PAWS for People Community e-Newsletter: Late March, 2020
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Therapy Dogs Add Comfort for Students at Area Schools
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Fifth-grader Jackson Chalsky pets therapy dog Luna while Logan Letterman and Amir Coward, also fifth-grade students at Star Hill Elementary, work in their small group. The students work on study and work management skills with school counselor Gina Zanella-Sample, with Luna as support.
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B
rooke Schultz,
Delaware State News,
March 25th, 2020
BRIDGEVILLE — Sam loves coming to work at Woodbridge Middle School, principal Tara Downes said — “and the kids truly love seeing him,” she added.
Sam, an 11-year-old golden retriever, recently joined the school as a therapy dog.
“The students are always asking for him. They have said that he lifts their spirits, and he makes them smile,” she said. “He just absolutely loves the attention.”
Ms. Downes and Sam are just one example of schools throughout the state that are bringing therapy dogs in to assist with academics, as well as the social-emotional component of school.
Read more
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Sam will be around more regularly during testing time at Woodbridge Middle School, to help relieve test anxiety.
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PAWS for People's COVID-19 Response
Given the latest information regarding COVID19 from public health agencies, input from places we visit, and our volunteers, PAWS for People's programs, visits, and events are suspended until the four states in our service area call an end to the current “stay at home” order.
We will continually evaluate this rapidly changing situation and will communicate PAWS’ updates with you as they evolve.
As always our first concern is the health and safety of our volunteers, our pets, and the people we visit. Please follow the guidance of public health officials to take care of yourself and your loved ones.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. Be safe and well,
Lynne Robinson
Executive Director
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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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Virtual Hellos from PAWS Staff
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Hi, everyone,
We, the PAWS for People staff, really miss you all! We hope you are staying safe and healthy and enjoying any extra time you may be able to share with your pets. We have recorded some messages for you to keep connected and brighten your day.
Click here to see our messages to you!
We hope to see you soon!
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Did you know…
...PAWS University offers a course called P.S. PAWS to help our members understand and better visit people with mental health challenges? If you already visit at Rockford (Newark), on the psychiatric treatment units at our hospitals, or through Connections at either CRISP (Naaman’s Road) or Vaughn Men’s Correctional Center in Smyrna, you’ll want to take this course for some very helpful background information and visiting tips.
...P.S. stands for Psychiatric Support.
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Getting bored yet? Looking for something exciting to do? How about curling up with a cup of tea and PAWS’
HEALERS: The deeper impact of pet therapy?
Inside the gorgeous cover, there are PAWS’ stories galore. You’ll recognize several of the “characters” and learn things you didn’t know about our different programs. More importantly, you’ll meet PAWS folks you may not know and read about their involvement with pet therapy, how it’s changed their lives, and meet the therapy pets they are blessed with. This is light chapter book reading, but here’s a warning: you might need a tissue from time to time.
So, order
HEALERS through our
website and we’ll send it to you. Use it as surprise gifts for all your friends. This is a great way to help people understand the miracles that happen when you and your own therapy pet provide the magic of pet therapy.
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Pets and Plants – Another Cautionary Tail
Houseplants are a wonderful addition to the home and/or office. They offer many benefits, such as cleaning the air and making your living or work space more … homey. However, if you have pets, either feline or canine, you may want to be careful before introducing the following vegetation to your environment:
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Exotica, Dumb Cane (Dieffenbachia) – This very popular component in dish gardens is poisonous to cats, as well as dogs. Toxins in the leaves and stems can result in burning or swelling of the mouth and tongue, as well as difficultly in swallowing, vomiting, difficulties in breathing or … even worse….
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Philodendron (Philodendron spp)
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Pothos (Epipremnum Aureum)
– These often vining plants are favorites because they’re easy to grow and maintain. They look very similar and are frequently mistaken for each other. Regardless, their leaves will irritate the mouth and tongue of your cat or dog. Symptoms of ingestion are profuse salivation, vomiting, and difficulties in swallowing.
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Easter Lily (Lilium longiflorum)
– A typical gift this time of year, this plant is quite lovely to behold, but it is very poisonous to cats. Just a few leaves, even the pollen, can result in severe kidney failure. This and Stargazer Lilies are both toxic to cats and can be fatal.
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As a previous owner of an orange tabby Persian and a blue point Himalayan, I know how difficult it can be to keep your curious feline away from these temptations. If you’re lucky, your cat may not show any interest, but given the consequences of ingestion, it might be best to practice extreme social distancing between these plants and your precious Fluffy - or even Fido.
- Cate Bryson, PAWS Volunteer & Site Manager
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A Message on Fighting COVID-19 from Crusoe & Daphne the Dachshunds
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Anthony Alioto joined PAWS for People with his adorable, black lab mix Jack in January 2018. As a Child Psychologist, Anthony already new the many benefits pet therapy could bring to the community and knew his Jack was the right pup for the job. This advanced team has been visiting the folks at Cadia Healthcare since they joined in 2018. A wonderfully dedicated team, they have never missed a month visiting in over two years. The dynamic duo lends a hand and a paw at many DeStress sessions as well. Thank you, Anthony, for sharing your furry friend Jack with all you meet. Thank you, Jack for the unconditional love you share with all the folks who are lucky enough to cross your path.
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When Amy Boyle first learned about PAWS for People from a neighbor, she knew her sweet Golden Retriever, Nutmeg, would make an excellent therapy dog. The two completed training in November 2016 and did not hesitate to get involved, volunteering for Barnes & Noble within weeks. Amy and Nutmeg had their first visit at The Summit and completed the process to visit at the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center shortly thereafter. They participate in DeStress events and have also done PAWS by Special Request. In October of 2019, they added PAWS for Reading visits at Shortlidge Academy. Thank you, Amy and Nutmeg, for sharing your gentle, loving way with all the people you visit.
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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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