This Harlows Heroes Initiative is Shaped by real experience. It focuses on mental health, emotional support, and building meaningful connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Shaped by real experience, this initiative focuses on mental health, emotional support, and building meaningful connections between law enforcement and the communities they serve. Through this program, Harlows Heroes K9 plushies are sponsored each year through our Sponsor a Hero Plushie campaign. A community driven fundraiser where individuals and businesses step up to support the mission. Once sponsored, these plush K9s are distributed From October through December to K9 handlers and law enforcement agencies across Connecticut, who then hand them out to children and community members during crisis calls, school visits, public events, and more.
It’s not just for children. It’s not just for emergencies. It’s for anyone who could use a steady reminder that someone is in their corner — especially during emotionally heavy moments that impact mental health and well-being.
As a survivor of domestic violence, and as a mother whose children experienced it alongside me, I know firsthand how meaningful something like this can be. That’s why creating this initiative through Harlows Heroes was never just an idea, it comes from a personal place, a real need to create the kind of impact we once found ourselves searching for.
It’s about bringing comfort, offering softness in hard moments, and making sure every person feels seen, supported, and never alone.
Because no matter what someone is facing, this is a reminder that they don’t have to face it alone.
“Thanks so much for providing these plushies to our comfort dog program! Over the past few months, we’ve gifted Chase plushies to several people in need of some comfort. We’re bringing one to court today. A juvenile victim is preparing to testify against their abuser. While Chase can’t be on the stand with them, we’ll be there before and after and we’re hoping they can hold the plushie in their lap while they testify.”
— Shared by a K9 handler Heather McClelland partnered with K9 Chase
Numbers Speak
Why Give a Hero, Give Hope Matters
In our first year, Give a Hero, Give Hope placed over 120 Harlows Heroes Plushies directly into the hands of children and community members across Connecticut. Bringing comfort, connection, and a sense of support when it was needed most.
Built around mental health and real life moments, this program creates space for healing by offering something simple, familiar, and meaningful to hold onto. Whether during a difficult call or a quiet conversation at a community event, each plushie becomes a bridge, helping people feel seen, supported, and never alone.
And the ripple effect is real. The statistics below reflect what we already know from experience: small gestures of compassion can make a lasting impact, especially for children, survivors, and those navigating emotional or uncertain times.
75% of pediatric patients in hospital & emergency settings show reduced heart rate, Lower Stress Levels & increased cooperation when given comfort items.
70% of children report witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event by the age of 16.
Children exposed to domestic violence are 15x more likely to experience mental health challenges later in life.
Domestic violence incidents and calls rise by an average of 20% during the holiday season
Community programs that encourage positive interactions with law enforcement can increase trust and cooperation by over 40%
Positive relationships with at least one caring adult in childhood are linked to significantly lower rates of depression, anxiety, and stress later in life
2025 sponsor a hero plushy Campaign
be apart of Give a Hero, Give Hope!
For 2025, we’re making it easy for you to get involved. Start your own fundraiser through our main campaign, set a goal that’s meaningful to you, and help us sponsor even more Harlows Heroes Plushies for the people who need them most.
