Survivor Support Dog
A companion to comfort survivors
An exciting 360 Communities initiative involves a creative way to provide additional support to abuse survivors. We are the first domestic and sexual violence program in Minnesota to have a survivor support dog to help people cope with stress and anxiety. Studies have shown that the simple act of petting an animal lowers blood pressure and encourages well-being.
We work with Pawsitive Perspectives Assistance Dogs (PawPADs), an organization that trains service dogs to respond to traumatic events, like mass shootings or disasters. Ranger was our first Survivor Support Dog. He passed away in 2024 after years of positive impacts in the community, assisting victims/survivors.
Survivor Support Dog Clyde is a PawPADs graduate. In his role, he:
- provides comfort and emotional support to people experiencing trauma.
- is trained to sit on or near the feet of the victim/survivor in court.
- is available for a victim/survivor to pet, easing anxiousness in various settings, including law enforcement interviews, preparation for court testimony, and one-on-one meetings with advocates.
We need the community’s help to fund this. If you want to contribute to this initiative, donate here.
Proudly sponsored by:
How we can help
Frequently Asked Questions
If you would like to speak with a member of our staff, we are available 24/7 at (651) 452-7288. You can also review our frequently asked questions and answers.
Lewis House Shelter
Lewis House is a safe haven for victims of domestic and sexual violence.
If you need support, call the Lewis House today, 24/7, at (651) 452-7288 and our staff will help.
All services are free and confidential.
Did you know that the Lewis House is named after the late State Senator B. Robert Lewis, who championed violence prevention and intervention work in Minnesota?
We are always looking for ways to improve our services. If you stayed at the Lewis House and recently departed, please consider filling out our survey.
Services Beyond Shelter
Not all survivors want or need shelter. We can meet you where it works best for you.
Sexual Violence Services
You do not need to cope with sexual violence alone. We can help.
Support Groups
Community Outreach Youth Ambassadors (COYA)
COYA is a supportive and empowering space for youth impacted by sexual and domestic violence to connect, heal, and strengthen their voices.
Survivor Support Dog
360 Communities was the first domestic violence agency in the state to use trained dogs to support survivors.
40-Hour Advocacy Training
360 Communities’ 40-Hour Advocacy Training allows attendees to gain a greater understanding of domestic and sexual violence while equipping them with the foundational knowledge and skills to be an advocate through interactive activities, discussions, and a variety of content.
Education & Resources
Violence prevention begins with all of us. 360 Communities educates the public about the causes of domestic and sexual violence and works upstream to promote healthy relationships.
- We give presentations in schools and the broader community.
- We provide educational resources.
- We provide a 40-Hour Advocacy Training for those wishing to increase their knowledge and skills to support survivors.