F
To Consider…
Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. Caring visits full of smiles!
PAWSPRINTS
SUMMER – 2012, Volume 30
Once Upon a Time…
… there was a big red golden retriever named Boo Radley. He had an uncanny knack for knowing who needed his warmth and comfort and smile. He was the quintessential therapy dog (at least in my mind) and showed his owner, me, what pet therapy was all about. His calm brown-eyed gaze put people’s anxiety to rest. His gentle but persistent lean showed people he trusted them and that he could be trusted. His willingness to spend time with anyone, anywhere and offer his charming brand of love made him a favorite everywhere we visited. So this big loving dog and I gathered some kind and loving people and their gentle, affectionate pets and started a little tiny organization called Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. whose letters nicely worked into our “doing business as” name PAWS (remember the crossed V’s). And that was a little more than 7 years ago. Not that long ago, really. But in that timespan many things have happened – some really really good and some really really sad. A really really sad thing is that Boo got cancer and died 3 years ago. We’ve lost so many of our valiant therapy pets in the past few years. Boo and the others have been heavy on my mind a lot lately. But the really really good things came from the extraordinary work they did – the examples they set that built PAWS’ early sterling reputation and moved us on our way to where we are today: Our teams number 304 at the moment. Our sites number over 125 in about a 60 mile radius covering 4 states. We continue to add new and innovative programs to meet the needs of the community. Our staff is capable, steady, and 5 of the sweetest, most helpful people you’ll ever meet PAWS teams and volunteers clocked in over 28,000 hours of volunteer time last year and are well on the way to beating that this year. We are getting ready to open 3 brand new programs that will knock your socks off. And we’re still so very interested in YOU, your experience, and how we can help you. Our heart is still right there on our logo’s paw print and the basis for everything we do. PAWS is in a very good place; Boo was part of getting us here. YOU are part of moving us forward. Thank you for your belief in the power of pet therapy. It’s the basis of who PAWS is and why we can do what we do so well. Lynne Robinson, Executive Director & Boo
P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
SO many ways to connect with PAWS online….
PAWS Website
* log in * post pictures * interact with PAWS members
We’d love you to join us!
????? We need lots of people to do lots of things. Do YOU know someone who can help? Someone to coordinate distribution of WALK promotional materials Someone to help with distributing posters and fliers Someone to help recruit teams for the Family Friendly Doggie Walk Volunteers for the day of the Wag-n-Walk Someone with experience running a WALK or 5K RUN to share in the organizing People to gather raffle items People to spread the word – FACEBOOK, Twitter, your phone, your voice Businesses to sponsor us – to donate gift certificates – to become corporate partners Please call the office to offer your help or the name of someone who can volunteer. …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
Wanted: PAWS Therapy Companion Super Stars This year PAWS therapy companions have the opportunity to shine in print and/or online in four ways: Annual Wall Calendar Annual Day Planner Cutest Pet Contest Wag-n-Walk Distance Markers
2013 Wall Calendars & Day Planners Production of the annual PAWS for People calendars has begun! If you would like to see your PAWS therapy companion in both the wall calendar and day planner, please e-mail your pictures to Wendy at idnew@hotmail.com or upload them through the PAWS website. You may submit up to 3 pictures of each pet (at least 1 is guaranteed to be featured) through September 14th. All pets entered in the calendars are also automatically entered in the Calendar Cover Contest! Voting online opens as soon as pets are entered. Voting closes September 14th. You can vote NOW! You may preorder your calendars now for a pick up date of October 20th at the 4th Annual Wag-n-Walk.
2012 Cutest Pet Contest All species and breeds are eligible; pets need not be PAWS members to participate. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners will be announced and recognized in grand style at the Wag-n-Walk on October 20th. Enter and vote online through October 13th!
2012 Wag-n-Walk Distance Markers Support the participants of the 4th Annual Wag-n-Walk by having your pet’s picture posted along the walk route urging the walkers on! Submit photos on-line through October 13th – take your pets’ photos home after the event.
Entry Fees 1. 2. 3. 4.
Calendars & Calendar Cover Contest Cutest Pet Contest Distance Marker ALL THREE
$10.00 $10.00 $10.00 $25.00
Calendars 1. 2.
