PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Late November, 2021

PAWS Provides DeStress at COVID Vaccination Sites

For children, getting a shot can be quite stressful, and with the COVID-19 vaccination now approved for children, there are a lot of nervous kids in lines awaiting their turn. This is the cue for PAWS for People's dogs, cats, and rabbits to step up and provide comfort for those who are frightened or anxious. PAWS pet therapy teams recently provided support at several children's vaccinations sites including Radnor Elementary School in Delaware County, PA and at the Chester County Health Dept Clinics in Kennett Square, PA. The feedback from the events has been nothing but positive. Organizers were thrilled with the outcome, stating, "Having the PAWS teams there went very well, it was a brilliant idea." Parents sent messages to PAWS after the event sharing how much they appreciated the therapy pets' presence and that it definitely reduced their children's anxiety and brightened their day. Suzanne Curtis, Public Health Emergency Preparedness Program Manager for the Chester County Health Department shared, "All of the teams did great, and the handlers really seemed to intuitively know what to do which made things very easy on our team as any apprehension as to if this was a good idea or not quickly vanished. One dog was stationed right before clients (mostly kids) got their vaccines, and they could step out of line for some comfort if needed before getting vaccinated."

Ms. Curtis continued, "The promise of more animals post-vaccine (two teams in the post-vaccine observation room) was very enticing and was a carrot on a stick of sorts that really helped with a smoother/calmer vaccine process. I can confidently say the PAWS for People Teams were certainly a highlight of many people's day, and hope the same could be said for the PAWS teams."

Pet Therapy in Action this Week

Stephie (Nancy Howard) bonds with a young reader at the Havre de Grace Library. Iris (Amy Feinberg) enjoys DeStressing with the staff at Beebe Healthcare in Lewes, DE

We Are Back for the Holidays at Barnes & Noble

This December PAWS pet therapy teams and volunteers are returning to their favorite holiday hangout - Barnes & Noble! We will kick off the season with two Book Fairs. Use the special vouchers in store and a portion of your purchase will be donated to PAWS for People. December 2-4, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Christiana Mall Barnes & Noble (get the Christiana voucher) December 10-12, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Exton, PA Barnes & Noble (get the Exton voucher) Then we will return to the Christiana Mall store where we will 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 16-24, 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM Christiana Mall Barnes & Noble We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble for welcoming us back into their stores. We are unable to have our traditional gift wrapping events, but we are excited about this new opportunity and look forward to bringing tail-wagging comfort & joy to everyone during this hectic time of the year. 

PAWS Shines Brightly at National Dog Show

The Kennel Club of Philadelphia's National Dog Show was held on November 20th and 21st and broadcast on Thanksgiving Day. PAWS for People shined in the spotlight by having its Therapy Dog Ambassador Teams attend and provide pet therapy to attendees throughout the show. PAWS' Board Member and Therapy Ambassador, Harry Martens, shared, "It was a fascinating and good day, and the thing that most stood out was the large number of people who came by our 'Therapy Ambassador' booth just to sit and pet our dogs. We had people in wheelchairs, kids and adults who were developmentally challenged, and Marilyn and I spent a half hour with a young lady who had been training for the Olympics, but had just suffered a major injury and thus will not be able to go to Beijing. She spent a long time with all the dogs. There were lots of people who wanted to know more about PAWS." PAWS' National Dog Show Therapy Dog Ambassador Teams include: Gracie & Steve Bruchey, Wesley & Amy Celona, Robbie & Becky Cronin, Bella & Luann D’Agostino Manley, Alfie & Sue and Tom Good, Mr. Gibbs & Tawanda Harbison, Sienna & Rhonda James, Piper & Sheri Kearns, Guinness & Fran Levinson, Darien & Marilyn and Harry Martens, Frangelica & Kathryn Meloni, Lucy & Aileen Murray, Tory & Lynne Robinson, and Charlotte & Kelly Silliman.

Your Gift to PAWS’ 2021 Annual Appeal Has Lasting Impact

Your 2021 Annual Appeal gift will have lasting impact by funding PAWS pet therapy teams and programs. We have a lot to do this coming year to assist those who really need us. Our hope is that we will be able to meet their needs, but as we are still recovering financially from COVID's effect, we will only be able to do so with your trust, your involvement, and your financial support. It’s a different world today – there are so many scarred from COVID that need hope & healing: • People of all ages grieving the painful loss of loved ones. • Elders still bearing the traces of the isolation intended to keep them safe but often leaving them depressed, anxious, or lonely. • Youth and adults whose routines were abruptly changed and are experiencing new anxiety as they adjust to returning to in-person school and work. • So many essential workers who continue to sacrifice greatly to meet the needs of others despite their own fears and exhaustion. PAWS is ready to HELP… this is exactly what our pet therapy teams are trained to do! Responding to requests, our teams provide PAWS programs and visits that are helping people of all ages to: • Reduce anxiety & loneliness • Improve mental health & help people destress • Motivate people to overcome challenges & gain confidence • Encourage interaction & re-socialization To keep bringing hope, healing, kindness, and comfort to those who need us, PAWS needs your help. Together, we will brighten the future for so many as we return to in-person, life-changing pet therapy programs in a world where the need is greater than ever before! We are grateful for your belief in PAWS for People and thank you for your support. You can give to PAWS by mail, online, or by calling the office at 302-351-5622 Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Thank you for your greatly needed gift.

I Want to Change Lives

Our Teams of the Week

Teresa & Teddy Teresa Boussom and her handsome Siamese mix cat, Teddy, have been a PAWS therapy team since 2019. Teresa has lovingly given Teddy the nickname of 75 Cent since he has only three legs. Having three legs has never slowed Teddy down. He loves to attend events in his blinged-out stroller where he stops traffic and gets lots of loving. Teddy is one of the most laid-back cats you will ever meet. Nothing seems to faze him except not getting attention. In addition to going to Community Events, Teddy also loves to attend DeStress sessions where he is in sheer bliss getting all the attention. He is also a PAWS in the Workplace companion and goes to work with Teresa at Mission Autism Clinics. Teresa & Teddy are always ready to go wherever they are needed. Thank you, Teresa, for sharing your time and your amazing little kitty with everyone. Thank you, Teddy, for being a super cute, loving feline therapy companion!

Maria & Sandy Maria Marinakis and “Sandy Dawg” are quite a team! They received their Please Pet Me tag in late 2019, but the beginning of their PAWS journey was derailed by COVID. They had just completed all their clearances to visit at the George Crothers Memorial School and CADES when the pandemic hit. In early 2020, they rebounded by signing on to provide DeStress to students at Radnor Middle School and Radnor High School, and since then, they’ve participated in many Community Events and even an outdoor session with the folks at CADES! Sandy is a sweet, gentle 6-year-old Schnauzer mix that delights everyone he meets. Maria has had previous pet therapy experience with some of her other dogs, and she enjoys sharing with others the joy and companionship she has with Sandy. PAWS is grateful to Maria and Sandy for becoming a pet therapy team and spreading good cheer and furry love in Delco, PA and beyond. Thank you!

Thanks to our PAWS Partners Please keep them in mind when holiday shopping!

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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