In 2006, our founders, Eric and Nicole Shumate, brought their passion and enthusiasm for animal-assisted experiences from Colorado to Iowa.  January 2007 brought about the early and long term success of the Pet Partner Ability Through Agility Program at ChildServe, demonstrating Paws & Effect’s commitment to children. By 2009, with increasing community visibility, a service dog program was developed to extend support to the Veteran community.  Now, Paws & Effect has an expanded therapy and service dog presence in both Iowa and Western North Carolina, harnessing the power of the human-animal bond.