Welcome to The Buddy Project!
An animal-assisted services (AAS) program promoting the human-animal bond.
The Buddy Project is an animal-assisted services program (AAS) that pairs Our Companions sanctuary dogs with teens and young adults from communities in central and northeastern regions of CT. Participants learn how to train and engage with the dogs using positive and fear-free training methods. This provides them with a model for positive social interactions and supports each dog’s process towards adoption.
Get to Know Our Program
Frequently Asked Questions
The Buddy Project is a community-based program that pairs participants with rescue dogs. Student trainers learn positive-based training techniques to help the dogs move towards adoption. Through their experiences, Buddy Project participants work toward their own life goals. The Buddy Project is highly individualized and nurtures the needs of both the person and the animals they work with.
The Buddy Project is designed to help autistic teens and adults as well as individuals with learning differences, social-emotional challenges, and/or mental health needs.
The goal of the program is to provide mutually beneficial experiences for the participants and the dogs.
Buddy Project clients can work on their own individual therapeutic goals in the areas of education, social skills, psychological/emotional healing, and preparation for the world of work, while the dogs they work with experience positive-based training and socialization opportunities that increase their adoptability.
Yes, clients must be 14 years or older to participate in the Buddy Project.
Social workers, mental health professionals, teachers, and parents refer individuals who may benefit from this program.
The Buddy Project collaborates with referring partners to develop individualized goals for each student. We then collaborate with the sanctuary staff to develop the training and enrichment plans of our dogs within the program.
Most of the dogs reside at the animal sanctuary in Ashford, CT.
Based on individual goals, we may also use helper dogs that are trained and cared for by the educators in our program.
The selection of dogs for our program is based on a combination of behavioral evaluations and observed interactions by our behavioral team. Qualifying dogs have demonstrated both high sociability and training motivation. Individual needs and goals are taken into consideration when pairing a student with a dog.
Buddy Project sessions are held at our Sanctuary in Ashford, CT. However, there may be location accommodations offered on a case-by-case basis.
Sessions are provided once a week for an hour. Unless otherwise requested, sessions are offered on a one-to-one basis.
Our Companions is dedicated to ensuring access to our programs regardless of financial need. Session cost is determined on a case-by-case basis.
Meet Buddy!
Buddy was one of Our Companions' first rescue dogs and the inspiration behind the creation of The Buddy Project
Meet Our Buddy Project Manager
Risa Davidson
BS, MS Special Education
Risa brings 18 years of experience as a special education teacher, private educational evaluator, and parent advocate to her work at the sanctuary with the Buddy Project. She joined Our Companions in 2003 and became an active participant in the Canine College program. She began assisting in classes and private dog training sessions. Later she was promoted to head trainer, teaching group classes and providing private dog training lessons to Our Companions’ clients.
Risa formalized the Buddy Project program in 2008. The idea developed from witnessing the benefits of pairing rescue dogs with young people facing a wide variety of life challenges. Risa’s dog, Buddy, provided the inspiration for the program. The Buddy Project provides student participants with opportunities to help dogs in need, which in turn offers a unique context in which to address their own personal therapeutic goals. For the dogs, the Buddy Project offers training and bonding experiences that assist in their rehabilitation, improving their chances for successful adoptions.
Risa completed the Animal and Human Health Certificate Program through the University of Denver Graduate School of Social Work’s Institute for the Human Animal Connection. The eight-month professional development program consists of courses studying the therapeutic and educational benefits of a wide variety of Animal Assisted Service (AAS).
See The Impact
Buddy Project Participant:
"Helping others really helps me feel better."
Buddy Project Participant:
"I think this is a really cool program. There should be more programs like this so more students can be involved."
Job Coach:
"I don't see A. as motivated anywhere else the way she is to come here."
Interested in Learning More?
Call 860-242-9999 and leave a message for the Buddy Project Manager or fill out our contact form
