

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The inspiration for Therapy Paws UK began with our much-loved Rhodesian Ridgeback, Chase. Although Chase was never a therapy dog, he had a remarkable ability to bring comfort, calm and connection to those around him. Following his passing, I wanted to create something meaningful that would continue his legacy by helping others experience the unique bond between people and dogs.

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Today, our Labrador puppy, Wilson, has brought new joy into our family. Wilson is currently growing, learning and developing every day, and it is our hope that one day he will follow in Chase's paw prints and become a future therapy dog, helping to bring comfort, confidence and happiness to many more people.

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At Therapy Paws UK, my mission is simple: to make the life-changing benefits of therapy dogs accessible to as many people as possible. Whether supporting a child with SEND, helping someone manage anxiety, reducing loneliness, or simply creating moments of joy and connection, I believe every interaction has the potential to make a lasting difference.

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Thank you for taking the time to learn a little about me. I look forward to welcoming you to the Therapy Paws UK family and supporting you on your wellbeing journey.