Wall Calendars Day Planner (new size)
$15.00, 2/$25.00 $25.00
The Premium Package all for $50.00 1. 2. 3.
Entry into the Calendars/Calendar Cover Contest, Cutest Pet Contest & Distance Markers 2 Wall Calendars OR 1 Day Planner 5 votes for the pet of your choice in the category of your choice
Please call 814-769-1611 or e-mail idnew@hotmail.com if you have questions.
~ Wendy Lewis
Upcoming Summer Events Everyone is welcome to attend! You don’t need a pet to participate, so come join in the fun. Contact Blythe Anne to sign up @ blundstrom@PAWSforPeople.org Also check our website calendar & Blythe’s emails for further events and complete details.
July Events
also
13 – Bringing Books to Life ~ 7:30pm – 9pm Romansville United Methodist Church, PA
19 – 28 – Delaware State Fair ~ TBD Harrington, DE
Sept 14~ ACS Relay for Life
26 – Wilmington Manor Library ~ 12pm – 3pm New Castle, DE PAWS for Reading dogs needed for this event
28 – 4H Fair - Peach Festival ~ 10am – 6pm
Sept 15 ~ PAWS for Reading Conference Sept 16 ~ Newark Community Day Sept 20 ~ BBC Guest Bartender Event
Gloucester County, NJ
Oct 20 ~ 4th Annual Wag-n-Walk
August Events
Nov 16 to Dec 31
25 – National Dog Appreciation Day ~ 6 – 8pm Glasgow Park, Newark, DE
Pet Remembrance Tree at Boscov’s Dec 1 ~ Jingle Bell Brunch
25 – Uptown Pitman Market ~ TBD New Jersey
Community Spirit – a story
~ Blythe Anne Lundstrom, Community Outreach Coordinator
As the PAWS Community Outreach Coordinator, I have an incredible job. Working in the community brings many fantastic, heart-felt moments. I have experienced first-hand how PAWS and pet therapy brings smiles and comfort to others. But this story touched me deeply in an amazing way. One day in May, I was standing behind the PAWS table at Carousel Park for their "Doggie Day" event when a young woman and her mom approached. The girl blurted out with excitement, "Is Rick here? Is Rick here? He comes to CHIMES to visit me." I knew instantly which therapy team she was referring to and immediately opened up our 2012 PAWS calendar to the page that Rick’s therapy companion, Chip, was on. Once she saw the photo, she grabbed it while hugging and kissing it as well. She took Chip’s picture and rocked it back and forth. This mere picture of Chip was somehow serving as a kind of therapy right there and then! I smiled at her and her mom and thanked them for making PAWS come to fruition right in front of me. Inside I was beaming. I told the girl to keep the calendar, so that she could see Chip everyday - not just on the days Rick Altemus and his chocolate Labrador Chip visit on their regular scheduled days to CHIMES.
New Therapy Teams Welcome to new pets of current members! Karen Barkes & Boss, Chesapeake Bay Retriever Rebecca Ferguson & Teddy, Shepherd Mix Nancy Frey & Cecelia, Lab/Beagle mix Karen Lunning & Lexie, Chihuahua Mix Cyndi Turoczy & Newman, Jack Russell Mix
to our newest members! Jo-Ann Baca & Lady, Golden Retriever Teresa Butler & Loki, Ragdoll Cat Jim Casey & Molly, Newfoundland Krista Costello & Ace, Black Lab Sarah Duke & Jameson Kane, Black Lab Mix Kayleigh Karnbach & Jack, Corgi Roberta Klosiewicz & Hope, Bloodhound John Koval & Tucker, Yellow Lab Sam Koval & Tucker, Yellow Lab Michael Larkin & Bonkers, Beagle Lisa Leana & Stoney, Husky Mix Mitch Lerman & Pepper, Min. Australian Shepherd Danna Levy & Ginger, Yorkie Brian Moran & Chenin, Golden Retriever Jamie Navone & Leroy Brown, Chocolate Lab David Reed & Paco, Lab Mix Ellen Riedel & Buddy, Yellow Lab Teri Shultz & Ranger, Doberman Nicole Silicato-Gabbert & Lacey, German Shepherd/Coonhound mix Nancy Simons & Sweet Pea, Greyhound Rosemary Szczechowski & Lucas, Shep/Lab Mix Harold “Skip” Watts & Buddy, Yellow Lab Katie Williams & Riley, Sheltie Colby Williamson & Lillie, Lab/Golden Mix Susan Zimmerman & Shiloh, Beagle
In loving memory of... We are saddened to report the deaths of the following much loved and respected members:
Ika Greenholt Ika and Susan Greenholt arrived on the PAWS scene in 2007, ready to visit elders at Cokesbury Village, and then moving over to PAWS for Reading and the Autism Initiative. A gentle and caring German Shepherd Dog, Ika “had a joy for life and did everything 110%,” living in remission from lymphoma for nearly 10 years. She was a favorite at Linden Hill Elementary School as a PAWS for Reading dog.
