To Consider…
Brought to you by PAWS for People --- Pet–Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services, Inc. Caring visits full of smiles!
PAWSPRINTS
WINTER – 2012, Volume 28
How Do You Spell "Healing"?
Do you know what you're doing when you take your therapy companion to visit some folks? And I don't mean "are you feeling well trained or confident with your pet." What I am talking about is something I want you to think about - carefully and deeply. Are you aware of just how much your visits matter to the folks you spend time with? Do you realize the depth of the healing that you are encouraging and allowing during your visit? Do you understand the power of the connection you and your therapy pet are making? Do you get just how much you are a catalyst in improving someone's quality of life? If you haven't thought about your visits in quite that way, please take a moment to do that - now. Think of the smiles you get when you arrive on the scene. Relief? Release? Enjoyment? Remember the comments people make about your visits. Please come again? You made my day? Think back to a visit that impacted you and your pet - it impacted those you were visiting, too. What you do when you share your pet, and what your pet does when it stares happily into someone's eyes or puts its head on someone's lap or hops in bed with a patient who longs for comfort and warmth, are providing opportunities for respite, for happiness, for peace, for connection. That's "healing" spelled in a number of different ways - and no matter how you give it or spell it, the caring space you offer people is a healing space. It's a place and a time for folks to get away from what's burdening them and experience some joy or some hope or a level of acceptance they aren't getting anywhere else. Such a gift you give. So much love in the giving. So much comfort in the sharing. Thank you for giving and sharing and being a part of a very beautiful process that cares for people in a way nothing else can. A better quality of life? You give that every time you visit. Lynne Robinson, Executive Director P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714-5055 ~~~ 302-351-5622 ~~~ PAWSforPeople.org
We're excited to offer a new class 6 Tuesdays beginning January 10 (and continuing on a regular basis throughout the year)
83B Albe Drive - 6:45-7:45 - cost $125 THIS CLASS IS FOR YOU or YOUR FRIEND or YOUR NEIGHBOR or YOUR COLLEAGUE if.....
You'd like to brush up on visiting skills like "not pulling" when walking and eye contact when visiting. You think your new dog isn't quite ready for PAWS and want to work on skills to get your dog ready. A friend has a new puppy they'd like to start preparing for PAWS membership. WHY THIS TRAINING IS IMPORTANT TO THERAPY WORK: This training is ideal for someone who wants a stronger bond with their dog and to share their dog through therapy work. It will teach dog & handler basic visiting skills and manners for visiting. You will sharpen skills already in use and learn new ones which will propel you from an average visiting team to an outstanding team. All skill levels are welcome, and the course is open to the public. These hour-long classes begins Tuesday, Jan. 10th at 6:45pm, and run 6 consecutive Tuesdays – Feb. 14th will be family night. Maximum class size = 8 dog & handler teams, so be sure to register early!
Register online at PAWSforPeople.org or call 302-351-5622 for details. ............................................................................................
SAVE THE DATES More details on our website and in coming emailing
Sat., Jan. 14
Advanced Training Room 1100, Christiana Care Hospital, Newark Campus, 9:00-1:00
Sun, Feb. 19
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration - not Feb. 11th as previously announced & Lucky 7th Anniversary The Lorelton, 2200 W. 4th Street, Wilmington 1:00-3:00
Sat, March 31
Easter Bone Hunt 1:00-3:00 - held at Blue Hen Bed & Breakfast, Route 273, Newark
Sat., April 28
Spring Morning of Workshops 8:30-1:00 - more TBA ............................................................................................
Winter Community Events Everyone is invited to come have fun with us!! You don’t need a pet to participate, so come alone, bring a friend, bring your therapy pet. Just join us whenever you can.
We're trying something new this year: we're listing all the events here in the newsletter as always, but saving the details for those who are truly interested in more info. If you want the times and places and types of visiting opportunities the below listed events provide, please
check our website’s Events Calendar or look for details in our E-Newsletter coming to you twice a month starting this January.
