GrandPaws began during an ordinary drive to work.
Founder Holly Cotton spent nearly 20 years working in the operating room and continues to work per diem for a surgeon. One morning, she left for work and looked back at her little long-haired dachshund, Gracie, sadly watching her leave.
As Holly drove, she began thinking about her grandmother, whom she had recently lost to Alzheimer's disease.
Toward the end of her grandmother's life, many things became difficult to remember — but her love for her little dog remained. During the final weeks of her life, she spent a short time in a care facility and had to leave her beloved dog behind.
Then the idea clicked
What about all the seniors living in communities who once loved and cared for animals but can no longer have one beside them?
What if Gracie could bring a little piece of that love back?
That thought became GrandPaws.
At the heart of GrandPaws is Gracie — our sweet, gentle soul who inspired it all. Her warmth, patience, and unconditional love showed us what was possible, and she continues to be the spirit behind everything we do.
Today, Holly and Gracie bring non-clinical animal-assisted enrichment to seniors through companionship, conversation, reminiscence, music, sensory experiences and, most importantly, connection.
GrandPaws was created because we believe every senior deserves to feel seen, valued, remembered and loved.
We aren't simply filling an hour. We're creating a moment that matters.
And now, instead of Holly leaving Gracie behind when she goes out to care for others, Gracie gets to come along and spread a little love of her own. 🐾
Sometimes when so much else fades away, the feeling of being loved remains.
And sometimes that love arrives on four little paws.
GrandPaws — Bringing Joy, Comfort & Companionship to Seniors.