Kerry O’Brien A kind and gentle giant, Kerry, our one and only Irish Wolfhound, joined PAWS in 2009 and became one of our most “visible” therapy teams with her handler Bill O’Brien. Taller than most of the children they visited, Kerry was quite a hit at the Brennen School. Her Advanced Level STEX qualified her for visits to the VA Hospital and also Christiana Care. A“wonderful big girl who loves people!” (said veterinarian Debbie Roberts), Kerry died in May at the age of 5 from cancer of the bone.
Bo Rayias Bo Rayias, a sweet and very laid-back greyhound, whose vet Kathy Tray promised “would be excellent” in pet therapy, brought past PAWS intern Stephanie Rayias into PAWS membership with her mother Linda in 2008. All three of them visited the folks in Sunrise Assisted Living and brought joy and comfort to the elders living there. Bo died in April due to a heart condition.
Chloe Turoczy
Retiring...thank you for your kind service Biscuit & Laurie Napolin Lucy and Molly & Fran Levinson LuLu & Ed and Rachelle Wirth Otis (Karen Lunning) Sadie & Alan Burkhard Solo & Tim Huffnell Sophie & Deb Hufnell
Found in a park by PAWS lead dog trainer, Cyndi Turoczy, Chloe, a Hound Labrador Mix, touched the heart of her rescuer and began the path to PAWS. Considered an “Awesome Team” by STEX evaluator Luann D’Agostino, Chloe and Cyndi passed at the Advanced Level and visited patients at Christiana Care, in addition to doing demonstrations during traditional and Advanced Training and our new What! Class. Chloe died in June from complications from epileptic seizures.
PAWS at Peace - new Because we felt that PAWS needed to do more to recognize the service of our PAWS pets, we are offering, in addition to our other services, a custom-designed grave marker. Any PAWS member may avail themselves of this gift whether the death of your pet is recent or happened several years ago. You have several choices of stones and font styles and what words you’d like to have engraved. Please call the office or check our website to see what we’re talking about. (There is no cost to you.) Please let us keep your pet’s memory alive in this meaningful and lasting way. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Membership – got friends? Did you know that PAWS offers an Associate Membership to anyone interested in supporting PAWS – anyone that likes what we do? Tell your friends AND the people you visit. Some may want to show their appreciation by investing their $25 and gaining important membership benefits! If you are already an Associate Member, don’t forget to renew your PAWS membership online via credit card www.pawsforpeople.org/members/renewal for immediate credit to your account. (Membership renewals will arrive via US Mail the month it is due). ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PAWS FASCINATING FACTS # of dogs # of cats # of bunnies
264 7 3
Most common breeds represented in PAWS 44 labs - all colors included 33 golden retrievers 10 doodles – golden and labra Interesting breeds Afghan, Havanese, Newfie, Jindo, Shiba Inu, MiKi, Leonberger, Duck Trolling Retriever, & PBGB ……………………………………………………………………………………
50 secrets Reader’s Digest, 5/12, offered 50 “insider tips and cautionary tales” which can save time, trouble and trauma for you and your family. See if you agree with the tips scattered throughout this newsletter. *Just ‘cause a food is premium-priced doesn’t mean it’s good stuff. That’s especially true with many foods that come in those little gourmet pouches or cans. It’s junk food with little nutritional value.