January Events 7 – Orientation/STEX 9 – “Annabelle’s Birthday Celebration" 10 – What Every Therapy Dog Should Know 11 – Orientation/STEX 14 – Advanced Training 16 – Mart. Luther King Day/Volunteer op tbd 17 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn 21 – Training 24 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn 25 – Training 25 – PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session 31 - class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn
February Events 4– Orientation/STEX 6 – Swedesboro Library Opening 7 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn 8 – Orientation/STEX 11 – Boscov’s “ Thank You” Event 14 – class: What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn 18 – Training 19 – Volunteer Appreciation Event 22 – Training 23 – PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session _________________________
March Events 3 – Orientation/STEX 7 – Orientation/STEX 10 – Read-Aloud DE Annual Conference 17 – Training 21 – Training 27 - PAWSitively Supportive Chat Session 31 – Easter Bone Hunt
WHAT? CHANGES IN COMMUNITY OUTREACH EMAILS ~ In the hope of reducing the amount of emails you receive from PAWS, we will be adding Community Outreach Events to our e-newsletter, which is a twice monthly email. Please look for the COMMUNITY CORNER starting this month. We also will have the event details listed on our website under “Calendar of Events.” For Community Outreach events, please continue to RSVP to Blythe Anne Lundstrom blundstrom@PAWSforPeople.org
New Therapy Teams Welcome to our newest members! Jamie Anderson & Jackson, Golden Retriever Yvonne Arnold & Jona, Labradoodle Joyce Bailey & FayFay, Papillion Jerry Berkowitz & Jona, Labradoodle Katie Birney & Sady, Afghan Hound mix Maureen Bonnes & Gulliver, Pointer/Dalmatian mix Cecilia Bozzo & Duchess, Smooth Coat Chihuahua Kristin Carroll & Kaydence, Lab/Pit Mix Mary Choma & Hunter, Beagle Cheryl Costello & Kira, Black Labrador Retriever Judy Dimichele & Bentley, Goldendoodle Judy Diver & Ellie, Lakeland Terrier Marlene Eckendorf & Jenna, Shepherd Mix Leslie Fisher & Bridget, Yellow Lab Richard Francis & LT, German Shepherd Brian Friedkin & Casey, Golden Retriever Lisa Friedkin & Casey, Golden Retriever Jessica Harwood & Lexie, Husky/Lab Mix Sylvia Heinze & Zoe, Chihuahua/Rat Terrier Mix Deborah Hill & Furgie, Terrier Mix Tine Horne & Hansel, Rottweiler Mary Humanick & Molly, Bichon Laura Ignarski & Sydney, Collie Diana Koch & Maggie, Black Lab Carol Lovett & Snickers, Miniature Poodle Mix Frankie Mayo & Chloe, Golden Retriever Marie Marx & Foxy, Corgi Russ Miceli & Brody, English Cream Golden Retriever Lisa Milideo & Phillis H. Phanatic, Schnauz/Lhasa Mix Peg Mitchell & Whitney, Shetland Sheepdog Kaelynn Moury & Beagan, Collie Kim Pahl & Daughtry, Border Collie/Lab Mix Melody Phillips & Ollie, West Highland Terrier Sharon Popky & Hairy, Tabby Cat (welcome back) Carol Rafferty & Kimi, Standard Poodle Krista Rahman & Tucker, Havanese Tara Rowe & Puck, Newfoundland Pam Rybinski & Cassie, Springer /Blue Tick Hnd Mix Lauren Simermeyer & Noni, Corgi (welcome back) Melissa Wellington & Willow, Standard Poodle Cathy West & Jaxon & Chenin, Golden Retrievers Ed Wilde & Maggie Mae, Black Lab Mix Rachelle & Ed Wirth & LuLu, German Shorthaired Pointer/Lab Mix Karen Wohlheiter & Finn, Black Lab Mix Nokona & Ohana Yoder & Kioshi, Border Collie/ Beagle Mix
In loving memory of... We are saddened to report the deaths of the following much loved and respected members:
Harley Anna Laudenslager Harley Anna, a Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix, joined PAWS in May of 2009. She and her human Trish Laudenslager, were devoted visitors to Arbors of New Castle, where Harley Anna had quite a following. She really loved older folks and was described as "very sweet and calm" with the folks she visited. She died in September, age 12.
Mercy Good Gorgeous golden girl loved by Tom and Sue Good, Mercy joined PAWS at age 2 in October of 2006 and visited numerous PAWS sites over the course of the next 5 years. Mercy was a beloved reading dog at Linden Hill Elementary School with Sue and Brandywine Library with Tom and a welcome volunteer at many PAWS events like camps, Boscov's, and the Wag-n-Walk. Mercy died from liver failure at age 8, leaving half-sister Gracie to uphold the girls' wonderful reputation.
