PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late March, 2022 |
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PAWS Therapy Visits Support 1 in 7B Foundation |
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On Sunday, March 13th, three of PAWS for People’s pet therapy teams participated in our first event in support of the work of the 1 in 7B Foundation. This local organization’s mission is to demonstrate unconditional love and bring hope, joy, and dignity with humble compassion to those experiencing homelessness. During Sunday’s event near the Sunday Breakfast Mission in Wilmington, Hillary Jones & Obi, Connie Bell-Jones & Sami, and Sue Sheehy & Abby joined the 1 in 7B volunteers, adding puppy kisses and snuggles to the food, clothing and toys that were being distributed to families in need.
1 in 7B founder, Mark Puican, shared, “Wow, what an impact our furry volunteers had on our guests! Seeing the smiles out there under a chilly Front St. train bridge warmed hearts in an instant. Obi, Sami, & Abby were so sweet to everyone! We’re so excited for this new partnership with PAWS for People! Thanks to the owners of these pups and to the rest of our volunteers for providing a caring and nonjudgmental atmosphere full of unconditional love.”
Our PAWS teams felt honored to be a part of this event that truly demonstrated genuine care for people in our region who are experiencing homelessness. Sue Sheehy shared this experience from the event, “One elderly woman sat on the ground and said she didn’t really l like people - just dogs , because dogs are honest and kind. I said to Abby, my dog, “Go say hello!” The woman said, “Oh no. I don’t want her to come to me because you told her to do that. If she wants to come to me, she will come on her own. I just stood and watched. Abby climbed on the woman’s lap and gave her big puppy kisses, and the woman gave Abby a big warm hug. The smile on the woman’s face was so heartwarming.”
Thanks to our pet therapy teams who supported this wonderful event. PAWS for People and the 1 in 7B Foundation are looking forward to more opportunities to serve the community together!
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A Stroll Down Memory Care Lane |
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Ever since PAWS for People was founded, we have been dedicated to providing pet therapy to senior citizens. From the outside, a visit with an elder can look like a stroll down Memory Lane, and listening to a golden-ager reminisce about his (or her) younger years is an important part of the experience. It has been well documented that pets help people feel safe and unconditionally accepted, but did you know that sharing your gift of time and your pet with a senior positively impacts their eating, sleeping, and levels of cooperation.
“The pet therapy program with PAWS for People has been incredibly beneficial for our residents at Ivy Gables, especially in our Memory Care Unit. Oftentimes residents suffering from dementia experience what is known as “sundowning” every evening usually beginning around 3:00-4:00. This is a period of increased anxiety, often causing behaviors that make it difficult for the residents to focus on the activities at hand. However, since we have begun having pet therapy during sundowning, staff members have noticed a significant decrease in anxiety, depression, and aggressive behaviors with our residents. The pets seem to have a very calming effect on the residents and always leave our residents smiling. It is often difficult to find an activity that residents with dementia can fully benefit from during sundowning, however, pet therapy has truly been a gift to our residents and to our entire Memory Care Unit at Ivy Gables. We are extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with such a caring and passionate team of people.” shared, Elizabeth Cascarelli, Director of Arts and Entertainment, Ivy Gables – “Seniors Living Well’
Many thanks to the PAWS teams making a vital difference in the lives of the residents, and staff, at our partnering eldercare sites, and cheers to the Ivy Gables line-up for inspiring such a wonderful commentary: Fay Mintz-Guttin & Lya (not pictured), Gina Ostmann & Abby, Penny Saroukos & Indy.
PAWS for People, helping to improve a senior’s quality of life visit by visit. Our teams are the best.
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Pet Therapy in Action This Week |
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Baxter (Jenn Brucker) was a huge hit reading with students at Shue-Medill Middle School in Newark, DE this week. |
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Sampson (Robyn Lamet) was a snuggly success DeStressing students recently at the University of Delaware’s Trabant Center. |
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PAWS for People Upcoming Dog Training |
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There is still room in our April PAWS dog training classes! Whether you are just getting started or need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!
