PAWS for People Community Newsletter: Early January, 2023

Did you know that PAWS has very special one-on-one therapeutic visits available to anyone needing the care and comfort of our trained and certified therapy companions? The PAWS by Special Request Program is quickly growing and bringing joy and comfort to many. As part of this program, Arnie Johnson has been making one of these critical visits.

“Today Belle and I made our first visit to the Regency Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Wilmington at the request of AccentCare Hospice to visit a patient that had been telling her nurse that she really missed her dog. When we knocked on the door there was a weak response to come in. Once the patient saw Belle her mood changed completely. She was calling for Belle to get up on her bed with her and she gave and got kisses and gave Belle head and belly rubs for 45 minutes. She talked to me about her life but mainly about the dog she had. She wanted to know if I could leave Belle for a few days. The visit went so well, and the patient asked if we can come back soon, which we will do. It felt great that visiting could change a person’s mood from down to very uplifting.”

Thank you, Arnie and Belle for working your magic to help this patient when she really needed it. To learn more about the PAWS by Special Request Program and/or submit a request, visit our website.

On Tuesday, December 20th, PAWS held a very special Holiday Open House giving PAWS members & friends the opportunity to visit with Executive Director Lynne Robinson and share their stories and good wishes with her before her retirement on December 31st.

Many of the PAWS community attended, enjoying fellowship, cookies and a delicious hot cocoa bar. Both laughter and tears were shared throughout the afternoon. Even Santa made an appearance, taking photos with the PAWS pups and bringing everyone some holiday cheer.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this special afternoon to celebrate Lynne and her 18-year adventure with PAWS.

Jackson (Maggie Bagnal) puts a smile on a young patient's face while visiting with her at Nemours Children's Hospital.

Students at Padua Academy in Wilmington, DE are happy to snuggle with Jaina (Christina Summa) during a recent DeStress session.

Sharon Mastrosimone and her sweet German Shepherd, Juliet, became a PAWS team in August of 2022. They started their PAWS journey at Seaford House, a residential treatment center for youths. In December, Sharon and a friend of hers decided they wanted to do something special for the youngsters at the facility, so they asked the site if they could provide a gathering during the Holiday Season.

On December 28th, Sharon and her friend threw a pizza party for the youths and brought an assortment of gifts for them to unwrap. The staff at Seaford House had suggested a number of board games that the kids could enjoy; Sharon and her friend were happy to oblige. This beautiful gesture was well received and greatly appreciated and is a true example of the PAWS culture.

We are so grateful to Barnes & Noble for welcoming PAWS back into their stores (Christiana and Exton) during the month of December. Pet therapy teams and volunteers excitedly returned to bring PAWS' special brand of tail-wagging comfort & joy to everyone during a hectic and stressful time of the year.

People of all ages visited with PAWS' dogs, cats, and bunnies. Generous shoppers in great appreciation of the special holiday pet therapy donated over $2,000 to PAWS!! The Barnes & Noble staff could not have been more welcoming, and we know they enjoyed some special time with all of PAWS' pets.

We are pleased to continue our series of articles from Concord Pet Foods & Supplies, a PAWS Business Partner with extensive pet-related experience. We will continue providing informative articles in several of our e-Newsletters. The topic for this month is “Cold Weather Safety for Pets.”

When temperatures drop, we layer up in warm clothes, turn up the furnace, enjoy hot drinks, and take other steps to stay warm and safe. But what about our pets? Practicing good cold weather safety for pets is essential to keep all our furry, scaled, and feathered family members safe and comfortable in winter.

Click here to read the rest of the article.

NEW TEAM TRAINING

Are you interested in becoming a PAWS Pet Therapy Team? PAWS is currently holding Orientation & Training classes at the PAWS Office in Newark (every month) and in Milton, DE (February, March & June).

If you have a gentle, affectionate pet that you would like to share with the community, we would love to have you join us. Learn more about the requirements online.

DOG TRAINING



PAWS for People is happy to offer Puppy, Obedience 1 & 2, Therapy Dog Prep, and Attention & Focus training classes with our experience PAWS dog trainer.