Tipsy Zsoldos-Sheffler The first Vizsla to join PAWS, Tipsy arrived on the PAWS scene in 2007, 8 years old and ready to get Hepsi right into reading and physical therapy work. Vital to the Mobility Project at the ELC, Tipsy showed a lot of little ones how to do human agility. "Great with all types, friendly interested, a truly wonderful team, " Mary Woodward. Tipsy died unexpectedly at age 11.
Divot Lewandowski Divot, a 9 year old deep red golden retriever, brought his owner, Christine Lewandowski, into PAWS for People in January of 2008. An Advanced STEX team, Divot and Christine became regulars at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center, bringing smiles and comfort to everyone they met, including the staff, the patients, and certainly any visitor that met this friendly and outgoing therapy companion. A plaque bearing the names of our OLD FRIENDS hangs in the PAWS office - so we never forget....... ..........................................
REALLY?
New Board & Staff Members PAWS is fortunate to be able to welcome 2 new board members who have been working steadily since their onset to help PAWS move forward. LEDEE WAKEFIELD LeDee is a Wilmington native who has worked in her families' businesses since 1979 (The Inn at Montchanin, Krazy Kat's, The Back Burner, Hockessin's Kitchen Sink). She has served on several boards: Young Friends of the Brandywine as Chairman of the Children's' Concert fundraiser, Planned Parenthood, Delaware Guidance Services as Chairman of Development Committee and Secretary for 3 years. She has already helped PAWS by helping to grow and elevate the Jingle Bell Brunch. STAN DIVER Stan is the founder and president of Diver & Assoc., consulting on issues relating to leadership development and transition management. Through Vistage, Stan chairs a group of business leaders, facilitating monthly meetings and following up with one-onone coaching. (Lynne is benefitting from Stan's monthly coaching already.) Stan’s professional/ community affiliations include Wilmington Rotary, Ronald McDonald House, DE Futures, Tower Hill School, and Brandywine Zoo. MELINDA CHICHESTER Special Events Coordinator Melinda joined PAWS about 4 years ago with her American Eskimo Spitz Emily through our partnership with Willow Tree Hospice. She and Emily learned firsthand how powerful pet therapy can be for both sides of the visit. Melinda has just joined us in a different capacity as our Special Events Coordinator, planning and coordinating all PAWS-driven events like the conferences, the Walk, and the upcoming Volunteer Appreciation Celebration. Melinda is also the founder and certified practitioner of Healing Touch on the Waterfall, heart-centered approach to health and healing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
An article written for WebMD.com lists 27 different ways pets can improve our health. We'll be sharing a few of them in this issue. Look for the REALLY? blurbs on the following pages.
REALLY? Soothing Heat for Chronic Pain A Mexican hairless dog called a Xolo is known for generating intense body heat. An organization called Paws for Comfort trains Xolos to be service dogs for people with fibromyalgia and other forms of chronic pain that respond to heat. People get relief just by placing their hurting limbs against the dog's body or lying up next to it. Some dogs have even been trained to ride around wrapped around the neck of a person with chronic neck pain. (How cool is that?)
Our journey of life is about progress, not perfection.
