Gabriel’s Angels

Gabriel’s Angels is a non-profit organization that delivers healing pet therapy to 13,000 abused, neglected and at-risk children throughout Phoenix, Southern Arizona and the Prescott area.  The organization began in 2000 after its founder, Pam Gaber, a volunteer at the Phoenix Crisis Nursery, took her young dog, Gabriel, to meet the children at a holiday party.  The interaction of Gabriel with the children was so positively impacting that Pam formed

Gabriel’s Angels, receiving 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status in 2001. 

Gabriel’s Angels Pet Therapy program, encompassing 170 volunteer registered Pet Therapy Teams, is the core of the organization and provides service to 115 child welfare agencies for the purpose of intervening in the cycle of violence.  The goal of the program is to improve the emotional health and well-being of children and help them develop skills that are precursors to preventing the cycle of violence.  Many researchers have noted that there are seven core behaviors – trust, affiliation, confidence, respect, self-regulation, awareness and tolerance – that allow children to mature successfully. These behaviors are missing in children who have suffered from abuse and neglect but can be taught through the unconditional love of a therapy dog.

The heart of Gabriel’s Angels is the organization’s volunteers, donors and supporters. Two   annual major events, the Unleash the Love Breakfast in May and Salud Signature Wine Event in October, are held to raise funding for the growth and sustainability of the pet therapy program.  For additional information or to become involved, please call 602.266.0875.  www.gabrielsangels.com