ABOUT US

About Paws and Progress

Paws and Progress was founded in November 2023 to provide a safe environment that promotes the health and well-being of all humans through occupational therapy (OT) services. My mission is to create a welcoming and nurturing environment where all clients can be themselves and learn realistic strategies to live their lives to the fullest.

I am Macy, the heart behind Paws and Progress, a licensed occupational therapist, a certified professional dog trainer, and an animal-assisted intervention specialist. Alongside me are the two most enthusiastic members of the team, the OT clinic dogs, Lola and Griz, who play a crucial role in the therapeutic processes. Together, we serve the Albuquerque, New Mexico, community with a unique blend of professional expertise and enriched personal experiences.

My OT services are as individual as the clients I serve, tailored to utilize the therapeutic effects of the human-animal bond through animal-assisted therapy (AAT). My services aim to holistically enhance all clients’ lives, empowering them to overcome challenges, build self-confidence, and develop essential life skills. The AAT and dog-training programs are designed to teach positive, consensual interactions with animals, strengthened by relationship-based dog training methods.

I have a special interest and commitment to supporting those with neurodiverse conditions. I implement a neurodivergent affirming approach that encourages empowerment, acceptance, and deeper self-understanding so that clients can participate more fully in activities that truly matter to them. You can find more details of the unique services offered at Paws and Progress in the “Services” section above.

Meet the Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Macy Porter

MOTR/L, CPDT-KA, C-AAIS

Macy Porter is the owner and founder of Paws and Progress Therapy Services. She received her Master of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center in Memphis, Tennessee. Macy is a registered and licensed occupational therapist, a certified professional dog trainer, and a certified animal-assisted intervention specialist. She completed four years of continuing education, an internship, and an apprenticeship with supervised hands-on experience providing animal-assisted occupational therapy services.

Macy has co-authored, edited, and presented several publications, research articles, books, international presentations, and continuing education webinars. Her education, specialty training, and certifications have given her the tools to effectively utilize animal-assisted therapy as a primary intervention technique in her occupational therapy practice.

Grizzly

occupational Therapy clinic Dog

Griz’s responsibilities at Paws and Progress include OT Clinic Dog, Ambassador of Leisure, Director of Toy Inspections, and Squeaky Expert. He is an English cream Golden Retriever who began receiving formal training to participate in AAT in February 2019 when he was eight weeks old. He has participated in many hours of training for AAT and is a certified therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

He loves to play tug, participate in water games with friends, and wait on a bed while his friends bring him snacks. In his free time, Griz enjoys hiking, taking sniff walks, and cuddling big stuffed animals. Griz’s favorite part of his job is picking out his toy of the day and showing it off as he sings his greeting song to welcome clients.

Lola

occupational Therapy clinic Dog

Lola’s responsibilities at Paws and Progress include OT Clinic Dog, Chief Happiness Coordinator, and Fetch Executive. She is a small poodle mix breed adopted from Lap Dog Rescue when she was one year old. She began receiving formal training to participate in AAT in December 2019 and has completed hours of training for AAT. Lola is a certified therapy dog with the Alliance of Therapy Dogs.

She loves playing fetch, being pushed in her stroller, and participating in agility activities. She enjoys car rides, sunbathing, and sitting in people’s laps in her free time. Lola’s favorite part of her job is chasing toys, followed by being cuddled and petted.

Penny

Webmaster

Penny is the lead web designer and CEO (Cheif Eating Officer) at First Click Digital Marketing & SEO in Albuquerque. She is also the step-sister of Lola and Griz and has taken a special interest in lending her skills to Paws and Progress. She is a medium Australian Shephard and Belgian Malinois mix breed who was adopted from Animal Humane New Mexico when she was 3 months old. In her free time she loves doing tricks for treats and doing agility courses. Penny doesn't spend much time at the clinic, preferring to be a behind-the-scenes contributor to Paws and Progress