Team Time PAWS has trained 61 new therapy teams as of mid-June 2012. This safely puts us over the 300 mark for the number of PAWS teams – isn’t that amazing?! We are very proud of all our therapy teams! Our new visiting sites include the First State School, a school for medically ill children in Wilmington Hospital, and Carneys Point, a skilled care/psychiatric facility in Penn’s Grove. We plan to open new sites in Middletown and Hockessin this summer. As a form of support for our members, I’d like to start a group that can assist other members when someone in the facility they are visiting passes away. Many of you may have had this difficult experience, and being able to talk and grieve with other members can be beneficial in the healing process. If you would like more details or are interested in being part of the group, email cgonce@pawsforpeople.org. Thank you for the amazing visits you continue to provide! Training Assistants Needed! Do you remember your Orientation and Training sessions when you first joined PAWS? Were you excited? Nervous? Both? We have a flurry of new members joining at all times, and we could use some assistance with helping our new therapy teams feel welcome and comfortable. We host Orientation and Training sessions on Wednesday evenings and Saturday mornings – if you would like to help, please contact Cassie at the PAWS office. ~ Cassie Gonce, Director of Team Development
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50 secrets *The biggest mistake pet owners make is calling their vet too late. Pets rarely get colds or the flu and almost never get food poisoning. If your pet is sick for more than a day, call your vet.
VISITS and HOURS – Logging In Thanks for reporting your visits and hours through our website tracking system. The 2nd quarter numbers are being collected and analyzed RIGHT NOW, so if you haven’t logged in yet, please do. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
PAWS for Reading/PLUS Training Ready to join the reading gang for the fall sessions? Please join us on Friday, August 3rd at noon in the PAWS office for PAWS for Reading basic training! Space will be limited to 10 attendees, so call us at 302-351-5622 to register – hope to see you then! (Therapy pets do not need to attend this training.)
Buzzy’s Bow Wow Meow – I tried it! PAWS is in partnership with Buzzy’s online “pet department store” Whatever you buy using our name will pay PAWS as a 50% return. To encourage you to try it, Buzzy is offering a $25 coupon when you order something and fill out the questionnaire try it, you’ll like it. Lynne ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Website/Social Media If you have looked up www.PAWSforPeople.org on your phone recently, you may have noticed that we now have a mobile website! We are still in the beginning stages of creating the site, but we hope you find it convenient and easy to use. Please follow us on Twitter and Facebook, and by all means share pictures and stories of your visits on our social network pages! We invite you to get involved. We are currently looking for visiting stories to share in our e-newsletter – if you have any that you would like to share, email webmaster@pawsforpeople.org. We welcome any questions or suggestions that you may have for our website and social media! Cassie Gonce, Webmaster
PAWS for Reading Conference If you can’t make it in August, please plan to join us on Saturday, September 15th for our third annual PAWS for Reading conference! Keynote and workshop details to follow soon. Are your therapy companions on the web? If you have not already, please email us a brief bio of your therapy companion so we can put her info on our Reading PAWS page. With this your pup will receive his own website and chance to receive special notes from readers – as well as a pack of newly designed reading cards! Send bio and updated picture to webmaster@pawsforpeople.org.
The Power of a Pet Visit Cassie & Lynne, During our visit, we met a man in 5B; his family told me that he had not smiled or talked in 3 days until he met Abby! The family asked if I could stay there 24 hours a day! I did give them Abby's card and said to contact PAWS. Some staff actually came in to see "the visit" and couldn't believe how pleasant the man was!
~ Stephanie Barry, Director of PAWS for Reading
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Calling all ACTIVE DOGS!
Mary Perno and Abby, Christiana Care Newark
DogWorld features photos of dogs IN ACTION in most of its issues. If you have a great shot of your pup doing something "active" (at least 300 dpi in TIFF, JPEG, or EPS format) please send it to us and we'll submit it for you.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ A life without a dog is a mistake.
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Carl Zuckmayer
PAWS Notes by Erica “It is really sweet to step back and just watch.” I borrowed these words from one of our new members, Karen Spring, on a recent account of her visit to Bancroft Neurohealth. This sums up how I feel about all of the wonderful work going on at PAWS. I feel very fortunate to have a front seat view of all the little and big things that make this organization succeed. Over the past year, I have learned that your stories are one of the best illustrations of the healing and comfort pet therapy provides. And that is why I will be working on a new project - shadowing our teams and documenting these visits. My hope is that these words paint a powerful picture to others in our community about the beautiful effect you and your four-legged companions have on individuals in need. Looking forward to working with you and beginning this new project. Happy Summer! - Erica Aguilar, Office Manager ……………………………………………………………………………..