Team Time Here are some FASCINATING team facts for 2011! PAWS ended 2011 with 271 therapy teams We trained a total of 119 new therapy teams We hosted 111 Orientation, Testing & Training sessions throughout the year – thanks to all our helpers! (that's Saturday, Wednesday, & private) 14 teams completed our Master’s Certification – congratulations!! Our newest sites include Cecil County Department of Social Services, DE School for the Deaf, Foulk Manor North, two medical ICU units in Christiana Care and MeadowWood Fun up-coming things in 2012: Monthly chat sessions – look for coming dates Research study opportunity with PAWS Your amazing visits at the places you enjoy! Looking forward to working with each and every one of you in 2012! ~ Cassie Gonce, Director of Team Development
Power of a Pet Visit Have to tell you what happened on our first solo visit with our new young friend Charlie. We tied a long rope to Chase's collar and tried to play fetch. Chase was too distracted by smells in the yard and a barking dog across the street, so we went to the porch to start grooming. Jamie and Charlie (13) each had a brush; Jamie brushed Chase's front, Charlie brushed the back. Charlie asked if he could practice giving Chase his sit, down, etc. commands so I gave him the treats to reward Chase when he obeyed. This is where it gets interesting - after doing sit and down commands, Charlie wanted to teach Chase to "roll over." I told Charlie to get Chase in the down position and then rub Chase's tummy and he might roll over. As expected, Chase rolled over on his side for the tummy rubs and with Charlie's encouragement, Chase actually did a complete rollover. I was delighted and praised Charlie for what he had accomplished, even though I think it was just a coincidence that Chase did the trick. After giving Chase a drink of water, Charlie said "I think Chase wants to go home now." Once Chase was in the car, Charlie reached through the open window and gave Chase a big hug, telling him, "I love you, Chase. You're my best friend." Ed Martin and Chase, Special Request Visit
VISIBILITY AWARDS PAWS is OUT THERE for all to see! And the winners are......... September - Julie Miller and her PAWS dog Lacey were featured in a video made by VeRUS dog food. Julie was quick enough to remember to put on Lacey's PAWS leash and mention that Lacey is a therapy dog. PAWS even made the credits for the film. Check out VeRUSpetfoods.com. October - All who came to the Wag-n-Walk - thank you for coming and showing the wider community what PAWS is all about. November - all 17 teams who stood for hours at Boscov's helping thousands of people pay tribute to their special pets. You reached so many people in our community who now know about PAWS and what we do (and helped us raise over $2000) December - Chloe, Summer, Chase, Phillis, Sharp, Foxy, and Casey who attended UD's DEstress Session, helping lots of students relax for exams. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
WHAT? What Every Therapy Dog Needs to Learn Not an obedience class.... Not PAWS' traditional team training sessions....
REALLY? A Calming Presence People with AIDS are less likely to be depressed if they own a pet, especially if they're strongly attached. And with an animal in the home, people with Alzheimer's have fewer anxious outbursts. The animal also helps the caregivers feel less burdened. (We knew that, right?)
Not everything that is faced can be changed. But nothing can be changed until it is faced. -James Baldwin
WHAT? (Every Therapy Dog Needs to Learn) is a 6 week, Tuesdays at 6:45-7:45 class designed to help prospective PAWS members and present PAWS members focus on good visiting techniques and behaviors. If you know of someone sitting on the fence because they don't know if their dog will be a good therapy dog OR you would like to improve your own therapy skills with your pup, please join us for WHAT? Jan. 10th is our first class - the next series will start March 6th. Register online or call the office.
NEW VISITING possibilities... Contact Cassie if intrigued. MeadowWood Behavioral Health, New Castle, DE At MeadowWood you will be visiting with people that have psychiatric disorders. We've checked it out - it's a very safe, caring environment –with plenty of staff at hand to assist you. The patients here (as well as the staff) need and want your pet therapy visits very much. Department of Social Services, Elkton, MD There are a number of visiting opportunities, here, including: Domestic Violence Shelter, Foster Care Visitation, counseling groups for women and children who have been victims of abuse, and support for those testifying for court. This program is new and in need of more teams. PAWS by Special Request – MainStay Delaware You'll be visiting people with disabilities in a group home in either Newark or Bear. This is similar to visiting a place like Easter Seals or Chimes. It is a very laid-back visit, non-physical visit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REALLY? Partners in Better Cancer Care Cats and dogs both get cancer, and both benefit from research on human cancer. But more and more the opposite is also true. Humans are benefiting from research on pet cancers. Dogs and cats can get the same kinds of cancers humans do. For example, studies of prostate cancer in dogs have led to a better understanding of how it develops in older men. And preventing cancer in pets can lead to new prevention strategies for their human owners. (We knew that, right?) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWSitively Supportive Chat Sessions Come talk to other PAWS therapy teams about any visit-related stories, questions or suggestions! Upcoming chat dates: January 25, February 23, March 27 Held at the PAWS office at 6:30PM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
