● About
What is HPF?
Haider’s Paws Forward is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting and enriching the lives of individuals with pets or individuals who are focused on animal welfare.
● Our Mission & Philosophy
Our Core Values
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Humanity Over Surrender
The human-animal bond is one that is a collective responsibility to preserve.
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Keeping Families Together
A crisis may test a family, but it should never have the power to dismantle it.
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Compassion at the Helm
Stewardship is the community’s sacred promise to those in our care.
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Unifying with Understanding
Leadership and behavioral understanding of animals creates a foundation for respect and cohesion.
● Our Story
A Lifelong Calling
It all started on an Oklahoma farm, where our founder discovered a rare gift: calming the fearful and earning the trust of the “untouchable.” From aggressive stallions to discarded strays, Julie had a remarkable way of making friends with them all—each one responding to her steady hand and compassionate heart. In those quiet moments of rehabilitation, she found a profound sense of purpose and a deep connection to her faith, realizing early on that her life’s work would be to serve as a bridge for those without a voice.
From Rescue to Relationship
What began as a teenage mission to save dogs from euthanasia grew into a lifelong career as a professional behaviorist, but through decades of rehabilitation, one question lingered: how could these animals have stayed home? She came to understand that many shelter dogs weren’t unloved, but casualties of human crisis—domestic violence, sudden illness, homelessness—moments when the fear of losing a beloved pet becomes the breaking point. From that realization, she envisioned a nationwide “web of compassion,” an army of people working together to ensure that a temporary crisis never has to mean a permanent goodbye.
Our Founder, Julie
Our Vision Today
In 2026, that childhood dream has matured into a structured, sustainable mission. We believe the bond between a human and their animal is sacred and worth protecting. We aren't just providing resources and temporary foster care; we are providing dignity, stability, and hope.
By offering practical, non-judgmental support—from medical resources to crisis boarding—we ensure that families can stay together, heal together, and walk paws forward together. We are building a legacy of compassion, grounded in the belief that helping a pet often means saving the person at the other end of the leash.
● Our Name
Why Haider’s Paws Forward ?
The name Haider’s Paws Forward is more than just a title—it is a tribute to a bond that spanned 15 years. Haider was a loyal German Shepherd who served as the companion, business partner, and confidant of our founder, Julie Solheim.
In honor of Julie’s Middle Eastern roots, she named him Haider, which means "Lion" in Arabic. It was a fitting title for a dog whose heart and will were as formidable as his name. Throughout his years of service, Haider worked side-by-side with Julie, helping to train and rehabilitate countless other canines.
Beyond his professional work, Haider was the cornerstone of his own family. As the silent guardian for a single mother and her daughter, he stood watch at the door every night—a constant symbol of courage, loyalty, and unconditional devotion.
Who We Are
The name Haider’s Paws Forward embodies what Haider represented and what we seek to provide to all families and their beloved pets:
Strength: The resilience families need during difficult times.
Protection: Ensuring the safety and stability of the family unit.
Devotion: The unbreakable bond between humans and their animals.
At Haider’s Paws Forward, we strive to provide that same "Lion-hearted" strength to families in crisis. Giving them the support and resources to keep moving forward. Our goal is to ensure that no family has to face the heartbreak of separation, providing the resources necessary to keep the hope of reuniting and connected to their loving families.