PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early December, 2022

LIVESTRONG, an organization that provides support for people affected by cancer, has partnered with the YMCA to help survivors regain strength and improve fitness through physical activity. Recently, the Western Family YMCA invited PAWS for People to bring pet therapy to their evening support groups. 

Daisy & Jeff Fleming attended one of the sessions, and the response to them was overwhelmingly positive. It’s another shining example of the power of pet therapy. PAWS hopes to participate in more of the groups in the weeks and months ahead.

On Wednesday, November 30th, PAWS for People hosted our first Circle of Support Night of Remembrance at the PAWS Training Center in Newark. PAWS members, friends, and family were invited to gather together to honor and remember their lost loved ones. Luminaries were created with pictures and loving messages for the departed pets, and were lit while stories and memories were shared. We hope the night brought a sense of community and healing for those grieving the loss of a loved one.

Fred (Lois Brooks) looked adorable while DeStressing the kids at Sanford School in Hockessin, DE

Chewie (Ruchira & Mischa Behari) was happily listening to children read to her at the Kennett Library in Kennett Square, PA.

This December PAWS pet therapy teams and volunteers are returning to their favorite holiday hangout - Barnes & Noble! After spending last weekend at the Barnes & Noble in Exton, we will kick off the season at Christiana Mall with a Book Fair. Pick up a PAWS voucher at the PAWS info table inside the door near the Food Court, present it at the time of sale, and a portion of your purchase will be donated to PAWS for People. Volunteers are needed both with and without therapy pets for this event.

December 16-18, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Christiana Mall Barnes & Noble

Get a book fair voucher

At the Christiana Mall store, we will also have a special pet therapy station to provide holiday stress relief for mall shoppers. Stop by to say hello and meet some of our furry therapists!

December 15-24, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Christiana Mall Barnes & Noble

Sign up to volunteer

We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble for welcoming us into their stores. We will not have any gift wrapping events, but we are excited about the opportunity to bringing tail-wagging comfort & joy to everyone during this hectic time of the year.

On Monday, December 5th, several teams in Sussex County enjoyed meeting with other PAWS members and spreading holiday cheer at the Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas parade! Everyone had a lot of fun and the crowds were excited to see the PAWS dogs in the parade.

Thank you to the following teams for bundling up and coming out to walk together: Oliver & Evelyn Blair, Ivey & Kathleen Bugbee, Tucker & Alexis Daisey, Iris & Amy Feinberg, Mallie & Gail Hamman, Jaxx & Sandra Kraft, Daisy & Howard & Jessica Levetin, and Ripley & Linda Walter.

It is wonderful for people and pets to again share PAWS pet therapy visits in person! We're able to do this because of the unwaivering faith that you and others have in PAWS for People and the many ways you have supported us. Thanks to you...we continue to be ready to help!

Your 2022 Annual Appeal gift will have lasting impact by funding PAWS pet therapy teams and programs. We have a lot to do this year to assist those who really need us.

Your generosity is appreciated!

Your Gift to our 2022 Appeal will create hope, healing, and smiles in 2023 for many!

The PAWS office will be closed December 23 - 26 and December 30 - January 2 for the holidays.

Harry & Darien

Harry Martens and his beautiful Golden Retriever, Darien, have been members of PAWS for People since January of 2020. When Harry first joined PAWS he shared, “My dog is loving and affectionate, and has much love to share with others.” That couldn’t be more true. Darien is a sweetie!

This Star Advanced team has participated in DeStress Sessions, Community Events, and even a Special Request Visit. Darien is also a PAWS for Reading dog and has read with children at the Georgetown Library.

Not only is Harry a dedicated PAWS team with Darien, but he volunteers many hours with the Doodle in Dewey Committee and as a PAWS Board Member.

Thank you, Harry for sharing your time and energy with PAWS. Thank you, Darien, for bringing your gentle, snuggly love and fluffy affection to all those you visit.

Nancy & Teddy

Nancy Kremmel and Teddy, her charismatic Mini Goldendoodle, became a PAWS team in February of 2020, on the brink of the pandemic. While waiting for pet therapy opportunities to surface, they took many PAWS U classes, signed up for the Walkin’ and Talkin’ program and participated in Community Events.

In March of this year, they started visiting at Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Middletown and were an instant hit. Per Administrative Supervisor/Medical Staff Coordinator Lis Kellam, “…quite a few people fell in love with Teddy, me included!” Since then, they’ve been regulars at Encompass. They’ve even provided DeStress to students at Odessa High School.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to Nancy and Teddy for joining PAWS for People and delivering the kind of joy that starts with a wet nose and ends with a wagging tail.

Thanks to Our PAWS Partners