DAY PLANNERS & WALL CALENDARS We still have some of the very classy day planners and wall calendars left - they could be yours if you let us know quickly how many you would like us to save for you. Great "opps! I forgot to get you a present" gifts for those you left off your list. Call Erica and ask her to save you several. Wall Calendars $10.00 ~~
Planners $25.00
COOL IDEA My last visit to Jenner’s Pond, I took along my laptop to show Treasure’s special friends the video I created about her birthday party! They loved it so much, they also watched her two other videos! It was fun for them to get to see her outside of a therapy visit, and they couldn’t stop thanking me for showing them Then as we were leaving, we heard them telling others about what they’d seen. It’s not something I would take with me on each visit, but it was really fun. Deb Bauer
Background Checks In order to better protect our volunteers, staff and clients, the PAWS Board of Directors has approved a proposal to run background checks through the National Sex Offender Registry. This free internet-based search will allow PAWS to make sure its stellar reputation and record for outstandingly safe and effective visits remains spotless. This search, along with the intake interview, the Orientation/STEX Test/Training process, and the felony conviction question on our team agreement, insures that PAWS will continue to put forth only the very best qualified, therapy teams. Because of the times we live in, the Board believes we must employ due diligence to protect our important and increasingly solicited work specifically with children and the elderly, as well as solidify the confidence from the establishments we visit. Thank you for your cooperation, understanding, and most importantly, your squeaky clean backgrounds! Cathy Amick, Vice President of PAWS Board
PAWS Notes by Erica Here's a quick glimpse into what's been happening in the PAWS office recently: Eight interns this past Fall - We were fortunate to have a dedicated, intelligent, and hardworking group sharing their energetic spirits and passion in every task, from empting trash cans to researching and writing education materials for PAWS. A new, more accessible Visits and Hours Reporting Form - Keep up the great work entering your hours monthly or quarterly; don't forget to share your stories in the comment sections. PAWSWear Ordering Form - You can now order PAWS merchandise with the click of a button and choose to have your items delivered to your doorstep or picked up at the office. So what's to come in 2012? As we learn more about the work of our volunteers and the growing advancement in the pet therapy field, we are reminded of the importance of research to validate the benefits and results we already know to be true. We are now collecting and cataloging research studies both online (PAWS Cares membership benefit) and in the office. And we ask that you forward us any studies you come upon that might help us in this project. (Remember, Erica can create your own personalized note cards with your pet's photo on the front - just contact her at the office - PAWS Notes by Erica!)
Team Assist Program The Team Assist Program is designed to help support our Director of Team & Volunteer Development by completing check-in visits with other therapy teams. You will get to go on visits and see how other therapy teams do their craft! Check-ins can be done during the week, on evenings or on weekends. If you are interested in becoming a part of the Team Assist Program, contact Cassie at cgonce@pawsforpeople.org!
COULD BE ON YOUR PET! Dog World Is Calling All Active Dogs! Have an energetic dog? Send photos to Dog World and you might get it published! HOW TO ENTER - By mail or email or online. Just contact them at letters@dogworld.com and follow their requirements.
Good luck - Tell them PAWS sent you!
The Buck $tops Here... By now, you have all received our adorable doggie-faced annual appeal and we’re excited to launch the People For PAWS fund – the official name of our annual fund. What a year it has been! Since I started in April, I have had the pleasure of meeting many of you and seeing the work of our therapy teams in action. Our PAWS members do such incredibly important work and it is my job to bring in funding to support you. As I go into the business community and ask for advice or support, the thing that I hear repeatedly is appreciation of and respect for our organization. Many people know what pet therapy is, and when they hear the high level of standards to which our therapy teams adhere, they are impressed. For others, I have had the opportunity to explain animal-assisted therapy to them for the first time and as they hear about it, I can almost see the light bulb go on in their head as they grasp the concept. When I explain how PAWS takes that concept and has turned it into a reality, they, too, are impressed. So, thank you to our therapy teams for your commitment and dedication – you make my job a lot of fun and exciting! As we look ahead for 2012, we have plans to grow our current events, and possibly add a few smaller, new ones. I will be out in the business community sharing word of what PAWS is doing and where we are going. My goal is to increase the annual fund, welcome new corporate, foundation, and individual support, and start some partnerships with other non-profits whose missions cross paths with ours. ~ Janet Luke, Director of Development
A Huge Round of APPLAWS We have many people and groups to thank for helping us do what we do.