𝙋𝘼𝙒𝙎 𝙊𝙛𝙛𝙞𝙘𝙚, 𝙉𝙚𝙬𝙖𝙧𝙠, 𝘿𝙀
PAWS Puppy (5-weekly sessions)
Thursday, April 7, 6:15 PM
PAWS Obedience 1 (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, April 5, 5:00 PM
Friday, April 8, 10:45 AM
PAWS Obedience 2 (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, April 5, 6:15 PM
Attention & Focus (5-weekly sessions)
Tuesday, April 5, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 8, 9:30 PM
Therapy Dog Prep (5-weekly sessions)
Thursday, April 7, 7:30 PM
Friday, April 8, Noon
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Did You Know? The Human - Animal Bond |
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Good news! It is true that we humans and our pups are a very close species, meaning we have more in common than once was thought. Dogs and humans have shared a tight companionship for more than 15,000 years, and that relationship is still evolving today.
The human-animal bond is a mutually beneficial relationship which is influenced by behaviors essential to the well-being and health of both animals and humans. PAWS people are well aware that living with dogs slows blood pressure, reduces stress, and raises oxytocin levels. But did you realize that we humans also feel safer and experience fewer worries and fears when our pups are near us? The animal benefits from the relationship by being cared for, loved, and nurtured which makes it a mutually beneficial situation for both humans and animals.
Why do dogs and humans get along so well? Research has proven that when dogs stare into our eyes, there is a physiological connection which activates the same hormone that bonds humans to infant babies. These genes found in dogs are linked to genes in humans which are similar to “sweetness.” This finding alone supports why that bond between humans and dogs is mutually supportive and in turn, keeps us close.
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Doodles in Dewey Registration is Strong |
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Exciting News:
Over 400 People and 230 Doodles from 9 states and the District of Columbia are now registered!
2022 Event Dates – April 29 – May 1
Location:
The Friday Night Doodle Parade will be held in Rehoboth Beach, DE
The Saturday Doodle Romp on the Beach will be held at Dewey Beach, DE
Supplementary activities will be held throughout the Dewey/Rehoboth/Lewes area
Registration Fees for 2022 Event:
Early Bird Registration (By Thursday, April 28)
$10.00 per person ages 13 & older
Children 12 & Under are free
Doodles are free (but will need to have a $5 Dewey Dog License)
Day of Event Registration
$15.00 per person ages 13 & older
Children 12 & Under are free
Doodles are free (but will need to have a $5 Dewey Dog License)
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Marnie Joy and Charlie Chui have been members of PAWS since February 2021 with their adorable four-year-old Cavapoo, Ava.
Marnie and Charlie knew the positive impact pets make with people and knew that sweet Ava would be a perfect therapy pet.
Marnie and Ava lovingly visit with a Special Request recipient. Marnie, Charlie and Ava visit with young adults at Sean’s House, families at the Western Family YMCA, and elders at Somerford Place. All three can also be found at Community Events.
Thank you, Marnie and Charlie, for generously sharing your time and your sweet girl. Thank you, Ava, for all the loving and affectionate hugs and kisses you deliver to all those who need it.
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Debbie, Tom, Hootie, & Tucker |
Tom and Debbie Anderson joined PAWS for People in March of 2021, with their gorgeous Golden Retriever, Hootie. Since Debbie is a Therapeutic riding instructor, pet therapy is something they know well. They added Tucker, their other glorious Golden in June of 2021.
Tom, Hootie and Tucker have enjoyed visits with the boys at the Concern Treatment Center, many DeStress sessions and special request visits as well. Debbie has visited with her fluffy pups at DeStress Events and Community Events. In January, Tom and Hootie became one of our newest Master’s certified teams and are now visiting at Nemours Children’s Hospital.
Thank you, Tom, Debbie, Hootie and Tucker for your generous support of PAWS and your continued support of the community you visit. Your fun loving, playful pups leave folks with smiles and a light heart to carry them through the day.
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Thanks to our PAWS Partners |
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Donate While You Shop
The AmazonSmile Foundation donates 0.5% of the price of eligible purchases when selected by customers. Choose PAWS for People when you log in: smile.amazon.com
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