WHAT? The WHAT class is taking a break over the summer, but will start up again with very helpful training classes in September. If you and your pup need a little extra time working together, this is a good opportunity. Check the website for dates.
The Power of a Pet Visit Hi Kyle, Your grandfather seemed very interested in Tucker this week. He continued to pet him throughout our visit (the most he’s done since we started). A few nurses stopped by to comment on his visitor and to pet Tucker. I told Tom how lucky he was to receive special visitors. The comment drew a warm smile. As Tucker was lying in my lap, he placed his head on Tom’s leg; it was a sweet moment. I hope to get a picture of the two of them in the next couple of weeks to send to you. Krista Rahman and Tucker PAWS by Special Request – Alzheimer’s patient
$ALE$ - order online Remember - we have terrific PAWSWear items that make great gifts for family and friends. T-shirts - in several styles and colors Dog bandanas in S, M, L, XL Car magnets -- (not everything is green!) Make getting ready for your visit easy… wear PAWSWear and look great while you’re giving us good PR at the same time! Thanks. ………………………………………………………………………………..
The Buck $tops Here... We are very proud to announce the establishment of the PAWS for People Endowment Fund at the Delaware Community Foundation. This profound step in PAWS' growth is made possible by a generous gift from PAWS member Rick Altemus. Rick and his therapy dog, Chip, are one of our most active teams and his dedication to PAWS has been remarkable. Now he and his wife Anne have touched PAWS even further by establishing the endowment fund in loving memory of their son, Eric. We have begun expanding our avenues for support by launching an internet-based campaign to support our Autism program! There is a link to the campaign on our website – please take a look. Create your own fundraising page and send it to your friends, or make a one-time donation to help children with ASD. This is a fun way to get involved and support PAWS click 'Share' to show to your friends! Please mark your calendar for Thursday, September 20 and join us at BBC Tavern in Greenville, 6:009:00. This is a “Guest Bartender” event and PAWS will receive all tips during the time period. We have a great group of guest bartenders ready to guilt you into leaving a bigger tip! It promises to be a fun evening – please stop by! Our Board of Directors has set the standard high for this year’s annual giving program – 100% of the PAWS Board has pledged a donation for 2012. This example of leadership and support is one of the many ways our Board is fostering our growth and setting the tone for what we hope will be an expanding donation base. Thank you, PAWS Board. ~ Janet Luke, Director of Development
A Huge Round of APPLAWS We have many people & groups to thank for helping us do what we do.
Thanks to…… The Annual Conference committee for pulling together one heck of a great conference: Suzanne Fields, Jo Cotterman, Laura Ignarski, Tara Rowe, Regina Silverman, and Kim Sprenger. Congratulations to our NJ teams and the Gloucester County library for being awarded the NaCo Achievement Award, which is a national honor to be awarded in Pittsburgh in mid-July. New intake callers Lynn Porro, Lisa Milideo, Ginny Murray, Penny Taylor, & Lisa Leana who answered our plea for help with a resounding YES! With additional help from Val Allen, Cathy Amick, Rebecca Ferguson, and Jo Cotterman, we’re able to keep up with the intake calls made for all newcomers. And our PAWS by Special Request teams Rick Altemus & Chip, Karen Kedda & Teddy, Julie Koehler and Bosco, Kim Miller & Rintoo and Cooper, Ginny Murray & Pandora, Beverly Parnell & Missy, Mary Perno & Abby, Lynn Porro & Princess Rainy, Krista Rahman & Tucker, Teri Schultz and Ranger, Jeff Stidham & Jasmine, Christin Wilbert & Timber.
