PAWS for People Community e-Newsletter: Early May, 2020
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Virtual PAWS for Reading Program Branches Out
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The Free Library of Philadelphia Branches started their Zoom PAWS for Reading sessions on May 5th. The PAWS team who kicked-off the fun was Lynn Lampman and Luna (pictured). Three other PAWS teams will be participating in the Philadelphia program as well. Pamela Wilk & Milo, Beth Botel & Louie, and Monique Bamforth & Mac.
Join a PAWS dog (or cat or bunny!) for a one-on-one virtual reading session hosted by one of our partner libraries - the
Virtual PAWS for Reading Program is up and running in
Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland.
Check
our website or your library's website to learn more.
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The feedback we have received about PAWS' Virtual Visits has been wonderful. Those we visit have shared how connecting online or receiving pictures and notes have brightened their day. Staff members of the sites we visit have also shared how meaningful this is to them and that they truly appreciate the support. Our members have also found these connections to lift their spirits. Here are just a few of the most recent messages.
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Mary LaJudice regularly provides PAWS Pet therapy at ChristianaCare's Newark Campus visiting multiple units, including 4E which has been turned into a COVID patient unit. Unable to visit in person and wanting to let the staff know that she was thinking about them, Mary has sent a picture or two each week of her pup, Bella Donna, to give them a chuckle. They have been such a hit that the nurse manager keeps asking for more.
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Jocelyn Langrehr and Shadow, her therapy cat, call the staff at Cadia Rehab Silverside every day with something positive to share.
Beginning April 1st, they decided they would do this regularly and they have only missed 1 or 2 days since. The calls are maybe 10 minutes, sometimes 15, but always super fun.
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Lynne Robinson and Tory, her therapy pup, have had an ongoing Special Request visit with a child who is reluctant to speak to people outside her family. When COVID-19 stopped in-person visits, Melissa’s mom thought of “the Brave Game.” For the first round of the game, Melissa's mom emailed a list of questions about
Miraculous – Ladybug and Cat Noir, a favorite cartoon. Lynne and Tory asked the questions over the phone and Melissa answered them. Being an expert about
Miraculous, Melissa got every one right!
When the first playing of the "Brave Game" was a success, Tory took a turn writing questions about himself and emailed them to Melissa. They are planning another phone call this week when Melissa will ask Tory the questions and Lynne will help him answer.
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Bill Sudell has been emailing messages to the friends that he and Skipper, his therapy pup, have made visit at the sites where they regularly visit including McVey Elementary School, Nemours/AI duPont Hospital for Children, Easter Seals, and the Terry Center. This is his one of his recent messages.
"Skipper the skipper says, 'Ahoy Mateys! Hope you are all well and that I can see you soon.'"
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PAWS for People, Still Here during COVID-19
PAWS’ In-Person programs and events are suspended until the four states in our service area call an end to the current “stay at home” order.
PAWS continues to bring smiles (from a distance)!
Check out how our PAWS Pet-Therapy Teams are continuing to connect with our community on our
website
.
Our staff are continuing to work remotely.
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Paused PAWS Programs & Events
Click below to learn more about our programs and events and updates about when they will resume.
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PAWS Staff - What Are We Up To, Part 3
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Cate Bryson, Volunteer & Site Manager
Watching: Movies on the movie channels and Netflix: old, new and anything in between
Reading:
Oxford Roald Dahl Dictionary,
The Little Book of Lost Words by Joe Gillard,
Horsemanship: The Habits and Skills Horses and Humans Need to Become Partners by Pat Parelli
Enjoying: Getting caught up on projects around the house; gardening; tending to bonsai; caring for horse (Lady)
Playing: Sampling different on-line programs for designing home remodeling project; crossword puzzles
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Ro LeNoir, Development Director
Enjoying: Lots of walks with my husband lead by our dog, Ellie; my back yard full of nature and lots of busy birds and birdhouses; flower and vegetable gardening (
Not enjoying: Weeding)
Having Fun: Watching Andrew Lloyd Webber shows and movies, playing Facetime games with friends
Busy: Cooking, cleaning & de-cluttering (
Avoiding: The “big basement clean-out”)
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Clarice Ritchie, Director of Events & Operations
Watching: West Wing episodes, and happy, schmaltzy Hallmark movies
Reading: PAWS for People emails
Playing: Yahtzee via Zoom with relatives across the country, jigsaw puzzles
Enjoying: Baking and delivering cookie care packages, connecting with long lost friends
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Did you know…
… that our Health Care Program (formerly called Skilled Care) serves folks who require skilled nursing care 'round the clock? That means that the people we visit there might have an illness or a disability, might be in a wheelchair or a walker, and probably aren't feeling all that great day in and day out. They need PAWS to give them something to look forward to, somebody to talk to, and something special in their day. We never know what those we visit in these locations are experiencing, but most Health care patients are very appreciative to have the company and attention of our members and therapy companions.
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ChristianaCare Shares PAWS Thank You
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Phase 1 Reopening: Possible Reactions
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Janet Sutley & Friends Sending Some Cheer
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Preventing Separation Anxiety after COVID19
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Once life returns to a more normal schedule, we’re probably going to experience a lot of “separation anxiety” – pup and human included.
Here are some ideas to prevent separation anxiety from developing or returning after the lockdown ends.
Routine - Establish and keep a routine that mimics a “normal” day. Keep walks and meals on a schedule to provide structure for your pet.
Preventive training: Do “leaving” type things so your pet remembers what normal was - things like picking up your keys, putting on your shoes, signaling that the day is like any other day.
Practice leaving your pup alone in a special safe zone - Pick a place where your dog is happy and practice having them STAY there for short periods of time, offering praise and treats “when you return.”
Leave the house every single day without your dog - The point is to leave your dog alone for a bit to get her used to your not being there all the time like you are now.
Crate/pen/safe area - If you usually leave your pup in a kennel or pen or special area of the house, have him go to that spot for short periods of time while you are present (e.g., while you watch a movie, prepare a meal).
- The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants,
www.iaabc.org
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Mary, Leo & Pearl Patterson
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Mary, along with her handsome mixed breed pup, Leo, and adorable Border Collie mix, Pearl, have been stalwart PAWS members since August of 2017. Less than a month into their membership, Mary attended the PAWS University Autism Initiative class and has visited ever since at Brennen-Delaware Autism Program. Mary, Leo, and Pearl also visit the residents at Brookdale Hockessin and Chimes in Newark, Delaware. Like so many of our members, Mary had no previous pet therapy experience before joining PAWS, but that has not slowed her down. This team is nearing 200 hours logged. Thank you, Mary, for being an amazing and dedicated PAWS member bringing wonderful experiences to so many people. Thank you, Leo, for bringing smiles and love to all your visits. Thank you, Pearl for your warm joyful snuggles.
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Leslee has been a supporter of PAWS since 2017. She attended Discover's very first DeStress session and now serves on the employee committee established to help the monthly program run smoothly and provide furry friends to visit with employees. Leslee knows first-hand how much a few minutes with a therapy pet can really improve the rest of your workday. She has also volunteered at PAWS events at Barnes & Noble, the Wag & Walkathon, and PAWS Annual Conference. Leslee is an associate member with PAWS and has assisted with the PAWS training program helping to orient new teams. Thank you, Leslee, for being an amazing PAWS cheerleader and for demonstrating that you don’t have to have a certified therapy pet to be an awesome PAWS volunteer!
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Thank You 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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Try Chewy.com & Support PAWS
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