Thanks to Rick Altemus for donating training space for our What Every Therapy Dog Should Learn classes All our corporate and individual sponsors who offered us support for the Wag-n-Walk! LeDee Wakefield, Janet Luke, and Blythe Anne Lundstrom for taking the Jingle Bell Brunch to new heights of elegance and success 27 Delta Tau Delta fraternity brothers who made our first Adopt-a Highway clean up a huge success
Sponsor for a Bigger and Better Idea Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital issues trading cards of therapy dogs that regularly visit their young patients. Cards featuring Sebastian and Daphne may soon take their place in shoeboxes of trading card collectors, but you have to be a patient at UGDH to get one. The front of each card features the dog’s photo and name; the back gives info about the dog and the visit. Certified child life specialist at Upstate Golisano, Sue Karl, is the human behind the idea and she has gone one better than what PAWS does: “We give cards to the kids in anticipation of the dog’s visit,” Karl said. “The cards take the uncertainty away, and uncertainty is a big fear in a hospital for kids. The cards are a way to start the relationship between the child and dog.” Thanks to the therapy dog trading cards, patients at UGCH have an official reminder of the furry friend who helped them get well. Pretty smart idea - PAWS does some of that, but not all of it - all we need is a sponsor to underwrite the cost of the printing of the cards - we'd do the rest.
Tomorrow is a clean slate limited only by your imagination.
Training, Training, Training PAWS offers the best therapy team training around and has recently added Target Training - classes target specific behaviors WHAT? - 6 sessions focusing on teaching needed pet therapy visiting skills You have 2 options: 1 - sign up for a class and learn some cool stuff 2 - volunteer to assist with our training classes, get to know our staff better, our volunteers, and have some fun with us Interested in classes or assisting? Contact Erica. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Social Media I hope you’re enjoying all the great new content on www.PAWSforPeople.org! One of the most exciting aspects for me has been the fantastic response to “Meet the Reading Pets.” We’ve created a gallery of profiles for the pets in our reading program; visitors can leave notes for their reading buddies at their libraries/schools. It’s been a big hit! I’m excited to announce that we’ll be expanding this section for all our teams this coming spring! If you’d like your pet to have its own profile on the web, please send a picture and short bio, including your program and places you visit as well as a few fun facts, to agreenwood@pawsforpeople.org. Check out www.pawsforpeople.org/children/pawsfor-reading/reading-paws for inspiration! And make sure you’re visiting the site frequently for the latest updates on events, programs, and information. We’ll be unveiling more new features in the coming months, so stay tuned! ~ Alyson Greenwood, Social Media Specialist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
ADVANCED TRAINING Have you been an active member of PAWS for at least 6 months? If the answer is YES, you and your therapy pet are required to attend our next Advanced Training: Saturday, Jan 14 ~ 9:00 - 1:00 Room 1100, Christiana Hospital main building --- no fee You'll receive an email reminder - register then. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWS has 501 (c) 3 status Our tax ID # is 76-0780197 DE code is #11602 -- PA code is #48807 Donations happily accepted!
The Power of a Pet Visit Maggie Mae made her first visit to a group I belong to called From Our Kitchen. We serve hot meals to the Homeless in a parking lot on Front Street each Sunday and this was the Thanksgiving serve. We served about 140 homeless men, women & children. Our custom is to have all persons hold hands before eating and say The Serenity Prayer, and I was asked to lead with Maggie Mae in the center of the circle doing her “pray behavior” of putting her paw on my knee while I am kneeling down and putting her head under my knee. After that Maggie visited each and every homeless person in the line starting at the back. I wasn't sure how she'd react to the vibes of people under the influence of drugs and alcohol, but she was very kind and loving, often dropping for a belly roll. One gentleman that obviously has lived a hard life really loved Maggie and he put his head down for Maggie to kiss his face. Maggie complied and the gentleman started crying telling me that he had a Pit Bull that was shot by a neighbor and he really loved and missed her. I told him Maggie was telling us by the kisses that she could understand his pain. This was Maggie Mae’s 1st Thanksgiving and since she doesn’t know or care about material things, except her squeaky toy, she was happy spending time with folks that are living a difficult life. Ed Wilde & Maggie Mae
$$SALE$$ Remember - we have terrific PAWSWear items that make great gifts for family and friends. T-shirts - in several styles and colors Fleece vests Hoodies - PAWS green and collegiate gray PAWSNotes - your own pet on the front (and not everything is green!) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PET CARE CORNER Tooth Care Without a Scary Brush If your dog doesn't like plastic pet toothbrushes and if "finger brushes" make her gag, you might have more luck using a simple, thin cotton glove. Place toothpaste on your gloved index finger and gently massage your pet's teeth and gums. Most dogs find this sensation pleasurable and relaxing. The glove is analogous to your finger, which your dog presumably trusts, and not hard, inflexible, or rubbery. Wash your hand in the glove and hang the glove to dry for next time. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Community Spirit
PAWS 3rd Annual Wag-n-Walk went off without a hitch in October raising over $32,000 this year. Our 4th Annual Jingle Bell Brunch & Silent Auction was also a great success. Our Boscov's Pet Remembrance Tree touched the lives of 100's of folks that stopped to talk about their pets and their interest in PAWS. We have entered into a groundbreaking relationship with UD, creating “De-stress with PAWS,” when our therapy teams visit and alleviate stress during exam time.
