PAWS for People Community e-Newsletter: Late November, 2019
PAWS in the Workplace & Cecil County Public Schools
My golden retriever, Jersey, was excited to join PAWS for People a little over a year ago. Her first ventures were reading with children in libraries and at local school events.

I am a school counselor at an elementary school in Cecil County, Maryland. This past spring, there was a tragic car accident that left a local school grieving the loss of several young children. Jersey was honored to be part of the School Counseling Crisis team to provide grief therapy to children morning the loss of their dear classmates. It was incredibly moving to watch Jersey’s gentle spirit and smile comfort these students and staff. A classroom filled with distraught children soon turned to a circle of giggles as they rubbed her belly. The students loved how she smiled at them, put her nose or paw on their lap, and listened intently to their stories about their friend. Her unconditional love truly made a difference in their healing that day. It was this moment, that I realized Jersey’s true gift and this was a catalyst to promote the incredible benefits of Pet Therapy in schools.

In May, Lynne Robinson, Jennifer Bowman (who is a member of PAWS with Loki), and I met with our superintendent, Dr. Lawson, to advocate for our dogs to provide pet therapy in the workplace. With Lynne’s research and Dr. Lawson’s support, a proposal was drafted. After months of anticipation, we are thrilled to announce that the CCPS Board of Education passed a proposal to allow certified Therapy Animals in the Workplace.

This month, Jersey became the first Therapy Dog who is part of a school counseling program in Cecil County! I am beyond excited to share her love with children and truly make a difference in their lives.

- Amy Cook, PAWS Member
‘Tis the season of celebrating holidays, bringing joy, and sharing gratitude!
It’s also a special time of caring & helping others.

PAWS for People is asking for your help through our 2019 Annual Appeal .

The Annual Appeal is our only direct request for your support of PAWS’ mission. PAWS needs your help to continue providing PAWS Pet Therapy to help more people!

You are funding PAWS Pet Therapy teams and programs…. You are making a lasting impact and changing lives!
Donations can be made via mail, online on PAWS's secure website, or by calling the PAWS office (302-351-5622). Somebunny is standing by Monday - Friday 9 AM - 5 PM.

Looking for a meaningful gift?
A special note can be sent for donations made as a gift, or made In Honor/In Memory of a person or pet.
Please remember that Employer Matching Gift Programs can double the impact of your gift.

PAWS is truly grateful for the many ways that our members and friends so generously support us year-round.
We value the countless hours of volunteer time given as a pet therapy team and/or community volunteer, the incredible varied talents shared, and the heartfelt financial gifts – all ensuring that PAWS Pet Therapy continues.

Thank you for believing and sharing. We cannot continue to accomplish all that we do without You!
So you've got a great pet - sweet and friendly and LOVES people, and you think sharing all that love would be a good way to give back to people in the community, but you wonder, can my pet and I do this?

Yes, You Can (& Your Dog Can, Too!)

Join us for a  FREE workshop on pet therapy, the many benefits, and how you can get involved.

Please e-mail Debbie if you would like to be notified of upcoming sessions: dchristian@PAWSforPeople.org
Interested in joining PAWS? Here are the upcoming Orientation (O) and Training (T) sessions:
December
Middletown, DE
Monday, 4:00 PM
O & T: December 2 & 16

Newark, DE
Wednesday, 6:00 PM
O & T: December 4 & 18

Hockessin/Wilmington, DE
Saturday, 8:30 AM
O & T: December 7 & 21
PAWS for People is happy to offer obedience, therapy dog, and target training through our partnerships with experienced dog trainers. Whether you are just getting started or you need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!