Whether you're just getting started or you need to work on specific behaviors, we have the perfect class for you!

We currently have classes in two locations - at the PAWS Office in Newark, DE and Pets & Friends in Jennersville, PA.

PAWS UNIVERSITY CLASSES

Did you know that that seven PAWS University classes are available online for PAWS Members. It's a great chance to learn something new on a cold winter day!

Online courses include: Trauma Support, Social Emotional Learning, Dog Body Language, PAWS for Reading, Oncology Support, Closer to the Heart, and PTSD Support.

Register online and you'll receive a course link.

People need PAWS Pet Therapy more than ever

There is still time to help!

Please act now & support PAWS for People's 2022 Annual Appeal

PAWS for People’s pet therapy is helping to alleviate anxiety, depression, stress, and despair. By providing unconditional love, non-judgmental listening, and unlimited cuddles, PAWS pets lighten loads, increase hope, and change lives.

Your generosity is appreciated!

Your Gift to our 2022 Appeal will create hope, healing, and smiles in 2023 for many!

Lindsay, Nick, & Trader

Lindsay and Nick Waters joined PAWS in April of 2021 with their pup Trader, an adorable beagle mix. Trader was on the ball at training and had no problem passing his STEX evaluation at the advanced level. Although many sites were still not allowing visits due to COVID restrictions, Lindsay, Nick, and Trader jumped into many available Community and DeStress Events, and even did some Walkin’ and Talkin’.

Now that most of our sites are back on track, this team can often be found at the Newark Free Library or at Avon Grove Charter School helping children practice their reading skills. Trader is a great listener and has been enjoying life as a PAWS for Reading pup.

Sending much gratitude to Lindsay, Nick, and Trader for their great work and congratulations to Lindsay and Nick on their recent marriage. Thanks for making PAWS part of your family.

Mary, Ken, & Dewey

Mary and Ken Blomquist joined PAWS for People in May of 2021, with their gorgeous and friendly, Golden Retriever/Lab mix, Dewey. This Advanced team has enjoyed visits through the reading program at both the Elkton and Northeast Libraries where Dewey cuddles with all the kiddos, who enjoy reading him a good story.

Mary, Ken and Dewey have participated in many community events and DeStress sessions, where it seems Dewey just knows who needs to spend a little time with him to relax. The Blomquist’s have also jumped into the Walkin’ and Talkin’ program, where their walks with Dewey stretch into spreading the word about PAWS for People to folks they meet in the community.

Thank you, to Mary and Ken for your time and commitment to improving the lives of folks in your community. Thank you, Dewey, for knowing exactly when someone needs a warm puppy hug.

Nancy & Stephie

Stephie who is a 7-year-old black Labrador Retriever has so much love to share that not only does she volunteer with her owner Liz Ford but with Liz’s good friend Nancy Howard. Nancy & Stephie first volunteered with PAWS in June of 2021. As a nurse, Nancy witnessed the benefits of pet therapy and wanted to be involved.

This Advanced team has visited Jenners Pond Retirement Community. As a PAWS for Reading team, they can be found at the Avon Grove Library and the Havre de Grace Library. They also visit with the kids at Avon Grove Charter School. They are involved in many Community & DeStress Events and they also can be seen doing Walkin’ & Talkin’.

Thank you, Nancy, for your dedication and commitment to PAWS. Thank you, Stephie, for being loveable and adorable while comforting so many people who need it.

Jenna & Elodie

Jenna Lucente and her gentle greyhound, Elodie, have been members of PAWS for People since June of 2021. Jenna and Elodie are a PAWS in the Workplace team at Salem Community College in Carneys Point, NJ where Jenna is an artist and college professor. Elodie has the opportunity daily to calm and comfort many college students who are experiencing anxiety and stress. The students absolutely love her!

Jenna and Elodie are also a PAWS for Reading team and have read with kids at the Brandywine Library. They have participated in some DeStress sessions and Community Events, too!

Thank you, Jenna, for bringing your sweet girl to PAWS and sharing her with your students. Thank you, Elodie, for all the loving and affectionate hugs and kisses you deliver to everyone you visit.

Thanks to Our PAWS Partners

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