Autism Initiative All of our Autism Initiative teams will be treated to an afternoon of learning and fun – please save the date: Friday, August 17th from 1–4 PM in the PAWS office. In addition to special guest speakers, teams will receive goodie bags – lots of “tools” to help you with your sessions. If you are interested in learning more about the PAWS Autism Initiative, or are interested in receiving training, please let us know. ~ Stephanie Barry
Pet TherapyCorner It’s OK, Boss, He Won’t Bite Man’s best friend may have a place at the office. A study conducted at a North Carolina company found that people who took their dogs to work reported experiencing lower stress during the day than pet owners who left their companions at home or those who didn’t have pets. One benefit of having 4-legged friends at the desk: the canines promoted conversation and camaraderie among employees, remarkably improving morale. Time, April 16, 2012
Program Highlight VISIBILITY AWARD And the winners are......... Our Psychiatric Support program began 6 years ago with visits to the psychiatric unit at Union Hospital, then added Terry Children’s Psychiatric Center with reading sessions 2 years ago. But in the last 8 months, this program has really taken hold. PAWS teams now visit MeadowWood, Rockford, Open Door Peer Support, several individuals in group homes, and 2 new sites have requested our visits. I’d like to grow this program with more teams and special training to better inform/prepare our teams. If you are reading this and finding this interesting – please email me to let me know. I believe we have enough professionals in our ranks that we can create a solid training and develop this program into something quite outstanding. Lynne
“On several occasions I’ve taken Buddy to church on Sunday if I had a PAWS event shortly after. One Sunday someone commented that "pets" weren't really allowed in church. Our pastor had just started having someone witness each week, so I got to thinking about how I could witness about the value of pet therapy in the community. Two weeks later 3 of us spoke about providing service to the community with our dogs. Afterward we had many folks that wanted to find out more about our dogs and ask one-on-one about the volunteer work we did. What a great way to build awareness of pet therapy and PAWS for People.” Debbie Huff and Buddy Please let us know if YOU have any ideas on how to raise more awareness of PAWS for People.
50 secrets *Giving food is not giving love. Obesity will hurt their health and decrease your pet’s life span. Instead, give plenty of affection. Pet them, brush them, love them and walk them.
The Power of a Pet Visit Molly and I were at the Y last night and we got to see Lexi again, the little girl who sent Molly the letter. I remember the first time she came to read to Molly her mom had to talk her into it. She slid down the wall and stayed a little way away as she read softly to Molly. She was very quiet and shy. I told her how Molly was also very shy. Last night we came in the door and a lot of children came around to pet Molly, but one special little girl {Lexi} came up to Molly and just started petting her as if they were friends forever. Thank you for letting me be a part of something so special as PAWS. I know some of the stories but now Molly and I have one of our own! Donna Ciancaglione and Molly, Bear YMCA
PET CARE CORNER Hospice Isn’t Just for People Anymore We never seem to think about how precious the end of a pet’s life can be. What is most surprising for pet owners is how much veterinarians can offer in enhancing their pet’s life in the last months, weeks, and days. Veterinary hospice care, with the use of multi-modal pain control, is a growing field of study. Lack of pain can allow normal behaviors to reemerge and make your loved one feel better, which is especially important. Hydration, the use of subcutaneous fluids at home, and some diet changes to encourage eating can help your pet feel more like themselves. In the end, it’s important to know you and your vet can deal with anything that comes up together. In the final months of a pet’s life, it is important that you and your pet live the happiest lives possible together. ~ Dr. Sandra J. Platt, DVM Dr. Platt is a house call veterinarian with a background in endof-life care. While she receives great satisfaction from her work with animal hospice and euthanasia, she also takes pleasure in healthy puppies. …………………………………………………………………..
What a TREAT! Another Job for a News Hound In Athens, a stray dog has become an unofficial mascot of city protests, an online sensation, and has reaped another accolade by being featured in Time magazine's 'Person of the Year' award. Sable-furred Loukanikos was granted his own photo gallery in the magazine's annual honors which this year were dedicated to protesters across the world. Widely known on the Internet as the Greek capital's "riot dog," the central Syntagma Square canine has his own Facebook page with over 24,000 hits. AFP News - 12/11
PAWS has 501 (c) 3 status Our tax ID # is 76-0780197 DE code is #11602 -- PA code is #48807 Donations happily accepted.
Waggies by Maggie and Friends are the healthy dog treats baked by none other than the real Maggie and her real friends, persons with intellectual disabilities – our new partners. In this new partnership, PAWS offers specially-for-us created large bags of bone-shaped treats or training bits for sale at $10/bag. Maggie and her friends receive some of that and PAWS keeps some. Help both nonprofits out by buying Waggies at our events or online.