Tuesdays (5-weekly sessions*)
December 10
6:30 PM - PAWS Obedience 1
7:30 PM - PAWS Obedience 2

Thursdays (5-weekly sessions*)
December 12
6:30 PM - Attention & Focus
7:30 PM - Therapy Dog Prep

Fridays (5-weekly sessions*)
December 13 
9:30 AM - PAWS Puppy
10:45 AM - Therapy Dog Prep

Sunday (1 session)
December 1
11:00 AM - Tricks of the Trade
12:00 PM - Basic to Advanced
January 5
11:00 AM - Tricks of the Trade
12:00 PM - Basic to Advanced

Monday (1 session)
January 13
6:30 PM - Clicker Training for Better Visits

* No classes week of 12/23/19 thru 1/3/20

Private Training: One on one sessions to help develop and hone in on specific skills you want to work on without added distractions of a classroom environment. By appointment: Tuesday and Thursday evenings, 5:30-6:30 PM
If it is getting close to your STEX due date, you can schedule a session at the PAWS Office.

Weekdays, 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM

For teams who live a distance from the Newark office, let us know your needs and we will do our best to offer options.

Schedule with Sammy: STaylor@PAWSforPeople.org
11/19 - DCCC Mental Wellness Week, Exton, Sharon Hill, & West Grove, PA
11/20 - DeStress Event: Cooper Medical School of Rowan, Camden, NJ 
11/20 - DeStress Event: Neumann University, Aston, PA
11/21 - United Way Event, Lewes, DE 
11/21 - DCCC Mental Wellness Week, Media, Downingtown, & Upper Darby, PA
11/21 - DeStress Event: Discover, New Castle, DE
11/22 - DeStress Event: UPENN, Philadelphia, PA
11/23 - DeStress Event: Medical Society of Delaware, Newark, DE
11/30 - United Way Event, Wilmington, DE

12/1 - Hope for the Holiday - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home Event, Wilmington, DE
12/2 - DeStress Event: D CCC Pennocks Bridge Campus, West Grove, PA
12/3 - JMcLaughlin Sip & Shop, Greenville, DE
12/3 - DeStress Event: University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
12/3 - DeStress Event: Wilmington Hospital, Wilmington, DE
12/3 - Rehoboth Beach Hometown Christmas Parade, Rehoboth Beach, DE
12/3-12/5 - Shortlidge Academy Book Fair, Wilmington, DE
12/4 - DeStress Event: Rutgers University, Camden, NJ
12/4 - DeStress Event: Neumann University, Aston, PA
12/5 - DeStress Event: Delaware Co Community College, Media, PA
12/5 - DeStress Event: Delaware College of Art and Design, Wilmington, DE
12/5 - DeStress Event: Christiana Hospital, Newark, DE
12/5 - DeStress Event: West Chester University, Philadelphia, PA
12/5 - DeStress Event: Rowan College Business Honors Society, Sewell, NJ
12/6-24 - Christiana Mall Barnes & Noble Gift Wrapping, Newark, DE
12/7 - Lewes Christmas Parade, Lewes DE
12/7 - DeStress Event: Alpha Chi Rho Phi Phi at UPENN, Philadelphia, PA
12/7 - Concord Square Barnes & Noble Book Fair, Wilmington, DE
12/9-10 - DeStress Event: Rutgers School of Nursing, Blackwood, NJ
12/11 - DeStress Event: University of the Sciences, Philadelphia, PA
12/13 - DeStress Event: Cooper Medical School of Rowan, Camden, NJ
12/13-15 - Exton Barnes & Noble Book Fair, Exton, PA
12/13-15 - Christiana Barnes & Noble Book Fair, Newark, DE
12/13-24 - Concord Square Barnes & Noble Gift Wrapping, Wilmington, DE
12/14 - SantaFest at the Helicopter Museum, West Chester, PA
12/16 - DeStress Event: Sanford School, Hockessin, DE
12/19 - DeStress Event: Discover, New Castle, DE
12/20 - DeStress Event: Brandywine High School, Wilmington, DE
PAWS University is open to members of PAWS for People. It offers courses to not only help strengthen your visiting skills but also to strengthen your bond with your therapy companion. Some courses are mandatory for participation in specific PAWS programs; other courses are designed as informational and fun.