Community Outreach Events are fun and personable ways to help spread the word about “who we are” and “what great miracles” our pet therapy teams provide to people in need! We hope that while educating folks about our services, we will also entice them to get involved by either becoming an Associate Member or PAWS Team Member and join in the passion we all feel when we volunteer for PAWS. In 2012, our plan is to expand our events into greater portions of DE, PA, MD and NJ, with hopes to capture the hearts of everyone that we come in contact with. We also hope that our current members will participate, sharing your pet and your stories with the community. Thank you for your constant support. ~ Blythe Lundstrom, Community Outreach Coord. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
PAWS for Reading/PLUS Almost 50 Reading PAWS are posted on our website allowing our school and library kids the opportunity to write a note to their favorite therapy companion. If you haven’t posted your pet, yet, please contact us to do so.
Another successful literacy conference was held on November 19th. Thanks to all participants and speakers. And save the date: September 22 is 2012's PAWS for Reading conference.
Delaware Community Foundation Fund for Children’s Literacy has graciously awarded $8000, continuing funding for PAWS in 2012.
If you do not regularly receive sub requests or the PAWS for Reading newsletter, Rosie Tales, please contact the PAWS office.
PAWS at Peace Sadly, we have lost one human and several four-footed PAWS members in the past year. Loss and grief are often difficult to bear. PAWS' bereavement program is available to help members, family, and friends who are grieving a recent loss, a long ago loss that still tears at your heart, or are in the process of preparing yourself for the death of a beloved pet. Diane Mayer is available to help you through consultation either in person or via email/phone, and PAWS staff is always ready to assist you, visit with you, and share stories as you move through this journey. Please do not hesitate to let us know your needs. (The date of our Winter Workshop - TBA.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
A shift in the types of reading visits requested by various sites has developed. Initiated at the Terry Center in 2010, the “Crossover” visit combines the best of a PAWS for Reading visit (quiet one-on-one time with a child practicing oral fluency skills), with the more traditional visit where the child just needs time, attention, love, and companionship. This fall, we opened programs at two schools where the “Crossover” visit is the new norm: GreenFields Elementary and Talley Middle School, where teams are working with children of various physical or mental disabilities. The trend toward a more personalized, unique visit will continue in 2012. PAWS is also offering a 1-2 session humane education program, thanks to the dedication of PAWS volunteer, Sue Good, through her work with United Animal Nations. If you’d like info on volunteering in a “crossover” program, please let us know. ~ Stephanie Barry, Director of PAWS for Reading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
REALLY? Relief From RA People with rheumatoid arthritis derive benefit from movement and distraction that can help take their thoughts off their pain. But perhaps the best help comes from their super sensitive cats and dogs whose presence can provide comforting relief. (We knew that, right?)
Make a donation to PAWS for People in memory of a special friend. P.O. Box 9955, Newark, DE 19714 302-351-5622 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pet TherapyCorner Helen F. Graham Cancer Center + PAWS Cassie Gonce has been working with PAWS member and Graham's lead psychologist, Dr. Scott Siegel, to design a study unlike any that has been done before. Instead of looking at the benefits of pet therapy for the recipients, they will be observing the actions of our therapy dogs, noting whom the dogs choose to visit, how long they stay, and in fact, studying the dogs' choices, rather than the people's reactions. Pretty neat, huh? Cassie and Scott will be needing dogs for both the trial studies and the final study - so if this sounds like something you would be interested in, heed the call when Cassie contacts you.
PAWS for People P.O. Box 9955 Newark, DE 19714-5055 302-351-5622
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
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.
Volunteer Appreciation Celebration & & Lucky 7th Anniversary Party Sunday, February 19th, 2012 1:00 – 3:00 pm The Lorelton Assisted Living
PAWS Board of Directors Michelle Adams Cathy Amick Luann D’Agostino Stan Diver Dianne Galleshaw
Mary Perno Lynne Robinson Bill Sudell Susan Trolio Le Dee Wakefield
Register online www.PAWSforPeople.org
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