50 secrets *You can go to an online pharmacy and get the same exact drugs you would get from your vet for 1% to 20% off. But check first to make sure it’s certified as a Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Site (VIPPS certified) Some vets will also match online prices – you just have to ask.
Wait, Don't Jump Simple steps to keep all four on the floor It's pretty easy to teach your pup NOT to jump on people. Train him to do an incompatible behavior instead like sit – she can't jump and sit at the same time. First get the sit command foolproof - totally reliable. Use treats, clickers, whatever works - slowly remove the bribe so he sits on command EVERY TIME. With your dog on leash, walk up to a friend, and stop about 10 feet away. Ask for a sit and reward only when it complies QUICKLY. If he doesn't sit, walk away; try it from another direction, stopping again and requesting the sit. If you aren't treating NOT SITTING, he should get the idea pretty fast. If your dog pulls you, turn and walk away, then ask for the sit once it focuses on you again. Now add some distractions and repeat the above steps. Again, reward only for a prompt sit. Always require your pet to sit immediately to receive the really good treats. Soon he'll be sitting before you even get to another person. DogWorld.com - April 2011
50 secrets *If the plaque sprays and dental water additives actually worked, none of the vets would be telling you to brush your pet’s teeth.
TRAINING We here at PAWS take training very seriously. We believe that knowledge is the key to better visits, more confident therapy teams, and keeping PAWS the topnotch therapy organization that it is. We require Advanced Training of all teams. We offer PAWS for Reading training Autism Initiative Training What Every Therapy Dog Should Know classes conferences, workshops, and private sessions Jump in and learn with us – the more you know, the better able you are to help the folks you are visiting. ……………………………………………………….
If your dog doesn’t like someone, you probably shouldn’t either.
Pet Business Cards One of the best ways to leave a lasting impression is to give the people you meet your pet’s business card. People LOVE these, keep them and post them on their bulletin boards and refrigerators. They remind people of your wonderful visit and also provide impetus for conversation. Someone might even think to make a donation to PAWS when they look in their pocket and see your pet smiling at them. You can order pet business cards online or call the office. Send us the photo you want printed and we will do the rest.
The Power of a Pet Visit Walking down the hallway at Christiana Hospital, I was stopped by a mother and her 2 adult daughters. The mother reached down and said, “Oh my gosh, is this Jasmine? My husband told us about the wonderful visit he had with her.” Everyone in the group looked rather sad. I asked the mother if we could visit her husband, but she said it wasn’t a good time. A little while later, I saw the same family on my way out. One of the daughters (clearly upset) noticed us, came out, and asked, “Can Jasmine come visit us now?” As I entered the room, it became clear that this husband and father – the same person that Jasmine and I had visited a week before – had just passed away. Silence filled the room as Jasmine walked up between the mother and one of her daughters, offering a quiet condolence. Then she moved up to see the gentleman that had just passed, looking at him and putting her head on the sheets that covered him. I was so amazed that this family would allow Jasmine and me to visit them during such an emotional time. As I went to leave the room, both sons reached out their hands for me to shake – a silent “thank you” to the work that Jasmine and I do. Jeff Stidham and Jasmine
PAWS for People P.O. Box 9955 Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622 Return service requested
PAWS for People Caring visits full of smiles
PAWS for People PO Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622 www.PAWSforPeople.org E-mail: PAWSinfo@pawsforpeople.org
We finally made it….
300 PAWS Therapy Teams!!!!
Lynne Robinson, Executive Director PAWS for People is a nonprofit, volunteer organization serving Delaware, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Our mission: to lovingly provide elders, children, and folks with disabilities individualized, therapeutic visits with a gentle, affectionate pet.
4 chances to
your pet
1 - Cutest pet contest 2 - Calendar cover contest 3 - Calendar pin-up 4 - Wag-n-Walk distance marker
PAWS Board of Directors Michelle Adams Cathy Amick Karen Bengston Luann D’Agostino Stan Diver Dianne Galleshaw
Mary Perno Lynne Robinson Bill Sudell Susan Trolio Le Dee Wakefield
Check inside for what's NEW at PAWS!