Please e-mail Debbie if you would like to be notified of upcoming courses:  dchristian@PAWSforPeople.org
Black Friday - Cyber Monday
PAWSWear Sale

The PAWSWear Sale will begin on Midnight on Friday, November 29 and run through 11:59 PM on Monday, December 2.

Most items will be 25% off!

Sale prices will be reflected on 11/29.
BARKO Bingo - Hope to See You Next Year!

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us for this year’s Barko Bingo. We had a fun evening with lots of happy winners and others who had fun playing. 

Thank you especially to Allison Kochie for coordinating the event, Chief for calling our Bingo games and Timothy’s for hosting the party. 
Sip & Shop to Benefit PAWS

Join us for sips and light bites while you shop J.McLaughlin 's Holiday Collection. Enjoy visiting with PAWS therapy companions while shopping.

15% of sales during the event will benefit PAWS for People's Pet Therapy Programs.

Tuesday, December 3, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM
4001 Kennett Pike, Greenville, Delaware 19807
Gift Wrappers & Therapy Teams Needed for Holiday Gift Wrapping at Barnes & Noble
Once again PAWS for People will host gift wrapping stations in 3 Barnes & Noble stores:

Christiana Mall : December 6 - 24
Concord Square : December 13 - 24
Exton, PA : December 13 - 15
LOTS of volunteers are needed to help with this project. Please feel free to share this opportunity with any dependable volunteers that you think might be interested.
  • We need gift wrap volunteers to wrap packages for customers. 
  • We need pet therapy teams to visit with shoppers and share about PAWS for People.

Sign up online for a shift or two: 
Join Us for some Holiday Cheer

Wednesday, December 11
1:30 – 7:00 PM 

PAWS for People Office & Training Center
703 Dawson Drive, Newark, DE 19713

We welcome PAWS Members, Friends, and Family to join us to celebrate the holidays!
PAWS Therapy Companions are welcome to attend.

Pop in to enjoy the company of other PAWS teams as we share snacks (including our famous Hot Chocolate Bar) and a special Pet Treat Bar.

Kindly RSVP by Friday, December 6th

SAVE the DATE
PAWS 15 th  Anniversary Celebration

         Tuesday, February 11, 2020
PAWS for People Office & Training Center

More information coming soon!
Beth Law & Bella
Beth joined PAWS in October of 2016 with her adorable Corgi/Border Collie Mix, Bella. Through their pet therapy experience in NJ, Beth found that she and Bella both enjoyed working in a hospital setting, where Bella’s bubbly personality truly shines. Beth was both amazed and humbled by how much those visits meant to the staff and patients. Once they relocated to Delaware, the dynamic duo quickly became certified with PAWS and began visiting at Beebe Healthcare where they have been dedicated pet therapists for 3 years. This month, Beth and Bella will surpass 200 hours of visiting at Beebe, a remarkable milestone. Thank you, Beth for recognizing the strengths of your sweet girl and brightening the day of so many people. Thank you, Bella, for snuggling with staff, patients and families and sharing your joyful spirit.
Mallary Flockerzi & Jenny
Mallary joined PAWS with her sweet golden doodle, Jenny, in November, 2016. They began visiting at Singerly Manor Assisted Living and soon completed PAWS for Reading training. Jenny’s sister, Trixie the schnoodle, followed her into PAWS in 2017. Mallary and her girls added libraries and community events, such as Barnes & Noble and Newark Day, to their visits. Mallary and Jenny have become regulars at Rising Sun Library where Jenny loves to listen to young readers share their books. Trixie hung up her green leash and retired in January to enjoy warm, sunny spots and belly rubs in her golden years. Thank you, Mallary, for giving so generously of your time. Thank you, Jenny and Trixie, for sharing your warm snuggles with everyone you met.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
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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