About Pawsitive
Research shows that the companionship of dogs can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and foster emotional well-being, making them an essential part of mental health support. Led by Mind Connections Foundation, the Pawsitive Steps Festival is committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health while empowering communities to embrace the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship.
Pawsitive Steps Festival introduced a wide range of programs designed to bring joy, promote physical activity, and improve overall well-being. These initiatives focus on the benefits of physical engagement and highlight the powerful role dogs play in supporting mental health.
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Hope Arrived on Four Paws: The Tale of Coco’s Love
Coco Dog’s Fourteen years ago, a family’s world shattered when their 24-year-old daughter was diagnosed with cancer—an unthinkable reality that no one had seen coming. Fear and sorrow settled into their home like an unrelenting storm. When nothing made sense anymore, the family adopted Coco, a six-week-old abandoned puppy.
Coco sensed the shift—a once-happy family now grappling with aching reality and helplessness. She became something more: watchful, ever-present, a quiet anchor in the raging tide of grief.
On their daughter’s hardest days, Coco never left her side. She curled up at her feet during treatments, rested her head in her lap when nausea from chemotherapy was overwhelming and nudged her hand when the silent grief of losing her hair became unbearable. When she was too depressed to speak, Coco’s presence became louder than words—an unshakable source of comfort.
The grief that followed was suffocating. But Coco held the family together. She made them step outside when they couldn’t bear to face the world. She waited patiently by the door when they struggled to return. And when the tears came, she was always there, offering the silent, unconditional love only a dog could give.
Years passed, and the family learned to live again—with Coco at the centre of it all. Her unwavering love had given them the strength to heal.
Her devotion did not go unnoticed. The local community, having witnessed her quiet acts of service, recognized her as a symbol of resilience. She became the face of the Pawsitive Steps annual family fun event, raising awareness for mental health.
Coco was never just a pet. She was family. She was love. And even now, at 14 years old, she continues to enjoy the company of the hearts she healed, the lives she touched, and the home she made whole again.
In this photo, Dr. Padmini Howpage and Dr. Daya Howpage share the company of Coco, still radiating the quiet strength that binds a family together.
Written by Dr Padmini Howpage
About Pawsitive Steps (continued)
The 2025 Pawsitive Steps festival was a huge success! Attendance doubled compared to last year, with a 101.52% increase in registrations and a 259% jump in traffic. Social media engagement also took off, with interactions from followers growing by 378.4% and from non-followers by an incredible 768%.
People who attended loved how the event raised awareness about mental health in a fun and welcoming way. One person said, "The program for the day was exceptional." The presence of dogs added to the positive vibe, with many people sharing how much comfort and joy the dogs brought. One person mentioned, "I loved bringing my dog to a place where she could mingle and enrich her experience," highlighting the ongoing therapeutic value of animal companionship.
Most people who came to the festival had a great time and said they’re looking forward to the next one. The Mind Connections Foundation’s focus on mental health through animal companionship made a big impact, and we’re excited to keep building on this success. These events will continue to spread awareness, bring the community together, and show how animals can make a real difference for mental well-being.
Why Attend?
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Support Mental Health Awareness: This is a unique opportunity to engage with and learn about the powerful role animals, especially dogs, play in supporting mental well-being and breaking the stigma surrounding mental health.
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Experience the Therapeutic Benefits of Animal Companionship: Interact with dogs and experience firsthand how animal companionship can reduce stress, alleviate anxiety, and foster emotional healing.
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Have Fun While Supporting a Great Cause: Enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities, competitions, and wellness programs, all while supporting the Mind Connections Foundation’s mission to improve mental health through the power of animals.