PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early October, 2026

Did you know that PAWS for Reading is celebrating its 20^th year of supporting library readers in our PAWprint? The program was designed to support struggling readers with the help of a furry, nonjudgmental listening friend. We know that our pets make every day brighter, and they bring the same comfort to those reading aloud. Participants that read to therapy animals enjoy less stress, a more relaxing experience, a zero-judgment zone, and a wonderful incentive to practice reading aloud. 

The Goldie's Gang program accompanies PAWS for Reading in all forty of PAWS partner libraries in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and Maryland. A grant supported program, Goldie's Gang continues to motivate readers to join the club by reading to a certified PAWS therapy team. After reading five times, participants receive a certificate of completion and their very own Goldie's Gang T-shirt! Just recently, the 3,000th Goldie's Gang shirt and certificate was awarded at the North Wilmington Library, where librarian Priscilla Artist hosted a celebratory event for all Goldie's Gang earners at that library.

The program keeps growing, as our neighborhood libraries are continuing to be focal points of learning and resources in our communities. PAWS has recently returned to the Chesapeake City, Rising Sun, and Bala Cynwyd libraries, ensuring that more young readers will continue to be inspired to increase their comprehension and confidence.

How long will it take new readers to earn the next 3,000 Goldie's Gang certificates and T-shirts? However long it takes, the continued success of PAWS for Reading proves that this beloved program is here to stay! 

"At ChristianaCare Springside last week, we visited the speech therapist, as we always do. If she has a patient, she asks if they would like a visit from a dog. This gal says she’s afraid of dogs, but she would like to see Patches. So in we go, and Patches says, “Love me, please.”

The gal reaches out to give her a pet and proceeds to get love from Patches. Then I ask if she would like to give her a treat. Well, several treats later, the gal is so comfortable and happy. So before we move on, we take a picture of the two of them to show her family. She is so happy and proud of herself.

Well, today we pop in to say hi to the therapist, and she says she has a gift for Patches from this gal! Needless to say, I was totally surprised, and Patches was thrilled!

It’s the first time any of my PAWS pups has been given a gift. It made my heart so warm and fuzzy to know Patches had created such a wonderful feeling for this gal."

~PAWS Member, Nancy Brock

Sedona (Danielle Brabson) and Queso (Silas Fielder) were two of several PAWS teams that recently visited at Harmony at Glasgow for their western parade. Looking good Sedona and Queso!!

We were thrilled to welcome Hays, Evan Richter’s therapy cat, for his very first visit to Haverford Township Library, where he had a purr-fectly cozy time listening to his readers on a rainy Saturday!

PAWS Furry Fall Festival

Open to Everyone!!

Saturday, October 17th 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Delcastle Park, Wilmington, Park, Wilmington, DE

Doggy Games & Contests

Pet Costume Parade

Vendors

PAW Draw Raffle

Well-mannered, licensed, leashed pets are welcome to attend. It is a great opportunity to connect with old PAWS friends and make some new ones!

Dog Contests & Demos

Is your dog a dare devil? 

Is your canine a comedian?

Do you have the best costume for your cutie?

If you answered yes to any of the above, the Furry Fall Festival pet contests are for you! Contests are open to all attendees at the Furry Fall Festival so bring your furry friend, check in at the registration desk, and join the fun!

Learn what Rally is all about! Rally is fun dog sport where a handler and their dog team up to navigate a timed course of numbered stations. PAWS trainer Karen Powell & fabulous students will demonstrate basic Rally skills - and offer opportunities for you and your dog to try it out!

Sussex County: Celebrate at the PAWS Furry Fall Fundraiser!

Join PAWS at Big Oyster Brewery in Lewes on Monday, October 19th!

Enjoy fabulous food and fun while supporting the Wag & PAWSathon. No need to bring a voucher - 15% of all sales from 3 pm until close will be donated to PAWS for People.

The event is open to everyone so share the good news with friends and family! Join PAWS teams and friends to wrap up the Wag & PAWSathon and celebrate at Big Oyster.

"On Savannah’s day off she enjoys playing hard followed by a long nap. She loves learning new things, pulling the stuffing out of her toys, watching wildlife, and swimming."

~PAWS Member, Ron Gray

What do your therapy companions do during their downtime? Send a description and photo to dkisner@pawsforpeople.org for a chance to be in the PAWS eNewsletter!

After the recent Nor'easter, and with the winter weather ahead, now is the time to have your pet's emergency plan in place. A little preparation now can go a long way toward keeping you and your four-legged family members safe when unexpected weather or emergencies arise.

Use our Pet Emergency Preparedness Checklist as a helpful tool to make sure you have the essentials covered. From emergency supplies and important records to identification and evacuation plans, being prepared can provide peace of mind when you need it most.

Our next PAWS dog training classes for Millsboro, DE are open for registration! Whether you are just getting started or need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!

Private Training provides 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. These lessons can take place either at the PAWS Office in Newark or at a community location that is mutually agreed upon. 

Newark PAWS Office:

Tues 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Thurs 4:00 – 5:00 PM

Fri 8:30 – 9:30 AM OR 1:00 – 2:00 PM

PAWS Out & About: Outdoors or mutually agreed upon public location

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 8:00 AM – Noon

Friday 1:30 – 2:30 PM

These lessons are an excellent opportunity to work on loose leash walking, over-excitement, Leave-It and more! Private training is by appointment only. Please contact Karen Powell at KPowell@PAWSforPeople.org for scheduling of private training only.

Initial Evaluation: $25 (for dogs new to PAWS dog training)



½ hour private session

$50.00 each

Package of 3 for $130

1 hour private session

$80.00 each

Package of 3: $220.00

Package of 5: $360.00

Judy & Rupert

Kelly & Pearl

Judy Tucker has been a PAWS volunteer since January 2019—and she’s been pawsitively making a difference ever since! Judy started her journey with her beloved Lab, Fiona, who spent seven wonderful years spreading calm, comfort, and plenty of tail wags. Together, they were regulars at DeStress events, community events, schools, ChristianaCare, CADES (Children and Adult Disability & Educational Services), and PAWS to Comfort visits.

In June 2024, Fiona passed the baton—or should we say the stick?—to Rupert, Judy’s energetic English Springer Spaniel. Rupert quickly proved he was ready to fetch the PAWS spirit and run with it! Today, Judy and Rupert continue bringing smiles through Community Events and DeStress Sessions, PAWS for Reading at Brookside Elementary, and monthly visits with older adults at the Newark Senior Center.

Thank you, Judy and Rupert, for being such a wonderful part of the PAWS family! Your big hearts, happy tails, and dedication remind us that sometimes the best way to make someone’s day is simply to show up, wag, and share a little love.

Kelly Silliman joined PAWS for People in 2018, with her sweet, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Charlotte. After Charlotte crossed the rainbow bridge in 2024, Kelly began visiting with her adorable Pug, Pearl, in March of 2025.

This advanced team has been connecting with the students at Sean’s House twice a month ever since. Pearl shares her sweet personality to help the kids reset and continue their week with less stress weighing them down. Kelly and Pearl also jump in with 4 paws and 2 feet to help with many community events in the area, spreading the good word about PAWS for People, and sharing smiles at the same time. Finally, this delightful pair have been connecting with a Special Request visit since May. The one on one impact for our Special Request participant is truly remarkable and we can’t thank them enough for all the joy they share.

Thank you, Kelly, for your ability to share Pearl and make such an impact in your community. Your commitment to the PAWS mission is phenomenal. And thank you, Pearl, for the unconditional love and support you share with so many in your community.

Thanks to Our PAWS Partners